Group tour operator and DMC for tours to the Netherlands
Steaming through the Dutch Bulbfields – BEST SELLER!
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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
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Royal Delft Pottery
Beautiful Boundless Bulbfields: 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 on two remarkable examples of historic Dutch public transport. Embark on a cruise on the museum ship Friesland followed by a steam train ride 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!
Dates
20 March - 11 May 2025 (actual dates of Keukenhof Gardens)
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel to Hull and embark mid-afternoon on the overnight cruise ferry to Rotterdam, Holland. There are many facilities on board including bars, cafes, restaurants and even entertainment on some crossings. We can arrange to pre-book meal packages on request (buffet dinner and breakfast). Settle into your cabin for a relaxing journey across the North Sea.
Day 2
Keukenhof Gardens
Prepare for an early disembarkation 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. Perhaps see the gardens from a different perspective on a ‘Whisper Boat’ cruise (optional extra/payable locally). Guided tours are also possible.
From here, continue to your hotel in the Volendam area for the next 2 nights.
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, embark on the museum ship ‘Friesland’ for a relaxing cruise on the IJsselmeer to Medemblik. There’s free time for lunch before boarding 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.
(Note – this excursion may be operated in reverse subject to availability and schedules)
Day 4
Windmills, Dutch Traditions and Pottery
Before heading back to Rotterdam and the overnight ferry, a visit will be made of Zaanse Schans the ’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 apply for some attractions, museums and entrance to the Windmills but worth stepping inside for the experience.
Continue to Delft and a visit and tour of the Royal Delft Porcelain Factory Blue Pottery, reknowned worldwide for its artistry. On a guided tour you will learn all about the instantly recognisable beautiful blue porcelain and watch the craftsmen and women at work. There will be time to browse the on-shop before driving to the port for the overnight crossing to the UK.
After embarkation, you can relax and unwind on board before retiring to your cabin for the overnight sailing.
Day 5
Arrive back in the UK
Prepare for an early disembarkation in Hull and continue home.
Greatdays can offer a selection of good quality hotels in Holland
| 5 days / 4 nights |
Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| mid-March to mid-May 2025 | Prices on request | Price on request |
