Drive it yourself electric History and Castle GPS audio tour

The Drive it Yourself Electric History and Castle GPS Audio Tour offers a unique way to explore the scenic South Holland area in the Netherlands. Priced at $105.74 per group (up to 2 people), this 3-hour tour is designed for those who enjoy a practical, sustainable adventure. You travel in a fully charged electric Renault Twizy, a compact microcar that’s easy to operate, with GPS guidance and an audio guide in Dutch, English, and German. The route covers roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) mainly along country roads, making it ideal for a relaxed drive through the Dutch countryside.

This tour stands out because it combines history, castles, and flower fields, with stops at several notable sites. While the itinerary offers a well-paced experience, a potential consideration is that Keukenhof Castle’s castle itself is private, with only the estate accessible to the public. The experience is best suited for travelers who want a flexible, eco-friendly, and informative way to see the highlights of South Holland, whether visiting alone, as a couple, or with a small group.

Key Points

• Self-guided, electric microcar tour with GPS and audio guides
• Visit four key castles: Dever, Oud Poelgeest, Warmond, and Keukenhof
• Duration of about 3 hours with stops along the route
• Price of $105.74 per group (up to 2 people)
• Includes fully charged Renault Twizy, GPS navigation, and multilingual audio guide
• Not included: Keukenhof Castle’s admission, only the estate area is accessible

Explore South Holland’s Castles and Tulip Fields by Twizy

This tour offers a fun and eco-conscious way to see South Holland’s most picturesque sites. You’ll drive a Renault Twizy, a small electric vehicle, along scenic country roads filled with flower fields and historic castles. The route is pre-planned with GPS, guiding you smoothly from one stop to the next, with thorough audio commentary available in Dutch, English, and German. It provides a flexible schedule, with options for morning or afternoon departures.

Each stop is carefully curated for maximum interest. Starting at ‘t Huys Dever, a medieval castle, you get 15 minutes to explore this historic site. Then, at Oud Poelgeest, a 17th-century estate, you’ll enjoy another 15-minute stop to admire the architecture and grounds. The third stop at Huys te Warmond, an 18th-century estate, allows 20 minutes to walk around this picturesque property. The final highlight is Keukenhof Castle; although the castle itself is private, visitors can walk the estate’s grounds for about 30 minutes.

From the Old Towns to the Castle Districts of South Holland

The tour’s route covers approximately 25 miles, primarily through charming rural landscapes. You’ll pass through the flower bulb region, famous for its vibrant blooms, although timing influences the bloom’s intensity. The guided GPS ensures you stay on the route effortlessly, and the audio guide enriches your experience with historical insights and fun facts about the castles and countryside.

The tour’s duration of roughly 3 hours offers enough time to visit each stop thoroughly. It’s a leisurely pace, though some reviewers suggest that the last stop at Keukenhof can feel rushed if you want to explore more. The route is mainly on country roads, offering a pleasant, low-stress drive that’s especially suitable for those unfamiliar with the area or looking for a sustainable travel option.

The Charm of the Renault Twizy Microcar

The Renault Twizy, suitable for two passengers, is a key feature of this experience. It’s fully electric, automatic, and simple to operate, with clear instructions provided. Reviewers highlight how fun and easy it is to drive, though some mention that getting in and out requires a bit of effort due to its compact design. The all-risk insurance included adds peace of mind, covering both the driver and passenger.

Most travelers find the Twizy an enjoyable part of the experience — it’s a quirky, memorable way to navigate the scenic routes. The compact size makes it easy to maneuver, even on narrow country roads, but it’s not a vehicle for those expecting luxury or high-speed performance.

Stops at Dever, Warmond, Oud Poelgeest, and Keukenhof

The highlight of the tour is the visits to historic castles. ’t Huys Dever serves as an impressive medieval fortress, with a 15-minute stop to soak in the architecture and history. Oud Poelgeest, a 17th-century estate, offers a peaceful setting with lovely grounds perfect for a short walk.

