Amsterdam: Keukenhof and Illuminated Flower Parade Tour

Amsterdam: Keukenhof and Illuminated Flower Parade Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with vibrant blooms and dazzling lights, this tour from Amsterdam might be just what you need. It combines a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens with an evening spectacle—the Illuminated Flower Parade—all in one seamless experience. We like that it offers a balanced mix of daytime exploration and nighttime spectacle, making it suitable for those who want both the colors of spring and the glow of lights, without feeling rushed.

What really stands out is the luxury coach ride—making the day comfortable from start to finish—and the close-up view of the floats during the parade, which is something you won’t get just wandering around on your own. The grandstand seats add a nice touch, giving you a prime spot to enjoy the parade’s magic.

One thing to consider is that this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so if mobility is a concern, you might want to look for other options. Also, since the day involves a good amount of organization and scheduled timing, it’s best for travelers who enjoy structured tours rather than spontaneous wandering.

This experience is perfect for visitors who want a thoughtfully curated day—seeing dazzling flowers by day and experiencing an iconic Dutch event by night. If you love gardens, colorful floats, and lively parades, this trip could be a highlight of your trip to the Netherlands.

Key Points

• Comfortable travel in a luxury coach from Amsterdam to Keukenhof and Noordwijkerhout.
• Ample free time (around 4 hours) to explore Keukenhof Gardens at your own pace.
• Close-up viewing of luxury floats at the parade’s setting, with the best vantage point from the grandstand.
• Spectacular night parade with illuminated floats driving through Noordwijkerhout.
• Expert guides speaking multiple languages, making the experience accessible and informative.
• Convenient logistics with clear meeting points and tickets exchanged at the welcome desk.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Journey from Amsterdam to Keukenhof

The tour kicks off from This is Holland at Overhoeksplein, which is easily accessible by a short, scenic ferry ride from Central Station. The ferry itself is quick—just about three minutes—making the start of your day smooth and stress-free. Once you arrive at the meeting point, you’ll exchange your voucher for your bus ticket and your Keukenhof entry ticket.

The luxury coach ride from Amsterdam is a real highlight; it’s a comfortable way to switch gears from city hustle to floral paradise. We’ve seen reviews mentioning the “smooth ride” and appreciated the chance to relax while someone else handles the logistics.

Keukenhof Gardens: A Vibrant Afternoon

Once at Keukenhof, you’re given around four hours of free time, which is enough to get a good overview but also leaves room for spontaneous discoveries. The gardens are enormous, packed with millions of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and more. Many reviews note how the gardens are stunning, with flawless displays that make you want to capture every moment.

One traveler mentioned, “We loved the way we could wander at our own pace and really take in the blooms without feeling rushed.” This flexibility is ideal if you enjoy wandering through gardens, snapping photos, or just soaking in the colors.

A particularly nice aspect of this tour is the skip-the-line aspect—your ticket is pre-arranged, so you avoid long queues. That’s a small but significant advantage when visiting a popular site in peak season.

Close-up of the Floats

In the early evening, you’re taken to Noordwijkerhout, where the parade floats are already on display in the center of the village. Here, you can get up close to the luxury floats, which are decorated with flowers and illuminated for the night parade. It’s a chance to admire the craftsmanship and detail that go into these elaborate designs. Many reviews mention how nice it is to see the floats without the crowds, giving a more intimate experience.

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The Illuminated Flower Parade: The Night Spectacle

Starting at 9:00 PM, the parade begins. This is the highlight of the evening, with floats illuminated and driving through the streets, creating a truly magical scene. You’ll have a grandstand seat, which means an unobstructed view of the procession. It’s a well-organized event, and the lights, colors, and creativity on display are genuinely impressive.

People who have attended mention that the parade is “even more stunning in the dark,” with the illuminated floats casting a glow over the streets. The parade marks the official opening of the flower season, making it a meaningful local celebration.

Once the parade concludes around 10:30 PM, the coach takes you back to Amsterdam, arriving around 11:00 PM. The late return is worth it for the full experience, and reviews say the ride back is comfortable and relaxing after a long, vibrant day.

The Experience in Context

The value of this tour hinges on its well-rounded schedule. For a full day—about 8 hours—you’re covering two major attractions. The comfort of traveling in a luxury coach makes the day enjoyable, especially since the Netherlands’ traffic and crowds can sometimes be overwhelming.

The timing is carefully planned—afternoon at Keukenhof, evening in Noordwijkerhout—and the guided commentary is available in multiple languages, which keeps everyone informed and engaged. Many travelers appreciated the knowledgeable guides who added context and fun facts, making the experience more meaningful.

While the price point might seem high for some, considering the combined transport, entrance tickets, and the prime viewing spots, many reviews suggest this is a good value for a hassle-free, comprehensive day. Plus, the included seats at the parade are a bonus.

Practical Tips

• Arrive early at the meeting point—it’s easy to get there by ferry from Central Station.
• Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be walking through gardens and standing during the parade.
• Bring a camera to capture both the floral displays and the parade floats.
• Check the weather forecast—both Keukenhof and the parade are outdoors, so dress accordingly.
• Remember that this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

Travelers who love flowers, colorful displays, and lively events will find this tour particularly satisfying. It’s great for those who prefer a organized, guided experience that takes the hassle out of logistics and allows you to focus on enjoying the sights.

It’s ideal for visitors who want a full-day adventure without splitting their plans, combining daytime beauty with a nighttime celebration. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy gardens and festivals, this could be a highlight.

However, if you’re looking for a very flexible or private experience, or have mobility concerns, you might want to explore other options. Still, for most visitors seeking a thoughtfully curated day embracing the Dutch flower season, this tour hits the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, children who enjoy flowers and parades will likely find it fun. Just keep in mind that the tour involves standing and walking, and the parade setting is outdoors at night.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers transportation in a luxury coach, entrance to Keukenhof Gardens, and a grandstand seat at the parade. It’s a package designed to streamline the day and avoid extra charges.

Can I stay longer at Keukenhof?
The tour provides about four hours at Keukenhof, which is enough for a good visit. If you want to explore more, you might consider additional time on your own, but that would be outside the scope of this organized tour.

Is the parade weather-dependent?
Yes, the parade is outdoors and could be affected by weather conditions. It’s worth checking the forecast before your trip, and the event could be rescheduled in case of severe weather.

What’s the best time to book this tour?
Spring months are ideal, aligning with the bloom season and the parade. Early booking is recommended to secure seats and ensure availability, especially during peak tulip season.

How early do I need to arrive at the meeting point?
The tour departs at 3:00 PM from This is Holland. Arriving a little earlier helps you settle in comfortably and exchange your voucher without rushing.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so if you have mobility issues, you may want to look for alternatives.

This tour offers an enjoyable way to experience one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated seasonal events, especially if you’d rather not worry about organizing the logistics yourself. It balances scenic beauty, cultural celebration, and comfort, making it suitable for most travelers eager for a full, memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: