What is the best time to see the tulips in bloom? Any info on barges?

Toward the end of April.

Now THAT would be spectacular!!

If you try a search, you can proably find postings by other Fodorites who have done barge cruises. Several companies that offer barge cruises can be found with either a Google or Yahoo Search. Some tour companies (Vantage, Grand Circle, etc) also offer cruises that include Holland.

I have done a barge cruise in Eastern Burgundy--they are wonderful, but quite spendy. A friend and I got a wonderful 2 for 1 special about 3 years ago--never have seen it again.

The tulips begin in late March and depending on the local weather might still be around in early May. However, if there is a warm spring, they are shot by the first of May/end of April. It seems to be just "luck" if you hit them at the perfect time. MHM

For tulips in the fields,mid April shall be the best. At Keukenhof Gardens,they plant tulips and other bulbs blooming in different periods. From mid-April to early May,they shall be really spectacular.

I have visited the Gardens in late March, mid-April and early May, never been disappointed.

For river cruise,perhaps you could check out:www.globusandcosmos.com.