Profile photo for Mieke Arendsen
8107 messages
active 11 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 true Dutchy. I love cycling, I even own a pair of wooden shoes and you can wake me up any time to have some cheese.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"The Netherlands are excellent for cycling since it is extremely flat and has the most brilliant cycling lanes in the world. As distances between sights are relatively short, I would suggest the bicycle as a means of transportation. For those that like to take it easy, an e-bike can be a good choice.
I especially love the landscape on the northern islands and the vast forests in the central part of the country. But it’s not all nature that charms me; I also enjoy a stroll through the small cobbled streets of the lesser known characteristic cities of the Netherlands, such as Deventer and Groningen."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I have been in the travel business for over twenty years, both in outbound as well as in inbound tourism. Distant places have always fascinated me, but closer to my home there’s also a lot to explore….it’s a never-ending process of finding new places and routes. What also keeps my work interesting is that every guest has his/her own wishes and interests; every request is different and thus treated as such. I take joy from trying to make an itinerary that fits their specific wishes best. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Cycling the island of Texel with one of my kids in the bicycle front seat, the sea breeze cooling us down. With the sound of the cycle wheels on the lane consisting of shells and sometimes a screeching seagull flying over, I secretly stuffed my nose in my kids hair to sniff that baby smell. Heaven!"

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Mieke

Outstanding travel planning - Netherlands & Belgium
The Netherlands | Apr 19 - Apr 29, 2026

Linda
Linda H.
Tulsa, OK, USA | Reviewed on May 01, 2026
Outstanding travel planning around the Netherlands and Belgium. Services included selection of hotels, tour guides, drivers/train tickets, and destination activities! Very flexible with helpful insights into timing of local events and location selection. Mieke was a huge help both in planning and during the trip - helping to communicate with personnel re: any potential changes in plans. We had some firm ideas for our family vacation that were unique but very much appreciated and valued... Read more

Outstanding travel planning around the Netherlands and Belgium. Services included selection of hotels, tour guides, drivers/train tickets, and destination activities! Very flexible with helpful insights into timing of local events and location selection.

Mieke was a huge help both in planning and during the trip - helping to communicate with personnel re: any potential changes in plans. We had some firm ideas for our family vacation that were unique but very much appreciated and valued Mieke’s additional travel advice and recommendations. Our preference for smaller boutique B&Bs was accommodated with excellent suggestions that were convenient to sites.

Highly recommend KimKim and Mieke’s “Beat the Dutch Travel” support for Dutch experiences.

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on May 02, 2026

Wow Linda, thank you so much for the compliments and adding the review here. It was a pleasure organizing the trip for you guys and you're very very welcome. Glad I could be a small part of your project of making some wonderful family memories here!
All the best to you!

Highly recommended
The Netherlands | Apr 15 - Apr 19, 2026

B
Bryan S.
Italy | Reviewed on Apr 28, 2026
Mieke organized 4 nights for us in Haarlem and Hooran, she did and excellent job working with my wife. I have mobility issues and Mieke made the correct lodging arrangements and was able to adjust one of the canal trips to be less walking.
She was very responsive to inquiries before we arrived and followed up during the course of the trip.
Mieke arranged to have Robert be our driver as needed and he was an immense help at AMS and getting us between the towns. We had a great experience... Read more

Mieke organized 4 nights for us in Haarlem and Hooran, she did and excellent job working with my wife. I have mobility issues and Mieke made the correct lodging arrangements and was able to adjust one of the canal trips to be less walking.
She was very responsive to inquiries before we arrived and followed up during the course of the trip.

Mieke arranged to have Robert be our driver as needed and he was an immense help at AMS and getting us between the towns.

We had a great experience thanks to this team!

Hotel Reviews
Ambassador City Centre Hotel
Haarlem

Right in the historic center with a view of the cathedral. Can be a little noisy but staff was very helpful and friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ysbrantsz Boutique Hotel
Hoorn

Right on the main square and car access to rear. Very busy restaurant the two nights we were there but food is top-notch. Good room and comfortable bed. Staff was very friendly and accomadating.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hoorn - Private boat tour historic harbor
Hoorn - Private boat tour historic harbor
The Netherlands

Private boat with a very knowledgeable captain, great insights to the town and architecture.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hoorn - Tulip tram
Hoorn - Tulip tram
Hoorn

Part of the problem was out of their control: we had some rain and delayed leaving Hoorn due to track repairs. We only had 30 minutes at the last stop before returning to Hoorn. Very clean and well maintained antique train cars and engine.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Haarlem - Canal cruise
Haarlem - Canal cruise
The Netherlands

Was hoping for a smaller boat.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Apr 29, 2026

Hi Bryan, wonderful to read your kind words. Glad you had such a wonderful time in Haarlem and Hoorn, and thank you for your feedback!
It has been a pleasure organizing the trip for you, and hope you welcome you again some day!
Happy travels!!

The Netherlands
The Netherlands | Apr 7 - Apr 12, 2026

D
Dana A.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 19, 2026
Mieke was amazing to work with! She helped us every step of the way. Ruben, our driver was wonderful! He was friendly, prompt and informative. A true professional! Our boat driver Hans in Hoorn was delightful. Also fun and filled with information! Thank you KimKim we had a stress free trip! Read more

Mieke was amazing to work with! She helped us every step of the way. Ruben, our driver was wonderful! He was friendly, prompt and informative. A true professional! Our boat driver Hans in Hoorn was delightful. Also fun and filled with information! Thank you KimKim we had a stress free trip!

Hotel Review
Hotel ML
Haarlem

Breakfast is AMAZIBG

Authenticity & Character
Location
Center of old town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Apr 20, 2026

Hi Dana, thank you for your kind words!
It has been a pleasure organizing the trip for you - glad you had such a good time in the lowlands!!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Mieke did an amazing job planning the whole trip
The Netherlands | Apr 1 - Apr 14, 2026

Jennifer
Jennifer D.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Apr 18, 2026
Mieke did an amazing job planning and writing up detailed instructions on how to get to my various hotels via public transportation. She included the apps I needed for said transportation, the approximate distances to walk. She worked around the bike and boat tour that I had requested and filled in the gaps with many things I would enjoy. I did have a few hiccups along the way such as one of the hotels had absolutely no heat with temps hovering around 40 degrees F at night. Also, the boat... Read more

Mieke did an amazing job planning and writing up detailed instructions on how to get to my various hotels via public transportation. She included the apps I needed for said transportation, the approximate distances to walk. She worked around the bike and boat tour that I had requested and filled in the gaps with many things I would enjoy. I did have a few hiccups along the way such as one of the hotels had absolutely no heat with temps hovering around 40 degrees F at night. Also, the boat dock had moved at the beginning on the boat tour. One last mention, she sent me to Haarlem for my last day for the Monday market, but the market was replaced with a carnival that day. She had no control over these changes or mishaps. My only complaint was the trip cost a bit more than I originally planned.

Hotel Reviews
De Wever Lodge
Otterlo

This was an adorable lodge located just outside the national forest. The breakfast was delicious. However, it was a bit tough walking from the bus stop to the lodge. Much of the path was packed dirt and kind of muddy.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
De Keyser Hotel
Antwerp

How this is rated as a 4 star hotel is beyond me. I arrived a bit early and they allowed me to check in but the room was FREEZING. They told me the heat would be turned on at the desk at 3 pm (official check-in time). I came back after 5 pm and still no heat. I have NEVER stayed in a hotel where the temp is controlled by the desk. I also discovered the glass door would not close completely and the wind howled through it making it even colder. After several trips to the desk, they finally moved me. The second room was also cold and I was advised the heat was out in the whole building and because it was late in a holiday weekend they couldn’t get anyone to fix it. They had a space heater in the room(s) upon arrival and I found that odd. After reading Google reviews, the HVAC issues had been going on for over a year and NUMEROUS complaints were listed. THAT explained why the space heaters were already in the rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Singel hotel
Amsterdam

This had to be one of the cutest boutique hotels I’ve ever been to. The room was small, but big enough for me. I had a beautiful view of the canal and it was very close to Amsterdam Central train/bus station. The breakfast was good, they even offered a couple of selections “on demand.”

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Boat accommodation for cycling tours: Princesse Royal

I had a solo cabin with a twin bed. It was perfect for a solo traveler. It was a bit crowded with my suitcase needing to be on the floor. Some nights it was hard to make the room warm enough for me. The food was AWESOME. The boat had a chef and dinners were curated for us.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ambassador City Centre Hotel
Haarlem

I cannot give this hotel and staff enough praise. They took care of me from the moment I walked in, quite early I might add, until I left the city. They got me into my room right away so I did not have to store my luggage. They made sure I had an appropriate vegetarian breakfast on my checkout. I had problems with my Uber and they helped me get another one do I could get to the airport safely.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hoge Veluwe National Park by bicycle + Kröller Müller Museum
Hoge Veluwe National Park by bicycle + Kröller Müller Museum
The Netherlands

I walked/hiked over to museum from the lodge. It was a good activity for my arrival day. However, the tickets were date specific and it would have been better for the rainy following day.

Quality of Experience
Hoge Veluwe National Park by bicycle
Hoge Veluwe National Park by bicycle
The Netherlands

I got caught in the rain, so it wasn’t very enjoyable on the bike. I did enjoy the nature center/museum including the section underground

Quality of Experience
Antwerp - Chocolate Nation
Antwerp - Chocolate Nation
The Netherlands

You can’t go to Belgium without learning about chocolate. I have been to cocao plantations in the Caribbean and I have come full circle to the finished fine Belgian chocolate. The tasting at the end was awesome.

Quality of Experience
Ghent - Self-Guided Culinary Walking Route
Ghent - Self-Guided Culinary Walking Route
The Netherlands

I actually did not do a “self-guided” walking route, but found a guided tasting tour.

Quality of Experience
Ghent - Gravensteen - Castle of the Counts
Ghent - Gravensteen - Castle of the Counts
The Netherlands

This was a self guided audio tour. I chose the comfy tour and was not disappointed.

Quality of Experience
Bike & Boat: Amsterdam - Spaarndam - Haarlem
Bike & Boat: Amsterdam - Spaarndam - Haarlem
The Netherlands

The whole reason I went to the Netherlands was for the bike and boat tour. On our first day we “sailed” to Haarlem and biked into the town. Saw Grote Markt and the church.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen

We had an absolutely wonderful trip to The Netherlands!
The Netherlands | Mar 31 - Apr 12, 2026

J
Joan J.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Apr 14, 2026
We had an absolutely wonderful trip to The Netherlands. We asked for some more remote experiences and Mieke delivered and I would say Otterlo and Texel were highlights for sure. All of the details were thought of and having our driver made transitions around the country seamless. We loved the extra attention Mieke added with Food Tours and cheese tastings. Overall we just couldn't have asked for a better vacation it checked all the boxes. Read more

We had an absolutely wonderful trip to The Netherlands. We asked for some more remote experiences and Mieke delivered and I would say Otterlo and Texel were highlights for sure. All of the details were thought of and having our driver made transitions around the country seamless. We loved the extra attention Mieke added with Food Tours and cheese tastings. Overall we just couldn't have asked for a better vacation it checked all the boxes.

Hotel Review
Singel hotel
Amsterdam

We stayed at the Singel Hotel on the Singel Canal, and it was a perfect location for us. It's right on the border between the old city and the Jordaan neighborhood, which we really enjoyed. The hotel was comfortable, and while the rooms and bathrooms were small in typical European fashion, we didn't mind at all. The location more than made up for that, and we loved having the convenience of walking to various places in Amsterdam. It was a great stay!

