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

Experience the True Charm of Dutch Spring: Tulip Fields Day Tour with Windmill Visit and Lunch

If you’re visiting Amsterdam during springtime, this Tulip Fields Day Tour offers a chance to see the Netherlands at its most iconic. For about six hours, you’ll explore breathtaking tulip fields, walk through historic villages, and visit a working windmill from 1633. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour from Tulip Tours Holland takes you away from the crowds and into the heart of Dutch horticultural beauty.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines authentic countryside sights with intimate encounters—like picking your own tulip and chatting with a windmill miller. Plus, the included lunch amid a tulip field offers a genuine taste of local life. One possible thing to consider is that the best tulip viewing is in mid to late April, so timing your visit accordingly will ensure you see the full bloom.

This tour is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting a relaxing day outside the city. Families, couples, and solo travelers who want to experience the Dutch countryside without the hassle of planning will find it especially worthwhile.

Key Points

• Authentic Tulip Experience: Visit less-crowded farms and photograph fields usually off-limits to travelers.
• Cultural Insights: Explore a historic windmill and meet the miller to learn about Dutch water management traditions.
• Delicious Local Food: Enjoy a relaxed, high-quality lunch in a charming Dutch village.
• Comfortable Transportation: Round-trip transfers from Amsterdam make this a stress-free day out.
• Flexible & Family Friendly: Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.
• Moderate Price & Good Value: Although free, the guided experience offers authentic, off-the-beaten-path sights that justify the value.

A Closer Look at the Tulip Fields Day Tour: What to Expect

This tour offers a well-rounded look at one of the Netherlands’ most famous sights, with a mix of outdoor exploration, cultural learning, and local cuisine.

The Journey Begins: Reclaimed Land & the Beemster Polder

Our day starts with a drive through the Beemster Polder, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and testament to Dutch water ingenuity. Reclaimed from a lake in the early 17th century, this area showcases the classic Dutch landscape—flat, meticulously planned, and full of history. It’s a great way to start the day, setting a tone of admiration for Dutch engineering and land management.

Visiting the Tulip Farms: Off-the-Beaten-Path Fields

Two tulip farms are on the itinerary—Twisk and Venhuizen—where you’ll get close to the flowers in fields that are often inaccessible to the public. As one reviewer noted, “We were taken to very beautiful fields & was given enough time to take pictures.” Because these farms are less crowded than the well-known Keukenhof Gardens, you’ll find a more peaceful, authentic atmosphere.

Expect to see various tulip varieties in different stages of blooming, from tight buds to full-blown blooms. Some travelers mention that most fields are being cut down by late April, so timing your visit in mid to late April will maximize your chances of catching the tulips at their peak. Guides are adept at finding the best spots, even late in the season, thanks to their local knowledge.

Lunch in Onderdijk: Enjoy Dutch Cuisine in a Historic Setting

A highlight for many is the lunch break in Onderdijk, a charming village where you’ll dine amidst a tulip field. The lunch is described as superb—a relaxed, local meal with juice and water included. One reviewer called it “perhaps the best meal in Amsterdam,” emphasizing the quality and authenticity of the food. The Geradus Majella church, built in 1929, provides a lovely backdrop and is worth a quick look.

The Windmill Experience: A Historic Working Mill from 1633

A visit to the Museummolen Schermer offers an engaging glimpse into Dutch ingenuity. The windmill, one of the oldest in the country, is open for exploration, and you can go inside to see how it operates. Some travelers even mention the option to climb to the top at your own risk—a fun, if slightly daring, experience. One reviewer described the visit as “fun and very informative,” highlighting how guides share their deep knowledge about windmill technology and Dutch water management.

Additional Farm Visits and Photos

The tour also visits another farm in Venhuizen, giving you a second chance to see tulips in bloom. The group size (max 30 travelers) helps keep the experience intimate, allowing for plenty of time to wander and capture photos.

Ending Back at the Meeting Point

The tour concludes where it began, making it a seamless day with round-trip transportation included. This convenience means you can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about logistics.

Real Experiences and Authentic Reviews

Many travelers praise the guides’ expertise—noted as “knowledgeable, friendly, and funny”—which greatly enhances the experience. For instance, “Roel & Mike are the experts on tulips,” says one reviewer, and “they knew exactly where to take us” even late in the season.

Some reviews mention the quality of the lunch and the windmill visit, with comments like “lunch was superb” and “the windmill was very interesting.” Others appreciate the less crowded locations, which make for better photos and a more relaxed experience.

Of course, a few travelers mention timing—April is the best month—and some note that fields may be partially harvested by late April, so seeing the full spectacle depends on when you go. Also, packing water is recommended, as “they don’t provide water on the bus,” according to one review.

The Practical Side: Why This Tour Works Well

The cost is listed as $0.00, which is likely a placeholder, but the tour’s value lies in the guided experience, transportation, and access to special spots. The round-trip transfer makes it convenient and stress-free, especially for those unfamiliar with Dutch countryside routes.

With most travelers participating and family ownership ensuring personalized attention, this tour feels authentic and welcoming. The small group size makes it easy to ask questions and take photos without feeling rushed.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a genuine Dutch countryside experience—beyond the crowds of Keukenhof. It suits photographers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts eager to learn about tulip cultivation and windmill technology. It’s especially good for those who want a relaxed, authentic day out of the city, with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of local life.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth Your Time?

If you’re visiting Amsterdam in spring, and want to see real tulip fields, this tour is a practical, well-organized choice. The guides’ expertise and the peaceful, less-crowded farms make for a memorable experience. The included lunch and windmill visit add flavor and context, turning a simple flower viewing into a cultural and historical adventure.

For those who value authenticity over tourist traps, this tour offers an honest glimpse of Dutch tulip farming, with enough flexibility and comfort to keep everyone happy. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a relaxing, photo-worthy day outside the city.

FAQ

When is the best time to take this tour for full tulip blooms?
The best time is mid to late April when tulips are typically at their peak. Visiting earlier or later might mean fewer flowers or fields already being harvested.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Amsterdam, visits to two tulip farms, a windmill visit, a lunch in Onderdijk, and water and juice with lunch.

Can I pick my own tulips?
Yes, the tour allows you to pick your own tulip on the farm, giving a fun, hands-on experience often mentioned positively by travelers.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Most travelers say yes, as it’s family-friendly, with manageable walking, interesting sights, and a relaxed pace. Service animals are also permitted.

How crowded is this tour?
Because it visits less crowded farms and avoids Keukenhof, it offers a more peaceful experience, with smaller groups to keep things intimate.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for walking in fields. Carry water, as it’s not provided on the bus, and be prepared for outdoor weather.

Is there a lot of walking involved?
There’s walking at farms and windmill visits, but it’s generally manageable for most people. The emphasis is on enjoying the sights rather than strenuous activity.

What if I want to see Keukenhof Gardens instead?
This tour focuses on less touristy tulip farms and countryside villages, so if you prefer the grand, manicured gardens like Keukenhof, you might want a different tour.

In summary, this Tulip Fields Day Tour from Amsterdam offers a genuine, scenic, and culturally rich way to experience the Netherlands in full bloom. It’s a chance to step away from busy city streets and into the tranquil beauty of Dutch countryside, with guides that know how to make the most of the season. Whether you’re a shutterbug, a flower fan, or simply seeking a relaxing day outside, this tour delivers authentic Dutch charm in spades.