Apr 16 - Apr 25, 2025
Netherlands
Bountiful Holland: Tulips & Gardens by Riverboat
Program No. 22231RJ
The story of Dutch tulips is one of mystery, intrigue and a springtime symphony of more than 7 million bulbs in bloom. Voyage the rivers of Holland to experience this fascinating story.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
Apr 29 - May 8, 2025
Not seeing the date you're looking for?
To be notified if dates of this program become available, click the button below.
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
10 days
9 nights
20 meals
8B 5L 7D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
4
Amsterdam, Netherlands History
Amsterdam
5
Gouda, Free time
Gouda
6
Kinderdijk, Rotterdam
Rotterdam
7
Disembarkation, Aalsmeer
Amsterdam
8
Tulip Fields of the North
Amsterdam
9
Vincent Van Gogh, Free Time
Amsterdam
At a Glance
Imported from Turkey in 1593, tulips were once so prized that the Dutch used flower bulbs as currency. On this voyage through Holland, learn about the history of tulips while delighting in their vibrant splendor. Walk amid a vivid palette of colors in one of the world’s largest flower gardens, learn about tulips with a bulb farmer and explore the grounds where these now bountiful blooms first arrived in the Netherlands.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking between 2-4 miles per day; cobblestones and many unavoidable stairs; some use of public transportation.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Experience the world-famous Keukenhof Garden, where more than 7 million bulbs bloom each spring.
- Discover the collections of Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum.
- Meet a tulip bulb farmer and explore a bustling flower auction.
General Notes
This is a Road Scholar Large Group program. The number of participants in this program may be as high as 78; the whole group will be together for most lectures and meals. For some activities and field trips participants will be separated into groups of no more than 26 participants. Each group will have a dedicated Group Leader. The schedule for your group may vary from the published itinerary, but each group will have an opportunity to experience all program elements. If you are traveling with companions who are not your roommate and you would like to be grouped together, please list their names on your "Personal Information & Preferences" in your Road Scholar "My Account" page.
Suggested Reading List
(20 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Bountiful Holland: Tulips & Gardens by Riverboat
Program Number: 22231
Why the Dutch are Different
Mingling history with travelogue, Coates speaks to why the Netherlands is such fascinating country. He explains the significance of milk, beer and the color orange in the lives of the Dutch, their world-famous culture of tolerance and much more.
Fodor's Amsterdam with the Best of the Netherlands
The up-to-date Fodor's guide features invaluable recommendations on where to stay and eat and what to do throughout the Netherlands. Compact and portable, it's ideal for either a weekend trip or an extended visit.
Girl With a Pearl Earring
Chevalier's richly drawn novel imagines the story behind Vermeer's mysterious portrait of a turbaned girl with a pearl earring.
Benelux Map
Covering the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg at a scale of 1:400,000.
The Anatomy Lesson
A fictionalized account of the events surrounding Rembrandt’s first commissioned piece, the Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp. Well-researched and vivid with period details that transport the reader back to 1600s Amsterdam at the height of Dutch artistic vigor.
Rembrandt, Master of the Portrait
With over 200 illustrations, this pocket-size encyclopedia traces the life and career of artist Rembrandt von Rijn. It offers insight into his influence on the art of the portrait -- an illuminating companion for any visit to Amsterdam and its museums.
Tulip Fever
In this surprise bestseller, set in 1630s Amsterdam, a man contracts the talented painter Jan Van Loos to paint a portrait of him and his beautiful wife, Sophia. A vivid drama unfolds as a mutual attraction develops between Van Loos and Sophia.
The Netherlands in a Nutshell
With information on the Dutch East India Company, Huygens, Spinoza, Van Gogh, the Great Flood, the Dutch overseas colonies and much more, Van Oostrom's popular primer covers the essential highlights of Dutch history.
Girl in Hyacinth Blue
This finely-crafted novel tells the story of the girl in an imagined, undiscovered portrait by Vermeer. Created in the 17th century, the painting passes through a number of people's hands, providing a series of tales that reflect the history and character of Holland and Europe through the years.
The Autumn of the Middle Ages
A pioneering work of social and cultural history, this well translated classic is a richly detailed portrait of life, thought and art in 14th- and 15th-century France and the Netherlands.
Travels in Vermeer, A Memoir
In the wake of a vengeful divorce, an American poet travels to Amsterdam, The Hague, Delft, London, Washington and New York to find solace and inspiration in the paintings of Johannes Vermeer.
The Embarrassment of Riches
An engaging cultural history and much more, this book is a study of the Dutch in the 17th century and their surprising challenge to Spanish rule.
In the City of Bikes
Pedaling around the city on a "lumbering and sluggish" single-speed bicycle named Brownie, American expat and bike nut Pete Jordan turns his love of Amsterdam -- and of bicycles -- into an acutely observed cultural history of the city.
Delftware, History of a National Product
An illustrated, hardbound history of De Porceleyne Fles, the famous Delftware manufacturer that has been in operation for 350 years.
Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer
A British journalist, Winner interviews football stars -- along with architects, political scientists and novelists -- in this insightful, humorous look at the transformation of Dutch society since the 1970s.
Amsterdam, A History of the World's Most Liberal City
Russell Shorto opens this delightful ode to an adopted city with his daily journey, by bike of course, through his neighborhood to drop off his toddler son. He spins a tale of a diverse city wrestled from the sea, its coffee shops, canals and its personalities and politics, with panache.
Tulipomania
The story of the world's most coveted flower and the extraordinary passion it aroused, this vivid history traces the tulip from its origins on the Turkish steppes to its status as an absurdly desired object in Europe and its key role in the financial follies of 17th-century Holland.
A Worldly Art
This appreciative analysis of Dutch art in its Golden Age (1585-1718) features 100 exemplary illustrations by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Pieter de Hooch, Frans Hals and other Old Masters.
The Undutchables
A laugh-out-loud, irreverent guide to Dutch character and habits, including how to drink coffee and why you shouldn't even think about haggling over prices.
An Island in Time, The Biography of a Village
Mak returns to Jorwerd, the small Netherlands village of his childhood, to spend time with the villagers and learn both the pleasures and contemporary challenges of small town life.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
10 days
9 nights
What's Included
20 meals (
8B, 5L, 7D
)
3 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
8 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Amsterdam, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Haarlem
Meals:
D
Stay:
Carlton Square Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.; Elective activity walking up to 2 miles, approx. 1.5 hours, over cobblestones and city sidewalks.
Afternoon:
For those that arrive in time, you may join a local expert for an elective guided walk of Haarlem while you wait for your room to become available. Hotel check-in is available at 3:00 p.m. We may store our luggage with the front desk while we explore the area on our own while we wait for our rooms to be ready. After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 4:00 p.m. During orientation with your small group the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. Port stops and field trips are subject to change as weather and river conditions could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and possibly miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. The time available in each port is set by the cruise line, which may mean free time in port is limited. The cruise line reserves the right change the itinerary without prior notice. When possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times. Road Scholar delivers a robust educational program regardless of limitations. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
3
Tulip History, de Keukenhof Gardens, Embarkation
Location:
Amsterdam
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
MS Victor Hugo
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, riding approx. 41.5 miles, about 1.5 hours; Amount of walking at de Keukenhof Gardens dependent on personal interest; some uneven terrain in the gardens.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we will be joined by a historian for a lecture on the history of tulips and their cultural role in the region. We’ll then check out of the hotel and board a motorcoach for an all-day field trip at the Keukenhof, the Netherland’s most famous open-air flower park with about 6 million blooming bulbs. At your own pace, take time to explore the expansive grounds seeing many types of flora, stroll through greenhouses, and learn about the gorgeous flowers on site.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our self-led morning field trip at the Keukenhof. At a predetermined time and place, we’ll meet and transfer to the ship for embarkation. After we have completed embarkation processes and gotten our cabins, we will gather in the lounge for a safety briefing and an introduction to the ship’s crew.
Dinner:
Aboard the riverboat.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Amsterdam, Netherlands History
Location:
Amsterdam
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Victor Hugo
Activity Note
Getting on/off a canal vessel; Walking up to 3 miles, approximately 1 hour, over cobblestones, pavement, with occasional crowds.
Breakfast:
Aboard the riverboat.
Morning:
We’ll step off the riverboat for an expert-led walk through Amsterdam as we learn more about the city and its unique architecture. After concluding our walk, we will board our canal cruise for a unique view of Amsterdam and its beautiful canals from the water while returning to our riverboat. While we cruise along, we’ll learn about this fascinating city from a local expert on subjects such as aspects of history, water management practices, Amsterdam’s iconic architecture, and daily life. The ship will depart Amsterdam at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Lunch:
Aboard the riverboat.
Afternoon:
We will gather in the lounge with an expert for a lecture on The Netherlands, passing through its rich history to modern times. Then enjoy the passing scenery as we glide through Dutch canals and waterways.
Dinner:
Aboard the riverboat.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship will arrive in Gouda at approximately 8:00 p.m. and remain there overnight.
Day
5
Gouda, Free time
Location:
Gouda
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Victor Hugo
Activity Note
Walking about 3 miles, approximately 1.5 hours total, periods of standing; generally flat terrain, pavement and cobblestone sections. Extent/duration of walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Aboard the riverboat.
