Keukenhof Gardens - Amsterdam

[CPT Trips]

I thought it might be helpful for return travelers to post what was blooming here. If our experience was any guide, the season may be a bit late this year.

 

We visited on the 26th of March - very early in the season and were pleasently surprised to see so many flowers out in the gardens. There were only a few Tulips and Hyacinths . . . mostly Daffodils and Crocus . . . but still very colorful and it made for a delightful day.

 

 

The fields were nowhere near as colorful as the gardens . . . probably having to do with the Easter snow and recent cold weather! As expected, the indoor displays were spectacular and well worth the visit just for them.

[micked10@earthlink.net]

That is an excellent idea CPT because we bisit the Gardens on Apr. 17th at the beginning of our River Cruise. I have been worried that we are too early and was reassured by your post. I, too, would like to hear from returning travelers as to the "status " of the tulips and other flowers.

Thanks,

micked10

[cormike1]

Thanks CPT for posting that note. We are staying 3 extra days in Amsterdam at the end of our river cruise so we will be visiting the gardens on April 21st. We were getting worried because of the cold weather but it looks like it is warming up now. Thanks for posting and hopefully more will post that have come back over the next couple of weeks.

[Grothj]

One more thank you. I'm taking my Mom and we leave April 10. Looks like we will be on the early side! We don't get back until April 25 (going to Paris after the river trip) so I will be too late to help the later travelers.

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Have a wonderful time Grothj. You leave in just a few days so I know you must be excited. We will have to compare notes when we get home. We return May 1st.

Are you taking mostlye clothes for cooler weather. i am having a hards time trying to decidfe what to take and be able to stay under the weight allowance.

Here's hoping we all see hundreds and hundreds of tulips and have wonderful weather.

micked10

[Grothj]

I'm taking "layers" with long sleeves outside and short sleeves inside. We keep watching the weather and unfortunately it still seems cold/cool and rainy.

 

We are doing a National Geographic trip on a very small barge - only 27 including the escort and expert lecturer. I chose it because I thought it would be easier on my Mom that her worrying about my driving!

 

If the sun is out, the high 40's, low 50's won't be too bad. If it is cloudy, it will seem cool with all the humidity.

 

Will report when we get back on how the tulips were and how the barge Charlemagne worked out.

[CPT Trips]

I'm taking "layers" with long sleeves outside and short sleeves inside. We keep watching the weather and unfortunately it still seems cold/cool and rainy.

 

We are doing a National Geographic trip on a very small barge - only 27 including the escort and expert lecturer. I chose it because I thought it would be easier on my Mom that her worrying about my driving!

 

If the sun is out, the high 40's, low 50's won't be too bad. If it is cloudy, it will seem cool with all the humidity.

 

Will report when we get back on how the tulips were and how the barge Charlemagne worked out.

 

I had a waterproof windbreaker that I wore as an outer layer everyday . . . I only got to my shortsleeve layer one day at lunch and most days wore two long sleeve layers. It was cold, damp and windy! Hope others experience better weather.

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I think I am taking my winter coat, which is waterproof and has a hood. We will be on the River Cruise and I bet it will be very chilly. I would rather be warmer than freezing cold so I am taking mostly long sleeved stuff, except for dinner.

Thanks,

micked10

[Benita]

Well another group of Tulip time travelers should be arriving home today. The question of the day - are the tulips in bloom yet?

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Let's hope the travelers to Keukenhoff post before we leave, which is a week from today (Apr.13th). I would love to hear about the Gardens, the weather and any other ideas we could use.

 

I will keep checking these boards this week.

Have a great time Benita ( and anyone else going)

micked10

[Benita]

You too, Micked. By the way, I just booked another cruise - this time on the Nile for 2009

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Benita,

I would love to go on a Nile cruise. Can't convince my husband though. He thinks it would be too dangerous. what line are you using this time?

micked10

[Benita]

Actually, for this one, I think we splurge on a private tour. We will have our own guide throughout - even on the cruise ship, so we don't have to go on large buses to the sites. We are leaning towards a company called Museum Tours - the Archeological Institute uses them for their Egypt tours and their itineraries are great - got to save up, though, as they are pretty expensive.

This was not an itinerary to book on the cheap - we wanted the great accomodations overlooking the pyramids, as well as the delouxe hotels in Aswan and Luxor. The river boats all look pretty similar, but having our own guide travelling with us, clinched it.

[micked10@earthlink.net]

That sounds like a wonderful trip. I know I would like it. You will have to post when you return.

When do you leave for Amsterdam??

micked10

[Benita]

We are flying Martinair out of Miami on April 25. We sail on April 27 with Amadeus. Who are you sailing with?

[wbrumel]

Just returned from our Avalon Tranquility cruise which stopped at the Gardens on April 12. There were plenty of tulips and other flowers to be seen, in all stages of blooming. Beautiful colors. Our tour was on a sunny Saturday ... seemed like all of Holland and Belgium was there. Still the highlight of the trip.

[cole]

Yes, the tulips are in bloom and are spectacular. Daffodils, Hydrangas, Amarellys (probably misspelled those) and many others I can't remember. Be ready to take more pictures that you will probably ever print out.

Bitzy Cole

[Ine]

Today I made a short tour through the tulipfields.

Tulips are starting to bloom, but many fields need some more time.

Most hyacinths are blooming, some will within a days. Their smell was fantastic.

 

Blooming in Keukenhof is usually some days later due to the shade of the big old trees. So the coming weeks will be beautiful over there.

[Benita]

Thanks for the update, Ine. We will start our cruise on April 27 and be at the gardens on May 3, so hopefully our timing will be good. Is it still really cold there? I'm starting to think of what to pack.

[Ine]

Thanks for the update, Ine. We will start our cruise on April 27 and be at the gardens on May 3, so hopefully our timing will be good. Is it still really cold there? I'm starting to think of what to pack.

 

Yes it still is colder then usual. On the other hand it is dry and sunny.

It seems that from next week temperatures are supposed to rise (finally...) I always advice to dress in layers as weather can be unstable.

I think your visit might be during the best time of the year re blooming.