Dutch Tulip Season

Wrap up spring break with the vibrant colors and timeless charm of the Netherlands!

Army Outdoor Recreation makes discovering the heart of Holland effortless, starting with convenient departures and free on-post parking at both Pulaski and Smith Barracks. Travel north overnight and wake up ready for the seasonal main-event: Keukenhof Gardens. Stroll among more than seven million hand-planted spring blossoms across 79 acres of manicured floral displays and indoor pavilions. After an unforgettable morning in the bulb fields, you will check in to your modern hotel and find yourself conveniently positioned right along high-speed transit lines for easy access to the country's best destinations.

Your weekend is designed for total flexibility. Spend a full day in Amsterdam cruising historic canal rings, touring world-renowned art museums, or sampling fresh stroopwafels in the Jordaan. With direct regional connections at your doorstep, you can also spend Saturday discovering the historic charm of quintessential canal towns like Leiden and Haarlem, exploring royal architecture in The Hague, or dining along the sunken wharf cellars of Utrecht. Before heading home on Sunday, step back in time at Zaanse Schans to see working windmills, master clog-carvers, and authentic Dutch cheesemaking in action.

Springtime in the Dutch bulb region is one of the most sought-after travel experiences in Europe, and seats on the coach will fill fast. Lock in your savings early, only the first 30 seats booked secure our Early Bird Discount! Families with children will want to act fast. Our initial hotel room allotment only includes 2 triple rooms. Don’t let tulip season pass you by without experiencing it in person. Contact Army Outdoor Recreation at either Pulaski or Smith Barracks to reserve your spaces today!

Price, Seats 1-30:

• Double Occupancy: $699 per person
• Single Occupancy: $899

Price, Seats 31-48:

• Double Occupancy: $799 per person
• Single Occupancy: $999
   
• Bus seat assignment preference in rows 2-5: $50 per seat (does not guarantee any specific seat)

Deadline: Thursday, February 18
Unused hotel rooms will be released back to the vendor on the deadline. 
Reservations made on or after Friday, February 19 are subject to availability and may incur hotel rebooking fees.

• One child aged 2-11 in triple room with 2 paid adults: $649
• Children under 2 sharing existing bedding with 1 or 2 paid adults: $229

Trip Includes:

• Round trip tour bus transportation
• 3 nights at Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam*** or equivalent
• Daily Breakfast
• Entry to Keukenhof Gardens
• Visit to Zannse Schanse
• Free on-post parking
• Departure from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks
   
• Pay in US Dollars
• 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

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

Departure:

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

Return: Sunday Evening

Estimated Itinerary

Thursday: Overnight Journey, Keukenhof Gardens & Hotel Check-in

Settle in for a smooth overnight journey north into the Dutch bulb region. Bring your favorite travel comforts; pillows, blankets, and charging packs so you can and rest easy as the motorcoach handles the nighttime miles.

In the morning you will find yourself at the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, just in time for prime morning access to the "Garden of Europe." Spend your morning exploring over 79 acres of breathtaking spring displays featuring millions of hand-planted tulips, hyacinths, and themed indoor floral pavilions. After lunch you will continue towards Amsterdam. After check in, the rest of the night is for unwinding or taking a short transit connection into the heart of the Dutch capital for dinner along the canals.

Friday: Experience Amsterdam

After breakfast at the hotel, its time to visit the heart of Amsterdam. The entire day is yours to customize:

• Canal Cruises & Historic Streets: Cruise past UNESCO-listed 17th-century merchant houses and wander the scenic bridges and lanes of the Jordaan district.
• World-Class Museums: Head to Museumplein to see masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum, explore the Van Gogh Museum, or discover modern art at the Stedelijk Museum.
• Culture & Dining: Visit the Anne Frank House, browse the floating Bloemenmarkt, or relax at a canal-side cafe with fresh Dutch stroopwafels and poffertjes.

Pro-Tip: Popular attractions such as the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, and peak-hour canal cruises frequently sell out. Reserving your entry timeslots online well in advance is always strongly recommended.

Saturday: Regional Holland

Your location's direct, high-speed train connections allow you to discover more of the Netherlands with effortless ease:

• Leiden or Haarlem (~15–20 min): Stroll quintessential Dutch canal towns filled with historic courtyards, cobblestone lanes, boutique shops, and craft breweries.
• The Hague & Scheveningen Beach (~30 min): Visit the Dutch Parliament at the Binnenhof, view Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis, or walk the North Sea coastline.
• Utrecht (~30 min): Explore vibrant wharf-side cafes lining unique two-level canals and climb the iconic Dom Tower.

Want more of the capital? Just hop back into Amsterdam to continue your explorations of neighborhood street markets, foodie halls, and evening canal lights.

Sunday: Windmills of Zaanse Schans & Return Journey

Following breakfast and hotel check-out, you will travel back in time by visiting the iconic open-air museum village of Zaanse Schans. Immerse yourself in Holland's past among historic working windmills, distinctive green wooden houses, traditional clog-making demonstrations, and a Dutch cheese farm with plenty of samples. After stocking up on souvenirs and Dutch treats, relax during your comfortable return journey to Germany, arriving home in the evening.