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

Experience the Beauty of Dutch Spring with a Full-Day Tulip Tour from Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s tulip season is hard to beat—bright, abundant, and oh-so-photogenic. This full-day tour, priced at around $101.59 per person, promises a well-rounded taste of the Netherlands’ famous flower culture, combining a visit to the world’s largest flower garden, Keukenhof, with a scenic windmill cruise and a personal tour of a working tulip farm. With a 4.5-star rating from over 200 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this outing both enjoyable and value-packed.

One of the things we love about this experience is how it balances the stunning sights of blooming tulip fields with authentic, behind-the-scenes visits—like meeting the third-generation tulip farmers at De Tulperij. Plus, the smooth, organized transportation and knowledgeable guides make for a worry-free day. That said, some might find the total day a bit packed, especially if they prefer a more leisurely pace or want to linger longer at each spot. This tour is best suited for flower enthusiasts, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to see a quintessential Dutch spring in one go.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: Endless tulip fields and the iconic Keukenhof gardens.
• Authentic experiences: Meet local tulip farmers and learn about flower cultivation.
• Scenic cruise: A relaxing boat ride past windmills and Dutch villages.
• All-in-one package: Transportation, entry tickets, and guided visits included.
• Flexible timing: You can decide when to leave Keukenhof, adding a bit of personal control.
• Great value: Many reviews praise the well-organized nature and knowledgeable guides.

A Complete Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour departs from This is Holland, Overhoeksplein, a central, easily accessible location in Amsterdam. Travelers should arrive by the free ferry from Central Station (platform F3), which takes just three minutes across the IJ river—an easy and scenic start to the day. The departure time is 8:30 am, and the tour wraps up back at the meeting point, usually around 5 pm.

The transportation is via an air-conditioned bus, which is appreciated after wandering through the flower fields and gardens. With a capped group size of 50, the atmosphere feels intimate enough for personal interaction but still lively enough to share the experience with fellow travelers.

The Tulip Farm: De Tulperij

The first stop is at De Tulperij, a family-run tulip farm with a history dating back to 1927. Here, Daan and Anja, the third-generation farmers, welcome guests with warmth and insight. Visitors get a chance to walk through the vibrant bulb fields, ask questions about cultivation, and snap photos in the only permitted selfie spot amid the tulips.

Reviewers highlight the authenticity of this visit: “The farm was extremely informative and the owners very welcoming,” noted one traveler. Another loved the personal touch, describing Daan as “welcoming and funny,” making an often-mundane farm visit feel lively and engaging. Anja’s homemade apple pie is an added treat, with many appreciating the chance to taste local produce directly from the farm.

This part of the tour offers a rare opportunity to see tulips up close without the crowds that swarm Keukenhof, providing a more personal experience. It’s a real highlight for flower lovers who want to go beyond just viewing the flowers and learn about their history and cultivation.

Scenic Kagerplassen Boat Cruise

After the farm visit, the group ventures onto Kagerplassen, a peaceful waterway that offers dreamy views of windmills, traditional villages, and tulip fields from the water. The boat cruise lasts about an hour, and several reviews mention how relaxing and picturesque this segment is.

One reviewer shared, “The canal cruise was relaxing,” emphasizing how the gentle ride gives you a chance to unwind amidst scenic Dutch landscapes. The cruise also acts as a visual preview of what’s to come at Keukenhof, with views of colorful bulb fields that seem to stretch endlessly.

Exploring Lisse and the Tulip Fields

Next, the bus takes you through Lisse, a town synonymous with tulips, and into the surrounding countryside. The drive lasts around 30 minutes, during which you’ll pass vast fields of blooming flowers, especially if visiting during peak bloom. The vibrant colors and neat rows make for perfect photos and a true sense of the Dutch floral industry in action.

Reviewers mention how this drive helps set the scene for Keukenhof’s grandeur, with many noting the endless fields as a highlight. The scenery alone is worth the trip if you’re a photography enthusiast or simply love seeing nature’s vibrant palette.

Keukenhof Gardens: The Crown Jewel

The final—and most famous—stop is Keukenhof, a sprawling garden with over 7 million bulbs in bloom. With four hours allocated, you have ample time to wander through the different sections, admire the floral displays, and soak in the smells of countless flowers.

Visitors often describe Keukenhof as “exquisite,” praising its carefully designed layout and the sheer scale of blooming flowers. One reviewer said, “The flowers are beautiful alone, but the layout and design of each section make this an exquisite sight to explore.” Many appreciate being able to enter directly via the bus, avoiding long lines and getting more time to enjoy the displays.

