The Best Ways to See Holland’s Tulips in Bloom (and How to Fly There on Points!)
- Renee Ward
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Every spring, the Netherlands explodes into a brilliant patchwork of color. Millions of tulips bloom across fields, gardens, and canals, turning the entire country into a storybook landscape.
Tulips have always been my favorite flower, and someday — when my kids are a little older — I plan to experience the Netherlands in full bloom myself. Until then, I love helping clients plan this dream trip and hearing their stories when they return.
Here are the best ways to experience tulip season (plus how to get to Amsterdam for nearly free using points).
🌷 1. A Tulip Time River Cruise — The Most Relaxing Way to Experience It All
River cruises are one of the most popular ways to experience tulip season for good reason. They glide through smaller waterways, giving you access to charming Dutch towns, windmill villages, and fields in full bloom — all without packing and unpacking. I can help you with river cruise lines like AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, and Viking River Cruises.
Most spring itineraries include stops like:
Keukenhof Gardens — over seven million blooming flowers
Lisse & Haarlem — iconic tulip-growing regions
Kinderdijk — UNESCO windmills
Gouda or Delft — cheese, ceramics, and classic Dutch charm
It’s slow, scenic, and effortless — almost like watching a painting move around you.
🌷 2. A Land Tour Through the Netherlands (Perfect for Flexibility)
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, a land-based tour is ideal. Start with a few days in Amsterdam, then branch out into the countryside. I can help you plan independent travel or part of a small or large tour group.
Top tulip-season highlights include:
Keukenhof Gardens, open only 8 weeks a year
The Flower Strip (“Bollenstreek”), a rainbow of fields stretching for miles
Canal towns and windmill villages, including Volendam and Zaanse Schans
Historic cities like Utrecht, Haarlem, or Rotterdam
Land tours are perfect if you want to add museums, food tours, or day trips beyond the typical tulip route.
🌷 3. Ocean Cruises That Start or End in Amsterdam
Some ocean itineraries — like Holland America, Windstar, and Viking ocean cruises — begin or end in Amsterdam. It’s a great way to combine a sailing with a tulip-season stay on land.
You can plan:
A pre- or post-cruise stay in Amsterdam
A day trip to Keukenhof
A countryside tulip tour before or after your sailing
This option gives you the convenience of cruising with the bonus of a spring visit to the Netherlands.
🌷 And the Best Part… You Can Often Fly to Amsterdam for Nearly Free
Thanks to flexible points programs, getting to Amsterdam doesn’t have to break the bank. I can help you fly on credit card points or miles, just like I’ve done for other clients. Flying Blue (KLM/Air France) is one of the best programs for award flights to Amsterdam — and points transfer from:
Citi ThankYou Points
Bilt Rewards
🌷 Ready to See the Tulips?
Spring in the Netherlands is unlike anything else — vibrant, peaceful, and visually stunning. Whether you want a river cruise, guided tour, or a custom itinerary, I can help you plan a trip that fits your pace… and help you fly there with points.
Let’s make your tulip-season adventure effortless, colorful, and unforgettable. 🌷✈️
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