This was our first visit to Amsterdam and my first trip abroad since my PD diagnosis, so I wanted to get some local help to ensure both I and my partner got the most out of our short trip

We decided to do both a private Tulips (Keukenhof) and Windmills (Zaanse Schans) tour together, as this was the main reason we chose to visit Amsterdam at this time and I did not want any problems with my mobility distracting my partner's enjoyment

Note: If you have a UK blue badge, it is worth taking it with you, as it can help with parking at Keukenhof

We were met at our hotel by our guide for the day - Jeroen, and taken by car first to Keukenhof. The day was wet and overcast and our guide Jeroen did his best to make sure we made the most of any breaks in the rain by driving us around some of the tulip fields until the rain eased up a little. After we arrived at the park, Jeroen explained the layout of the park, the best bits you must see and those that you can avoid, along with where to purchase tulip bulbs if we wanted to. After this, we were very kindly left to experience the colour, smell and sights of this wonderful park after agreeing on a time to meet back at the entrance

There was a lot to see this time of the year despite the rain and I had deliberately chosen not to use a wheelchair whilst I can still walk, albeit very slowly. The paths are well maintained using fine grit which was OK for walking on but the rain created may puddles at time. There is a lack of seating on the paths around the various garden displays, which slowed me down as I could not stop and rest easily

There are a few tulip bulb shops located in the park, we visited one to purchase some tulip bulbs which are being delivered to our home later in the year, they were very helpful explaining all the types/options. This is the best and safest way to purchase to ensure your bulbs will flower when you plant the at home

There is a canal boat trip around the tulip fields (not much fun in the rain) along with a windmill that gives great views over the fields. The Beatrix (orchid) centre had amazing colours and I was told scents (a downside of PD) but was very busy due to the rain. And the Willem-Alexander greenhouses in the middle of the park are full of the most wonderful extremes of tulips and other flowers

The Juliana is a celebration of the 75 years that Keukenhof been running, starting as just a trade show, then in later years becoming open to the public and now one of the Netherlands most popular tourist attractions

However, I am sure we still did not see everything as there were so many weaving paths and it was hard following our progress using the map in the rain, and I was beginning have problems moving after 4 hours

There are plenty of restaurants/cafes around the park to rest and recharge

We were then driven back to our hotel after a thoroughly fun but exhausting day, along with some very helpful ideas from Jeroen of other gems to visit during our stay. We certainly got the best out of our time during this trip, due to the help and experience of our guide Jeroen

Bespoke Amsterdam Experiences not only listened to my upfront concerns, needs and expectations, they also went out of their way to adapt the experience around these and at no time did I feel awkward or uncomfortable