Amsterdam: Day trip to Tulip Farm, Keukenhof + Windmill Cruise

The Amsterdam: Day trip to Tulip Farm, Keukenhof + Windmill Cruise offers an ideal way to enjoy the Netherlands’ famous springtime scenery in about 9 hours. Priced at $101.59 per person, this tour is designed for those eager to see millions of blooming bulbs, explore a world-renowned garden, and cruise past iconic Dutch windmills. With a solid 4.5-star rating from over 200 reviews, it’s a popular choice, often booked 62 days in advance, making it a well-organized option for experiencing the Dutch countryside.

This tour departs from This is Holland at Overhoeksplein in Amsterdam, with convenient access via a free ferry from near Central Station. It includes transportation, entry fees to Keukenhof, visits to a tulip farm, and a scenic boat cruise. While it covers a lot of ground, it doesn’t include lunch, so travelers should plan accordingly. The experience suits those looking for a comprehensive, hassle-free day immersed in flower fields and picturesque landscapes.

Key Points

• Full-day experience combining Keukenhof gardens, a tulip farm, and a windmill cruise.
• Starts at 8:30 am from This is Holland in Amsterdam.
• Includes transportation, Keukenhof entry, and a scenic boat ride.
• Price of $101.59 per person, with most bookings made 62 days in advance.
• Highlights include walking through seven million bulbs at Keukenhof, visiting a working tulip farm, and cruising past windmills and villages.
• Tour reviews praise the organized nature, friendly staff, and beautiful scenery.

Visiting Keukenhof: The Crown Jewel of the Tour

Keukenhof is the highlight of this trip, offering visitors the chance to see over seven million bulbs in bloom. With 4 hours allocated, travelers can explore the sprawling gardens at their own pace, enjoying colorful displays and fragrant blooms. The tour offers direct bus travel from Amsterdam, reducing travel time and allowing maximum time inside the gardens.

Many reviews emphasize how beautiful and vast Keukenhof appears, with comments on the exquisite layout and impressive floral arrangements. Visitors also appreciate the flexibility to enjoy the gardens at their leisure, even amid crowds, thanks to easy access by bus from Amsterdam.

A Personal Touch at De Tulperij Tulip Farm

The trip begins with a visit to De Tulperij, a family-run tulip farm operated by Daan and Anja, third-generation tulip growers. This stop lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, during which visitors meet the family and learn how tulips are grown. The farm provides a behind-the-scenes look at bulb cultivation and offers the opportunity for photos among the vibrant fields.

Guests can enjoy selling points like a show garden and can purchase fresh apple pie baked by the farmers’ wife. The reviews highlight how welcoming and informative the farm experience is, with some noting it as a favorite part of the day.

Scenic Windmill Cruise through the Countryside

Before heading into Keukenhof, the tour includes a 1-hour boat cruise on Kagerplassen. This cruise offers spectacular views of windy canals, traditional Dutch windmills, and charming villages. It’s a relaxing way to get a first glance of the landscape and observe authentic Dutch scenery.

Reviewers often mention how peaceful and picturesque the boat ride is, with some describing it as a highlight of the day. The cruise provides a calm contrast to walking through flower-filled fields and gardens.

Traveling through Endless Tulip Fields near Lisse

Following the boat cruise, the tour passes through a region of endless tulip fields. The bus ride through Lisse lasts about 30 minutes, offering views of the vivid flower carpets that make the Netherlands famous. This part of the tour provides a great photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the scale and beauty of the tulip industry.

Many travelers find this segment visually stunning and enjoy the panoramic vistas from the bus, appreciating the vibrant colors stretching as far as the eye can see.

Convenience and Comfort of the Tour

The tour uses air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers, ensuring a comfortable journey. The departure point at This is Holland is equipped with restrooms, a coffee bar, and a luxurious waiting area, making the start of the day smooth and stress-free. The friendly staff is noted for their professionalism and helpfulness, making the experience worry-free from start to finish.

There are no hotel pickups, which simplifies logistics but requires travelers to arrive at the designated meeting point. The tour operates with a maximum group size of 50 people, fostering a more intimate experience despite being a group outing.

The Keukenhof Experience: A Garden of Inspiration

At Keukenhof, visitors spend about 4 hours exploring the stunning displays. The garden’s layout allows for flexible browsing, with plenty of blooms to admire, photograph, and enjoy. The fragrant floral displays, combined with the beautifully designed sections, make Keukenhof a visual feast.

The reviews consistently praise the gardens, calling them beautiful and impressive, especially during the flowering season. Some note the gardens can be crowded, but the size and arrangement make it easy to find quiet spots to appreciate the scenery.

Flexibility and Ease of Departure

One of the tour’s praised features is the ability to leave Keukenhof at your leisure, with easy bus transfer back to the departure point. This flexibility allows guests to spend more or less time at the gardens, depending on their preferences.

The organized nature of the tour ensures that everyone remains on schedule, while also providing the freedom to enjoy the gardens at your own pace.

Practical Details and Booking

The tour is priced at $101.59 per person, with the majority of bookings occurring about 62 days in advance. It begins at 8:30 am and includes transport, entry fees to Keukenhof, and the scenic boat cruise. Lunch is not included, but there are plenty of options available during the day.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility for changing plans. The provider, Holland Ticket Services, operates the experience, ensuring a well-organized and reliable service.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for flower lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting a rundown of Dutch spring scenery. It suits those who appreciate guided experiences, want easy logistics, and prefer a relaxed pace with time to explore at their own leisure.

Travelers seeking a full-day outing showcasing countryside, gardens, and cultural highlights will find this tour offers great value for money. It’s less suitable for those with mobility issues, as it involves walking through gardens and fields, or anyone requiring hotel pick-up, since the meeting point is fixed.

Final Thoughts on the Tulip and Keukenhof Tour

The full-day trip from Amsterdam to see Keukenhof, tulip farms, and windmills offers a beautiful and well-organized way to enjoy the Netherlands’ most iconic sights in spring. The combination of scenic boat rides, flower gardens, and agricultural visits creates a rich experience.

The tour’s positive reviews highlight its smooth operation, friendly staff, and stunning scenery. While crowds at Keukenhof can be significant during peak bloom, the size and layout of the gardens help visitors find peaceful spots.

This tour provides a memorable and cost-effective opportunity to witness the vibrant colors and charming landscapes that make the Netherlands famous for its flower fields. It’s a recommendation for anyone wanting to combine nature, culture, and scenic cruising in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes transportation, entry to Keukenhof, a scenic windmill cruise, and visits to a tulip farm.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included, but there are plenty of dining options available during the day.

What is the departure point?
The tour departs from This is Holland at Overhoeksplein 51 in Amsterdam, accessible via a free ferry from Central Station.

How long do I spend at Keukenhof?
Visitors have approximately 4 hours at Keukenhof to explore the gardens at their own pace.

Can I leave Keukenhof early?
Yes, the tour allows flexible departure from Keukenhof, so guests can leave when they choose and take the bus back.

What is the tour group size?
The maximum group size is 50 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers?
While most travelers can participate, the walking involved may be challenging for some. The tour does not specify accessibility details.

Are there any reviews about the tour guides?
Reviews praise the friendly staff and organized operation, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable day.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
Spring, especially during peak tulip bloom, offers the most spectacular displays, generally from late March to May.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 62 days before the tour date, indicating the tour is popular and should be reserved early.