How to spend a romantic weekend break during tulip season

If you’re looking for a romantic weekend break, the Netherlands explodes into colour each spring as the country’s fabled tulips bloom.

At that time of year, the Dutch fields are as big a draw as Japan’s cherry blossoms or the autumn foliage in New England.

Amsterdam is a good starting point for a Netherlands trip with its floating flower market, while a number of commercial boat services offer tulip themed cruises. The citys laidback Vondelpark also offers a vivid array of similarly photogenic colour, with additional open-air theatres and intriguing sculptures.

The Dutch are proud of their picturesque floral displays. The annual Bloemencorso Bollenstreek flower parade takes place every April, stretching along a 26-mile route from Noordwijk to Haarlem. Noordwijk is by the coast and is near Leiden, home of one of the Netherlands’ most famous sons – the 17th century Baroque artist Rembrandt.

Another do-not-miss is Keukenhof for its iconic windmills and its Tulip Gardens, which is open between March and May. It is home to over 7 million tulips, covering over 80 acres.

Timing your visit is important if you are to catch the tulips in their full glory. Many seasoned visitors recommend the period around mid-April, although peak bloom will vary each year. It is a good idea to prepare your trip with the help of a travel expert. At Emma Latham Travel, I help my clients plan their dream European holidays to make the most of seasonal attractions. Contact me today to set up the perfect itinerary for a long weekend away.