Amsterdam: Keukenhof and Illuminated Flower Parade Tour

Key Points

• Visit Keukenhof Gardens with 4 hours of free time to explore at your own pace.
• Enjoy a comfortable journey from Amsterdam on a luxury coach.
• Experience the illuminated Flower Parade in Noordwijkerhout with close-up views of luxury floats.
• Watch the parade from a grandstand seat starting at 9:00 PM for prime viewing.
• Tour duration is 8 hours, departing at 3:00 PM and returning around 11:00 PM.
• Guide languages include English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, and Dutch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Keukenhof Gardens: A Tulip Wonderland in the Afternoon

This tour begins with a luxury coach journey from Amsterdam’s city center to the famous Keukenhof Gardens. Known as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof sprawls over a vast area filled with vibrant tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring blooms. You get 4 hours of free time to wander through the meticulously landscaped grounds, take photos, and enjoy the fragrant displays at your own pace.

The timing allows you to skip peak crowds, providing a more relaxed experience. The gardens are a highlight for their colorful displays and neatly arranged floral arrangements. As part of this tour, you also get the benefit of skip-the-line access with your ticket, making the visit smoother.

Convenient Pickup and Easy Access to Keukenhof

The tour departs from This is Holland at Overhoeksplein 51 in Amsterdam. To reach this point, travelers take a free ferry from platform F3 behind Central Station. The ferry crossing takes only 3 minutes and is a scenic start to the day. Once off the ferry, it’s a short 3-minute walk to This is Holland, identified by its red, white, and blue flag and featuring a 5D flight experience about Holland’s history.

The facilities at the departure point include free toilets, a waiting room, and good coffee, ensuring a comfortable start to the day. The tour includes exchanging your voucher for your bus ticket and Keukenhof entrance ticket at the welcome desk, streamlining the process.

The Spectacle of the Illuminated Flower Parade

In the evening, the tour continues with a short ride to Noordwijkerhout, where the illuminated Flower Parade takes center stage. The floats, decorated with thousands of flowers and lit up with colorful lights, are set up in the center of the village, allowing an up-close viewing experience.

At 9:00 PM, the Flower Parade by Night officially kicks off. Travelers can enjoy a grandstand seat to better appreciate the parade’s visual splendor. The parade features luxury floats that are part of the parade’s highlights, and the close-up view makes this moment truly special.

Prime Viewing from the Grandstand Seat

The grandstand seat provides a fantastic vantage point for the illuminated floats as they drive through Noordwijkerhout. This seating arrangement ensures an unobstructed view of the parade’s dazzling floats and vibrant floral displays. The parade’s start at 9:00 PM marks the opening of the event, and the spectacle lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

After the parade concludes around 10:30 PM, the group begins the return journey to Amsterdam, arriving back around 11:00 PM. The evening’s pacing is well-managed, giving ample time for the parade viewing without feeling rushed.

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Expert Guides and Multilingual Support

This tour is led by live guides who speak in English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, and Dutch, making it accessible for many travelers. The guides are knowledgeable and provide interesting commentary about the flowers, the parade, and the local areas. Their explanations add depth to the experience, especially for those interested in the cultural significance of the parade and gardens.

Practical Details and Flexibility

The tour is priced with full flexibility in mind, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Booking requires just a reservation deposit with the option to pay later, accommodating changing plans. The 8-hour itinerary means plenty of time to enjoy each highlight without feeling hurried.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so those with mobility concerns should consider this. The departure time from Adam Tower is 3:00 PM, with the Flower Parade by Night starting at 9:00 PM.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This experience is perfect for travelers who love flowers, parades, and cultural events. It suits those wanting a comprehensive day trip that combines a scenic garden visit with an evening parade, all with comfortable transport and expert guidance. The close-up parade viewing and skip-the-line access to Keukenhof make it a practical choice for visitors seeking both ease and excitement.

Summary: A Balanced Mix of Nature and Nighttime Spectacle

This 8-hour tour offers a well-rounded experience, starting with the breathtaking Keukenhof Gardens and ending with the dazzling illuminated Flower Parade. The luxury coach ensures a comfortable journey, while the guided commentary adds educational value. The prime grandstand seats elevate the parade experience, making it a highlight of the evening.

While the tour does not include food or additional activities, its focus on the flower displays and parade spectacle makes it ideal for floral enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. The late return allows for a full day of exploration without feeling rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
You get transportation from Amsterdam, tickets to Keukenhof Gardens, and a grandstand seat for the Flower Parade.

How long do I spend at Keukenhof?
You have 4 hours of free time to explore at your own pace.

When does the Flower Parade start?
The parade begins at 9:00 PM in Noordwijkerhout.

Is the parade viewable from anywhere?
Yes, the grandstand seat provides a prime view of the illuminated floats.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What languages do the guides speak?
Guides are available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, and Dutch.

How do I get to the departure point?
Take the free ferry from Central Station, then walk 3 minutes to This is Holland.

What facilities are available at the departure location?
There are free toilets, a waiting room, and good coffee at This is Holland.

What makes this tour special?
The combination of Keukenhof’s floral displays with the nighttime illuminated parade and close-up float views offers a memorable floral celebration experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby