From Amsterdam: Holland Flower and Windmill Tour – summer ed

If you’re dreaming of vibrant blooms and classic Dutch landscapes, this Holland Flower and Windmill Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the country’s floral splendor and iconic windmills. Designed as a day trip from Amsterdam, it’s perfect for travelers wanting an authentic experience outside the city buzz, with a manageable price and a mix of scenic beauty and local charm.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are the visits to a family-owned flower farm where millions of summer blooms flourish, and the relaxing cruise past working windmills on the Kagerplassen. We’re especially fond of the personal touch at the flower farm and the rare opportunity for great photos in the fields — a photographer’s dream. However, one potential drawback is that the tour does not include a guide during the visit, which some travelers might find less informative.

This experience suits those who appreciate natural beauty, enjoy outdoor wandering, and want a taste of authentic Dutch rural life. If you’re eager for picturesque landscapes, and don’t mind a relaxed pace, this tour will serve you well. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll encounter.

Key Points

• Authentic family farm visit: Meet the owners of De Tulperij and learn about bulb planting and flower cultivation.
• Stunning flower fields: Walk through thousands of summer dahlias and other blooms, with special photo spots.
• Cruising on the Kagerplassen: A peaceful 60-minute boat ride past 18 working windmills in a historic land reclaimed from the sea.
• Great value: At $79, this day includes transportation, farm visits, and a windmill cruise, offering a comprehensive Dutch countryside experience.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with no hidden fees.
• Limited guide commentary: Be aware that some reviews note the absence of a dedicated guide during the visit to the farm.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: A Scenic Escape from Amsterdam

For travelers based in Amsterdam, seeking a peaceful escape into the Netherlands’ famed flower country, this tour provides a delightful blend of natural beauty and traditional craftsmanship. While it’s not a comprehensive guided tour with historical narration, it offers a glimpse into the world of Dutch horticulture and windmill life that’s hard to beat.

Two standout features for us are the visit to a family-owned flower farm where you’ll see millions of summer flowers and the windmill cruise through the Kagerplassen, a peaceful waterway dotted with historic mills. Both provide authentic insights into Dutch rural life and its centuries-old relationship with water management and agriculture. One thing to consider, however, is that the tour doesn’t include a guide during the farm visit — so if you’re craving detailed commentary, you might need to do some extra reading afterward.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day outdoors, with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of local Dutch life. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a flower lover, or just after a peaceful scenic excursion, this experience should fit the bill.

What You Can Expect on This Tour

A Journey Outside the City

Your day begins with a comfortable ride in a luxury coach, departing from Amsterdam’s “This is Holland” location, which offers convenient amenities like a waiting room, coffee bar, and toilets. From there, it’s roughly an hour’s drive into the flower-rich region of South Holland. The bus ride alone is a pleasant introduction to the Dutch countryside, with glimpses of windmill-dotted fields and quaint villages.

Visiting the Summer Flower Farm of Daan and Anja

The highlight for many is the visit to De Tulperij, a family-owned flower farm run by Daan and Anja. Here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how flowers are grown and harvested, with the farmer himself guiding you through the fields. We loved the way the owner shared his expertise — from planting bulbs in the fall to the year-round care of summer blooms like dahlias.

This isn’t just a quick walk-through; it’s an immersive experience, with the opportunity to walk through the flower fields and enjoy spectacular views of thousands of dahlias and other summer flowers. As one reviewer pointed out, “Daan, the Dahlia farmer, welcomed us and explained everything about planting bulbs and the Dahlia garden.” The chance to stroll through the colorful displays and take photos in specially designated spots adds a memorable touch.

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Authenticity and Personal Touch

Unlike larger, commercialized tours, this experience emphasizes a personal connection with the farm owners. Anja’s homemade apple pie and a cup of coffee provide a delightful break — a chance to savor local flavors amidst the flowers. The review from Cecilia captured this well: “It was a good experience to get to know the farm, although there was no guide, only the farmer,” highlighting that the farm visit is more about personal interaction than guided commentary.

Walking Tour through Flower Fields

Walking through the flower fields is a rare opportunity because it’s the only spot in the region where visitors are allowed to stroll freely and take photos. The vibrant blooms and carefully maintained fields provide excellent photo opportunities — perfect for capturing memories or just enjoying the beauty of Dutch horticulture.

The Windmill Cruise

After the farm, the tour heads to Warmond, a historic village known for its windmills. Here, you’ll step aboard a boat for a 60-minute cruise through the Kagerplassen, famous for its working windmills—18 in total. The cruise offers a relaxing way to see these iconic structures in action, pumping water to prevent flooding in this land reclaimed from the sea.

This cruise is a highlight for many, as it combines scenic water views with a bit of Dutch engineering history. The windmills are not just picturesque; they are still functional, a reminder of the country’s ongoing battle with water and its ingenuity in using wind power.

Analyzing the Value and Experience

At $79 per person, this tour hits a good balance of cost and content. It includes round-trip transportation, the farm visit, the walking tour, and the windmill cruise. For those looking to explore Holland’s floral and windmill heritage without the hassle of planning individual visits, this package offers solid value.

While the lack of a guide during the farm visit might be a drawback—for some, it could mean missing out on detailed explanations—others might appreciate the freedom to explore at their own pace. The small group size and relaxed schedule make it easy to enjoy the scenery and get great photos.

The tour is well-suited for travelers who want an authentic, picturesque experience with minimal fuss. It combines outdoor walking, scenic boat cruising, and close-up views of Dutch flower farming, creating a well-rounded introduction to the region.

Additional Insights and Considerations

Transportation: Traveling in a luxury coach ensures comfort and scenic views during the drive. The departure point at This is Holland facility offers convenient amenities, easing the start of your day.

Timing: Check available times to find the best fit for your schedule. The tour lasts a full day, but the detailed itinerary allows for a leisurely pace.

Group Size: Although not explicitly stated, the reviews suggest a small group setting, which enhances the experience and personal interaction.

Price: At $79, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Holland’s flowers and windmills without breaking the bank. It’s a good deal considering the included activities.

Optional Extras: Bouquet picking is available on-site for an extra fee but isn’t included in the package. If you’re interested in taking home fresh flowers, you might want to plan for this.

Who Will Benefit Most?

This tour is perfect for travelers who appreciate natural beauty, outdoor activities, and authentic local experiences. It’s ideal if you want to see a flower farm up close, wander through gorgeous fields, and enjoy a scenic boat cruise—all in one day.

Those seeking detailed historical narration might find the guide-only experience lacking, but if your focus is on photos, fresh air, and genuine Dutch scenery, you’ll be very pleased. It’s especially suitable for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a relaxed, picturesque outing.

The Sum Up: A Scenic, Authentic Dutch Experience

This Holland Flower and Windmill Tour offers a delightful slice of Dutch countryside life, combining vibrant summer blooms with the timeless charm of windmills. The visit to a family farm provides an authentic look at how the Dutch cultivate their famous flowers, complemented by the peaceful boat cruise past historic mills.

At a reasonable price, you get a taste of what makes the Dutch landscape so special — colorful fields, working windmills, and friendly farm owners. While it’s not a guided tour with in-depth historical commentary, the personal farm visit and scenic views more than compensate.

This tour will appeal most to visitors who want a laid-back, visually stunning day out, perfect for photos and relaxed exploration. It’s especially suited for those with a keen eye for flowers and a desire to see Holland’s countryside in full summer bloom.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, you’ll travel in a luxury coach from the departure point in Amsterdam, with a comfortable ride to the region.

Can I cancel this tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible option for your travel plans.

Is a guide available during the farm visit? The tour includes a guided visit with Daan, the farm owner, but some reviews note there is no guide during the farm walk, so information may be limited.

What’s the duration of the entire tour? The tour lasts approximately one day, with starting times varying based on availability.

How scenic is the boat cruise? The 60-minute cruise on the Kagerplassen offers serene views of 18 working windmills in a historic landscape, making it a highlight for many.

Are there photo opportunities? Absolutely. You’ll have the chance to take photos in the flower fields, in the summer garden, and from the boat with windmills as a backdrop.

Is the price good for what’s included? Yes, the combination of flower farm visits, walking in the fields, and the windmill cruise provides strong value at $79 per person.

This tour strikes a fine balance between scenic beauty, authentic experiences, and value, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to see the Dutch countryside in full bloom without fuss or high costs.

You can check availability for your dates here: