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Introducing The Netherlands

The Netherlands is so much more than just windmills and tulips! From top to bottom, its rich history can be experienced through the well-preserved architecture of its picturesque villages, churches, and canals. If nature is more your speed, the Netherlands boasts beautiful beaches and national parks to explore. It may be a small country, but there is something here for everyone! 

When is the best time to visit Holland?
The Netherlands is a country that can really be visited year-round. Even in the chilly winter months, you are still able to enjoy a stroll through the park or a cup of mulled wine at a local market. Situated on the coast of the North Sea, the Netherlands experiences moderate marine temperatures during Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November), colder temperatures in the winter (December- February) and warm, but manageable temperatures during the summer months (June-August). Spontaneous rainfalls can occur year-round, with the heaviest rains falling in October and November. 

Where should you go?
In the Netherlands, you really can have it all! Since the country is relatively small, you are able to see all its corners without having to travel long distances. This means that it is quite easy to visit the tulips fields in the Bollenstreek (Dutch bulb region), go cycling along the dunes near Bergen and Schoorl, wander through charming cobblestone streets of 17th-century villages such as Haarlem or Leiden, or go hiking in the Veluwe National Park, all while traveling from point A to B in only 1.5 hours on average.

How many days do you need?
In 5 days, you can experience all of the highlights of the west such as Amsterdam and its many art museums which boast works from the great Dutch Masters, the tulip fields in bloom around Haarlem, traditional Dutch windmills at the Zaanse Schans, and a cheese market in Alkmaar or Gouda. If you have 7 to 10 days to spend, you can visit more off-the-beaten-track places like the picturesque fishing villages of Monnickendam, Marken, and Volendam, take a boat tour or canoe excursion through Biesbosch National Park, or head south to Limburg to visit castles and go hiking in the only hills in the Netherlands. You can even enjoy some mudflat waking and the beach in the Wadden Islands.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 10 days · 14 days

The Netherlands Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Lievebrug Bridge in Ghent
Grand Tour of the Netherlands & Belgium - 14 Days

Castles, cathedrals, windmills, canals: this two-week itinerary takes you through highlights of the Netherlands and Belgium. Starting in the vibrant Dutch capital of Amsterdam and ending in the cosmopolitan Belgian capital of Brussels, the adventure offers a mix of cultural sightseeing and outdoor excursions. Learn about architecture in Rotterdam, see medieval Ghent from a boat, sample Belgian waffles in their place of origin, view original paintings by Vincent van Gogh, and experience natural landscapes with a ride through a national park on an e-bike. This grand tour has something for everyone!

The National Monument on Dam Square, Amsterdam
Map of World War II in the Netherlands - 5 Days
World War II in the Netherlands - 5 Days

History buffs won't want to miss this five-day tour of World War II sites and monuments in the Netherlands. From the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam to the Camp Westerbork detention camp, and from refugee hideaways in the woods to military cemeteries and memorials, there's so much to see and learn. Spend the night at the site where the Netherlands was liberated from the Nazis, walk with a veteran across a landmark bridge at sunset in Nijmegen, and wrap up the itinerary with a visit to the National Monument in Amsterdam.

A picturesque canal in Amsterdam
Best of Amsterdam & Haarlem - 5 Days

This enlightening 5-day journey will take you to the highlights of Amsterdam and its surrounding region. Start at the Anne Frank House, then enjoy a private boat tour along the city's canals before visiting two world-class art museums, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. On a day trip to the countryside, you'll see historic windmills, wander around a quaint fishing village, and sample traditional Dutch cheese in Edam. Spend the last part of the trip in the charming city of Haarlem, an easy side trip from the capital, where you'll visit the oldest museum in the Netherlands.

Bicycle in the Dutch Countryside
Map of Flower Tour of Holland - 5 Days
Flower Tour of Holland - 5 Days

This itinerary is all about flowers! In just five days, you will cycle through Dutch tulip fields on an e-bike, learn how tulips are grown, and see how they're sold at auction and at floating flower markets. View magnificent tulips on display at the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, the largest flower park in the world, and learn all about the rich history of tulips and their value in Dutch culture at the Tulip Museum. The best time to plan this trip is March through May, with the tulips at their best in mid-April.

Historic monuments on a tour of Holland and Flanders
Map of Highlights of Holland & Flanders - 7 Days
Highlights of Holland & Flanders - 7 Days

There's no need to choose between Holland and Flanders (the Dutch-speaking half of Belgium). This weeklong itinerary takes you to the highlights of both, including sightseeing in Amsterdam, an architecture tour in Rotterdam, a gourmet food tour in Antwerp, and a boat tour past medieval castles in Ghent. You'll sample cheeses where they're produced, spot windmills in the Dutch countryside, and relax with a Belgian crowd on a river beach. This whirlwind itinerary has something for everyone!

Church
Map of Highlights of Holland - 10 Days
Highlights of Holland - 10 Days

Experience the best of Holland along with some of its hidden gems on this 10-day trip! From big cities to charming small villages, you’ll experience a perfect cross-section of what the Netherlands has to offer. You’ll have the opportunity to admire all of the traditional Dutch characteristics: cheese markets, famous painters, typical canals, rich history, churches with stained-glass windows, windmills, lovely squares, and ancient cobbled alleys. In addition to exploring picturesque smaller cities such as Gouda, Leiden, and Delft, you will also visit Amsterdam, home to the country’s most famous museums, the vibrant, modern harbor city of Rotterdam, and even get some beach time!

Make the Most of Your Time in the Netherlands

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Traditional windmills throughout the Alblasserwaard polder of Kinderdijk
How Many Days to Spend in the Netherlands

With five days in the Netherlands, travelers can explore Amsterdam's highlights and use the capital as a hub for nearby popular sites, including The Hague, Rotterdam, and...

The Netherlands Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest The Netherlands Content

Spend a week exploring the Benelux capitals, starting in Amsterdam
Map of Discover the Benelux Capitals: Amsterdam, Brussels & Luxembourg City - 7 Days
Discover the Benelux Capitals: Amsterdam, Brussels & Luxembourg City - 7 Days

Experience the beautiful capitals of the Benelux countries (the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg) during this whirlwind trip. In Amsterdam, you'll cruise the canals and take a walking tour of the historic streets while stopping to see the famous Dutch masters. Then, head to Brussels, the capital of Belgium, for waffles, beers, quirky museums, and a rowboat excursion. Finish the trip in Luxembourg City, where you'll wander through the compact and historic streets, as well as its famous palace.

Wander around Amsterdam's historic canals and cobblestone streets
Map of Grand Tour of Benelux: the Netherlands, Belgium & Luxembourg  - 14 Days
Grand Tour of Benelux: the Netherlands, Belgium & Luxembourg - 14 Days

Spend two glorious weeks in the tri-nation Benelux region with this action-packed itinerary. Start by cruising the canals and visiting the world-famous artworks of Amsterdam, cycling through the innovative streets of Rotterdam, and cruising past windmills in Kinderdijk. You'll then head to Brussels for mussels, beer, and museums, followed by kayaking in Belgium's picturesque town of Dinant. Finish the trip in Luxembourg, where you'll check out the capital and nearby castle of Vianden.

Traditional windmills throughout the Alblasserwaard polder of Kinderdijk
How Many Days to Spend in the Netherlands

With five days in the Netherlands, travelers can explore Amsterdam's highlights and use the capital as a hub for nearby popular sites, including The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Seven days, however, is the right amount of time to cover main interests and discover more of the country than the average visitor with places like Marken, Edam, and Biebosch National Park. If you have 10 days, you can go farther afield to the northern province of Groningen or visit a second country and cross the border into Belgium.

The Netherlands Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 7 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
7 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
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Map 10 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
10 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
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Map 5 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
5 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for The Netherlands
Travel specialist Mieke Arendsen
active 12 mins ago

Mieke Arendsen

Born and raised in the province of Gelderland in the east-central part of the Netherlands, I have traveled to most corners of the world, especially to Asia. But deep down, I will always remain a...

read more...
Travel specialist Bas Naus
active 10 hours ago

Bas Naus

Like any person in the Netherlands, I started riding my bike soon after I learned how to walk and I ate cheese almost every day. But during my childhood, we would always drive straight to the...

read more...
Travel specialist Nadine Hikisch
active 1 day ago

Nadine Hikisch

Having been brought up with an English mum and a German dad, born and raised in Limburg. I was at an early age fascinated by different cultures. As a child we always went to Austria for our...

read more...
Travel specialist Emma Gerards

Emma Gerards

Ever since I was a child, I was very fond of the road trips my family took within Europe. We went into nature and hiked mountains, or drove to sunny beaches by lakes and seas. When I was a student...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for The Netherlands

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Amazing family trip to The Netherlands/Belgium
The Netherlands | Jun 29 - Jul 8, 2025

JAMIE
JAMIE T.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025
Mieke did a wonderful job in accommodating our wishes and planning our trip to The Netherlands/Belgium since our family ranged in ages from 18 to 82. We had a great variety of private tours including the food tour with Bo which was fabulous in Amsterdam, a private walking tour in Ghent with Christine and despite the rain a great walking tour in Bruges with Roland! They all were so knowledgeable about their respective cities and shared their love of their country with us. They made is so... Read more

Mieke did a wonderful job in accommodating our wishes and planning our trip to The Netherlands/Belgium since our family ranged in ages from 18 to 82. We had a great variety of private tours including the food tour with Bo which was fabulous in Amsterdam, a private walking tour in Ghent with Christine and despite the rain a great walking tour in Bruges with Roland! They all were so knowledgeable about their respective cities and shared their love of their country with us. They made is so easy to get around from place to place with the public transportation and private transfers as we needed. Their food recommendations and optional activities were very well thought out and provided us with extra excursions where we needed to fill in last minute. Part of our trip included visiting family from The Netherlands and the assistance in planning this part of our trip timeline was extremely helpful as well! The day-to-day instructions/timeline was great for planning each day and made the entire trip easy and fun!

We appreciate your assistance and highly recommend your services! Thank you for helping us make our holiday a memorable and positive experience!

Hotel Review
Boutique Hotel Beekhuizen, Velp
Velp

This hotel was a bit of heaven in the forest! The room was beautiful and spacious for a European hotel. We loved the outdoor patio to view nature. The breakfast was outstanding and the hospitality was excellent!

Authenticity & Character
The large windows in the room provided a beautiful view of the grounds of the hotel.
Location
This hotel is away from the hustle and bustle and there are many paths in nature to enjoy the beauty of the area.
Staff
The staff was very welcoming upon arrival and served a fabulous breakfast.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were comfortable and rooms were spacious.
Activity Reviews
Amsterdam -  Grand Dutch food & history tour in small group
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch food & history tour in small group
The Netherlands

Bo was extremely knowledgeable about the food and the city of Amsterdam and shared a lot of history with us. There was plenty of food/drinks offered on the tour and we were completely satisfied.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

This public transport pass made getting around Haarlem, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Gouda super efficient and easy.

Quality of Experience
Transport
Easy to scan on/scan off and follow instructions on map to get exactly where we need to be.
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen

A lovely 2-week vacation in The Netherlands
The Netherlands | Jun 12 - Jun 24, 2025

Nancy
Nancy A.
North Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jul 03, 2025
Had a lovely 2-week vacation in The Netherlands, primarily in Haarlem and The Hague. This was my second trip to the Netherlands and my husband's first. Every time I go, I fall more in love with the Dutch way of living! Our travel specialists, Nadine and Bas, were amazing and always helpful when we needed them. I would definitely recommend them whether you want a very organized, fully packed trip or a more laid back, open ended one. They really take good care of you! Read more

Had a lovely 2-week vacation in The Netherlands, primarily in Haarlem and The Hague. This was my second trip to the Netherlands and my husband's first. Every time I go, I fall more in love with the Dutch way of living! Our travel specialists, Nadine and Bas, were amazing and always helpful when we needed them. I would definitely recommend them whether you want a very organized, fully packed trip or a more laid back, open ended one. They really take good care of you!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Beijers
Utrecht
Authenticity & Character
Beautiful! Each room is unique in it's own way.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Due to the historic nature of the hotel, there is no AC. Probably not an issue for some, but just know this when you are making your plans.
Hotel Mai Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel des Arts
Amsterdam-Centrum

Building dates back to the 1700s. Charming and quaint, it is in a great location. About one block from the (spotless) metro. Convenient to seeing many sites in Amsterdam. Friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Boutiquehotel Staats
Haarlem

My favorite hotel in all of The Netherlands! Each room is unique and fanciful. The breakfast is delicious and the staff could not be more friendly and welcoming.

Authenticity & Character
Creative and unique
Location
Just 2 blocks from the train station and 3 blocks to the historic district
Staff
Kind and welcoming
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Haarlem - cycling to the beach
Haarlem - cycling to the beach
The Netherlands

The bike culture in the The Netherlands is the envy of the world and for a good reason!

Quality of Experience
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Can't live without this! Makes travel within the country so easy!

Local specialist: Nadine Hikisch
Nadine
Nadine Hikisch
Local specialist in Huissen | Replied on Jul 07, 2025

Hi Nancy and James,
Thank you for taking the time to review your trip and for sending us valuable feedback. We are glad you enjoyed exploring Haarlem and The Hague. We welcome you back to the Netherlands anytime:))
With warm wishes,
Nadine & Bas

What a fantastic week in the Netherlands! We...
The Netherlands | Jun 13 - Jun 22, 2025

Cynthia
Cynthia C.
Sudbury, MA | Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025
What a fantastic week in the Netherlands! We spent a few days in Amsterdam, then Otterlo/De Hoge Veluwe National Park, and then finished up in Rotterdam. Nadine was wonderful to deal with and her recommendations were spot on! Our driver, Maarten, was also spectacular. Some highlights includ: a canal ride through Amsterdamataying at The Pulitzer (Amsterdam) a bike trip from Leiden to the beach, the Sculpture Garden at the Kroller-Muller museum in the National Park, and staying in a house boat... Read more

What a fantastic week in the Netherlands! We spent a few days in Amsterdam, then Otterlo/De Hoge Veluwe National Park, and then finished up in Rotterdam. Nadine was wonderful to deal with and her recommendations were spot on! Our driver, Maarten, was also spectacular. Some highlights includ: a canal ride through Amsterdamataying at The Pulitzer (Amsterdam) a bike trip from Leiden to the beach, the Sculpture Garden at the Kroller-Muller museum in the National Park, and staying in a house boat in Rotterdam. We can't wait to come back and explore more of the Netherlands, and will definitely reach out to Nadine and team to do so.

Hotel Reviews
Wikkelboats Rijnhaven
Rotterdam

This was a highlight of the trip! While we did have some guests that were there to party in the boat next to us, we still enjoyed the stay here immensely. The house boat was clean and comfortable. And althought tiny, it had everything we needed! We cooked breakfast each morning we were there, and cooked dinner there one night as well. Would definitely stay again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
in a fun part of the city.
Staff
not much staff actually, but they were responsiveness when we needed them.
Cleanliness & Comfort
super clean and surprisingly comfortable.
De Wever Lodge
Otterlo

Lovely lodge within walking distance to the park. Would definitely stay again!

Authenticity & Character
beautiful and relaxing. So comfortable.
Location
Staff
So pleasant and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
really loved it here. Some other guests complained about the noise level in the rooms on the first floor, but it did not bother us.
Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam
Amsterdam

Delightful! This is a really a lovely place to stay, right on a canal in Amsterdam. The food was all very gfood as well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Rotterdam - Deltaworks & Neeltje Jans day trip
Rotterdam - Deltaworks & Neeltje Jans day trip
Rotterdam

We are so glad we did this. It is a bit out of the way, but if you are interested in learning more about how the Netherlands keeps from flooding (the country is below sea level) then it is a must see. It is an engineering wonder. We learned a lot.

Rotterdam - Excursion to Kinderdijk & Dordrecht by private boat
Rotterdam - Excursion to Kinderdijk & Dordrecht by private boat
Rotterdam

fun and so interesting!

Hoge Veluwe National Park by bicycle + Kröller Müller Museum
Hoge Veluwe National Park by bicycle + Kröller Müller Museum
The Netherlands

Beautiful park, sculpture garden and museum.

Amsterdam - Day trip to Leiden
Amsterdam - Day trip to Leiden
Amsterdam

A highlight of the trip! Leiden is beautiful. Adn the bike trip we did from there to the beach was spectacular.

Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum
The Netherlands

Not to be missed.

Amsterdam - Private canal cruise to Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise to Rijksmuseum
The Netherlands

Do this!!!

Amsterdam - A'DAM lookout
Amsterdam - A'DAM lookout
The Netherlands

This was the only part of the trip we didn't love. It was ok , and if you needed to be in that part of town then it could be interesting. But we could have passed.

Amsterdam - Private guided historic city walk
Amsterdam - Private guided historic city walk
The Netherlands

Rob was great - very pleasant and informative.

Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

This was super easy to navigate (but don't forget to check out!)

Local specialist: Nadine Hikisch
Nadine
Nadine Hikisch
Local specialist in Huissen | Replied on Jun 24, 2025

Thank you, Cynthia, for your lovely words. It has been a pleasure organizing the trip for you both, and your feedback it's very valuable and helpful! Thank you for your kind words☺️
We hope to see you again!
Wishing you all the best,
Nadine

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