Amsterdam: Tulip Farm, Keukenhof & Windmill Cruise Day Trip

Summary

Keukenhof gardens, tulip fields and windmills in one easy day from Amsterdam

You’ll meet real Dutch farmers near Amsterdam, taste homemade apple pie in their kitchen, cruise past windmills on peaceful canals, and lose yourself among millions of tulips at Keukenhof Gardens. This day trip brings together Holland’s colors and stories in a way you’ll feel long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the air to smell so green. We left Amsterdam early — not too early, thankfully — and by the time our little group reached the tulip farm outside the city, I’d already forgotten about the drizzle back in town. Daan met us at the edge of his fields, boots muddy and eyes bright. He waved us in with a grin and started telling stories about his grandfather’s first tulips. The rows stretched out like stripes under a sky that couldn’t decide if it wanted to rain or shine. I tried to pronounce “hyacinth” in Dutch; Daan laughed (kindly) and handed me a slice of Anja’s apple pie — still warm, cinnamon everywhere.

The windmill cruise was quieter than I thought it’d be. Maybe everyone was just soaking it in: water lapping against the boat, those old wooden giants turning slowly along the banks. Our guide pointed out which villages had been here for centuries, fighting off floods with nothing but clever engineering and stubbornness. There was this moment when we drifted past a field of daffodils — yellow so bright it almost hurt my eyes — and someone up front whispered something about “Dutch light.” I get what they meant now.

Keukenhof Gardens felt almost unreal after all that open farmland — like stepping into a painting where every color is turned up just a bit too high. It’s busy, sure, but you can always find a quiet path if you wander far enough (I did). The map they gave us helped more than I expected; otherwise I’d probably still be lost among those seven million flowers. By late afternoon my shoes were muddy and my phone full of photos that don’t really capture how it felt to stand there with all those blooms around you. Still thinking about that apple pie though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tulip farm, windmill cruise, Keukenhof visit

• Take free ferry from Amsterdam Central
• Walk to This is Holland building
• Meet tulip farmer Daan and family
• Tour tulip fields and take photos
• Enjoy homemade apple pie by Anja
• Take windmill boat cruise
• Travel by air-conditioned bus through tulip fields
• Explore Keukenhof Gardens at leisure

Top questions

How do I get to the tour departure point from Amsterdam Central Station?

You take the free ferry from platform F3 behind Central Station toward Buiksloterweg; it’s a 3-minute ride followed by a short walk to “This is Holland.”

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No full lunch is included, but you can buy homemade apple pie at the tulip farm during your visit.

Are entrance fees for Keukenhof Gardens included?

Yes, your ticket covers entry to Keukenhof Gardens as part of the tour.

Is transportation provided throughout the day?

Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle takes you between all stops on this day trip from Amsterdam.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, you’ll have a driver-guide for insights and stories throughout the trip.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants are welcome; they can ride in a pram or must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

How long does the windmill cruise last?

The scenic windmill cruise lasts approximately one hour as part of your itinerary.

Is there time to explore Keukenhof Gardens on my own?

Yes, you’ll have free time at Keukenhof Gardens to explore at your own pace using an included map.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Amsterdam at “This is Holland,” guided visit at Daan & Anja’s tulip farm (with time for fresh apple pie), all transport by air-conditioned bus through flower fields, a one-hour scenic windmill cruise past historic villages, entrance fees for Keukenhof Gardens plus an official map to help you wander among millions of blooms before heading back to Amsterdam in comfort.