Europe for Visitors Blog

ABOVE: Tourists and locals mingle amid the flowers on Tulip Island, Amsterdam.

Tiny Tim would have loved Amsterdam's newest tourist attraction: "Tulip Island," on the tiny islet of Muziekkoepel opposite the Blue Teahouse in the city's Vondelpark. As you follow the late singer's exhortation to tiptoe through the tulips, you can pick your own bouquet while learning about the cultivation and history of Holland's most famous flower.

As a bonus, you'll meet other harvesters, and you'll have the opportunity to sell or trade your pickings in front of the traditional auction clock. The Tulip Experience Foundation, which runs the island, is also offering classical music and a high tea during the inaugural 2014 season, which runs from July 4 through September 7.

(Fun fact: Tulips normally grow in the spring, but Tulip Island's organizers are using specially-prepared "ice tulips" to keep the island in full bloom during the summer months.)

To schedule your 30-minute visit to the Island, go to www.tulip-island.com, where you can pre-order your tickets for a specific data and time. (Tickets cost  €7,50, and the booking form is in six languages.)

More photos:

Photos courtesy of Tulip-island.com.