Keukenhof Gardens Tulips Tour from Amsterdam

Explore the World’s Largest Flower Garden with Keukenhof Tulips Tour from Amsterdam

The Keukenhof Gardens Tulips Tour from Amsterdam offers a vibrant escape into one of the Netherlands’ most iconic floral displays. Priced at $270 per person and lasting 4 hours, this tour provides a well-rounded experience of the world’s biggest flower garden. It departs from Amsterdam with hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward, especially for those staying in the city.

What really makes this tour stand out is the chance to see over 7 million bulbs bloom, showcasing 800 varieties of tulips. Visitors also get the opportunity to buy tulip bulbs directly from the gardens—a great keepsake or gift. The tour is suitable for those interested in floral beauty, Dutch horticulture, or simply enjoying a colorful day out. One consideration is that it’s a private group with a maximum of 7 people, ensuring a more personalized experience, but larger groups may require multiple vehicles.

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Key Points

• Price is $270 per person, including transportation and entrance tickets.
• The tour lasts 4 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for convenience.
• Visitors can purchase special tulip bulbs straight from Keukenhof.
• The tour features a visit to the Tulip mania exhibition in the Juliana Pavilion.
• Keukenhof’s rich history dates back to the 15th century, making the gardens a cultural as well as a floral highlight.

Visiting Keukenhof: A Historic Dutch Flower Display

The Keukenhof estate has roots going back to the 15th century, originally used as a hunting ground for Countess Jacoba van Beieren. The gardens were redesigned in 1857 by landscape architects Jan David Zocher and Louis Paul Zocher, who also designed Vondelpark in Amsterdam. The current layout reflects an English landscape style, which remains the foundation of the gardens today.

In 1949, a group of flower bulb growers and exporters envisioned using Keukenhof as a showcase for their products. The park officially opened to the public in 1950, and it has become a world-famous attraction, with its 75th edition in 2024. As a significant platform for the Dutch floricultural sector, Keukenhof displays the full range of flower bulbs, cut flowers, and potted plants through over 20 flower shows and 500 participating growers.

What Does the Tour Include? Entrance, Transport, and Extras

This private tour covers entrance tickets to the gardens, ensuring you skip the lines. It includes transportation in an air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle, providing a comfortable ride from your hotel in Amsterdam. The professional driver and host guide you through the journey, making the trip smooth and informative.

Additional perks include complimentary WiFi and bottled water, so you can stay connected and hydrated. The tour also offers the possibility to buy tulip bulbs, which makes for a perfect souvenir or gift. It’s worth noting that luggage storage is available in lockers near the main entrance if needed.

Discover the Highlights: Tulip Bloom and the Exhibition

The main spectacle of the Keukenhof Gardens Tulips Tour is witnessing more than 7 million bulbs bloom, creating a sea of color across the landscape. Visitors can stroll through the largest flower garden in the world and enjoy 800 varieties of tulips bursting into bloom during spring.

A unique feature of this tour is the Tulip mania exhibition held at the Juliana Pavilion. Here, visitors learn about the historical Tulip craze in the Netherlands, which led to the famous tulip bubble. This exhibition offers an educational perspective alongside the visual delight of the gardens.

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The Gardens’ Design and Major Attractions

The gardens cover over 200 hectares, offering a vast space filled with flower beds, water features, and sculptures. Keukenhof’s design emphasizes color coordination and landscape architecture, making every corner photogenic.

Besides the tulip displays, the park features over 20 flower shows and varieties of cut flowers and potted plants presented by 500 flower growers. Visitors enjoy a variety of flower arrangements, themed gardens, and walking paths that highlight Dutch horticultural artistry.

Buying Tulip Bulbs and Souvenirs at Keukenhof

One of the tour’s special features is the opportunity to purchase tulip bulbs directly from the gardens. This allows visitors to take home a piece of Keukenhof’s beauty and grow their own tulips. The selection includes rare and exclusive varieties, perfect for gardening enthusiasts or as a unique gift.

The sale of bulbs complements the gardens’ role as a showcase for the Dutch flower bulb sector, supporting local growers. Since the gardens focus on spring-flowering bulbs, these purchases tie into the season’s vibrant display and extend the experience beyond a single day.

Accessibility, Group Size, and Logistics

This tour is designed to be wheelchair accessible and suitable for disabled visitors, with accessible toilet facilities available within Keukenhof. The group size is up to 7 people, ensuring a personalized experience with the professional driver and host.

Pickup is at the reception of your hotel in Amsterdam, simplifying logistics, especially for travelers unfamiliar with public transport. The tour’s flexible starting times mean you can choose a schedule that fits your plans, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for peace of mind.

Comparing This Tour to Other Keukenhof Options

While this private, all-inclusive tour offers convenience and a personalized touch, there are other options like shuttle transfers or larger group excursions. However, the hotel pickup, direct garden entrance, and boutique group size set this experience apart in terms of comfort and attention.

In contrast, some similar experiences include roundtrip shuttle services or combined trips with other attractions like Zaanse Schans windmills, but this tour’s focus remains on the beauty and history of Keukenhof, making it ideal for those seeking a dedicated floral experience.

Final Thoughts: A Blooming Day Out in Spring

The Keukenhof Gardens Tulips Tour from Amsterdam delivers a bright and colorful journey into Dutch horticulture, with easy logistics, expert guidance, and a chance to see millions of blooming tulips. The inclusion of tulip bulb shopping and the Tulip mania exhibition enrich the experience, adding cultural and practical value.

While the 4-hour duration means you won’t explore every inch of the vast gardens**, it’s enough to appreciate the spectacle of spring flowers and learn about their significance in Dutch culture. This tour is perfect for flower lovers, history enthusiasts, or travelers seeking a relaxed yet stunning outing from Amsterdam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour of Keukenhof Gardens?
The tour lasts 4 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.

What is included in the price of $270?
The package includes entrance tickets, hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle, professional driver/host, complimentary WiFi, bottled water, and the possibility to buy tulip bulbs.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, Keukenhof is accessible for wheelchair users, and the tour is designed to accommodate disabled visitors with accessible toilet facilities.

How many people are in each group?
Each private group contains up to 7 people, ensuring a personalized experience.

Can I buy tulip bulbs during the tour?
Absolutely. The tour includes the option to purchase tulip bulbs directly from the gardens, with many rare varieties available.

Is there a guide during the tour?
This tour features a professional driver and host but no professional guide, focusing on transportation and logistics.

What are the park’s opening times?
You should check availability for the starting times, as they vary with the season and demand.

Are dogs allowed inside Keukenhof?
Dogs are permitted on a leash, but not allowed inside pavilions and restaurants, except for guide dogs.

Can I store luggage during the visit?
Yes, free lockers are available near the main entrance for storing luggage or personal items.

Is this tour available year-round?
No, the best time to see the blooming tulips is during spring, when the 7 million bulbs bloom, typically from March to May.

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