Huys te Warmond is an 18th-century estate providing another scenic stop, allowing 20 minutes for exploration. The final stop at Keukenhof Castle is particularly photogenic, with a beautiful estate that’s free to walk around, though the castle itself remains private. Visitors are encouraged to allocate enough time to enjoy the estate’s gardens and surroundings fully.

The Route Through Flower Fields and Countryside

Driving through the flower bulb region is one of the tour’s most scenic aspects. You traverse fields that might be in full bloom or past their peak, depending on the season. Along the way, you get views of classic Dutch landscapes, with colorful tulip fields, quaint villages, and traditional farmhouses.

The GPS guided route ensures you stay on track, passing through a region famous for its vibrant flower displays. While not always in peak bloom, the scenery remains picturesque, making it an excellent photographic opportunity and a wonderful way to experience the Dutch countryside.

Practical Details and Booking

The meeting point for this tour is Meer en Duin 44, Lisse, conveniently near public transportation and accessible by car. The duration is approximately 3 hours, with the option of morning or afternoon departures. Booking in advance is recommended, with most bookings made about 29 days ahead, to secure availability.

The cost of $105.74 per group (up to 2 people) includes the fully charged Twizy, GPS with a fixed route of 39 km, and the audio guide. Additional costs, like Keukenhof Castle’s admission, are not included, as only the estate is accessible to the public. The tour is designed for most travelers, provided they are over 21 with a driver’s license and can manage the vehicle’s entry and exit.

The Experience of a Self-Drive Adventure

Many reviews praise the ease of operation of the Twizy and the well-planned stops. The audio guide adds depth with historical tidbits, making the drive both educational and fun. The small size of the vehicle allows for a unique perspective of the countryside, and the flexibility means you can spend as much or as little time at each site.

Some reviewers note that the last stop at Keukenhof can be a bit rushed, especially if you want to explore the estate more thoroughly. Others highlight how driving the Twizy is a novel experience, especially for those who enjoy a lighthearted adventure rather than a typical guided tour.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most

This GPS-guided, self-drive experience suits adventurous travelers, couples, or small groups seeking a sustainable and flexible way to explore the Dutch countryside. It’s perfect for those interested in historic castles, flower fields, and scenic drives, without the hassle of organizing transportation or booking multiple tickets.

The tour is not ideal for visitors looking for extensive castle interiors or large group experiences, as the focus remains on driving, sightseeing, and short walks. It’s also best for travelers who have at least three years of driving experience and are comfortable handling a compact electric vehicle.

The Sum Up: A Fun and Eco-Friendly Way To Discover South Holland

The Drive it Yourself Electric History and Castle GPS Audio Tour offers a practical, eco-friendly alternative to traditional guided sightseeing. With its well-curated stops at castles and flower fields, it provides a relaxed pace and informative commentary that enrich the experience.

The small electric Twizy adds a sense of novelty, making the drive memorable without sacrificing comfort or safety, thanks to comprehensive insurance coverage. While the timing at Keukenhof may require some planning, most participants find the overall value and scenic beauty worth the price.

This tour is a great choice for those who want to combine history, nature, and sustainability, all in a flexible and enjoyable format. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a smooth and satisfying outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Twizy easy to drive?
Yes, the Twizy is fully automatic and designed for ease of use. Clear instructions are provided, making it accessible even for first-time electric vehicle drivers.

Are all the castle stops free to visit?
No, only the grounds of the castles are accessible, with Keukenhof Castle’s castle itself being private property. The estate grounds are open for public walking.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon tour?
Yes, the tour offers a choice of departure times to suit your schedule.

What should I bring?
Travelers should bring passport or ID and a driver’s license. If not from Europe, North America, South America, or Australia, an international driver’s license is recommended.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, full cancellations are possible if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its self-guided nature, electric vehicle, and the combination of historical sights with scenic countryside make it a memorable and responsible way to explore South Holland.

For more details or bookings, visit the official site linked here.