Keukenhof garden - open only in spring! - in full glory is a sight to behold. Keukenhof is situated in the region where the agricultural clay soil fields meet with the fine grain sand of the dunes. Flower bulbs thrive best on the proper admixture of these two soils. Keukenhof is the presentation garden of the commercial Dutch flower industry. In the Netherlands this industry covers a field surface of more than 23.000 hectare = 56.834 acres. Thus the economic value is astounding - both in terms of bulb sale in cash but also in tourism expenditure and income. In 1593 the first tulips were sent from their homeland Turkey to the Hortus Botanicus in Leiden, Holland. Within a short time an enthusiasm and then a full size craze - tulpomania - developed and trade people paid fortunes in order to own a single good tulip bulb. For one bulb will have offshoots and procreate manifold. Everybody got rich and richer until the bubble burst (sounds familiar?) The flower garden Keukenhof is open in the spring season only. There is also a one-day flower parade on floats called "bloemencorso" going through Lisse and other towns. Traffic is a zoo that day. Both are best seen if we go there by car, to Lisse for instance, leaving WELL ON TIME in the morning, from Amsterdam. Alternatively we can visit Keukenhof first and then try to catch the tail end of the parade elsewhere. There is a list available showing the flower parade route and the times. I would be delighted to be your driver and historical guide that day. My Toyota Starlet will seat 3 (or 4 thinner persons). Please note I know little about flowers but much about historic and cultural matters connected to flowers. As an art historian based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, I can transport you to Keukenhof for a personalized guided tour of the gardens. Together we will experience the beauty and history . Enjoy yourself and learn about history while strolling and discussing the country's flower history, art and culture. In doing so, we may touch many bases - spanning not only fine art and garden architecture but also the city's history and current social issues. Drs. Kaldenbach is chairman of the Circle of Academic Tour Guides of the Netherlands and Flanders (CATON). Starting at your hotel I will take you on a wonderful private cultural walking tour of your choice. My guided itinerary offers you accessable informative conversation in English, Dutch, or German (my French and Italian are more limited). Notes: - You may also arrange this VIP treatment for business contacts or friends. Our cultural tour organisation office will take care of a unique and memorable experience. - Please contact me for time and fees of the tailor-made tour you are interested in. - These tailor made tours are available upon request - please contact me to book a date. - Minimum group size: 1 person. - Maximum group size is limited to about 10 persons. Member discount: Notes: Generally for small groups of 1-4 persons starting in Amsterdam 90 EUR per hour. Contact me for information on higher amounts with other venues and more people. Ticket cost is extra. 
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