Amsterdam, Keukenhof & Zaanse Schans: Private Tulip Tour

Summary

Private tour from Amsterdam to Keukenhof gardens and windmills

You’ll wander Keukenhof’s blooming gardens with skip-the-line entry, visit a working bulb farm near Lisse, taste fresh Dutch cheese at Zaanse Schans windmill village, and stroll Volendam’s harbor — all with a local guide and private transport. Expect laughter, muddy shoes, and more color than you thought possible.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air outside Amsterdam to smell so green — like grass after rain, but sweeter. Our guide, Pieter, greeted us with this easy grin and a thermos of coffee (he called it “Dutch rocket fuel”). We set off in a shiny Mercedes van, which felt almost too fancy for the muddy roads near Lisse. I kept staring out the window at those wild stripes of color — tulip fields everywhere, like someone spilled paint across the land. At the bulb farm, I tried to pronounce “bloembollen” and totally failed; Pieter just laughed and handed me a fresh stroopwafel. The warmth of it in my hands was perfect against the chilly morning.

Keukenhof Gardens was next — honestly, I thought it might be overrated, but walking through those paths with millions of flowers blooming all around? It’s hard not to feel small in the best way. There were families picnicking under cherry blossoms and kids running between rows of hyacinths. Our skip-the-line tickets meant we just walked right in while others queued up (felt a bit smug about that). The scent was almost dizzying — not perfume-y, just alive. I took too many photos and probably annoyed my partner by stopping every five steps.

Later we drove north to Zaanse Schans. The windmills really do creak when they turn — you can hear them before you see them. There was this old man showing how cheese is made; he winked at me when I tried his Gouda and said something in Dutch that made everyone laugh (no idea what). Volendam was our last stop — fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, locals eating herring with onions (I chickened out). By then my shoes were muddy and my head full of color. Still think about that first breath among the tulips sometimes… you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Dutch countryside and tulips

• Visit bulb farm and flowerfields
• Tour Keukenhof Gardens
• See windmills at Zaanse Schans
• Cheese tasting and gold crafting
• Visit Volendam fishing village

Top questions

How long does the private Keukenhof tour take?

The day trip lasts approximately one full day including travel between stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included from your accommodation.

Are skip-the-line tickets for Keukenhof Gardens provided?

Yes, your tour includes skip-the-line entry tickets for Keukenhof Gardens.

What other places are visited besides Keukenhof?

The tour also visits a bulb farm in Lisse, Zaanse Schans windmill village, and Volendam fishing village.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is specified as included; bottled water is provided during transport.

Can infants or small children join the tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

Is there WiFi on board during transport?

Yes, WiFi is available on board your private vehicle throughout the day trip.

Are service animals permitted on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the private tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned Mercedes car or van with hotel pickup and bottled water along the way. You’ll get skip-the-line tickets for Keukenhof Gardens plus guidance from a local expert throughout each stop — from flower fields to windmills to Volendam’s harbor.