Activity Reviews
Haarlem -- Teylers Museum
Haarlem -- Teylers Museum
The Netherlands

Our trip to the flower auction and the bulb fields was delightful, though the flowers weren't quite in full bloom yet. Nevertheless, the narcissus were totally in bloom, and the hyacinths and tulips were blooming to varying degrees. We also visited an indoor area at Keukenhof where everything was fully in bloom, providing a splendid spectacle of colors. Later in the trip, we visited Hortus Bulborum in Limmen, which had more blooms. So if you plan your timing right, you can really see everything in its glory.

Amsterdam - Private Grand Dutch Food & History Tour
Amsterdam - Private Grand Dutch Food & History Tour
The Netherlands

The food tour in Amsterdam was a major highlight of our trip. Our guide, Thijs Van Rooyen, was fabulous. As food enthusiasts, our family loved learning about the cultural significance of various Dutch foods. The tour provided a delightful and informative exploration of Amsterdam's culinary scene. I would highly recommend doing a food tour early in your visit to get a taste of the local culture and to learn about the foods that are important in the area. It was amazing and thoroughly enjoyable!

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Apr 14, 2026

🌷 wonderful to hear Joan....glad you had time to visit beyond the main paths and explore the countryside, the forests and the island of Texel as well! It was a great pleasure to organise this trip for you and your travel buddies, and hope to welcome you here again some day!

Kim Kim did an awesome job planning my trip t...
The Netherlands | Dec 29 - Jan 13, 2026

K
karen l.
India | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2026
Kim Kim did an awesome job planning my trip to The Netherlands! The drivers are all polite and are always on time to pick us up. The hotels recommended by Mieke were all beautiful and unique, even though small since thay are usually boutique hotels. The only glitch in the trip was that the canal cruise in Amsterdam almost didn’t happen as the company claimed they did not get the date change from Mieke and we were told we weren’t able to take it since the time slot was full. I was unable to... Read more

Kim Kim did an awesome job planning my trip to The Netherlands! The drivers are all polite and are always on time to pick us up. The hotels recommended by Mieke were all beautiful and unique, even though small since thay are usually boutique hotels. The only glitch in the trip was that the canal cruise in Amsterdam almost didn’t happen as the company claimed they did not get the date change from Mieke and we were told we weren’t able to take it since the time slot was full. I was unable to contact Mieke at all too, and it was highly frustrating. Luckily someone didn’t turn up and hence they allow us to get on to the cruise. In the trip plan, it was stated that there would be Christmas markets in Belgium and Netherlands during my trip but there weren’t any. Other than that, everything went smoothly as planned.

Hotel Reviews
The Dominican
Bruxelles

The hotel is small and charming but unfortunately the staff are not so. They don’t greet or even acknowledge you when you come into the hotel and housekeeping is practically useless since after tipping them, they don’t even replace the ameities that you used (not like they provide much to begin with). The gym is practically useless with no weights. The only saving grace is its location and the only nice and friendly gentlemen uncle serving in breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very central and accessible
Staff
All look miserable and border on rude. Cannot be bothered to help at all
Cleanliness & Comfort
Housekeeping is bare minimal and don’t even replace amenities
Suitehotel Pincoffs
Rotterdam

Fantastic family run hotel that is almost like staying in an intimate B&B or welcomed into someone’s home. Although no gym and the breakfast is pretty limited, the warm service and deco more than make up for it.

Authenticity & Character
The is an authentic fireplace in the hotel and its rooms are unique with super cool layouts.
Location
Staff
They will go the extra mile for you and always with a genuine smile.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Book the loft junior suite. You will not regret it
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof
Ghent

The breakfast was phenomenal and hotel was a modern mox of modernity and old school charm. No view in the room but it was spacious and beautiful. It is located very close to the main tourist stretch without it being too intrusive.

Authenticity & Character
A very beautiful hotel with unique sitting area on the 2nd floor
Location
Near but not right smack in city center so you don’t feel too overwhelmed by the noise and crowd
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Indigo The Hague
The Hague

A small boutique hotel with good breakfast and limited service

Authenticity & Character
Its beautiful and small but the staff are coldly professional and didn’t make you feel warm.
Location
Amazing location right on the Royal shopping street
Staff
It feels like the staff is there to check you in and out, but don’t expect much else. The room does not have amenities so you have to ask them for them which is quite inconvenient.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room is clean but you have to ask for the basic amenities from the front desk
Hotel Estheréa
Amsterdam

Absolutely charming and beautiful, although it was perpectually crawling with tourists and the lifts and hallways are too cramped and small for ita own good. The staff may be overwhelmed and don’t appear very warm or friendly at all, much like the weather in Amsterdam right now. Breakfast is great although you have to book in advance and you are only given a 45mins time frame to finish.

Authenticity & Character
The charm of the hotel is through the roof with no two rooms the same deco, although they are really tiny.
Location
Right on the nine streets; the historic city center
Staff
Coldly professional, much like the january weather in Amsterdam and unfortunately marred the charm of the hotel
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms and hallways are cramped and tiny
Activity Review
Amsterdam - Canal cruise (join in)
Amsterdam - Canal cruise (join in)
The Netherlands

They claimed they did not get our reservation at all and did not seem to care otherwise. Only because others did not turn up did they give us the slot. The boat was small and it was freezing, hece there was limited view. Not very comfortable although the boat guy was funny and nice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Jan 18, 2026

Hi Karen
Thank you for taking the time to review the services on your trip.
As discussed, we're very sorry about the frustrating situation with getting on your canal cruise. We have discussed it with the boat captains, to prevent this in the future. Gladly you were able to sail on the correct boat, but it's a shame that it took all this confusion on the spot. A refund is on your way!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Expert assistance made everything better
The Netherlands | Sep 18 - Sep 24, 2025

Deborah
Deborah B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 27, 2025
From the very first contact Mieke showed her expertise as well as her interest in getting us the best trip possible! She made suggestions of activities, guiding us to places we would not have visited otherwise, and loved, and even met us in person one day to help us feel more comfortable with travel! Hotels with good locations, transport, restaurant reservations, and more, done for us and that greatly relieved the stress of planning the trip. We made quite a few changes as the trip evolved... Read more

From the very first contact Mieke showed her expertise as well as her interest in getting us the best trip possible! She made suggestions of activities, guiding us to places we would not have visited otherwise, and loved, and even met us in person one day to help us feel more comfortable with travel! Hotels with good locations, transport, restaurant reservations, and more, done for us and that greatly relieved the stress of planning the trip. We made quite a few changes as the trip evolved and it was so nice to have Mieke’s knowledge of when would be best to do things, and changes were done promptly and cooperatively. The materials sent to us (maps, descriptions, etc.) were very helpful, and it was nice to be able to print everything out as well as save it on my phone. We had a great trip, and having an expert local agent was the key.

Hotel Reviews
The Collector Hotel
The Hague

The Collector Hotel in The Hague was fantastic. It was really beautiful, had a nice room, and the staff were great. The location was excellent with no complaints whatsoever. Truly a pleasant experience all around.

Hotel des Arts
Amsterdam-Centrum

The Hotel des Arts in Amsterdam was beautiful and historic, but it had its challenges. We had to climb four flights of narrow stairs with our luggage as there were no escalators, and it was unexpectedly warm, making it difficult to sleep. On the plus side, the staff were very nice, the breakfast was great, and the location was perfect. Overall, an okay stay but not without its discomforts.

Activity Reviews
Haarlem -- Teylers Museum
Haarlem -- Teylers Museum
The Netherlands

The Teylers Museum in Haarlem was amazing! It exceeded my expectations with its quality and exhibits. A thoroughly enjoyable experience that I would highly recommend.

Amsterdam - Scheepvaartmuseum
Amsterdam - Scheepvaartmuseum
The Netherlands

The Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum) in Amsterdam was a delightful surprise. It's very historical, and you get to go on boats, which I think both kids and adults would enjoy. It's a bit off the beaten path in terms of common tourist spots, but definitely worth a visit.

Delft - Vermeer Center
Delft - Vermeer Center
The Netherlands

The Vermeer Center in Delft was disappointing. There were no real paintings, just a couple of rooms with not much to learn that we didn't already know from visiting other locations like the Rijksmuseum and Mauritshuis. It didn't meet my expectations.

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Sep 29, 2025

Hi Deborah and Mike, It has been such a pleasure hosting this trip here for you and meeting you in Amsterdam. It was very interesting for us to see everything through your eyes, how you experience Dutch local life.
Glad you have enjoyed the trip so much, and thank you for your kind words!!
All the best to you,
Mieke

Mieke is amazing!!
The Netherlands | Sep 5 - Sep 9, 2025

Christine
Christine M.
Canada | Reviewed on Sep 10, 2025
Mieke booked amazing tours for us and gave us so many options to consider for food, drink and other excursions! This was an amazing trip and I would highly recommend Mieke to anyone looking to customize their Amsterdam trip! Read more

Mieke booked amazing tours for us and gave us so many options to consider for food, drink and other excursions! This was an amazing trip and I would highly recommend Mieke to anyone looking to customize their Amsterdam trip!

Hotel Review
Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark
Amsterdam

It was pretty good for a hostel, it’s what we wanted and it delivered.

Authenticity & Character
The old school house architecture was very cool
Location
It’s a bit further out of the city center
Staff
They were all great
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was clean and comfortable.
Activity Reviews
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour in small group
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour in small group
The Netherlands

This was such a highlight of the trip - David was very good and providing us with Dutch history and the history of the food we were eating. He shared so much of his own personal experience of growing up in Amsterdam - it made it very personal. He really got to know us and was amazing at providing tidbits of information.

Quality of Experience
Amsterdam - Heineken Experience
Amsterdam - Heineken Experience
The Netherlands

It was a great experience.

Quality of Experience
Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
The Netherlands

It was very memorable.

Quality of Experience
Amsterdam - Begijnhof
Amsterdam - Begijnhof
The Netherlands

It was such an amazing experience.

Amsterdam - Canal cruise (join in)
Amsterdam - Canal cruise (join in)
The Netherlands

Saleem was an amazing tour. We were so glad to have a smaller tour and boat. It made for a very personalized experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Public transport pass Netherlands (OV chip card)
Public transport pass Netherlands (OV chip card)
The Netherlands

It was great to have the card loaded for us to use - this was by far the best way to get around the city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Sep 10, 2025

Hi Christine,
Thank you so much for your kind words! It's great to know you appreciated the excursions and experiences that you had, and have shared your compliments to David, your guide for the food/history tour - he will surely be happy to hear that. I am glad you also had some days of absolutely lovely weather here...
Enjoy your time in Paris!! and maybe till next time ;)
Mieke

Our Holland Adventure
The Netherlands | Aug 3 - Aug 8, 2025

G
Gail P.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025
Lots of interesting cities in Holland. Had so much fun using public transportation and visiting the sites and museums. Good thing we are fit-lots of narrow spiral staircases in hotels with no elevator (lift). People were all very friendly. Learned alot. Read more

Lots of interesting cities in Holland. Had so much fun using public transportation and visiting the sites and museums. Good thing we are fit-lots of narrow spiral staircases in hotels with no elevator (lift). People were all very friendly. Learned alot.

Hotel Reviews
Huys van Leiden
Leiden

had a spiral staircase to get to the bathroom!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Boutique Hotel Museumkwartier
Utrecht

Quaint.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The James Hotel Rotterdam
Rotterdam

modern hotel. Loved it.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel des Arts
Amsterdam-Centrum

no air conditioning or elevator!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Delft - Delft blue pottery
Delft - Delft blue pottery
The Netherlands

Probably could have skipped.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rotterdam - harbor boat tour
Rotterdam - harbor boat tour
The Netherlands

Amazing

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Hague - Mauritshuis Museum
The Hague - Mauritshuis Museum
The Netherlands

Wished we had a longer stay

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rotterdam - Kinderdijk windmills by public boat (waterbus)
Rotterdam - Kinderdijk windmills by public boat (waterbus)
The Netherlands

interesting

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rotterdam
Rotterdam
The Netherlands

Big city. Good food. Enjoyed the boat cruise.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Leiden
Leiden
The Netherlands

Probably may favorite city. Rented bikes.

Quality of Experience
Amsterdam - Canal cruise (join in)
Amsterdam - Canal cruise (join in)
The Netherlands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amsterdam -  Grand Dutch Food & History Tour in a small group
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food & History Tour in a small group
The Netherlands

Great guide met so nice people

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum
The Netherlands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Public transport pass Amsterdam
Public transport pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

A great addition! Made travel so easy.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Aug 25, 2025

Hi Gail
Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to review all the hotels and activities. And how lovely to see all the pictures; it looks like a wonderful trip!
It was a pleasure hosting your stay for you!
Best regards,
Mieke

Excellent support from day 1 planning to arrival home!
The Netherlands | Aug 6 - Aug 10, 2025

Rebecca
Rebecca G.
Mamaroneck, NY | Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025
From start to finish planning my trip to Amsterdam was seamless with the support of Mieke. She crafted a custom itinerary that balanced the interests and needs of my 14yo son and 82yo mom. Most helpful was her availability and responsiveness while we were abroad. It’s such a comfort having someone in country to reach out to with questions or, for example, to modify an activity mid-trip when we realized my mom needed less walking. This is my third time using Kim Kim and I highly recommend! Read more

From start to finish planning my trip to Amsterdam was seamless with the support of Mieke. She crafted a custom itinerary that balanced the interests and needs of my 14yo son and 82yo mom. Most helpful was her availability and responsiveness while we were abroad. It’s such a comfort having someone in country to reach out to with questions or, for example, to modify an activity mid-trip when we realized my mom needed less walking. This is my third time using Kim Kim and I highly recommend!

Hotel Review
Dikker & Thijs Hotel
Amsterdam

Excellent location, friendly and accommodating staff, delicious breakfast, charming and clean rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Amsterdam - Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam - Van Gogh Museum
The Netherlands

A must see.

Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
The Netherlands

A must see.

Amsterdam - Muiderslot Castle by public transport
Amsterdam - Muiderslot Castle by public transport
Amsterdam

We loved taking a walk back through time to the medieval history of Amsterdam. Beautiful grounds and restored castle. The town itself is beyond charming. A trip favorite for sure!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day trip to cheese farm, Edam, and Zaanse Schans
Day trip to cheese farm, Edam, and Zaanse Schans
The Netherlands

The cheese farm was interesting, Edam was charming, and the driver Herman was lovely, but Zaanse Schans was insanely mobbed with tourists and felt more like a disney experience than an authentic glimpse into the architectural and engineering feats of the windmills (which were magnificent but better to know in advance that it is a bit of a tourist spectacle)

Amsterdam - Private canal cruise to Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise to Van Gogh Museum
The Netherlands

A trip favorite! Our guide was informative and funny and there is nothing like seeing the city from the water.

Amsterdam Dungeon
Amsterdam Dungeon
Amsterdam

My son and I really enjoyed this spooky theater that introduced us to the ghosts of Amsterdam's past. Beware, though, it is spooky and not for the faint of heart! Also requires a fair amount of walking and crouching so my 82yo mom was not able to participate.

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

Jan was friendly and knowledgeable

Public transport pass Amsterdam
Public transport pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Easy to navigate, very clean, and enjoyed traveling like a local!

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Aug 18, 2025

Dear Rebecca, Thank you very much for your kind words! Great to read that all of you have enjoyed the trip. Having different ages on board is sometimes a bit af a challenge, but I am glad you could make it work for all of you. Thank you for sharing your experiences about the windmill site as well; it very touristy and crowded some days - we will make sure to inform our guests better about that, so future guests are better prepared for it.
Wishing you all the best, Mieke