Group tour operator and DMC for tours to the Netherlands
Dutch Flowers, Cheese and Pottery
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. Our visit to Delft, famous for its Royal Porcelain, is also known worldwide for its artistry. Here, takes a guided tour of the famous factory to learn all about the instantly recognisable beautiful blue porcelain. However, this town offers so much more! The Hague is bursting with style and culture and regarded as one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the Netherlands. Our stay for 2 nights is in Rotterdam which has been officially in existence since 1328. Initially Rotterdam was just a small, quiet fishing harbour in a bend in the Rotte but when Rotterdam embraced the industrial revolution of the 19th century, the city boomed.
Dates
mid-March to mid-May 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Take the overnight sailing from the UK to the Netherlands. Perhaps enjoy dinner onboard before settling in to your cabin.
Day 2
Keukenhof Gardens Full Day
We head straight 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 too.
Day 3
Royal Delft and Royal Hague
Morning visit to the factory museum of Royal Delft Blue pottery, experience the beauty of Delft Blue pottery in the original 400-year-old factory and see pottery in production, Admire the craftsmanship and watch the hand painting techniques as artists paint the high-quality Delft pottery. After we take a short drive to The Hague where we meet our local guide for a Royal walking tour of the city centre where we view the Royal Palace of Noordeinde, walk in the Palace gardens and get glimpse of the Royal Stables behind the gardens, which house the famous Golden Coach of the royal family. Enjoy some free time in The Hague for lunch and shopping. Afterwards continue onto the port for your overnight sailing back to the UK.
Day 4
Gouda
A relaxed start to the day with us heading to the picturesque city of Gouda, to discover by wandering along the pretty cobbled street of the 16th-century city centre, gaze over the small canals, admire the golden stained-glass windows of the grand church. We have lunch in one of the many restaurants that line the central Market square. Here you can have a traditional Gouda Cheese sandwich with fries and a coffee/tea with a waffle, delicious! After lunch we take a 60-minute guided walking tour and some free time.
Day 5
Return to the UK
Travel to Rotterdam for the return ferry crossing to the UK and journey home.
Suggested hotels
Novotel Rotterdam Brainpark ****
The hotel offers a delicious daily breakfast, lunch and dinner in the restaurant and a bar for refreshments. All rooms are equipped with a safe, air conditioning and free WiFi. Explore the highlights of Rotterdam from the comfort of the Novotel. In the centre you can enjoy various museums, such as the Maritime Museum, and Boijmans van Beuningen, which houses a great art collection. Visit the food court Markthal and taste some local delicacies. Novotel Rotterdam Brainpark is easily reachable thanks to its convenient location next to the A16/E19 highway exit 25, and public transport options within walking distance.
4 days by land and sea | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
mid March – mid May 2025 | Price on Request | Price on Request |