Having a dream about tulip fields, windmills, and lovely canals? A Netherlands tour package is the perfect way to explore this enchanting country that blends old-world charm with modern sophistication. The Netherlands is home to a host of artistic riches of Amsterdam and the tranquil rural scene of Giethoorn; the Netherlands will be an experience all travellers will remember. This is a day-by-day itinerary of the best attractions and cultural destinations as well as secret spots in Holland: so you can make the most of your Dutch holiday.
Day 1: Welcome to Amsterdam – The City of Canals
Your tour starts in Amsterdam the heart of the Netherlands. Once you have arrived at your hotel go on a boat ride along the canals. One can enjoy the iconic bridges, gabled homes, and colorful neighborhoods of the city in the best way possible.
Spend your afternoon in the Rijksmuseum with masterpieces of Rembrandt and Vermeer and visit Van Gogh Museum. Do not overlook the Anne Frank house which is a lamentable sorrowful reminder of the past of the city.
During the evenings, stroll all over Dam Square and have a Dutch dinner with bitterballen (crispy meatballs) or stroopwafels (Dutch dessert) as a side.
Day 2: Amsterdam’s Local Flavors and Culture
Begin the day with the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp, here you can sample Dutch cheeses, sandwiches with herring and freshly prepared waffles. Late rent a bike and go with the locals-cycling is the most perfect way to enjoy Amsterdam.
Visit the Jordaan District which is home to boutique stores, art galleries, and small cafes. During the afternoon, make a short visit to Zaanse Schans, one of the most picturesque villages that are full of bandit windmills, wooden houses, and the clog workshops of former times.
You can go back to Amsterdam to spend a relaxing night at the canals, or head to a nearby brewery to sample Dutch craft beer.
Day 3: Day Trip to The Hague and Delft
Ride on a short train to the political capital of Netherlands The Hague (Den Haag). See Visit Binnenhof, headquarters of the Dutch parliament, and visit Mauritshuis Museum, which holds Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer.
Then move to Delft that is a beautiful town of blue pottery and medieval architecture. Stroll by its quiet canals, explore Nieuwe Kerk and buy the original Delftware ceramics.
During the evening you should come back to Amsterdam or spend the night in Delft to enjoy the peaceful beauty of this historical treasure.
Day 4: Rotterdam – Modern Marvels and Architecture
On day 4, visit Rotterdam which is the most modern and innovative city in the Netherlands. See the futuristic Cube Houses, Markthal (a huge food market with a magnificent interior full of art) and the Erasmus Bridge, a symbol of Amsterdam skyline.
You should not skip a harbor tour to have an experience of the biggest port in Europe and how Rotterdam emerged out of rubble of World War II bombings to be the model of urban renewal.
Dine out in a river restaurant in the evening and savour the colourful nightlife in the city.
Day 5: Leiden and Keukenhof Gardens
Begin your morning in Leyden; a historical and cultural town of the university. Leiden Botanical Garden, the oldest in the world, and the national Museum of Antiquities.
When you come, say during the month of March to May, you are in time, you will find the Keukenhof Gardens in full bloom. This flower garden is a field of wonders with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths and is among the most photographed places in the country.
For those booking early, try to book your Netherlands holiday package online to secure the best timing for the tulip season and skip-the-line garden tickets.
Day 6: Giethoorn – The Venice of the North
It is time to leave the cities behind and go to the fairytale village of Giethoorn, with its canals, thatched-roof houses, and peaceful surroundings. There are no roads, and the main means of transport here are boats, so it is the best place to relax and shoot beautiful snapshots.
You will have an opportunity to hire a whisper boat to see the waterways, or just walk across the bridges and cozy cafes. Spend the night and enjoy the magical sunset that reflects on the calm waters.
Day 7: Utrecht – A Perfect Ending
Your last destination is Utrecht, which is one of the underestimated cities in the Netherlands. Take a climb up the Dom Tower to see the panoramic views, visit the Museum Speelklok to see the odd musical instruments and take a coffee along the Oudegracht canal with its distinctive wharf cellars.
Take time also to shop souvenirs before going back home, choose Dutch cheese, tulip bulbs, and wooden clogs are all good souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit the Netherlands
April through October is the best month to visit the Netherlands. Spring is a season of tulip fields and pleasant weather, whereas the summer is appropriate to enjoy the outdoor fests and canal trips. Autumn is the season of golden foliage and less traffic, which suits the interest of the photography enthusiasts.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Transportation: Purchase an OV-chipkaart to use in getting to all parts of the country by transport.
Language: English is commonly spoken and therefore communication is not a problem among the travelers.
Biking: When it comes to biking, it is better to always ride in bike lanes, as it is safe and appropriate to the local culture.
Cash / Cards: The majority of the locations accept cards; however, in smaller towns, having some euros will be useful.
Conclusion
In Amsterdam with its art world, in Giethoorn with its peaceful canals, in Keukenhof with its tulips, the Netherlands is sure to give you a colorful, charming and cultural trip. Endless and modern architecture, country traditions, all those are pieces of a story that are worth exploring every single corner of this country.
If you're ready to experience it all, consider planning a customized Netherlands tour package for travelers that fits your interests and pace. Your journey will not be remembered as a simple one, though we will be sure that you are guided with the right itinerary and a touch of Dutch adventure.