Morning:
We’ll step off the riverboat for an expert-led walking field trip through this charming town, made famous for its cheese. This city was chartered in 1272 where the small rivers Gouwe and Holland Ijsell meet. It became a major trading hub in the 15th and 16th centuries. At the conclusion of the walk, take some time for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Gouda. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Lunch:
On board, or you may choose to stay and dine on your own in Gouda. Please inform the ship if you plan to dine on your own.
Afternoon:
In the late afternoon, we will meet our Group Leader for a wine and cheese tasting at a local establishment.
Dinner:
On board, or you may choose to stay and dine on your own in Gouda. Please inform the ship if you plan to dine on your own.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship will remain in Gouda overnight.
Day
6
Kinderdijk, Rotterdam
Location:
Rotterdam
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Victor Hugo
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, riding approx. 34 miles, about 3 hours; Walking about 4 miles throughout the day, approximately 5 hours; cobblestones and pavement.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
The ship will depart Gouda at approximately 5:00 a.m. Upon arrival at the dock in Kinderdijk, we will step off the ship and set out on a field trip to see the 19 windmills that are part of this UNESCO World Heritage site are only part of the story. Today we will learn about Dutch water management from a local expert as we explore the area. We will board the ship and continue our journey to Rotterdam.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we step off of the ship for a guided walk of Rotterdam taking in sights such as the Cubic Houses and the Market Hall. At the conclusion of the walk, take some time for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Rotterdam. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On board, or you may choose to dine on your own Rotterdam. Please inform the ship if you plan to dine on your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for an early disembarkation in the morning. The ship will depart Rotterdam at approximately 9:00 p.m.
Day
7
Disembarkation, Aalsmeer
Location:
Amsterdam
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Park Plaza Victoria
Activity Note
Disembarkation by 6:30 a.m. Luggage will be transferred to the hotel separately from the group, so please make sure you have everything you need for the day; Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles throughout the day, approximately 1 total riding time hour. Walking and standing, approximately 3 hours, during field trip.
Breakfast:
Early breakfast on board.
Morning:
Early this morning, after completing disembarkation, we’ll board a motorcoach and ride to the iconic “bollenstreek” (bulb region) in Aalsmeer. The excavated dunes and the healthy sea air have exactly the right ingredients to allow flower bulbs to grow optimally. We’ll visit Royal Flora Holland, the world’s largest flower auction. While the auction now takes place fully online, we will learn about the history of the auction and flower production from our Group Leader as we take in the hustle and bustle of the trade center. We’ll then take a short drive to visit a Dutch greenhouse where we’ll learn from a local expert about the growing of plants and flowers in the Netherlands.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll take a field trip to a local farm and meet a bulb-farmer who will teach us about tulip-specific farming and what it takes to grow healthy flowers. We’ll board a motorcoach and ride back to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, we will walk to the hotel for check-in. After getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before we meet for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Tulip Fields of the North
Location:
Amsterdam
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Park Plaza Victoria
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; Riding up to 3 hours total; Walking up to 2 miles, approx. 1 hour; Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board our motorcoach for a visit to the vast tulip fields of the north. Upon arrival, we will walk through the tulip fields with a local tulip grower while learning about the planting and harvesting process, the impact of climate and sustainability practices, and the economic importance of tulips in the region.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board our motorcoach and return to Amsterdam. The remainder of the afternoon is free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Amsterdam. This would be a good time to visit the Anne Frank House (see Program Notes). The Group Leader will also be happy to make suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Vincent Van Gogh, Free Time
Location:
Amsterdam
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Park Plaza Victoria
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation, riding about 20 minutes; Walking approximately 2.5 hours throughout the day; standing up to 1 hour in museum. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will gather in the hotel for a lecture by an art historian focused on the life and works of Van Gogh. We’ll set out on foot to Central Station and take the tram to the Van Gogh Musuem for an expert led field trip to see the masterpieces of this Dutch master of post-impressionism. Our group activity will conclude in the late morning, but tickets will be valid for the entire day. Re-entry is not permitted.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take advantage of your all-day ticket to the Van Gogh Museum and continue exploring on your own. Or, you might like to visit the nearby Rijksmuseum with its more than 8,000 works on display at any given time (see Program Notes).
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Program Concludes, In Transit from Program
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
MEALS
20 Meals
8 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
7 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Apr 29, 2025 - May 08, 2025
- Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025 (Haarlem to Amsterdam)
- Apr 29, 2025 - May 08, 2025 (Haarlem to Amsterdam)
Participant Reviews
Based on 21 Reviews
Sort By:
Great program in all ways for the reasonably "Keep The Pace" person. Guides excellent, days varied & well balanced, combination of cruise ship & hotel fun & participants interesting & friendly, An A++ trip.
— Review left April 30, 2024
The Tulip Festival is a wonderful trip to take.
— Review left April 26, 2024
Excellent program if you love flowers, Dutch history and art!
— Review left April 23, 2024
Bountiful Holland is a wonderful program. However, before you decide to go, there are a few things to keep in mind. The weather can be very rainy and cold so be prepared! There is a lot of walking on wet, uneven stones, sometimes having to evade many bicycles. The ship is nice, but be prepared for tiny cabins and a shower that’s the entire bathroom. Also, there will be huge crowds at the Keukenhof and Rijksmuseum.
— Review left April 23, 2024
If you love flowers, you will appreciate the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens and learn the history behind growing, auctioning, and shipping the bulbs throughout the world. This program was a wonderful tour of Holland and the Netherlands.
— Review left May 14, 2023
This is a special program with a visit to see the million of tulips at the Keukenhof Gardens. It was almost overwhelming. Time to visit the Van Gogh museum and the Anne Frank House made it special. Finally a visit to the Rijksmuseum topped the Amsterdam visit. A visit to the flower auction as well as visit to see how the tulip bulbs are grown outside and chrysanthemums in the greenhouse was very informative. How to rank Gouda cheese according to time to ripen was included in a wine and cheese tasting.
— Review left May 8, 2023
You will thorougly enjoy visiting this beautiful and intriguing country!
— Review left April 24, 2023
This program really gave me a good understanding of spring bulbs and flowers. Visiting Keukenhof Gardens was a beautiful display of all the spring flowers and flowering trees. The bulb auction and flower farms were so interesting. Would recommend this program to any flower lovers.
— Review left April 24, 2023
The trip to Holland was just wonderful. We saw all you'd expect to see (tulips, windmills, canals), but there was so much more. It was simply fun.
— Review left May 18, 2022
A great time! The experiences were interesting, informative, varied and special! RS is my selected travel companion!
— Review left May 12, 2022
I went for tulips, and left with so much more. This program is great for packing in so many different experiences in a week. River boating combined with central hotel location, big city sightseeing mixed with strolling through small towns, flowers, cheese, art, architecture, history, water/land management, etc.. There were 65 in the group, but people were great about trying to meet and interact with one another. This was a bucket list trip that had been cancelled twice due to COVID, so the third time was definitely worth the wait.
— Review left May 9, 2022
Before I went on this Road Scholar journey, I thought of the Netherlands as tulips, windmills and cheese. I learned that this country is so much more than that and has made some really important contributions to world history. I liked the tulips, windmills and cheese also. And I learned a lot about 17th century Dutch painting. It's a good program!
— Review left May 3, 2022
The Bountiful Holland trip was amazing!! I learned so much about the country, the culture, the flower and bulb
industry, the art and the architecture. We were always kept busy, engaged and well fed! I highly recommend this program.
— Review left April 25, 2022
We learned just how much more there is to the raising and growing of flowers than I would ever have expected!
— Review left June 4, 2019
This was a well-paced tour with many interesting highlights. I fell in love with The Netherlands and its people. You will too.
— Review left May 20, 2019
Bountiful Holland: Tulips & Gardens By Riverboat was very interesting and seeing all the beautiful flowers and even how they are sold was exciting. Staying on a riverboat for 4 nights was a nice bonus.
— Review left May 12, 2019
If you have always wanted to see the beautiful tulips in Holland this is the trip for you. Every program and tour was informative and well run by the knowledgeable guides who are with you every day. The hotel and river boat were both very nice and the employees very helpful and friendly. I met new people from all over the United States at mealtime. Just change tables every night to make new friends. Lots of walking but chances to rest in between for lunch.
— Review left May 7, 2019
Who knew there was so much to learn about the flower industry? I went for the tulips, but I learned so much more! Highly recommend this trip.
— Review left May 6, 2019
I would like to request that you stop sending Road Scholar materials to me. I get far too much mail. I have taken several enjoyable trips with Road Scholar but I think that getting older and less able to manage travel by myself means that it is time to stop. Thank you for making it possible for me to travel in the past.
— Review left May 6, 2019
This program was excellent. Activities and sites visited were interesting and educational. Group leaders and local guides and lecturers were superb. It is an itinerary that gave a wonderful view of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Gouda Leiden, and all that these sites offer, as well as insight into the flower producing enterprises that exist in the Netherlands,
— Review left May 5, 2019
The experience in Amsterdam and surrounding areas is full of beauty and history. So much to see and one gets an appreciation for a different way of life.
— Review left May 4, 2019
