The Netherlands

West & Central Region

Explore Amsterdam's Historic Canals

  • Walk along or take a boat cruise through the UNESCO-listed canals, witnessing historic gabled houses.
  • Visit world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House.
  • Wander through charming Jordaan district, known for its narrow streets and traditional pubs.
  • Discover hidden courtyards (hofjes) and vibrant markets like Albert Cuyp Market.
  • Experience the lively nightlife, from brown cafes, diverse music venues to a lively red light district.

Discover The Hague & Coastal Charm

  • Explore the political heart of the Netherlands, including the Binnenhof and Peace Palace.
  • Visit the Mauritshuis museum, home to masterpieces like Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring."
  • Relax on the sandy beaches of Scheveningen, complete with a pier and lighthouse.
  • Enjoy fresh seafood at coastal restaurants and stroll along the boulevard.
  • Wander through the miniature city of Madurodam for a unique perspective on Holland.

Experience Rotterdam's Modern Architecture

  • Marvel at groundbreaking structures like the Cube Houses and Markthal.
  • Take a Spido harbor tour to see Europe's largest port.
  • Ascend the Euromast for panoramic city views.
  • Explore diverse neighborhoods, street art, and a vibrant culinary scene.
  • Visit the Fenix Food Factory for local delicacies and craft beers.

Wander Through Historic Utrecht

  • Climb the iconic Dom Tower for stunning views of the city.
  • Enjoy the unique wharf cellars and canal-side terraces for dining and drinks.
  • Discover charming independent boutiques and cozy cafes.
  • Explore the ancient city center with its beautiful canals and historic buildings.
  • Visit the Miffy Museum (Dick Bruna Huis) dedicated to the famous rabbit character.

Witness the Beauty of the Dutch Flower Fields

  • Visit Keukenhof Gardens (spring only) to see millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in bloom.
  • Cycle through vast fields of colorful flowers in the Bollenstreek region.
  • Discover the traditional Dutch villages nestled among the fields.

Experience the Historic Charm of Delft

  • Visit the Royal Delft factory to witness the creation of iconic Delftware pottery.
  • Wander through the picturesque city center, admiring the canals and historic buildings.
  • Explore the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and Oude Kerk (Old Church), final resting places of Dutch royalty.
  • Discover connections to Johannes Vermeer at the Vermeer Centre Delft.
  • Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in this charming, canal-laced city.

Explore the Vibrant City of Leiden

  • Discover the historic Leiden University, the oldest in the Netherlands.
  • Stroll along charming canals and climb the Burcht van Leiden for city views.
  • Visit world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities) and Naturalis Biodiversity Center.
  • Explore the birthplace of Rembrandt van Rijn and sites related to the Pilgrims.
  • Enjoy the lively market on the Nieuwe Rijn and the vibrant student atmosphere.

Discover Traditional Holland at Zaanse Schans

  • Wander through an open-air museum with historic windmills and traditional wooden houses.
  • Watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts, including clog making and cheese production.
  • Visit a working sawmill, a barrel maker, and a historic bakery.
  • Explore various museums, such as the Zaans Museum and the Verkade Experience.

Savor the Flavors of Gouda

  • Experience the traditional Gouda Cheese Market (seasonal, Thursdays) in front of the historic Waag.
  • Visit the beautiful St. Jan Church, famous for its stunning stained-glass windows.
  • Explore the charming historic city center with its narrow streets and canals.
  • Discover local stroopwafels (syrup waffles) and other Dutch delicacies.

North, East & South Regions

Discover the Windmills of Kinderdijk

  • Explore the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site with 19 historic windmills.
  • Cycle or walk along the dikes to admire the intricate water management system.
  • Take a boat tour for unique perspectives of the windmills, and visit a working museum windmill to learn about millers' lives.
  • Capture picturesque views of this quintessential Dutch landscape.

Cycle Through Hoge Veluwe National Park

  • Rent white bicycles for free and explore diverse landscapes: forests, heathlands, and sand drifts.
  • Visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, home to a significant Van Gogh collection and a sculpture garden.
  • Spot wildlife, including red deer, wild boar, and mouflon.
  • Explore the Jachthuis Sint Hubertus, a unique country house designed by Berlage.

Explore Maastricht's Ancient Charms

  • Wander through the historic city center, crossing the old Sint Servaasbrug bridge.
  • Explore the underground caves of Mount Saint Peter (Sint Pietersberg) and casemates.
  • Discover the stunning bookstore in the Dominicanen Church.
  • Enjoy the lively Vrijthof square, lined with cafes and restaurants.
  • Savor the unique culinary scene, influenced by its Belgian and German neighbors, renowned for its Limburgse vlaai (flan) and hearty stews.

Experience the Frisian Lakes & Wadden Sea Islands

  • Engage in water sports like sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing on the Frisian Lakes.
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea by mudflat hiking (wadlopen).
  • Visit the charming islands of Terschelling, Ameland, and Vlieland by ferry.
  • Discover the unique Frisian culture and language.
  • Enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the northern coastal areas.

Journey through Historic Groningen

  • Climb the Martinitoren (Martini Tower) for panoramic views of the northern city.
  • Explore the vibrant student life and bustling Grote Markt.
  • Visit the unique Groninger Museum with its striking architecture and diverse collections.
  • Discover hidden courtyards and narrow streets in the city center.
  • Enjoy the lively nightlife and diverse culinary offerings, from local specialties like 'eierbal' (a fried egg snack) to international cuisine.

