Keukenhof tulip garden: Saga or Shearings?

Update- we decided not to go with either! Instead, we are going to visit Tulleys farm in Sussex, which is convenient for us to visit in a day, and has lots of tulip fields, plus other family attractions. They also do a pumpkin festival in the autumn. We will do a different Saga river cruise next year, possibly the Danube.
Thanks for all the replies.

Horses for courses. I have done holidays with both companies. Saga is more luxury (we found them over protective for long haul, wild destinations) but shearlings are basic, low budget option. Coach was fine and hotel clean and comfortable. I quest you choose what matters most to you!

I have done a few of these Shearings trips years ago, I didn’t know they were still going. I think they are a sister company of National (lampoons) holidays. Just cheap & cheerful, if you don’t mind a rickety old bed. May have improved.
If you can afford the better trip, door to door service, I would go for that.

I think as we age, if we can afford it, go for comfort and ease. I used Shearings last year. A bit bargain basement. It was okay but didn’t feel like a treat.

That's weird because I asked a question on their website, and the reply was 'No'.
I think we will look at the Norfolk bulb field options too. No dates for that yet but will check regularly. Thanks for the info, Bluebelle.

You re very welcome Marilla I live in Suffolk too
My daughter has always managed to get the tickets so far, its really spectacular you get two hours, but no one checks so you could wander round longer if wanted, but two hours is ample.
There’s a big car park, portaloos (very important) and a few stalls with snacks and souvenirs (about half a dozen) It’s a lovely few hours and looks totally spectacular.
They are grown on a sort of material mesh just under the top soil so when they die off they pull the mesh up and save the bulbs A lot of work for a few weeks but lots of volunteers working and the money goes to a local hospice
Hope you get the tickets and enjoy as much as I do

BlueBelle,
Thank you so much for the recommendation of the tulip fields in Norfolk. I have ‘googled’ about the event and will book up as soon as tickets become available. Apparently the fields are only opened for two weeks and tickets are snapped up quickly.
I live in Suffolk and haven’t heard about it
Thank you once again.

granfromafar

Just checked and Leger don't do that particular holiday.

I think they do!

March 2026, Keukenhof and Amsterdam.

4 or 5 days.

Don’t know who the lady is in the photo hope she doesn’t mind

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202601/medium-4vfvqy-img-2052.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202601/medium-r0v7q-img-2020.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202601/medium-44640l-img-2051.jpeg

Just a tip if anyone wants to experience this but not go overseas there is a fantastic place in Norfolk not far from Sandringham KingsLynn that’s very similar We go each year and the fields and fields of tulip's is something to behold The entrance fees go to a local hospice You can wander around amongst them (in dedicated walkways etc) A lot of overseas visitors go just to take themselves in photos, some take special clothes and change for the ‘photoshoot’ I believe the fields were features in one of the Disney films
It happens in April and you get your tickets online

Just checked and Leger don't do that particular holiday.

Basgetti

Saga, in the hope of bumping into Nicholas Farrell 😁

Yes, but he'd probably be with his wife, Stella Gonet! Used to love watching her in the House of Elliot.

Thanks for all the comments. Still considering our options.

Should have said, holidays now marketed separately, Shearings and Leger, same company, but not same standard.

Bit like comparing a budget supermarket/store to a more expensive one.

Shearings went bust after Covid, and were taken over by Leger.

Leger now seem to offer the ‘better’ deal, and Shearings very much the more ‘basic’ holiday, reflected in price and content.

I have traveled with Shearings in the past, but wouldn’t do so now.

Take a look at what Leger offer, they have executive coaches, Silver Service ones and Luxuria.

As with many companies, it’s often the drivers and couriers who make all the difference to your holiday experience though.

Read independent reviews for Shrearings. That's what I did and the reviews were not good.

Saga, in the hope of bumping into Nicholas Farrell 😁

I too am thinking of doing this, on a coach holiday, so am very interested to hear others advice and thoughts, thankyou.