Holland/Belgium Tulip Cruise w/ garden expert Claire Jones 2026
Overview
Holland/Belgium Tulip Cruise w/ garden expert Claire Jones 2026
Tour 2 Explore More
47 reviews
Apr 27 - May 8, 2026
Holland/Belgium Tulip Cruise w/ garden expert Claire Jones 2026
Belgium and The Netherlands
Apr 27 - May 8, 2026
Tour 2 Explore More
47 reviews
$5,790
Deposit: $500
About your trip
This custom tour includes 1 night in Amsterdam, a 7-night river cruise and 3 nights in Utrecht plus so much more!
Springtime in Holland and Belgium is paradise on earth. Well-known for its tulips, the region is also bursting with other flowering bulbs and blossoms. The wonderous waterways and the culture of the region are on full display in the spring and we have selected the best of the best for your visit
During this 12-day tour, we will enjoy a curated array of breathtaking gardens with time to enjoy what we are seeing. You will delight in the company of fellow garden enthusiasts plus opportunities to explore for non-gardeners. We have created a tour with less time on a coach so that you have more time for fun, experiences and exploration.
We begin with 1 night in Amsterdam (optional extra nights will be available if you want to arrive early) Our next 7 nights will include cruising the waterways in the evenings and custom shore excursions for our group each day. We will be on the new luxury ship Amara, launched in 2025. Our final 3 nights will be in the town of Utrecht which is similar to Amsterdam but with far fewer tourists and closer to the gardens we will be visiting.
The shore excursions will feature gardens with plenty of time to experience and enjoy, including Keukenhoff with the largest flowering bulb display gardens in the world. We also expect to visit the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken which are only open to the public for a few weeks each spring.
The tour will be accompanied by garden expert, Claire Jones. The group will also have 3 Dutch guides which will enable breaking into smaller groups sometimes. Hans has been a tour guide for decades plus he is an avid gardener. Lula has about a decade of experience, including leading a consortium of independent guides. Oisin is a bit newer as a guide but he has knowledge and enthusiasm to spare.
The tour was designed by Lois Moss of Tour 2 Explore More. She has visited the area twice to look at gardens and toured dozens of hotels. She also experienced the cruise in 2025. Lois has been creating garden-focused tours for 9 years.
The combination of plant knowledge and organizing exceptional tours will make this a magical, memorable experience. There are scores of gardens to choose from in this part of the world - this itinerary features the cream of the crop.
While on the ship, a crew of 45 people will be ensuring that you have a memorable experience!
Additional Terms and Conditions apply. For the daily itinerary and the entire Terms and Conditions, download the brochure using the Download button. You can also contact Lois Moss at Tour2ExploreMore@gmail.com to receive a PDF electronic copy of the tour details
What's included
11 nights accommodation
1 night Amsterdam, 7 nights river cruise on the luxurious ship Amadeus Amara, 3 nights Utrecht
Custom shore excursions
During the cruise portion, our group will enjoy custom shore excursions which are included in the tour price. We will have our own charter coach to visit exceptional gardens
14 meals
11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 9 Dinners
Drinks, etc
Soft drinks, coffee/tea, beer and wine are included with meals aboard the ship
Touring gorgeous gardens
We expect to visit private gardens, Keukenhoff Gdns, De Wiersse, Arboretum Kalmthout, Plantentuin Meise, Castle De Haar, Palais Het Loo and more
Independent time
We are staying in the same hotel for 3 nights, making it ideal for people who want to have more independent time or alternatives to gardens such as hiking, cycling, antiquing or shopping
Transportation
We will have a charter coach and local driver while we are in the countryside. For Amsterdam, we will use taxis so that it is convenient and flexible
Airport pick-up
Transportation from Amsterdam AMS airport to the hotel is included in the tour, using a shuttle van or taxis
Airport drop-off
Transportation from Utrecht to Amsterdam AMS airport via train is included in the tour. If you prefer a taxi, we can schedule it for you at an additional cost
Taxes, fees and tips
Gratuities for the driver, guides and other staff are included in the tour price
Expert hosts and guides
The tour will be hosted by garden expert Claire Jones and tour manager Lois Moss. Their bios. We will also have numerous local experts and guides throughout the tour
Professional credentials
Tour 2 Explore More LLC is a member of NTA (National Tours Association) and ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors).
Tour operator insurance
Tour 2 Explore More LLC has tour operator insurance with Berkshire Hathaway
Convenient, secure pmts
You can pay using your credit card or ACH electronic transfer on this secure, encrypted booking software. Paying online is more secure than sending traditional paper checks in the mail
Additional information
Additional Terms and Conditions apply. For the daily itinerary and the entire Terms and Conditions, download the brochure using the Download button or email Lois Moss at Tour2ExploreMore@gmail.com
More than 8 months
From registration until August 20, 2025 all deposits are fully-refundable
Cancellations & Refunds
A withdrawal from a tour after August 21, regardless of the reason, is subject to the following terms:
8 months before the tour
From August 22, 2025 to December 20, 2025, the withdrawal fee is $500 per person
4 months before the tour
From December 21, 2025 to February 20, 2026, the withdrawal fee is $800 per person
2 months before the tour
After February 21, 2026 the tour deposit and all installments are forfeited. You are welcome to find a replacement who can take your place, in which case your deposits will apply towards their tour
2% Cash Back
You can pay using credit card or ACH. If you pay using ACH electronic transfer instead of by credit card, you will receive 2% cash back. Your cash back payment will be sent to you on February 22, 2026
What's not included
Airfare
If you would like help booking airfare, we partner with an experienced travel advisor. You can contact Brian Huyvaert of Timezoneless Travels, 630-776-1802 (Pacific Time), Brian@Timezoneless.com
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended. Some policies require purchase soon after your first deposit. Brian can help you decide what may be best for your circumstances. Brian@Timezoneless.com
Meals not listed
We value your time and individual preferences, so any meals not listed in the itinerary are your choice.
Additional hotel nights
If you want to visit Amsterdam longer, optional pre-tour hotel nights will be available.
Personal expenses
About your organizer
Tour 2 Explore More
47 reviews
Lois Moss, the owner of Tour 2 Explore More, is a former CPA and co-founder of a chain of bicycle stores. She also created a non-profit that focused on advocacy for pedestrians and cyclists. After moving from Ohio to Oregon, she jumped into gardening. She has been organizing tours for garden clubs and horticulture groups since 2015, primarily to California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, England, the Philadelphia-area and Japan.
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