Amsterdam: Day Trip to Flower Parade & Keukenhof on April 18

Planning a trip to the Netherlands and eager to see its world-famous blooms and lively traditions? This day trip from Amsterdam offers a taste of both with a visit to the iconic Flower Parade and the stunning Keukenhof Gardens. While the experience promises colorful sights and memorable moments, it’s worth weighing some practical details before booking.

We like that the tour offers reserved grandstand seats for the parade—guaranteeing a VIP view—and the chance to wander freely in Keukenhof, one of the world’s most celebrated floral displays. The flexibility to stay in the gardens as long as you want is a real plus for those who want to soak up the beauty at their own pace. On the flip side, some reviewers mention that transportation and timing can be tight, especially if you’re a slow walker or seeking a more relaxed pace.

This tour is best suited for flower enthusiasts, culture lovers, and first-time visitors to the Netherlands eager for a curated, lively experience. It’s especially attractive if you’re traveling with a group and want a hassle-free way to see two highlights in one day.

Key Points

• VIP Grandstand Seating: Offers a prime view of the Flower Parade with reserved seats, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.
• Flexible Keukenhof Visit: You can enjoy the gardens at your own pace, with the last bus departing at 6:30 PM.
• Includes Transportation: Round-trip transfers from Amsterdam simplify logistics and save time.
• Entry to Keukenhof: Your ticket provides access to the gardens’ stunning floral displays.
• Timing: The tour lasts about 7.5 hours, with check-in times varying; check availability for exact start times.
• Limited for Wheelchair Users: Not suitable for those with mobility challenges, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation: The tour begins at “This is Holland” in Amsterdam, a central and accessible meeting point. From there, comfortable round-trip transportation takes you south to Holland, where the day’s festivities unfold. The coaches are typically modern and air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable. With a duration of about 7.5 hours, the timing is designed to maximize your experience without feeling rushed.

The Flower Parade: Witness the 79th edition of this vibrant parade, showcasing floats decorated with thousands of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. As a Dutch tradition, it’s a lively spectacle combining artistry with horticulture. Your VIP grandstand seats will ensure you get a clear, unobstructed view of these elaborate displays as they pass by. One reviewer mentions, “The VIP seats made all the difference—we didn’t miss a single float.” It’s a great way to enjoy the parade without fighting for space or standing in crowds.

The Parade Route and Experience: While parade floats are the main attraction, the real fun comes from observing how Dutch ingenuity and floral artistry come together. Expect floats that are not only beautiful but often witty or humorous, reflecting Dutch culture. You’ll also get a good sense of the parade’s tradition and community spirit, which is a key highlight for many.

Lunch and Refreshments: The tour includes a delicious lunch on Saturday, April 18th, adding a satisfying break amid the vibrant sights. While the details of the lunch aren’t specified, many reviews highlight the quality of food as a pleasant surprise, often described as “simple but tasty” and perfect for refueling.

Keukenhof Gardens: In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at Keukenhof, one of the most iconic flower gardens worldwide. The gardens are renowned for their stunning displays of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring blooms. You’ll have the chance to explore at your leisure, with the flexibility to stay as long as you like until the last bus departs at 6:30 PM.

Keukenhof’s Unique Appeal: Spanning 79 acres, Keukenhof is a floral wonderland, often called the “Garden of Europe.” We loved the way it offers a mix of meticulously landscaped flower beds, themed gardens, and vast fields of blooming bulbs. Reviewers echo this admiration, with one noting, “The flowers are so vibrant and the layout is breathtaking.” Whether you’re a photographer, garden enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful walk amid beauty, Keukenhof delivers.

Additional Details: The entry fee to Keukenhof is included in your ticket, saving you time and hassle. However, meals are not included, so consider packing snacks or planning to buy something in the gardens if you’re hungry.

The Value of the Experience

When weighing the cost, it’s important to consider what’s included. The reserved parade seats and transportation are significant value-adds, especially since securing good seats for the parade independently could be challenging. The flexibility to explore Keukenhof at your own pace means you can tailor your visit to your interests—whether that’s taking photos, sitting on a bench, or wandering through different themed sections.

Reviewers have expressed appreciation for the knowledgeable guides and the overall organization, which helps reduce stress during what can be a busy day. However, some mention the timing can be tight, especially the last departure from Keukenhof, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you might want to plan your return carefully.

Transportation and Practicalities

The tour’s round-trip transfer from Amsterdam is one of its biggest advantages. It means you avoid the hassle of public transport or driving in unfamiliar territory. The meeting point, “This is Holland,” is centrally located and easy to find.

Timing-wise, the 7.5-hour duration includes travel, parade viewing, and free time at Keukenhof. The last bus leaves at 6:30 PM, so if you’re eager to stay longer, check the options ahead of time. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes because both parade viewing and garden exploring involve a fair bit of walking.

This experience is not suited for wheelchair users, so if mobility is a concern, consider alternative tours. Also, since meals are not included, you’ll need to plan accordingly—either bring snacks or budget for lunch in Keukenhof.

What Do Travelers Say?

Feedback from past participants is generally positive, with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on 37 reviews. Many appreciate the VIP grandstand seats and beautiful floral displays, describing the parade as “a lively spectacle that captures Dutch tradition beautifully.” Others mention the knowledgeable guides who add context and cultural insights, enhancing the overall experience.

Some reviews highlight the flexibility of Keukenhof access, allowing visitors to linger or leave early. “We loved that we could spend as much time as we wanted in the gardens,” one reviewer said, emphasizing the value of this freedom.

However, a few reviews note that timing can be tight, especially if you want a leisurely pace or to take lots of photos. The tour works best for those eager to see the highlights efficiently rather than those seeking a slow, relaxing day.

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The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This day trip offers a well-organized, engaging way to experience two of the Netherlands’ most vibrant spring attractions. If you’re a flower lover, appreciate Dutch traditions, or want a convenient, guided experience that minimizes planning, this tour is a good choice. The VIP parade seats and flexible Keukenhof visit add value, making the experience memorable without the hassle of self-organizing transportation.

Keep in mind that it’s a relatively full day, so if you prefer a more relaxed, unstructured visit, you may want to consider alternative options. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and the timing might be tight for those who like to linger longer in the gardens. Still, for those who want to see the parade and enjoy a world-famous flower display with ease, this trip delivers.

This experience balances fun, efficiency, and beauty—an ideal pick for first-time visitors eager to check off key Dutch highlights.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children? While not explicitly stated, the lively parade and beautiful gardens can appeal to children, especially if they enjoy flowers and colorful floats. Keep in mind the tour involves walking and standing, so plan accordingly.

Can I stay longer at Keukenhof beyond the last bus? No, the last bus departs at 6:30 PM, so to stay longer, you would need to arrange alternative transportation.

Are meals included? No, meals are not included in the tour price. A provided lunch is available on Saturday, April 18th, but additional food needs to be purchased separately.

Is the tour available on days other than April 18? This specific date is scheduled with the parade and peak bloom, but check availability for other dates, as the parade occurs annually, and Keukenhof is open during spring.

What’s the best way to prepare for the parade viewing? Reserve your VIP grandstand seats early, arrive on time, and bring a camera or binoculars for close-up views.

Can I visit Zaanse Schans or other nearby attractions instead? This tour focuses solely on the Flower Parade and Keukenhof. For additional excursions, explore other tours like those including Zaanse Schans.

Is the transportation comfortable? Yes, the round-trip transfer is described as comfortable and modern, making your journey between Amsterdam and Holland hassle-free.

What if the weather is bad? The parade and gardens are outdoor attractions; check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Some tours may offer rain checks or rescheduling, but confirm with the provider.

This tour offers a practical, joyful way to experience the best of Dutch springtime traditions in one well-organized day. Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, the vibrant floats and blooming gardens are sure to leave you with lasting memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: