Want to experience Europe at its most colorful? Let me tell you about two absolutely magical times to hop aboard a river cruise: tulip season in the Netherlands and lavender season in Provence. Both are spectacular! But you can only see the colorful blooms for a limited time during the year.
Tulip Time: A Dutch Spring Spectacular
Timing is Everything If tulips are on your bucket list (and they absolutely should be!), you’ll want to plan your cruise for mid-April to early May. This is when the Netherlands bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors, with millions of tulips creating stunning ribbons of red, yellow, pink, and purple across the landscape.
Best Routes: For tulip season, you’ll want to look for Dutch Waterways cruises. These typically sail round-trip from Amsterdam, weaving through the Netherlands’ intricate network of rivers and canals. The star of the show? The legendary Keukenhof Gardens, where you can wander through more than 7 million flowering bulbs spread across 79 acres. (Pro Tip: If your cruise excursion allows, choose to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and get those perfect photos!)
What You’ll Experience: Beyond Keukenhof, you might also have the opportunity to visit the famous Dutch flower auction in Aalsmeer (it’s fascinating to watch the organized chaos of millions of flowers being traded), the historic windmills of Kinderdijk, and charming towns like Volendam and Edam. Some cruises even include visits to working tulip farms where you can learn about the cultivation process and the infamous “tulip mania” that once gripped the Netherlands.
Lavender Dreams: Summer in Provence
Perfect Timing: Ready for something equally spectacular but completely different? Plan your cruise for June through July to catch Provence’s lavender fields in full bloom. The timing can vary slightly each year depending on weather conditions, but early-July typically offers peak blooming. Learn from our mistakes – we took a cruise in late May/early June and the lavender was fragrant, but had not yet fully bloomed.
Best Rivers and Routes: For lavender, you’ll want to look for Rhône River cruises, particularly those that sail through Provence in southern France. Most routes run between Lyon and Avignon or Arles, putting you in prime lavender country. While the lavender fields aren’t directly on the river, cruise lines offer excursions to the most stunning locations.
Must-See Spots: The Luberon region and the Plateau de Valensole are absolute must-visits during lavender season. Picture rolling hills covered in neat rows of purple lavender stretching as far as the eye can see, often with a medieval village or ancient abbey in the background – it’s pure Provence perfection! The fragrance in the air is incredible, and yes, it really does look just like those postcards you’ve seen.
Making the Most of Your Seasonal Cruise
Packing Tips
- For tulip season: Layer up! Dutch spring weather can be unpredictable. Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
- For lavender season: Pack sun protection! Provence gets hot and sunny in summer. Don’t forget your hat, sunscreen, and a light scarf for when the mistral wind kicks up.
Photography Tips
- Morning light is your friend for both flowers
- For tulips, overcast days can actually give you better colors without harsh shadows
- For lavender, try to catch the fields during “golden hour” just before sunset if your cruise excursion allows.
- Bring extra camera batteries or a phone battery backup charger – you’ll be taking way more photos than you expect!
Beyond the Blooms
While the flowers are the stars of these cruises, you’ll experience so much more. Dutch tulip cruises often include visits to Amsterdam’s world-class museums, cheese-tasting experiences, and charming canal-side cafes. Lavender cruises combine perfectly with wine tasting in Burgundy and Provence, visits to Roman ruins, and exploring charming villages like Gordes and Roussillon.
Insider Tips
Whether you choose spring tulips or summer lavender, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. These aren’t just river cruises – they’re opportunities to witness some of Europe’s most spectacular natural displays while traveling in comfort and style.
- Book early! These themed cruises sell out quickly, especially tulip season sailings
- Consider a photography-themed cruise if you’re serious about capturing these spectacular blooms
- For tulip cruises, look for itineraries that include at least half a day at Keukenhof
- For lavender cruises, check that your sailing includes excursions to the major lavender fields (some may be optional tours)
Whether you choose spring tulips or summer lavender, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. These aren’t just river cruises – they’re opportunities to witness some of Europe’s most spectacular natural displays while traveling in comfort and style.
Want to start planning your flower-focused adventure? Check out our Ship Guides to find cruise lines offering these seasonal routes, and don’t forget to browse our Port Guides for more details about the charming towns you’ll visit along the way. The hardest part? Choosing between tulips and lavender – though honestly, why not pick both? Cruise to see tulips one year and lavender the next!
