Close your eyes and picture 7 million bulbs

Photo Courtesy of Martin_VMorris

planted in neat, patterned layouts, imagine the scent of millions of blooming flowers, hear the sound of birds and crickets reveling in the joy of spring pollination. Keukenhof is just this.

Keukenhof is located southwest of Amsterdam in the quaint town of Lisse and was

Photo Courtesy of Robert Bolton

established in 1949 as a showcase for the Dutch bulb trade. As it grew in popularity, it established itself annualy as the Garden of Europe. Over 100 varieties of tulips can be found here, 2500 trees and 15 kilometers of footpaths. 

Besides the obvious flower-power glory,

Photo Courtesy of Martin_VMorris

Keukenhof also has an intriguing history. The word itself translates as 'kitchen garden' for, in the 15th century, it belonged to the castle of Jacoba van Beieren. Here the cooks and servants of the Duchess of Bavaria and the Countess of Holland potted herbs and vegetables with which to make stunning medieval banquets.

In the 17th century, tulips became a status symbol for the educated and wealthy, and because of their short-lived blooming season, were considered rare and prestigious. In the Netherlands especially, 'tulip-mania' lasted for about 40 years and the prices of bulbs surpassed those of houses. 

Sounds fabulous, doesn't it? So what if this little trek to Keukenhof is just one of many amazing experiences that come along on our 2015 Tulip Time on the Romantic Rhine and Mosel River Cruise? If you like your architecture old and your history older, this is the trip for you! Not only will you explore Amsterdam, but also visit Cologne which is one of Germany's oldest cities, sample some of Cochem's
fabulous vintage Rieslings, explore Boppard's well preserved Roman fortifications, go castle hopping in gorgeous R�desheim, be awed by the magnificence of the huge cathedral in Strasbourg and understand what true Alpine Splendor is in Lucerne.

Click here to learn more about this great river cruise experience through historic Europe!