While Keukenhof can get crowded, especially during peak bloom, the organized timing and flexible departure options help travelers maximize their visit. Reviewers mention that the experience is worth the effort, with many saying they’d return during different seasons to see the garden’s different phases.

What’s Included and What to Consider

What’s Included

• Transportation: Comfortable, air-conditioned bus from and back to Amsterdam.
• Entry to Keukenhof: An all-day pass to the gardens is included.
• Visits to a tulip farm: Guided by third-generation farmers, offering insights into flower cultivation.
• Windmill cruise: A scenic, relaxing boat ride past windmills and villages.
• Guided experiences: Knowledgeable guides enhance the visit, with many reviews praising their enthusiasm and expertise.

What’s Not Included

• Hotel pick-up: The tour departs from a central meeting point, so travelers need to arrange their own transportation there.
• Lunch: Not included, but plenty of cafes and food options are available at Keukenhof and around.

Practical Tips

• Arrive early at the meeting point to avoid confusion; the tour starts promptly at 8:30 am.
• Bring a camera or smartphone for countless photo opportunities, especially in the tulip fields.
• Wear comfortable footwear—there’s a fair amount of walking at Keukenhof.
• If you’re tight on time, remember you can decide when to leave Keukenhof, giving you some flexibility.
• Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak bloom, but the guided nature of the tour helps maximize your time.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Many travelers praise the well-organized nature of the tour, noting that “all aspects from the canal ride to the visit to the tulip farm and Keukenhof were a delight.” Guides like Daan and Anja are often mentioned as friendly and knowledgeable, making the farm visit particularly memorable. One review even called the tour “exceptionally wonderful” because of the relaxed pace and flexible scheduling, especially the freedom to leave Keukenhof when you’re ready.

A common highlight is the scenic boat cruise—reviewers describe it as “relaxing” and “beautiful,” with some mentioning it as a surprising bonus that added a peaceful dimension to the day. Conversely, a few found the windmill cruise somewhat less engaging, with one reviewer calling it “boring” due to limited commentary, but the overall consensus is that it’s a lovely, tranquil way to see the Dutch countryside.

Overall Value and Experience

The steady flow of positive reviews suggests that this tour offers excellent value for money. With all major entry fees, guided visits, scenic boat rides, and transportation covered, it packs a lot into a manageable day. Many appreciate how smoothly the day runs, with “everything completely organized” and “no stress,” according to travelers.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for flower lovers looking for an immersive Dutch spring experience, especially if you’re new to the Netherlands or short on time. It also suits those who prefer guided tours that handle logistics and provide authentic insights, like meeting local farmers. If you’re someone who enjoys scenic boat rides and sprawling gardens, you’ll find plenty to love here.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to spend more time exploring each spot independently, you might find this tour a bit fast-paced. It’s also not suitable for travelers seeking hotel pickup or dining included, as those are not part of the package.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tulip experience from Amsterdam offers a fantastic introduction to Dutch springtime splendor. Combining the vibrant beauty of Keukenhof, the charm of a tulip farm, and a tranquil boat ride, it delivers a well-rounded look at the Netherlands’ floral heritage. The knowledgeable guides, smooth organization, and stunning scenery make it a compelling choice for anyone eager to see these famous flowers in full bloom.

While it may feel a bit rushed for those wanting to linger longer, the overall value and authentic touches make this tour stand out. It’s a perfect option for first-time visitors, garden enthusiasts, or anyone craving a colorful, memorable day in the Dutch countryside.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour departs from This is Holland at Overhoeksplein, so travelers need to arrange their own transportation to the meeting point.

How long is the boat cruise?
The windmill boat cruise lasts about 1 hour, offering relaxing views of windmills and Dutch villages.

What is the duration of the full tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning around 5 pm.

Are tickets for Keukenhof included?
Yes, the tour provides an entrance ticket to Keukenhof for the whole day.

Can I leave Keukenhof early?
Yes, one of the benefits of this tour is the flexibility to decide when to depart from Keukenhof, allowing you some control over your day.

Is walking involved?
Yes, there’s some walking at the tulip farm and around Keukenhof, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

What time does the tour start?
It departs promptly at 8:30 am from This is Holland.

Are there restroom and food facilities at the departure point?
Yes, This is Holland has free restrooms, a coffee bar, and a comfortable waiting area.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers found it suitable for all ages, but keep in mind the walking and outdoor elements.

What’s the best time of year to go?
While the tour is popular during peak tulip bloom, late April to early May is often considered the prime time, based on reviews and the blooming season.

In all, this tour packs a floral punch, offering a fantastic balance of guided insight, scenic beauty, and relaxed exploration—making it a prime choice for those wanting an authentic Dutch spring day.