Group tour operator and DMC for tours to the Netherlands
Dutch Bulbfields – Heritage Boats and Trains – BEST SELLER!
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
12, 19 and 26 April 2026
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 to Alkmaar and our hotel for the next 4 nights. After check-in, dinner will be together at the hotel this evening.
Alkmaar is famous for its traditional cheese market where you can watch the traditional way of weighing and trading cheese every Friday from April to September. Explore the old town, where you can admire the medieval buildings, canals, and windmills. There are many museums, such as the Stedelijk Museum, which showcases the art and history of Alkmaar, or the Beatles Museum, which displays memorabilia of the legendary band.
(We can alternatively arrange the overnight cruise ferry from Hull to Rotterdam, Harwich – Hoek van Holland or Newcastle to Amsterdam – please ask for further details.)
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)
(Note – this excursion may be operated in reverse subject to availability and schedules)
Day 4
Windmills, Dutch Traditions and Pottery
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 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 returning to Alkmaar.
If time allows, return via the chic seaside resort of Scheveningen and a drive along the coast or maybe stop for a visit of the excellent Mauritshuis Museum in the Hague, home to many Dutch masters including Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’.
Enjoy a final dinner and an evening at leisure at the hotel.
Day 5
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast for the return journey to Calais and the short sea crossing to Dover.
Suggested hotel:
Hotel Alkmaar, Alkmaar (formerly Golden Tulip Alkmaar)
Located to close to the centre of Alkmaar near to the railway station. 79 bedrooms. Fitness room and sauna. Bar and restaurant
Hotel Alkmaar, Alkmaar
5 days / 4 nights |
Half Twin | Single Supplement |
12, 19 & 26 April 2026 | From £685 per person | From £280 per person |