Group tour operator and DMC for tours to the Netherlands
Trains, Boats and Bulbfields (via short sea ferry crossing)
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Medemblik - Museumstoomtram Steam Train
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Keukenhof Gardens ©Keukenhof
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Keukenhof Gardens ©Keukenhof
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Rotterdam at night
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Keukenhof Flower Gardens, also known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world’s largest flower gardens, situated in the municipality of Lisse, in the Netherlands. Keukenhof Park covers an area of 32 hectares and approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted in the gardens annually. Despite opening in 1950, Keukenhof has a different look and theme each year. 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.
A definite highlight of the tour is a journey back in time on two remarkable examples of Dutch transport – an historic steam train ride and a cruise on the heritage museum ship ‘Friesland’ stopping at stations along the route, this is a great way to take in Holland’s natural beauty. We will also discover the iconic historic Dutch windmills and dikes of Kinderdijk and a cruise around the port of Rotterdam.
Dates
mid-March to mid-May (dates for 2027 to be confirmed)
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel to Dover and take the ferry across to Calais. Continue through France and Belgium and into Holland and on to our hotel for the next 4 nights. After check-in there will be time to relax before enjoying dinner together.
Day 2
Keukenhof Gardens
With over 50 years of displaying its floral art and 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.
Explore these magnificent gardens and displays at your own pace, relax with a drink or something to eat in the on-site cafe/restaurant or treat yourself to some bulbs from the gift shop. Alternatively, see the gardens from a different perspective on a ‘Whisper Boat’ cruise (optional extra/payable locally). Guided tours are also possible.
Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Day 3
Heritage Boat and Steam Train Experience
Travel to the town of Hoorn where you will join the ‘Museumstoomtram’, an historic narrow gauge, steam hauled train for a scenic railway journey to Medemblik. 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. On arrival, perhaps visit the town’s Bakery Museum and cafe whilst you wait to board the museum ship ‘Friesland’ for a relaxing cruise on the Ijsselmeer to Enkhuizen, passing the remarkable Houtribdijk, a 17- mile dyke and dam completed in 1975 as part of the Zuiderzee land reclamation project.
Before returning to the hotel, maybe visit the Zuidersee Museum where you can go back in time with over 140 historic buildings including working windmills and watch craftsmen and women at work. (Entrance cost not included)
Return to the hotel for dinner and evening at leisure.
(Note – this excursion may be operated in reverse subject to availability and schedules)
Day 4
Windmills and Harbour Tour
Travel to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Dutch have managed to hold back the water for more than 750 years and learn how they have managed to live under sea level for centuries. Take a boat trip and sail past gigantic windmills, meet the millers, and have a look around inside the windmills.
From here, travel to Rotterdam, one of Europe’s largest ports and a city of tunnels and bridges including the dramatic Erasmusbrug Bridge. Enjoy a boat trip around the port which offers views of the city and learn about the history of this famous harbour.
Return to the hotel for a final dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 5
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast for the return journey to Calais and the short sea crossing to the UK.
Greatdays can offer a good selection of 3* and 4* hotels in Holland
| Departure date | 4 nights / 5 days | Single Supplement |
| March, April & May 2027 | On request | On request |
