From Amsterdam: Holland Flower and Windmill Tour – summer ed

A Day Beyond Amsterdam: Exploring Holland’s Flower Fields and Windmills

When you think of the Netherlands, images of endless tulip fields and iconic windmills often come to mind. For those wanting a more authentic taste of this floral and wind-powered landscape, the Holland Flower and Windmill Tour offers a well-rounded experience. At $79 per person, this full-day trip takes you outside the city to South Holland, where you’ll visit a family-run flower farm, stroll through lush flower fields, and enjoy a cruise past traditional windmills.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to see and photograph millions of summer blooms in a private farm setting offers a rare intimacy that larger bus tours often miss. Second, the one-hour windmill cruise provides a scenic perspective on Dutch water management, a vital part of Holland’s history and landscape. These details create a genuine, memorable experience that balances nature, culture, and history.

On the flip side, a possible drawback is that the guide is not always present during the farm visit, as some reviews mention. This means you might miss out on detailed explanations unless the farm hosts provide them. Still, if you’re comfortable exploring independently with some guidance from the farm owners, this shouldn’t pose a big issue.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic, behind-the-scenes experiences, especially those interested in flower cultivation, traditional windmills, and scenic photo opportunities. If you’re traveling with family or are a nature lover, you’ll find this trip particularly rewarding.

Key Points

• Authentic family-owned farm visit offers behind-the-scenes insights into flower cultivation.
• Scenic windmill cruise provides a peaceful boat ride with iconic views.
• Excellent photo opportunities in flower fields where photography is permitted.
• Relaxed, luxury coach transportation with plenty of comfort and convenience.
• Reasonably priced for a full-day experience that mixes nature, culture, and scenery.
• Limited guide involvement during farm visits might mean exploring more independently.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Holland Flower and Windmill Tour in Detail

The Heart of Dutch Floral Beauty

This tour kicks off from This is Holland in Amsterdam, where you’ll board a luxury coach. Within a short drive, you’ll arrive at the flower farm of Daan and Anja, a family-operated farm dedicated to showcasing the beauty of summer flowers, especially dahlias. Here, the owners will lead you through the fields and gardens, sharing stories about planting bulbs and caring for their blooms.

What we loved here was the opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look—you’re not just admiring flowers from afar; you’re walking through the very fields where they’re grown. Daan, an experienced dahlia farmer, will introduce you to thousands of dahlias in bloom, which makes for fantastic photos—especially since this is the only spot in the region where photography is officially permitted in the fields.

A Feast for the Senses and the Camera

During this farm visit, you’ll walk through the most beautiful gardens and flower fields of the Dutch Flower Region. Daan and Anja welcome visitors warmly, and you can enjoy tasting home-made apple pie by Anja with a fresh cup of coffee—a perfect way to savor some local flavors. According to a review, “the view over this beautiful garden while tasting apple pie” was a highlight.

The flower fields are especially stunning in summer, bursting with vibrant colors like deep reds, fiery oranges, and lush purples, with dahlias as the star attraction. The farm’s owner will share insights into their flower planting and harvesting process, adding a layer of authenticity to your visit.

Scenic Windmill Cruise on Kagerplassen

After your farm visit, the tour continues to the charming windmill village of Warmond. Here, you’ll board a boat for a 60-minute cruise through the Kagerplassen, an area dotted with 18 working windmills. These windmills are not only picturesque but serve as water management tools, pumping water out of land that lies just a few meters below sea level.

The boat ride is a peaceful float through a quintessential Dutch landscape. You’ll be able to see how the windmills operate and appreciate their importance in preventing flooding—a key part of Holland’s ongoing battle with water. It’s an ideal opportunity for photographers and anyone interested in the Dutch way of life.

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The Authentic Dutch Experience

This tour offers a balanced mix of nature, culture, and history. It’s designed for those who want to avoid the crowds at popular spots like Keukenhof but still experience the essence of Holland’s floral beauty. The entire day is comfortably paced, with time to wander, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.

Practical Details and Considerations

The luxury coach ensures a comfortable journey, and the tour’s price includes the farm visit, the flower field walk, a photo opportunity, and the windmill cruise. The only extra cost could be the option to pick your own bouquet, which is available on-site for an additional fee.

Note: Some travelers, like Cecilia, mentioned that the guide was only a driver during their visit, meaning there’s limited commentary or explanation during the farm visit itself. If you’re looking for a highly narrated experience, it might be worth asking in advance if a guide will be present or focusing on the farm hosts’ insights.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re a flower enthusiast, a photographer, or someone interested in traditional Dutch water management, this trip is ideal. It also suits those who prefer a more personal, less commercialized look at Holland’s natural beauty. Families with children, especially those captivated by flowers and windmills, will find this both educational and visually stunning.

Final Thoughts

This Holland Flower and Windmill Tour offers a thoughtfully curated glimpse into the country’s most iconic landscapes, without the crowds or the high price tag of larger tours. The opportunity to see the farm owners’ operations up close, coupled with a scenic boat ride, creates a well-rounded experience that balances authenticity and leisure.

While the absence of a dedicated guide during the farm visit might be a minor downside, it also means you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. The scenic views, colorful flower fields, and historic windmills provide plenty of memorable photo moments, making it a fantastic choice for nature lovers, culturally curious travelers, and photography enthusiasts alike.

Overall, if you want a relaxed, immersive day outside Amsterdam that combines beautiful blooms, traditional windmills, and some tasty local treats, this tour will deliver.

FAQ

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $79 per person, offering good value for a full-day experience that includes transport, farm visits, and a boat cruise.

How long is the tour?
It’s a full-day trip, with departure and starting times varying—be sure to check availability when booking.

Is a guide present during the farm visit?
The tour includes a behind-the-scenes visit to the farm, but some reviews note that the guide may only be a driver, so detailed commentary during the farm tour might be limited.

What can I expect at the flower farm?
You’ll see thousands of dahlias and summer flowers, walk through the fields, and learn about flower cultivation from the farm owners, Daan and Anja.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes, especially in the flower fields, where photography is permitted—a rare treat in this region.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
The tour includes tasting Anja’s homemade apple pie with coffee, but additional meals aren’t provided. You might want to bring snacks or plan for lunch afterward.

What is the boat cruise like?
The 60-minute cruise on the Kagerplassen features 18 working windmills, showcasing Holland’s water and land management techniques. It’s both scenic and educational.

Are there options to customize the experience?
Yes, at the farm, you can choose to purchase a bouquet or participate in extra activities for an additional fee.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children will enjoy the colorful flowers and windmill scenery, making it a family-friendly outing.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot through the provided platform, with the option to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, the Holland Flower and Windmill Tour is a wonderful way to see a different side of the Netherlands—away from the crowds, yet rich in authentic beauty. It’s best suited for travelers who crave personal touches, love vibrant scenery, and want to learn about Holland’s traditions in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re snapping photos, exploring flower fields, or marveling at windmills, this tour offers a memorable snapshot of Dutch culture and nature.

You can check availability for your dates here: