Certainly! Here’s a well-structured 2-day itinerary for Keukenhof Gardens and its surroundings, ensuring you experience the best of the tulip fields, Dutch countryside, and local attractions.
2-Day Keukenhof Gardens Itinerary, Netherlands
Day 1: Keukenhof Gardens & Tulip Fields Exploration
Morning: Arriving at Keukenhof Gardens
8:00 AM – Travel to Keukenhof
- From Amsterdam, take the Keukenhof Express Bus (No. 858 from Schiphol or No. 852 from Amsterdam RAI).
- If driving, parking is available at the entrance.
9:00 AM – Enter Keukenhof Gardens (Pre-book tickets online to avoid queues)
- Explore the world-famous tulip gardens, covering 32 hectares with 7 million flowers blooming in vibrant colors.
- Walk through themed gardens like the Oranje Nassau Pavilion (changing floral displays) and the Japanese Garden.
- Visit the Mill & Canal Area for breathtaking views of the flower fields.
Midday: Lunch at Keukenhof Gardens
12:30 PM – Lunch at Keukenhof Café or Picnic in the Gardens
- Try Dutch pancakes, stroopwafels, or poffertjes at one of the garden restaurants.
- If you prefer a relaxed lunch, bring your own picnic and enjoy it in one of the scenic spots.
Afternoon: Bike Tour Around Tulip Fields
1:30 PM – Rent a Bike & Explore the Tulip Fields
- Rent a bike near Keukenhof and cycle along the Bollenstreek (Flower Strip), a 40 km stretch of tulip fields.
- Recommended route: Lisse → Noordwijkerhout → Hillegom → Keukenhof (2-3 hours).
- Stop at De Tulperij, a tulip farm where you can take close-up photos and learn about flower cultivation.
4:00 PM – Visit the Tulip Experience Amsterdam (Optional)
- An interactive tulip museum & farm, where you can walk through fields, pick tulips, and learn about Dutch tulip history.
- Location: Delfweg 37, Noordwijkerhout (10 min drive from Keukenhof).
Evening: Relax in Lisse
6:00 PM – Dinner in Lisse
- Head to Lisse, the nearest town, for an authentic Dutch dinner.
- Recommended restaurants:
- Restaurant De Vier Seizoenen (seasonal Dutch cuisine)
- Hofboerderij de Keukenhof (local farm-to-table dining)
8:00 PM – Overnight Stay Near Keukenhof (Recommended for a relaxed experience)
- Stay options:
- Hotel de Nachtegaal (4-star hotel, 5 min from Keukenhof)
- Van der Valk Hotel Sassenheim-Leiden (luxury stay, 15 min drive)
- Tulip Experience Farm Stay (for a countryside feel)
Day 2: Dutch Countryside & Nearby Attractions
Morning: Leiden – The Historic University City
8:30 AM – Breakfast & Travel to Leiden (20 min drive/train from Lisse)
- Grab a quick breakfast at Anne & Max Leiden (organic bakery).
9:30 AM – Explore Leiden (Known for canals, museums & history)
- Visit Hortus Botanicus Leiden, the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands.
- Walk along Leiden’s canals and visit Pieterskerk (St. Peter’s Church).
- Discover Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, a science museum with historic Dutch innovations.
Midday: Windmill Tour at Zaanse Schans
12:00 PM – Travel to Zaanse Schans (50 min drive or train via Amsterdam)
- A traditional Dutch village with historic windmills, wooden houses, and cheese farms.
- Visit working windmills like De Kat (paint mill) and Het Jonge Schaap (sawmill).
- Try Dutch cheese at Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm.
- Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
Afternoon: Explore Haarlem (Optional Alternative)
3:00 PM – Explore Haarlem (30 min from Zaanse Schans, alternative to Leiden)
- Visit Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands.
- Walk around Grote Markt Square & see St. Bavo’s Church.
- Stop by Jopenkerk Brewery, a former church turned into a craft beer brewery.
Evening: Return to Amsterdam & Sunset Dinner
6:00 PM – Return to Amsterdam & Dinner
- Recommended dinner spots:
- De Silveren Spiegel (Dutch fine dining)
- Café de Jaren (canal-side casual dining)
Additional Tips for Your Keukenhof Trip:
Best Time to Visit: Mid-March to Mid-May (Peak bloom: Mid-April).
Tickets & Transport: Book Keukenhof tickets in advance & use Keukenhof Express Bus.
Photography: Early morning is best for photos with fewer crowds.
Packing Essentials: Comfortable shoes, a camera, and a light jacket.
This 2-day itinerary ensures you experience Keukenhof Gardens, the tulip fields, and some of the best Dutch countryside destinations!
