Group tour operator and DMC for tours to the Netherlands
Dutch Bulbfields and Royal Gardens
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Het Loo Palace, Apeldoorn, Netherlands. Rear view of the Palace and the Kings Fountain © Photo Hesmerg-LR
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Keukenhof Gardens
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Paleis Het Loo, Apeldoorn, Holland, Netherlands - Summer day in the gardens of Paleis Het Loo (with flying flag) © Photo Hesmerg, Paleis Het Loo
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Delft, Holland, Netherlands - Delft Blue Porcelain © NBTC
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Keukenhof Tulips ©NBTC
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Keukenhof Gardens
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
The horticultural highlight of spring in Holland must be the Keukenhof Flower Gardens! Originally the kitchen garden for the Dutch Royal Family, each year at Keukenhof Gardens between March and May, seven million bulbs planted across 70 acres burst into bloom. Not just tulips, but daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi, and crocuses too! Take your time admiring the impressive displays. Perhaps take a cruise in the Whisper Boat to drift through the sea of flowers. This allows you to relax while you admire the surrounding bulbfields. During this tour, we also visit Het Loo Palace Gardens, so this trip is a dream for keen gardeners! This spectacular palace has beautiful Baroque style gardens and is also known as the ‘Versailles of the North’.
You’ll have the chance to visit wonderful towns too. Amersfoort boasts an abundance of delightful sights: monuments, churches, museums, city walls, gates and beautiful canals. Narrow alleys of restored merchants houses retain their medieval mystery. Another stop is the Hague, the seat of Government and home to the Dutch Royal Family. This regal place is full of embassies and mansions, green boulevards and parks. We strongly recommend a visit to the breathtaking Royal Gardens. Holland is famous for its beautiful Delft Porcelain as well as its flowers, so continue to Delft for a guided tour of the Royal Delft Porcelain factory.
Dates
March - May 2021
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Take an overnight crossing to the Netherlands, perhaps enjoy a delightful evening meal on board.
Day 2
Full day at Keukenhof Gardens
The history of Keukenhof, goes back to the 15th Century. Since opening to the public in 1950, Keukenhof has developed into one of the world’s finest bulbfield and flower parks. In bloom from mid-March to mid-May, the gardens are an international and independent showcase for the Dutch floricultural sector, with a special emphasis on flower bulbs. Tulips proliferate, but there are daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi and crocuses to admire as well. You can see the gardens on a ‘Whisper Boat’ cruise or take an optional guided tour.
Day 3
Het Loo Palace Gardens and Amersfoort
This morning we travel to Apeldoorn to visit Het Loo Palace’s wonderful gardens (‘The Woods Palace’). The main Palace building is currently being renovated, but the Palace’s decorations alone are worth a visit, and the gardens, often described as being the ‘Versailles of Holland’, are absolutely stunning. Enjoy a guided tour of these wonderful gardens. We continue to Amersfoort, a well-preserved medieval city, renowned for its historic walls and gates and beautiful canals.
Day 4
Royal Delft, The Hague and the Royal Gardens
This morning we visit The Hague, the Dutch seat of government and home to the royal family. Perhaps take a guided tour and visit the Royal Gardens. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the world-famous Royal Delft porcelain factory, where the renowned Delft Blue is still entirely hand painted according to centuries-old tradition. Afterwards, head to the ferry port to take your overnight sailing.
Day 5
Arrive back in the UK
Perhaps enjoy a full English breakfast on board before disembarking the ferry to make your way back to your local area.
Suggested hotels
The Old Dutch Hotel, Volendam ***
Inspected by Greatdays Staff in October 2019
This family-run hotel is located on the waterfront in the centre of Volendam. All rooms are equipped with safe, telephone, TV, small desk and shower, and the hotel’s restaurant offers typical Dutch and international cuisine. During the summer, guests can enjoy the hotel’s terrace which overlooks the lake. Coach parking is available at the municipal parking. Direct access to the hotel’s front entrance is limited during selected periods. A luggage service is available.
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- Old Dutch Hotel Volendam ©PT Wilding
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- Old Dutch Hotel Volendam ©PT Wilding
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- Old Dutch Hotel Volendam ©PT Wilding
Van der Valk Avifauna ****
Inspected by Greatdays Staff in October 2019
This hotel is located in large grounds that include the bird park, close to the river. The hotel’s reception in a separate building to the rooms, right next door to each other. Building with rooms in it also has a large bar with a large outdoor balcony. There is Lift access to all floors. Also the hotel has casino and gym. The hotel has 96 rooms, approximately 70 of them are twins. 3 different styles of rooms, 2 styles have been renovated but in different years. Ground floor rooms have balconies. No rooms are adapted for disabled guests but ground floor rooms available and all rooms have separate showers and baths. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities. There is a restaurant and on Saturday and Sunday, dinner is a buffet. Coach parking is available at the hotel free of charge but further down past the restaurant building. Drop off is right outside.
Berghotel Amersfoort ****
Inspected by Greatdays Staff in October 2019
On the outskirts of Amersfoort, very nice and green surroundings. There is a very large entrance area with reception to one side, seating area there plus a separate bar area. Lift access to all floors. There are 88 rooms in total, made up of comfort, deluxe and superior. 3 different levels decorated in different styles. No rooms adapted for disabled guests but majority of rooms have walk in showers. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, air-conditioning, hairdryer. There is one restaurant for breakfast and one for dinner. Dinner is a set menu with a small buffet choice. Free coach parking is available at the hotel.
You may also be interested in:
| 5 days | Hotel | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 27th March 2021 | Berghotel Amersfoot | from £265.00 per person | from £90.00 per person |
