Group tour operator and DMC for tours to the Netherlands
Trains, Boats and Bulbfields (via overnight cruise ferry)
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Medemblik - Museumstoomtram Steam Train
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Windmill Village
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Keukenhof Gardens ©Keukenhof
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Keukenhof Gardens ©Keukenhof
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.
Discover the iconic historic Dutch windmills and distinctive green wooden houses which were relocated here to recreate the look of an 18th/19th-century village. The Zaanse Schans Museum has regional costumes, model windmills and interactive exhibits on chocolate making. Artisan workshops demonstrate rare handicrafts such as wooden clog carving, barrel making and pewter casting
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.
Dates
mid-March to mid-May (dates for 2027 to be confirmed)
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Holland
Take the overnight cruise ferry from the UK (Hull, Newcastle or Harwich) to Holland. Once on board and checked into your cabin, there will be plenty of time before departure to enjoy the many on-board facilities including bars, restaurants and entertainment. A buffet dinner is included this evening.
Day 2
Arrival Holland and Keukenhof Gardens
After breakfast, disembark the ferry and drive to 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.
Continue to the hotel for the next 2 nights. After check-in, relax and enjoy dinner together 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, Dutch Traditions and Pottery / Depart Holland
This morning we will visit Zaanse Schans ’Windmill Village’, a living and working community whose origins date back to the 18th Century. Watch traditional clog and cheese making and visit the historic windmills and buildings. Local charges may apply for some attractions, museums and entrance to the Windmills but worth stepping inside for the experience.
If time allows en route to the port, maybe make an optional visit to Delft for a tour of the Royal Delft Porcelain Factory Blue Pottery, renowned worldwide for its artistry. You will learn all about the instantly recognisable beautiful blue porcelain and watch the craftsmen and women at work. There is also an on-site shop.
Continue to the port and embark on the overnight ferry back to the UK. Once again, enjoy the facilities on board and a buffet dinner in the restaurant.
Day 5
Arrive UK
Disembark after breakfast and continue the journey home.
Greatdays can offer a selection of good 3* and 4* hotels in Holland.
| Departure date | 4 nights / 5 days | Single Supplement |
| March, April, May 2027 | On request | On request |
