No doubt you’ve heard all about the tulip fields of the Netherlands and surely seen many pictures.
Now you have the opportunity to join me on a tour to see it all in person!
We kick off our tour with a welcome Brunch at the hotel in Apeldoorn.
Built between in the 1600s for King Willem III and his consort Mary II of England.
Cute cottages with pretty pink flowers are a must.
Lien Ruys is considered a leader in the New Perennial Movement.
Also known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world’s largest flower gardens.
We visit an organic tulip bulb farm.
A delicious dinner on a boat cruise at sunset.
Transfer from Schiphol Aiport to our hotel in Apeldoorn (about one hour transfer).
Check in and enjoy a free evening to relax (the pool is open until 10pm) or enjoy a light meal in the bistro (not included).
We kick off our tour with a welcome Brunch at the hotel in Apeldoorn.
Het Loo Palace Gardens: originally the medieval castle of Prince William of Orange, Het Loo is one of Europe’s finest formal gardens.
It is sometimes referred to as the Versailles of the Netherlands. Our tour includes a visit of the inside and the rooftop terrace from which the gardens are best admired.
We end the day with the visit of a private garden created from scratch in a flat potato field about twenty years ago. The owners, a retired garden designer and her husband, have created a series of rooms, each with a distinct mood designed for year-round interest. At this time of the year, tulips and bulbs make an exceptional show. The owners will welcome us and show us around.
We gather for a welcome drink before a three course dinner at the hotel’s Gastronomic Restaurant.
Today we visit Mien Ruys Gardens: A seminal force in post-war continental garden design, Mien Ruys was the inspiration for the new Dutch wave gardeners Piet Oudolf and Hank Gerritsen. Today managed by a foundation her experimental gardens are a trove of ideas for planting schemes and design.
And then we visit three private gardens showcasing beautiful seasonal bulb displays.
Dinner this evening is in a charming restaurant in the forest, not far from our hotel.
We travel to Amsterdam, driving along the bulb route, to see fields of bulbs under cultivation and visit two private gardens on the way, all with spectacular bulb plantings.
Our last garden of the day is the creation of an avid plantswoman. Inspired by English gardens, in particular Sissinghurst, the garden is a delightful succession of surprises. Because it is designed for year round interest, spring bulbs and in particular tulips have their moment of glory at this time of the year.
We reach Amsterdam in the late afternoon.
After settling in, we spend the evening on a beautiful old-fashioned boat on the canals of Amsterdam. We enjoy drinks and dinner on board.
We start early today and head to the world famous Keukenhof gardens to kick off this full-day tour. We will explore the Keukenhof for about 2 hours, and then we’ll head to the Kop van Noord Holland, to the largest tulip fields and away from the crowds.
Along the way, we’ll enjoy lunch in a quaint Dutch town.
In the afternoon, we visit an organic tulip farm and learn all about how tulip bulbs are grown and produced for sale.
This evening is at leisure in Amsterdam (list of restaurants will be provided)
Flora Holland: With over 20 million flowers and plants traded here at auction each and every day of the year Flora Holland is the largest flower market in the world.
By 7:00AM the day’s flowers have been sold and are being prepared for shipment by truck or airplane to the four corners of the world. Watching theses masses of fresh flowers being packed at great speed is an impressive and memorable sight – a must see for anyone interested in flowers and floristry.
We are back in Amsterdam in time for a late breakfast at our hotel.
Our expert private guide takes us on a walking tour of the Jordaan, the neighborhood adjacent to our hotel and famous for its beautiful old houses, tiny bridges, and hidden courtyards, including some secret gardens. Of course, we also pass through the picturesque Canal Ring – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We end the tour with a simple lunch at a typical Dutch café.
Afternoon at leisure to rest and recover, or sit in a cafe and soak in the atmosphere of the city, or visit museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House.
We end the day with a farewell dinner at the Restaurant De Kas in Amsterdam. Set in the former municipal greenhouses and surrounded by produce fields, this outstanding restaurant was a pioneer of the farm to table movement in the Netherlands.
Travel home or pursue further adventures.
Check out time is noon.
Located in the Hoge Woluwe nature preserve, this contemporary design star hotel is a haven of peace. For our purposes it is an ideally located very comfortable base from which to explore private tulip gardens.
Centrally located in the heart of historic Amsterdam, this family run hotel is installed in a series of connected canal houses overlooking the Singel, one of Amsterdam’s main canals.
The most common questions I get about the tours. If you have any further questions, send me a message here.
No, you don’t need to be a professional gardener.
The tours are designed for anyone who enjoys gardens and the natural world.
My travelers range from expert horticulturists to passionate amateurs, all of whom love discovering a country through its gardens.
Yes! Most tours include two or three free evenings on a week-long itinerary. This gives you time to explore local restaurants, enjoy a spa or massage, order room service, or simply relax at a café or hotel bar. Group dinners are lovely, but having personal time ensures the experience remains enjoyable and balanced.
You can contact me directly to book by clicking on the “Taking bookings. Enquire here” button on the tour page or via the contact page here.
If the tour is SOLD OUT, you can be put on the waiting list to receive information about the next tour here.
If you need personal assistance or have questions before booking, you’re always welcome to get in touch with me directly also.
Cancellations made up to four months before the tour receive a full refund of your deposit, minus a small administrative fee.
After that, cancellations are only possible if you find someone to take your place.
The ideal time depends on the destination, but as a general rule, spring and early autumn offer the most vibrant blooms and comfortable weather.
This is indicated in the summary information at the top of each tour page.
Specific gardens may have peak times for flowering or seasonal displays, which I consider when planning each tour.
Tours involve walking through gardens, which can include stairs, slopes, and uneven paths.
You should be able to walk at least a mile comfortably and manage steps.
Read my blog post for more information: How fit do I need to be for a garden tour?
Groups are intentionally small and intimate, with a maximum of 15 people.
This allows for a personal, immersive experience and easy conversation with fellow travelers.
Just let me know in advance, and I will ensure that the restaurants we visit accommodate your dietary needs.
Breakfast is included on all tours.
Lunch is usually a light meal to refuel after morning visits and give you energy for the afternoon.
Occasionally, we may enjoy a more elaborate lunch depending on the country or location.
Dinners are relaxed and carefully planned to showcase local cuisine and provide a memorable dining experience.
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a hat for sun protection, and a camera or notebook if you like to record your impressions.
A more detailed list will be sent a couple of months before the tour dates.
Read my blog post for more information: Ten tips on what to pack for a garden trip.
All tours include private, comfortable transportation between gardens and accommodations, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about logistics.
Often transfers between to and from the airport may also be arranged.
Airfare to the destination is not included.
