Amsterdam: Tulip Fields Day Tour with Lunch and a Windmill Visit

Discover the Charm of the Netherlands on the Tulip Fields Day Tour from Amsterdam

The Amsterdam: Tulip Fields Day Tour with Lunch and a Windmill Visit offers an authentic glimpse into the Netherlands’ iconic springtime scenery. This 6-hour journey takes you away from the busy city to explore crowd-free tulip farms, where you can take stunning photos and even pick your own tulips. The tour includes a leisurely lunch in Onderdijk, a visit to a historic windmill dating back to 1633, and a chance to meet the millers working there.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on off-the-beaten-path locations. You visit fields that are generally inaccessible to the public, and the group size is kept small—maximum 30 travelers—ensuring a relaxed, personalized experience. Notably, there’s no cost for the tour itself, making it an attractive option for those seeking value. The only practical considerations are that alcoholic beverages are not included and carrying water on the bus is recommended.

This tour suits travelers who want an intimate, informative day among the tulips, with the convenience of round-trip transfers from Amsterdam. It’s perfect for those interested in photography, Dutch culture, or simply enjoying the countryside away from crowds. With a highly positive rating of 5.0/5 from 100 reviews, it’s clear that many find this experience both enjoyable and worthwhile.

Key Points

• Includes a scenic drive through the UNESCO Beemster Polder, showcasing Dutch water management ingenuity
• Visits three tulip fields, two of which are in famous locations and one crowd-free farm
• Enjoys a traditional Dutch lunch in Onderdijk, with juice and water included
• Visits a 1633 windmill and meets the millers to learn about windmill history and operation
• Convenient round-trip transportation from and back to Amsterdam
• Small group size, enhancing comfort and personalized attention

Exploring the UNESCO Beemster Polder and Beemster Reclaimed Land

The tour begins with a drive through the Beemster Polder, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This reclaimed land, created in the early 17th century by draining a lake, is a prime example of Dutch water management. The area’s perfectly rectangular landscape showcases the ingenuity behind Dutch land reclamation efforts. Travelers get a chance to see this historic landscape before heading to the tulip farms.

This area’s significance as part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam adds a historical layer to the scenic drive. The polder is famous for its geometric fields and well-preserved engineering, making it a captivating introduction to the Dutch countryside.

Visiting Tulip Farms Away from Crowds at Twisk and Venhuizen

The tour features stops at two tulip farms: Twisk and Venhuizen. Each lasts about 25 minutes, giving ample time to wander through the fields and capture photographs. These farms are less crowded than popular spots like Keukenhof, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and better opportunities to see tulips in various stages of growth.

The fields in Twisk are particularly notable, offering views of vivid rows of tulips that stretch into the horizon. The Venhuizen stop provides another chance to experience the beauty of the tulip season up close.

Authentic Dutch Lunch in Onderdijk with Historic Church Views

A highlight of the day is the 45-minute stop in Onderdijk, where a luxurious lunch awaits in an old Dutch village. The restaurant’s setting is picturesque, with views of the Geradus Majella church, built in 1929, which is considered an architectural gem.

The meal includes juice and bottled water. The lunch offers a chance to relax, enjoy local flavors, and discuss the morning’s sights with fellow travelers. The setting’s authenticity and quality make it a memorable part of the experience.

Inside a 1633 Windmill and Meeting the Millers

The Museummolen Schermer, one of the oldest windmills in the Netherlands, is a central stop. The 45-minute visit includes the opportunity to go inside the windmill and see how it functions. Visitors can climb up to observe the mechanisms or simply learn about the windmill’s role in Dutch history and agriculture.

Meeting the millers provides insight into traditional windmill operation and the historical significance of these iconic structures. This stop offers both educational value and the chance to appreciate Dutch engineering heritage.

Exploring a Second Tulip Field in Venhuizen

Next, the tour visits Venhuizen, another beautiful tulip field. Like the earlier stops, it lasts about 25 minutes, with plenty of time to walk among the flowers and take photos. This location allows for a different perspective on the tulip season, with varieties and colors that may differ from previous fields.

Travelers appreciate the less crowded, more authentic feel of this stop, which adds depth to the overall tulip experience.

Practical Details: Group Size, Transportation, and Accessibility

The tour is designed for intimacy, with up to 30 travelers. It starts at Market 27, Termini 27 in Amsterdam, and includes round-trip transfers, simplifying logistics for visitors. The transportation is comfortable, and the near public transportation connections make access easy.

Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, making it accessible for many. The tour confirmation is received immediately upon booking, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start provides flexibility.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

Unlike more crowded botanical garden visits, this tour offers off-the-beaten-path tulip farms in less touristy areas. The expert guides, such as Roel and Mike, are praised for their knowledgeable, friendly, and informative approach.

The windmill visit adds an authentic Dutch touch, complemented by a delicious, traditional lunch. The group size and small-scale nature ensure a relaxed experience and ample time for photos and questions.

Considerations for Optimal Timing

The reviews suggest that mid to late April is the best period to visit for full tulip bloom. Visiting early in May might mean fewer flowers, as some fields are being cut. The timing of the season impacts the visual spectacle but the guides are adept at finding the best fields available, even late in the season.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour appeals to photographers, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers looking for a personalized, relaxed outing. It’s ideal for those who prefer less crowded environments and want to learn about Dutch flower farming and windmill history.

The small group setting and local guides make it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking an authentic countryside experience without the hassle of self-organizing.

Final Thoughts on the Tulip Fields Day Tour from Amsterdam

The Tulip Fields Day Tour offers an honest, engaging introduction to the Dutch tulip season, combining scenic beauty, cultural insights, and culinary treats. The expert guides and carefully selected stops make for a well-rounded experience, especially appreciated in less crowded fields.

While timing is key for tulips in full bloom, the tour team’s local knowledge ensures a beautiful day, regardless of the season’s slight variations. The windmill visit and lunch add authentic touchpoints that elevate the overall value.

This tour is best suited for those who want a value-packed, informative day with personalized attention and beautiful scenery. It’s a reliable choice for anyone seeking to enjoy the vibrant colors and traditional Dutch culture outside the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours from start to finish.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Market 27, Termini 27 in Amsterdam.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a luxury lunch including juice and bottled water is part of the experience.

Are water and drinks provided during the day?
Bottled water is included with lunch, but travelers are advised to bring their own water for the bus.

Are alcoholic beverages available?
Alcoholic drinks are not included and are not provided during the tour.

How many stops are there for tulip viewing?
There are three tulip farm stops: at Twisk, Onderdijk, and Venhuizen.

Can I climb the windmill?
Visitors are given the option to climb to the top of the windmill at their own risk, though not everyone chooses to do so.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the small group size enhances comfort for families and individuals alike.

What is the best time to visit tulips on this tour?
Mid to late April is ideal for full tulip bloom, but guides are skilled at finding the best fields even later in the season.

What should I bring on the tour?
It’s recommended to bring water, comfortable shoes, and camera gear to capture the vibrant fields.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, allowing flexibility if plans change.

This Amsterdam Tulip Fields Day Tour combines scenic beauty, historical insights, and local cuisine into a memorable day. Perfect for those seeking to experience the Netherlands beyond the city, it offers a relaxed, authentic glimpse into the country’s springtime floral splendor.