Lelystad may not be as famous as Amsterdam or Utrecht, but it’s a great base for exploring the Netherlands in a way that’s both flexible and fun. Its location makes it perfect for custom tours, whether you want to enjoy a private drive through iconic towns or soar above the tulip fields in a helicopter. One of our favorite options is the Private tour Mercedes Van, Zaandam, Zaanse Schans & Volendam, which combines personalized service, local insights, and the charm of three classic Dutch destinations.
Lelystad offers a variety of tours that cater to different tastes—whether you’re after a relaxed day of sightseeing, an aerial adventure, or a once-in-a-lifetime flight over vibrant tulip fields. On this list, you’ll find a private Mercedes van trip, an exhilarating helicopter tour of Holland, and a scenic helicopter ride among the tulips. Each offers a unique way to enjoy the countryside and beyond.
Below, we detail these three top tours, focusing on what makes each one special, who they’re best suited for, and how they compare in terms of value and experience.
1. Private tour Mercedes Van, Zaandam, Zaanse Schans & Volendam
At number one on our list is the Private Tour Mercedes Van, Zaandam, Zaanse Schans & Volendam. This highly customizable 5-hour experience offers a lot of flexibility, allowing you to pick destinations that appeal most to you. The tour is run by an English/Arabic-speaking guide who will tailor the journey to your interests, making it ideal for small groups up to 7 people.
What sets this tour apart is its personalized approach. You’re picked up from your hotel or a nearby location, then whisked away in a luxury Mercedes Van, with the option to explore outside the Netherlands if desired. The itinerary includes guided visits to Zaandam, famous for its windmills and unique architecture, as well as Zaanse Schans, a living open-air museum showcasing traditional Dutch crafts and houses, and Volendam, a charming fishing village known for its colorful houses and seafood. The tour also includes stops at the best street food spots, making it perfect for food lovers.
The guide’s local knowledge, especially about where to find excellent Dutch snacks and restaurants, adds a layer of authenticity you won’t get on larger, more generic tours. The flexible schedule and private nature mean you can spend more or less time at each site. Plus, the option to extend beyond the Netherlands makes it versatile for different trip plans.
Bottom line: This tour offers a personalized, comfortable way to see key Dutch towns, especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed pace, privacy, and local insights.
2. Lelystad Airport: the Ultimate Holland Tour
Number two is the Lelystad Airport: the Ultimate Holland Tour. This tour is perfect if you’re looking for something truly memorable—flying over Holland in a helicopter. With reviews rating it a stunning 4.9/5, it’s clear that this experience leaves a lasting impression.
The 60-minute helicopter tour takes you over some of the most scenic spots in the country, including the nature reserve Oostvaardersplassen, the city of Almere, and Naarden, known for its star-shaped fortifications. You’ll also pass by Muiderslot Castle, one of the oldest and best-preserved in the Netherlands, and enjoy sweeping views of the windmills at Zaanse Schans and the bustling city of Amsterdam.
What makes this tour unique is the bird’s-eye perspective it provides. You’ll see the landscape from an entirely different angle—wildlife in Oostvaardersplassen, the historic charm of Naarden, and the iconic Dutch countryside. Plus, it’s a quick, exhilarating way to cover a lot of ground in just an hour.
The tour departs from Emoeweg 12, making it a convenient way to add an aerial highlight to your trip. The experience is ideal for those who love aviation, photography, or simply want a special memory of the Netherlands from above.
Bottom line: If you’re after a thrilling aerial adventure that combines natural scenery with historic landmarks, this helicopter tour is hard to beat and offers incredible value for its high-impact experience.
3. Lelystad: Private helicopter Tulip Tour from Lelystad
Rounding out our list is the Private helicopter Tulip Tour from Lelystad, a shorter but spectacular flight that’s perfect for flower lovers and those wanting a bird’s-eye view of Holland’s famous blooms. With a duration of just 35 minutes, it’s a quick but unforgettable way to see the tulip fields from above.
The highlight of this tour is flying directly over the vibrant fields in full bloom. You’ll witness the swaths of color stretching across the countryside, a truly breathtaking sight that’s hard to match from the ground. The helicopter allows you to appreciate the scale and pattern of the tulip fields in a way that few land-based tours can provide.
This experience is ideal for travelers short on time but eager to see Holland’s most iconic feature—the tulip fields—in all their glory. It’s also a wonderful choice for photography enthusiasts who want dramatic aerial shots of the blooming landscapes. The flight departs from Lelystad, making it convenient for those based in or visiting Flevoland.
While reviews are not yet available, the unique perspective and limited duration make this an excellent add-on for your trip, especially if you’re visiting during the tulip season in spring.
Bottom line: The Tulip Helicopter Tour offers a quick, exhilarating way to see Holland’s most famous flowers from the air—perfect for a short but memorable experience.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and schedule. If you want a relaxed, personalized day exploring Dutch towns, the Private Mercedes Van Tour is ideal. For a once-in-a-lifetime aerial experience that combines natural beauty with historic sights, the Lelystad helicopter tour offers exceptional value. And if tulips are your passion, the private helicopter tulip ride provides a short but stunning view of Holland’s most iconic flower fields.
Budget, time constraints, and personal interests will guide your choice. For example, if you prefer a flexible day with sightseeing and local food, the Mercedes tour suits you. If a quick yet spectacular flight over the countryside sounds perfect, the helicopter options are hard to beat. Booking early, especially during the tulip season in spring, helps secure your spot for these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Lelystad offers a surprising variety of ways to explore Holland, from private roadside tours to breathtaking aerial adventures. For those seeking personalized, in-depth exploration, the Mercedes van tour provides excellent value and local insights. If you want to experience Holland from above, the helicopter tours—either over the entire country or just the tulip fields—are unforgettable options.
No matter your choice, these tours showcase the different ways to enjoy Holland’s landscapes, towns, and flowers. We recommend booking early—these experiences tend to fill up, especially during peak seasons. Whether you’re after a relaxed sightseeing day or a thrilling flight, Lelystad has something to make your Dutch adventure truly special.
