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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Keukenhof Tulips, Canals & Amsterdam in Springtime

Six-day escorted spring tour through Dutch gardens, canals, windmills from London

Illustration of Keukenhof Tulips, Canals & Amsterdam in Springtime

Great Rail Journeys operates this six-day escorted tour through the Netherlands in spring, departing London St Pancras on Eurostar Plus and returning the same way. The itinerary is based in Utrecht, a 4-star hotel in the city centre, from which day trips and excursions radiate. After arriving mid-afternoon on Day 1, you explore Utrecht's colourful canals and historical centre. Day 2 brings a guided tour of Amsterdam, including Dam Square and the Begijnhof, and an afternoon canal cruise viewing 17th-century gabled houses along the World Heritage Canal Ring. Day 3 is devoted to Keukenhof Gardens, where you wander at leisure through themed gardens displaying over 7 million spring bulbs. Day 4 is completely free in Utrecht; main attractions within walking distance include the 14th-century Dom Tower and the Dutch National Railway Museum.

What to know before you look closer

  • Single supplement is GBP 700 (priceSingleFrom GBP 2,499 versus priceFrom GBP 1,799), a substantial add-on; confirm the final hotel rate before booking.
  • Group size capped at 30 participants; confirm final departure and group composition with Great Rail Journeys.
  • Day 4 is completely free in Utrecht; some travellers may prefer structured activities throughout.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Utrecht

    By rail to the historical city of Utrecht

    Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras to board the Eurostar service to Rotterdam, travelling in Plus class with a light meal served at seats. Change trains in Rotterdam to Utrecht, arriving mid-afternoon. The hotel is a short walk from the station. Free time to explore Utrecht, described as 'the cosy alternative' to Amsterdam, with colourful canals, historical buildings and lively cafés. First dinner at the hotel this evening.

    Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Utrecht

    Guided tour of enchanting Amsterdam

    After a buffet breakfast, catch the train to Amsterdam for a guided tour with a local guide, seeing Dam Square, the Begijnhof, Kalverstraat, and the 'skinny bridge' over the River Amstel. Free time over lunch to visit the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, or Anne Frank's house. Afternoon canal cruise along Amsterdam's World Heritage Canal Ring aboard a glass-topped boat, viewing 17th-century gabled houses and quaint bridges. Return by train to Utrecht for a free evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Utrecht

    The inspiring gardens of Keukenhof

    Coach transfer to Keukenhof Gardens (entry included) for most of the day to wander through several themed gardens at leisure. The gardens display over 7 million daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and other spring-flowering bulbs, open only from end of March to beginning of May. Each exhibition area includes a shop and café or restaurant; the Mill area includes a small boat and picnic area. Transferred back to the hotel in Utrecht around mid-afternoon, with the rest of the day and evening at leisure. Note: on the mid-April departure, Days 3 and 4 are reversed.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Utrecht

    Exploring the diverse attractions of Utrecht

    Completely free day in Utrecht. Main attractions within walking distance include the 14th-century Dom Tower, the Spoorwegmuseum (Dutch National Railway Museum), and the Centraal Museum with art, design and fashion. Green spaces include Wilhelmina Park. On the outskirts is Castle De Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands, reachable by train or bus.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Utrecht

    A nostalgic trip on the Medemblik Steam Train

    Drive to Hoorn for a self-guided tour of the Hoorn Steam Train Museum (entry included). Board the Medemblik Steam Train, operating this route since 1887, for a scenic heritage journey through tulip fields, windmills and quaint villages to the West Friesland town of Medemblik on the Ijsselmeer. Free time for lunch in Medemblik. Afternoon coach transfer to Zaanse Schans for a guided tour of a windmill, a weaver's house and a cheese maker, followed by free time to explore the clog workshop, bakery museum and craft shops. Transfer back to the hotel for a final dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6rail

    Homeward bound

    Leisurely breakfast and free final morning in Utrecht. Meet at the station to catch the train to Rotterdam, then join the Eurostar service back to London St Pancras, travelling in Plus class with a light meal. On arrival at London St Pancras, free to make your way home.

    Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board Eurostar Plus (First Class) at London St Pancras and travel to Rotterdam with a light meal served at your seat, then train to Utrecht.
  • Day 2Guided tour of Amsterdam includes Dam Square, the Begijnhof, and the skinny bridge over the River Amstel, followed by a glass-topped boat canal cruise through the World Heritage Canal Ring viewing 17th-century gabled houses.
  • Day 3Coach transfer to Keukenhof Gardens for a self-guided wander through themed gardens displaying over 7 million daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and spring-flowering bulbs, open only from end of March to beginning of May.
  • Day 5Board the Medemblik Steam Train at Hoorn, operating this route since 1887, for a scenic heritage journey through tulip fields, windmills and quaint villages to Medemblik on the Ijsselmeer, then visit windmills and traditional craftspeople at Zaanse Schans.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 5 nights 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus (First Class) rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Eurostar light meals (outbound and return)
  • Breakfast each day
  • 2 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Entry to Keukenhof Gardens
  • Entry to Hoorn Steam Train Museum
  • Medemblik Steam Train ride
  • Amsterdam canal cruise
  • Guided tour of Amsterdam
  • Guided tour of a windmill at Zaanse Schans
  • Visit to weaver's house and cheese maker at Zaanse Schans

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. The from-price includes Eurostar Plus (First Class) outbound and return between London St Pancras and Rotterdam, rail connections to and from Utrecht, the Medemblik Steam Train ride, and all other rail and coach transport during the tour.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar Plus (First Class) from London St Pancas to Rotterdam on both arrival and departure, regional trains from Rotterdam to Utrecht and around the Netherlands, and the Medemblik Steam Train (a heritage railway operating since 1887) from Hoorn to Medemblik.
What accommodation is included?
Five nights in the NH Utrecht Hotel, a 4-star property, with breakfast each day. The hotel is a short walk from Utrecht Central Station.
When does the tour run?
Great Rail Journeys operates departures in March 2027, April 2027, and May 2027. Keukenhof Gardens are open end of March to beginning of May only.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
The tour is escorted. A UK Tour Manager travels with the group from London St Pancras through to the end. Amsterdam and Hoorn include guided tours with local guides; other days combine guided excursions with free time.
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day, two dinners (Day 1 in Utrecht and Day 5), and light meals on Eurostar Plus both outbound and return. Lunch is free on Days 2 and 5.

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