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Experience the best tulip cruise in The Netherlands

Relax on an unforgettable journey and immerse yourself in the beauty of the iconic Dutch tulip fields with the best tulip cruise in The Netherlands. Aurora offers the best tulip cruise which brings you to the highlights of The Netherlands. The cruise is not only a visual delight but also a sensory experience. The fragrance of the flowers and the soothing sound of the rippling water create an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer in search of the perfect shot, or simply seeking relaxation, this Tulip river cruise caters to a diverse range of interests.

What is the route of the tulip cruise?

Luxury hotel barge Aurora’s route takes you past beautiful places in the Netherlands. From the port city of Rotterdam to the cheese city of the Netherlands: Gouda. Along the way, stops are made in different cities to do typical Dutch activities, such as a tour of the world’s largest tulip garden and to visiting the windmills.

The route of the tulip river cruise of Aurora

The route of Aurora’s tulip river cruise takes you past along several beautiful places in the Netherlands. With the highlight being the stop at the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens.

The itinerary starts in Schiedam. This little town has some amazing sights including six of the world’s largest working traditional windmills, a glass museum, a chocolate art factory and a historic boat harbour. It is also famous for its Jenever (Dutch gin) distilleries – the most famous being the Nolet distillery (we are moored right under their mill). Then the ship will take you to Delft to visit the typical tableware factory. From Delft, the route will continue to beautiful Leiden. The city with the beautiful canals and the oldest university in the Netherlands. Leiden is also the city of the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens: the largest tulip garden in the world.

After the visit to Keukenhof, the trip will continue to Haarlem. Haarlem is home to the oldest museum in Holland – Teylers museum as well as Frans Hals Museum founded in 1862 with its vast collection of Old Masters. Other highlights include many great buildings such as the late Gothic masterpiece St. Bavo’s Cathedral on the main square, graced by the fact that both Handel and Mozart played the magnificent Muller organ there. After Haarlem, there will be a visit to the colourful village of the Zaanse Schans. This is an open-air conservation area and museum, giving you a vivid impression of the Dutch way of life in the 17th and 18th centuries. This historical area consists of authentic houses and windmills, a historic shipyard, a pewter factory, a cheese and dairy farm, and an age-old grocery store dating back to the 1900‘s.

The route continues through the heart of Amsterdam, onwards through Alphen aan den Rijn and finally ends in Gouda. This city is also called the City of Cheese. Its weigh house currently serves as a home to tourist office and it is here that the weighing and trading of cheese used to take place. Near the weigh house many outdoor cafés can be found. Gouda is also famous for its candles, pipes, stroopwafels and St John’s church with the magnificent stained-glass windows, a UNESCO heritage site

After the visit to Gouda, the tulip cruise comes to an end. We will say goodbye to each other, and you will be dropped off at your hotel, the airport, or another place of your choice.

The highlights of the tulip cruise

The best tulip cruise takes you to the highlight of the Netherlands: the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. During the day cruise, visit this beautiful field full of colourful tulips and learn more about this beautiful flower. In addition, the village of the Zaanse Schans is a typical Dutch village, with colourful houses. Here you will go back in time for a while and discover more about the Dutch culture. From the Zaanse Schans, it is possible to take a trip to Volendam, where you can enjoy typical Dutch fish dishes, including fresh herring.

aurora cruiseship luxury barge

What is the best time for a tulip cruise in The Netherlands?

The best time for a tulip cruise in the Netherlands is typically during the spring season, specifically from early April to early May. This is when the tulips are in full bloom, creating vibrant and picturesque landscapes across the Dutch countryside. The exact timing may vary slightly depending on weather conditions and other factors, so it’s advisable to check with tour operators or local sources for the most accurate information. During this period, many cruise tours and flower-related events take place, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the stunning beauty of the tulip fields in full bloom.

The best time to visit the Keukenhof tulip gardens

The Keukenhof Gardens are renowned for their stunning displays of tulips and other flowers. The best time to visit The Keukenhof is during its open season, which typically runs during Holland’s tulip season, which is from mid-March to mid-May.

The peak blooming period for tulips at Keukenhof is usually around mid-April. During this time, you can witness the vibrant colours of millions of tulips in full bloom, creating a breathtaking and picturesque scene. It’s advisable to plan your visit during this period to experience the gardens at their most stunning. Keep in mind that the specific timing of peak bloom can vary based on weather conditions and the particular varieties of tulips planted each year.

Don’t forget to bring your camera, as the colourful flower fields provide the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable moments. The tulip cruise is available during the flowering season, usually in spring when the fields come alive with a variety of colours.

Opt for the ultimate Dutch experience and secure your spot on the best tulip cruise today with our lovely barge Aurora. Let yourself be captivated by the beauty of the tulip season and enjoy a leisurely Dutch barge cruise through the breathtaking landscape of The Netherlands.

The costs of a tulip cruise

On Aurora, you’ll enter an oasis of calm: an all-inclusive ultra-deluxe inland cruise, a tailor-made journey for those seeking unparalleled luxury. Your 7-day escape includes a double suite with an en-suite bathroom, divine meals from first dinner to last breakfast, and a selection of table wines and alcoholic beverages. Take part in daily guided excursions to museums, castles, galleries, and much more. All this along with a personalized service and tour guide.

For more information about our pricing, please visit our Rates page.

“Thank you for those people who make us happy for they are the gardeners of our souls! Thank you so very much for creating the ambience and barging our family through one of the most amazing weeks. We loved the food and the wine, the wonderful attention you gave us!”

- Lawrence Rockefeller, Rockefeller Centre, New York, USA -

“There is no water on the Moon! Canals on Mars are a hoax! Nothing can compare with a barge trip – a great relaxing trip with neat friends from Los Angeles. Thanks ever so much!”

- Buzz Aldrin, APOLLO XI

“Beautiful ship… Great to meet you! Sorry you were unable to come to the set!”

- Robert de Niro, USA -
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