It couldn't be helped, but I am arriving in Amsterdam a few days after the last of the flower field tours and yet still want to see Keukenhof as much as is possible (on a bike?) Or should I give it up... Any suggestions besides the flower auctions near Schipol? There certainly are pleanty of other sights to see in Amsterdam but I love gardens and museums. I did get my Anne Frank house ticket/slot and trip ticket. For the person over 60 traveling on their own, I have traveled solo for up to two months each summer during the last 5 summers and I am 70. Such a wonderful thing! There are strategies but being friendly is #1. It goes without saying you gotta stay healthy and in shape. This summer: two weeks in the Netherlands with one week or so in Amsterdam, Ten days in Belgium. Germany for a month and the balance of time in Prague, Salzburg, Vienna, Trains as much as possible, maybe a short one week car rental in Germany for the Black Forest area or romantic road area.. Will spend a week in the German wine region and another on the so called romantic road, time in Berlin a few days and time in the eastern river cruise area as recommended by Rick. Things are not set in stone as of yet. Tossing around ideas. Any strong suggestions? Thanks. Barbara
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7884 posts
Keukenhof is not a flower farm. It is an intensely cultivated public (paid admission, rather crowded) garden, centered on vast numbers of bulb species. They are planted along paved garden walks, between pavillions with beer gardens, snack bars, replica windmills, musical performance events, and gift shops. There is also a perennial garden section, and an evergreen shrub garden. Like any public garden (think Winterthur, Longwood Gardens, Huntington Gardens ... ) the flower beds are regularly refreshed so that there are no ugly brown bulb tops for paying customers to see.
No one can predict the exact course of the 2018 spring. So real bulb fields MAY still be available for you, after the short season of Keukenhof [Park] is over. Because I liked it, you might want to consider the all-business weekday all-year flower auction at Aalsmeer.
You have a massive trip planned. Because it begins in spring, you might wish to add public gardens to your research. We enjoy every chance we get to see one. Just for one example, Antwerp has a hard-to-get-to, but massive outdoor sculpture garden, which is set in a lovely, vast park: Middelheim Museum. Berlin has several botanical gardens, including a suburban one just redeveloped last year as the International Gardens.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
444 posts
I just wanted to say that I want to be you when I grow up! 2 months of traveling every summer! Your trip sounds lovely and we are going to some of the same areas (Amsterdam, Prague, Rhine Valley, Franconia) at the same time, but for a brief 12 days. I have never been to any of these places yet, so I can't offer suggestions, but I hope you have a wonderful trip.
Posted by
OP
Oberlin
26 posts
I haven't been there yet either. At this age you never know so if you want to do it, do it now...I do work the rest of the year still, almost fulltime or I couldn't do any of this. And there are choices. This is not high end travel but it is what I want. These books are invaluable to a would be explorer such as myself as is the feed back from you lovely folks. Thanks. More travels to you. Barbara Hill
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33817 posts
Yes, things are a little late this year, but Keukenhof will close on time. The bulb fields nearby will almost certainly be empty by mid May - the flowers will have been chopped so the bulbs (the bit they sell) can grow.
There may be vase flowers in the fields by then or not.
Posted by
Rotterdam, the Netherlands
26 posts
You'll be too late for the tulips, but other gardens and parks in Holland will be very beautiful around that time.
In Amsterdam, you'll probably enjoy the Hortus Botanicus. A very relaxing garden which also has a nice restaurant for coffee or lunch.
Don't know if you're planning to visit other cities in Holland, but Leiden has a beautiful Hortus Botanicus too. And in Haarlem, Elswout is a great park to walk around a couple of hours. In Rotterdam, Arboretum Trompenburg is worth a visit if you like gardens.