Delft & Keukenhof Gardens: Guided tour from Brussels

Summary

Spring day trip from Brussels to Delft and the tulip gardens

You’ll wander Delft’s peaceful canals with a local guide, see centuries-old churches and markets, then lose yourself among millions of blooming tulips at Keukenhof Gardens. With coach transport from Brussels and entry included, it’s a spring day trip full of color and small surprises you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I’d been curious about Keukenhof Gardens for years, but honestly, it was Delft that surprised me most. The drive out of Brussels felt like a slow exhale — you know that feeling when city noise fades and you start noticing little things again? Our guide, Sophie, pointed out windmills in the distance as we crossed into the Netherlands. I caught the first flashes of color in the fields before we even reached Delft. It was early spring, so there was still a chill in the air, but you could smell earth and something sweet — maybe hyacinths?

Delft itself is quieter than I expected. We wandered along those narrow canals, past crooked houses and bikes leaning everywhere. Sophie told us about the Old Church’s leaning tower (she called it “Scheve Jan” — I probably said it wrong), and we peeked inside where sunlight hit old stone in this soft way. There was a moment at the market square where I just stopped to watch locals chatting near City Hall — hands flying as they talked, everyone bundled up but smiling. During our free time, I ducked into a tiny shop selling blue pottery; ended up buying a mug I didn’t need just because the owner laughed at my Dutch.

After lunch (nothing fancy, but warm soup tasted perfect after walking), we drove toward Keukenhof. Sophie shared stories about tulip mania — apparently people once traded houses for bulbs? Wild. When we finally got to the gardens, it was almost overwhelming: rows and rows of tulips in every color you can imagine, plus daffodils and orchids tucked into pavilions. At one point I just sat on a bench watching families take photos and kids running around. The air actually smelled like flowers — not perfume-fake, but real petals and damp grass. Three hours went by fast; I kept thinking I’d seen every color until another path proved me wrong.

On the ride back to Brussels, everyone was quieter than before — maybe tired or just full of new images. There’s something about seeing both Delft’s old stones and Keukenhof’s wild colors in one day that sticks with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Delft and Keukenhof Gardens Tour

• Visit Delft City Hall
• Explore Nieuwe Church
• See Oude Kerk
• Enjoy Keukenhof Gardens

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Brussels to Delft and Keukenhof?

The tour lasts a full day including travel time between Brussels, Delft, and Keukenhof Gardens.

Is entry to Keukenhof Gardens included in this tour?

Yes, entrance fees for Keukenhof Gardens are included in the tour price.

Does this tour include lunch?

No set lunch is included; there is free time for lunch during the stop in Delft.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide can provide commentary in English, Spanish, or French depending on guests’ needs.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

The tour includes roundtrip coach transport but does not specify hotel pickup; check with your provider.

When does this tour operate?

This guided tour runs exclusively during springtime when bulb flowers bloom from March to May.

Are children allowed on this day trip?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants may use prams or strollers.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip coach travel from Brussels with a local guide who shares stories along the way. Entry to Keukenhof Gardens is covered so you can explore freely for three hours after visiting historic Delft at your own pace before heading back in the evening.