My Favorite Tulip Time River Cruise Excursions
A Tulip Time River Cruise has so much to offer.
Tulip Farm
I toured a family-run tulip farm with over one million tulips, each in different phases of growth and in many species and colors. The tulip far cultivates tulip bulbs as well as sells the tulips at the local markets. The bulbs are planted int he autumn season to undergo the chilling process during the winter. In the spring, as the weather warms up, the tulips bulbs begin to grow. By early spring the tulips are in full bloom and ready to be harvested. The bulbs are separated from the tulip and stored for the next season while the tulips are bundled and sent to the local market for selling.
Belgian Chocolate Making
We were part of the lucky 25 guest who were able to learn how to make Belgium chocolates from a master chocolatier (father and son team). We learned about tempering chocolate, filing the molds, making the ganache filling, and then releasing the chocolates from the molds. Of course we ate our fair chare of samples while we learned.
Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens showcase over 7 million planted bulbs on nearly 80 acres of greenery and welcome nearly a million visitors. Walking and biking paths, not to mention waterways and electrically-propelled whisper boats offer a chance to enjoy the fields in nearly any way you choose. We spent the morning exploring the grounds and taking more than 100+ pictures. Every flower was more beautiful than the next. This is why you go on this river cruise.
Kinderdijk Windmills
The Kinderdijk windmills are an iconic UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Netherlands. The 19 historic windmills have been an integral part of Dutch landscape since the 18th century. Many of them are ran and lived in my the miller and their family. The purpose of these windmills was to drain excess water from the surrounding polders, allowing the land to be reclaimed for agricultural use.
WE also spend plenty of time participating in walking tours and exploring on our in Horne, Middleburg, Antwerp, and Rotterdam. There was always something to do in each port stop.
