Amsterdam, Keukenhof Gardens and Dutch Flower Parade Weekend

Army Outdoor Recreation has planned a perfect spring weekend for you. The trip begins at your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks, both offering plenty of free on-post parking. En route to Amsterdam, you'll visit a traditional Dutch cheese farm and wooden shoe factory for a chance to see how Dutch specialty items are made. After dropping your luggage off at your four-star hotel in Schiphol, you can easily reach Amsterdam Centraal Station in just 20 minutes, where you can enjoy the activities of your choice in the Dutch capital. On Saturday, you'll experience Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden, followed by the spectacle of the annual flower parade proceeding directly past the garden gates.

Admission to Keukenhof on Parade Saturday is extremely limited, and an early ticketing deadline applies. To guarantee your spot, you must reserve your space before February 25th. Reservations made on or after February 26th will require you to purchase your own entry tickets, provided any are still available. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the coming of spring. Reserve your space with Army Outdoor Recreation in either Kaiserslautern or Baumholder today!

Price: 

• Adults: $599 per person
• Single Occupancy: $799
   
• Final order for Keukenhof Gardens tickets will be made on Wednesday, February 25.
• Registrations made on or after Thursday, February 26 will be for transportation and hotel only, will not include entry to Keukenhof Gardens, and are subject to hotel room availability.  Hotel rebooking fees may apply.
   
• One child aged 3-11 with two paid adults in a triple room: $499
• Children under 2 on existing bedding in single or double room with one or two paid adults: $129
   
• Personalized rates for families available on request based on individual requirements and room configuration.

Trip Includes: 

• Round trip tour bus transportation 
• Pick up at your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks
• Free on-post parking
• 2 overnights at Hampton by Hilton Schiphol**** or equivalent with daily breakfast
• Transportation and entry to Keukenhof Gardens on Parade Day
• Visit to Clara Maria Cheese Farm
• Pay in US Dollars
• All profits support your local Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
• Credit/Debit Card or Euro
• Military ID and Passport

Departure: 

• 1 a.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, bldg. 2905
• 2 a.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks

Return: Sunday evening

Any required paper or electronic travel documentation is the responsibility of each individual traveler. 

Estimated Itinerary

Friday: Overnight Journey, Dutch Culture, Check-in & Free Time in Amsterdam

Settle into your seat, lean back, and relax as you travel overnight from your chosen departure point to the Netherlands. Be sure to bring the essentials: blankets, pillows, power banks, snacks, and drinks will make your journey more comfortable. Along the way to Amsterdam, you will visit a traditional Dutch farm for a demonstration of cheese making and clog carving. After this cultural experience, you will proceed directly to the four-star Hampton by Hilton hotel near Schiphol. Once you leave your bags with the concierge, the remainder of your day is free for independent exploration. The hotel offers convenient connections to Amsterdam, allowing you to reach the heart of the city in just 20 minutes to pursue activities of your choice, from museum visits and canal cruises to walking tours.

Saturday: Keukenhof Gardens Immersion and Flower Parade Spectacle

Spend your morning immersed in the beauty of Keukenhof Gardens. Explore the eighty acres of spectacular horticultural displays spread along winding, paved paths. Witness a breathtaking array of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi, orchids, azaleas, and hydrangeas in every color imaginable. For a unique vantage point, consider taking an electric ‘whisper boat’ cruise along the estate's canals. In the afternoon, the garden provides a prime viewing location for the world-famous Bloemencorso Bollenstreek (Flower Parade of the Bulb Region). This festive procession of magnificent floats travels a 40-kilometer route, passing directly by the park. After returning to the hotel, you have the option of enjoying a second evening in Amsterdam or taking a short train ride to Haarlem, where the illuminated floats will be displayed in the city center.

Sunday: Return to Germany

Following a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will begin the return journey to Germany. You can anticipate arrival back at your starting point in the early evening.