Visit Giethoorn, the "Venice of the Netherlands"

  • Explore this unique village with no roads, navigating by boat through its canals.
  • Rent an electric "whisper boat" or take a guided tour to admire thatched-roof farmhouses.
  • Cross charming wooden bridges connecting the small islands.
  • Visit small museums, galleries, and local handicraft shops.

Marvel at the Delta Works & Explore Zeeland

  • Witness the immense engineering prowess of the Delta Works, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Visit Neeltje Jans island to learn about flood defense and the Oosterscheldekering storm surge barrier.
  • Explore charming historic towns like Middelburg with its abbey and canals.
  • Relax on the wide, sandy beaches of the Zeeland coast.
  • Savor fresh seafood, including the famous Oysters and mussels from the region.

Uncover Ancient History in Drenthe

  • Discover the impressive Hunebedden (dolmens), megalithic tombs from the Stone Age.
  • Explore the Drenthe Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark, showcasing Ice Age landscapes.
  • Cycle through vast forests and open heathlands, characteristic of the region.
  • Visit the Drents Museum in Assen for insights into regional history and art.

Suggested Travel Itinerary

The Netherlands - 5 Weeks

Days 1-7: Amsterdam & Iconic Day Trips

  • Arrive in Amsterdam. Settle in and begin exploring the city's historic canals by boat or on foot.
  • Immerse yourself in culture with visits to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House (book in advance).
  • Wander through the charming Jordaan district, discover hidden hofjes, and explore vibrant markets.
  • Experience Amsterdam's diverse nightlife, from traditional brown cafes to modern music venues and the red light district.
  • Take a day trip to Zaanse Schans to discover traditional Holland with its historic windmills, wooden houses, and craft demonstrations (clog making, cheese production).
  • Dedicate a day to Haarlem: explore its Grote Markt, visit the Frans Hals Museum, and enjoy the local boutiques.
  • (Seasonal, spring only): Visit Keukenhof Gardens to witness the beauty of the Dutch flower fields, or cycle through the surrounding bulb fields.

Days 8-14: The Hague, Delft & Leiden's Golden Age

  • Travel to The Hague, the political heart of the Netherlands. Explore the Binnenhof and the Peace Palace.
  • Visit the Mauritshuis museum, home to masterpieces like Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring."
  • Enjoy the coastal charm of Scheveningen: relax on the sandy beaches, stroll the pier, and perhaps visit Madurodam.
  • Spend two days in Delft: experience its historic charm by visiting the Royal Delft factory, exploring the Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk, and soaking in the picturesque canal-laced city atmosphere.
  • Dedicate two days to Leiden: explore the historic university, climb the Burcht, and visit world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden and Naturalis Biodiversity Center.
  • Wander along Leiden's charming canals and discover spots related to Rembrandt and the Pilgrims.

Days 15-20: Modern Marvels & Traditional Icons

  • Travel to Rotterdam. Spend a few days experiencing its modern architecture: marvel at the Cube Houses, Markthal, and ascend the Euromast for city views.
  • Take a Spido harbor tour to see Europe's largest port and explore the vibrant culinary scene.
  • Dedicate a day to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site: discover the iconic windmills, cycle along the dikes, and take a boat tour.
  • Visit Gouda for a day: savor its flavors at the traditional Cheese Market (seasonal), explore the St. Jan Church, and try local stroopwafels.

Days 21-25: Central & Eastern Adventures

  • Travel to Utrecht. Spend two days wandering through this historic city: climb the Dom Tower, enjoy canal-side terraces, and discover charming independent boutiques.
  • Enjoy the unique wharf cellars and canal-side terraces for dining and drinks.
  • From Utrecht, take a day trip to Hoge Veluwe National Park: cycle through diverse landscapes (forests, heathlands, sand drifts) using free white bikes, and visit the Kröller-Müller Museum.
  • Spend a day stepping back in time at the Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem: explore historic buildings, witness traditional Dutch life and crafts.

Days 26-28: Southern Limburg's Unique Charm

  • Travel south to Maastric. Spend a few days exploring its ancient charms.
  • Wander through the historic city center, crossing the old Sint Servaasbrug bridge, and explore the underground caves of Mount Saint Peter.
  • Discover the stunning bookstore in the Dominicanen Church and enjoy the lively Vrijthof square.
  • Savor the unique culinary scene, influenced by its Belgian and German neighbors, known for its Limburgse vlaai (flan).

Days 29-31: Zeeland's Coastal Defenses & Beauty

  • Travel to the coastal province of Zeeland.
  • Marvel at the Delta Works, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an immense feat of engineering, visiting Neeltje Jans.
  • Explore the charming historic town of Middelburg with its abbey and canals.
  • Relax on the wide, sandy beaches of the Zeeland coast and savor fresh regional seafood, including local oysters and mussels.

Days 32-35: Northern Wonders

  • Travel North. Stop to visit Giethoorn, the "Venice of the Netherlands," exploring its car-free canals by boat.
  • Continue to Drenthe to uncover ancient history, discovering the impressive Hunebedden (dolmens) and exploring the Drenthe Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark.
  • Journey to Groningen for two days: climb the Martinitoren, explore the vibrant Grote Markt, visit the unique Groninger Museum, and enjoy the diverse culinary offerings (like 'eierbal').
  • Experience the Frisian Lakes & Wadden Sea Islands: engage in water sports on the lakes, or consider a visit to one of the Wadden Islands for tranquil beaches and nature.