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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Netherlands in Springtime

Five-day springtime tour from London to Amsterdam via Eurostar and Dutch rail

Illustration of Netherlands in Springtime

Great Rail Journeys operates this five-day springtime escape to the Netherlands, beginning with Eurostar Standard Class travel from London St Pancras to Rotterdam and concluding with the return journey. The tour is based in Utrecht for four nights, offering a stable home from which to explore the Dutch bulb belt and historic cities by rail and coach. Day 1 includes a guided visit to the Royal Delft porcelain factory, famous for hand-painted blue-and-white ceramics since the 17th century. Day 3 features Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse, where approximately seven million tulips, daffodils, and spring bulbs bloom in orchestrated displays that resemble famous artworks. Day 4 brings a guided Amsterdam tour covering Dam Square, medieval Begijnhof houses, and the Amstel's skinny bridge, followed by free time for museums and independent wandering. Day 2 is entirely free to explore Utrecht's canals, medieval buildings, and Dom Tower at leisure. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout. Breakfast is provided daily; two dinners are included.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary note states that on the 28 April departure, Days 2 and 4 are swapped; confirm your specific departure schedule with Great Rail Journeys before booking to see which cities you visit on which days.
  • Maximum group size is 40 people; the tour is not a small-group experience.
  • Dinner is included only on Days 1 and 4; on Day 2 dinner is not included and must be arranged independently.
  • Optional museum and attraction entries in Amsterdam (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank's House) are not included and require separate payment and advance booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Utrecht

    London to Utrecht via Delft

    Meet the Tour Manager and travelling group at London St Pancras to board the Eurostar to Rotterdam. On arrival, continue by coach to Delft for a guided tour of the Royal Delft porcelain factory, famous for manufacturing Delft Blue pottery. Free time to explore Delft, once the seat of the royal house of Orange and birthplace of Johannes Vermeer. Transfer to hotel in central Utrecht for four nights; get to know the group over dinner.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Utrecht

    Day at leisure to explore historic Utrecht

    Free day to explore Utrecht at your own pace. Highlights include the Dom Tower (tallest church tower in the Netherlands), tree-lined canals, attractive medieval buildings, the Rail Museum set in a restored 19th-century train station, and Castle De Haar just outside the city. Dinner is on your own. Note: on the 28th April departure, Days 2 and 4 are swapped and a guided tour of Amsterdam takes place today instead.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Utrecht

    Stunning springtime blooms at Keukenhof Gardens

    Transfer by coach to the incredible Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse, one of the world's largest flower gardens, open only from end of March to beginning of May. Marvel at dazzling spring blooms, daffodils, tulips and other spring plants arranged to resemble famous works of art, with approximately seven million bulbs planted each year. Free time to wander at your own pace. Return to hotel; rest of day free to explore or relax.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Utrecht

    Guided tour of Amsterdam

    Travel by rail to Amsterdam for a sightseeing tour with an expert local guide, taking in Dam Square, the Begijnhof (medieval houses), Kalverstraat shopping street, and the 'skinny bridge' over the River Amstel. Free time to explore independently, options include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank's House (advance booking recommended), and Body Worlds. Return to Utrecht by rail for a farewell dinner at the hotel. Note: on the 28th April departure, Days 2 and 4 are swapped and today is a day at leisure in Utrecht.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, travel by rail to Rotterdam and board the Eurostar service back to London St Pancras, where the holiday comes to an end.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Guided tour of the Royal Delft porcelain factory, where hand-painted Delft Blue pottery has been manufactured since the 17th century.
  • Day 3Visit Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse during peak springtime bloom, where approximately seven million bulbs, tulips, daffodils, and spring plants, are planted and arranged to resemble famous works of art.
  • Day 4Guided sightseeing tour of Amsterdam with an expert local guide, including Dam Square, medieval Begijnhof houses, Kalverstraat shopping street, and the skinny bridge over the River Amstel.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 4 nights' 3-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Standard Class travel
  • Standard Class rail travel throughout
  • All coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast each day
  • 2 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes Eurostar Standard Class from London St Pancras to Rotterdam and return, plus Standard Class rail travel throughout the tour between Dutch cities.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. A UK Tour Manager travels with the group from departure at London St Pancras through the return, managing accommodation, transport, and guiding.
What is included in the price?
Four nights in a 3-star hotel (Hampton by Hilton Utrecht Central Station), Eurostar and Dutch rail fares, coach transfers, all guided tours and excursions, breakfast daily, two dinners, and expertise of the Tour Manager.
When does Keukenhof Gardens open?
Keukenhof is open from the end of March to the beginning of May. This tour is scheduled to visit during peak bloom.
What is not included?
Travel insurance, museum entries in Amsterdam (such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, or Anne Frank's House), most dinners, and optional Eurostar Plus Class upgrades.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes guided walking tours in Delft and Amsterdam, and free time to walk through Utrecht's historic centre, canals, and surrounding areas. Day 3 involves walking at your own pace through Keukenhof Gardens.

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