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Amsterdam, Kuekehof, rest of the netherlands

Amsterdam, Kuekehof, rest of the netherlands

Old Mar 12th, 2015, 09:19 AM
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Amsterdam, Kuekehof, rest of the netherlands

Thinking of arriving into Amsterdam Thursday early AM from USA April30-wondering about going directly to The flower auction; then; Kuekehof for a few hours, then possibly the Hague ( maybe Delfts) prior to going to hotel in Amsterdam that evening. Is the Flower Auction 'worth' the time? Thinking of hiring a guide to help with the flow of this. Then, see some historical sites in Amsterdam one day,; Anne Frank+Rijksmuseum+Van Gogh another day; one day to the north seeing dykes, windmills, etc. Thinking of leaving May 6th but could be one day earlier-May 5 which is a holiday- So questions are is the flower auction something to see if one will see Kuekehof and other tulip fields. Also, is everything closed on May5-so maybe best to leave that day rather than be idle. Some thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you
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Old Mar 12th, 2015, 09:53 AM
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May 5th most things will be open. There will be some events marking liberation day, including free concerts.
May 4th is remembrance day, actually the ceremonies are held in the evening, but Dam will be closed early. You are welcome to attend. 2minutes silence is observed at 8pm. The King and others lay wreaths at the memorial on the Dam. It is observed throughout the country, so ne aware of that.

You don't say where you are coming from, but no matter where I think you are trying to do too much on day 1.
What do you intend to do with your luggage while visiting all those places?
I would skip the auction, and if you must do it on day one get the bus from Schiphol to Keukenhof.
Then head back to Amsterdam. Delft and Den Haag can be done another day.
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Old Mar 12th, 2015, 09:58 AM
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Why? You'll be buzzing from jet lag, then crashing, why run all the way to the Hague and Delft and back again? No guide will help with the crash. If you really want to do this, hire a care with a chauffeur so you can sleep while en route to your sights.

I don't think the flower auction is worth the time unless you like rising very very early, but if you're still on US time that's no problem of course.

May 5 will be semi festive, on account it's a crown year, but it's not an official day off. But there are lots of events commemorating the liberation from nazi occupation. If you have a chance, attend the national memorial service on May 4. There's also a very moving service at the Hollandsche Schouwburg and at all kinds of sites throughout the city. Be aware that at 8 pm there are two minutes of silence. Trams, buses, trains will stop and many people will want to observe this, so be mindful of that.

Other than that, I suggest to get some focus and to remember that if you use public transport there's a limit to how much travel you can do in a day to see sights.

So maybe devote one day to Haarlem, Keukenhof: early may is late for tulips but you may be lucky.
A day for the hague (mauritshuis) and delft: although you can drop delft if you want.

and if i may suggest: one day for a daytrip north, to Enkhuizen, also to see the Zuiderzeemuseum.
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Old Mar 12th, 2015, 08:16 PM
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thinking getting a guide to do the transporting, etc. If arrive on april 30th what is the status of the tulips? The keukinhof is open until may 17th but it sounds like the tulips end before that?
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Old Mar 13th, 2015, 12:39 AM
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We have no idea at this point what the tulips will be doing then. Some years they are in full bloom, other years nearly over. Keukenhof always has good displays. It has only happened once that it closed early, and that was only a week or so early after a truly exceptional spring. This year so far is pretty normal, slightly ahead of the long term norm but not much.
If you are arriving from the US I really wouldn't try to do so much on your arrival day. Even if you slept on the plane your body lock will be completely screwed and your first day, with or without a guide is a recipe for exhaustion which will affect the rest of your stay too.
Don't forget too that it takes a lot longer than you think to clear the airport.
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Old Mar 13th, 2015, 04:24 AM
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Thanks. My question particularly in regards to Tulips: how long do they last? I may be delayed and not arrive until May 11th; if so; then, did I miss seeing tulips-which would really be a major reason of mine of going in the Spring when I would prefer going a little latter when warmer.
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