Visit the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans and enjoy the blooming dahlias at the gardens of Keukenhof Castle, with time for lunch and scenic Dutch countryside views on this private guided tour.
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Period: mid-August to mid-October
Explore the famous windmills of Zaanse Schans and discover the colourful dahlia show gardens of the Keukenhof and Bollenstreek region in this private Dahlias and Windmills tour.
Together we will escape the city crowds and discover the beautiful Dutch countryside. At Zaanse Schans, wander among working historic windmills, see traditional Dutch houses and workshops, learn about cheese and clog making, and enjoy panoramic views of the river and countryside.
In the afternoon we will visit the Dahlia Days festival at Keukenhof Castle and one of the nearby show gardens, where you will be able to take in the incredible beauty and variety of thousands of dahlias in almost every colour you can imagine.
In this private tour, we will take care of you throughout the day. Your private guide will pick you up from your hotel in a luxury car or minivan, and drive you to the beautiful Dutch countryside.
You don’t have to worry, all of the entrance fees are also included.
Zaanse Schans is only about 25 minutes from Amsterdam by car, one of the easiest private day trips from Amsterdam. We travel door to door so you can enjoy the windmills and gardens at your own pace.
You will visit the working windmills of Zaanse Schans, traditional crafts such as clog-making and cheese-making, and, in season, the colourful dahlia gardens at Keukenhof Castle.
Zaanse Schans is lovely all year round. The dahlias are at their best in late summer and early autumn, roughly August to October.
Absolutely. As a private tour, we shape the day around what you enjoy, from windmills and crafts to the gardens.
This private tour combines two classic Dutch experiences in one relaxed day: historic windmills and seasonal flowers, without the crowds of large group tours. At Zaanse Schans, you explore working windmills and traditional villages with a knowledgeable private guide who explains how these landscapes shaped Dutch life.
The visit to Keukenhof Castle adds a quieter, more intimate garden experience focused on dahlias in bloom, paired with time for lunch in a historic setting. It is ideal for travellers who want countryside, culture and seasonal colour at a comfortable pace, with flexibility and personal attention throughout.
This tour is only offered during the period when the dahlias are in bloom, typically from August through October, when Keukenhof Gardens (spring flowers) are closed. During this time, you visit Keukenhof Castle and its estate gardens, which offer a seasonal flower experience focused on dahlias in a quieter, more intimate setting.
Dahlias typically bloom from late summer into early autumn, making this tour seasonal. Availability depends on the flowering season and garden conditions, but the gardens are usually open mid-August to mid-October.
Also see our alternative flower tours in other parts of the year.
During this tour, you will go inside a working windmill at Zaanse Schans. The windmill varies, depending on availability. Your guide will explain how they operate and why windmills were essential to Dutch industry and daily life.
Lunch is not included. Your guide is happy to recommend several good cafés or restaurants along the route and can help you choose a place that fits your timing, preferences and dietary wishes.
This is a fully private tour with your own guide and private transport, allowing you to set the pace and ask questions along the way.
There is moderate walking at Zaanse Schans and around the gardens. The walking is gentle and spread throughout the day, with plenty of breaks.
The route and pace can be adapted for families, older guests or those who prefer a slower experience. Please let us know in advance if there are mobility considerations.
The tour typically starts and ends at your hotel, airbnb, Schiphol Airport or cruise terminal in Amsterdam, making it easy to combine with other activities on the same day.
