Group tour operator and DMC for tours to the Netherlands
Steaming through the Dutch Bulbfields – BEST SELLER!
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Medemblik Steam Train ©NBTC
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Keukenhof Gardens
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Keukenhof, Dutch Bulbfields - Holland
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Keukenhof Gardens
Beautiful Boundless Bulbfields: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - TRIED AND TESTED
Keukenhof Flower Gardens, once a modest little herb garden, is now where the Dutch bulb growing industry stage their annual petal spectacular. Despite opening in 1950, Keukenhof has a different look and theme each year. Each year between March and May, 70 acres of bulbfields burst into bloom. For eight weeks each spring, it becomes a ocean of colour, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world. Admire not just tulips, but daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi and crocuses too! Take a leisurely stroll through these remarkable gardens. If you prefer, you can also enjoy a whisper boat cruise through the vibrant displays.
Furthermore, we take a memorable trip back in time, riding on two remarkable examples of historic Dutch public transport. On this fantastic excursion, cruise on the museum ship Friesland. Then, enjoy steam train journey through the Dutch countryside. Stopping at stations along the route, this is a great way to take in Holland’s natural beauty. Look out for iconic Dutch windmills during your journey. Admire the beautiful scenery, including the blooming bulbfields if you’re lucky! This is a wonderful and unique way to enjoy the flowers.
This is the perfect tour for flower and garden lovers. Holland has a fantastic reputation for outstanding blooms, and on this tour you can experience them for yourself!
Dates
March - May 2023
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
Upon arrival in the Netherlands, head to directly to Keukenhof Gardens. With over 50 years of displaying its floral art with a different theme every year and a fresh look every day, Keukenhof has developed into a showcase for the flower bulb and ornamental plant industry. The history of Keukenhof, the name meaning ‘kitchen garden’, goes back to the 15th Century. Tulips proliferate but there are daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi and crocuses to admire as well. Perhaps see the gardens from a different perspective on a ‘Whisper Boat’ cruise. Optional guided tours also possible.
Day 3
Heritage Boat and Steam Train Experience
This morning travel to the town of Enkhuizen. From here, you can see the remarkable Houtribdijk, a 17- mile dyke and dam completed in 1975 as part of the Zuiderzee land reclamation project. In Enkhuizen, we board the museum ship ‘Friesland’ for a relaxing cruise on the IJsselmeer to Medemblik. There’s free time for lunch before we climb aboard the ‘Museumstoomtram’, a charming, historic narrow gauge, steam-hauled train that travels for 20km through the bulbfields to Hoorn. The train stops at stations along the route, each a little museum in its own right, with views of windmills and (in season) the fields of tulips.
Day 4
Volendam
Enjoy some free time in Volendam before making your way back to the port for your overnight sailing.
Day 5
Arrive back in the UK
Perhaps enjoy a full English breakfast on board before disembarking to make your way back to your local area.
Suggested hotels
The Old Dutch Hotel, Volendam ***
Inspected by Greatdays Staff in October 2019
Family run hotel, located on the waterfront in the centre of Volendam. 32 rooms in total, all equipped with safe, telephone, TV, small desk and shower. The hotel’s restaurant offers typical Dutch and international cuisine. In summer months, guests can sit outside on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the lake. Coaches park at the public coach parking in town and luggage has to be loaded/unloaded at the back street as there is no coach access at the front of the hotel, however the hotel offers luggage service.
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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
Art Hotel Spaander, Volendam ***
Inspected by Greatdays Staff in October 2019
Overlooking Markermeer lake and an 8-minute walk from the Volendams Museum, this storied hotel dates from 1881, when it functioned as a retreat for painters. Rooms offer TVs and free Wi-Fi. Some add water views, and 1 room features original 19th-century decor. Family rooms add lofts with extra beds. Amenities include a wood-paneled tavern with vivid paintings, a relaxed bar, and a traditional restaurant with lake views. There’s also an indoor pool, a sauna and a Turkish bath. Free onsite coach parking is available during off-peak season and during peak season coaching is free of charge however, it is offsite.
Van der Valk, Volendam ****
Inspected by Greatdays Staff in October 2019
This waterfront hotel is surrounded by countryside and is 3 km from local history exhibits at the Volendams Museum and 4 km from ship-building exhibits at the Edams Museum. Rooms, some with water views, feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. Amenities include an elegant restaurant and a bar. There’s also an outdoor pool, a sauna and a gym. Free onsite coach parking is available at the hotel.
Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Epe-Zwolle ***
Surrounded by tranquil woodland, this hotel is 60km from Almere and 100km from Amsterdam. Rooms and suites feature wood furnishings with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs; some have terraces. Upgraded quarters add sitting areas, minifridges, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. There’s a restaurant with a bar and a furnished terrace. Other amenities include an indoor pool, a hammam and a sauna. There’s also a bowling alley, a pool table and a tennis court, as well as nature trails. Free parking is available on site.
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| 5 days | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| March – May 2023 | From £325.00 per person | From £75.00 per person |
Alternative dates and hotels available on request.
