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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

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.

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
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
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
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
Amsterdam - Begijnhof
Amsterdam - Begijnhof
The Netherlands

It was such an amazing experience.

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

It was very memorable.

Quality of Experience
Amsterdam - Heineken Experience
Amsterdam - Heineken Experience
Amsterdam

It was a great experience.

Quality of Experience
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
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
Hotel des Arts
Amsterdam-Centrum

no air conditioning or elevator!

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

modern hotel. Loved it.

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

Quaint.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Huys van Leiden
Leiden

had a spiral staircase to get to the bathroom!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
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
Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum
The Netherlands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amsterdam -  Grand Dutch food & history tour in small group
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch food & history tour in small group
The Netherlands

Great guide met so nice people

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Amsterdam - Canal cruise (join in)
Amsterdam - Canal cruise (join in)
The Netherlands
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
Leiden
Leiden
The Netherlands

Probably may favorite city. Rented bikes.

Quality of Experience
Rotterdam
Rotterdam
The Netherlands

Big city. Good food. Enjoyed the boat cruise.

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
The Hague - Mauritshuis Museum
The Hague - Mauritshuis Museum
The Netherlands

Wished we had a longer stay

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Delft - Delft blue pottery
Delft - Delft blue pottery
The Netherlands

Probably could have skipped.

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
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

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

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

Jan was friendly and knowledgeable

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 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 - Anne Frank House
Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
The Netherlands

A must see.

Amsterdam - Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam - Van Gogh Museum
The Netherlands

A must see.

Daytrip to Cheese Farm, Edam and Zaanse Schans
Daytrip 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 - 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
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

Our trip was amazing on so many levels!!
The Netherlands | Jun 29 - Jul 8, 2025

Chuck
Chuck T.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025
Our trip was amazing on so many levels and in so many ways. Mieke did an incredible job setting everything up. Our guides were great as were all the recommendations for restaurants. THANK YOU so much Mieke and everyone that made this a trip of a lifetime!! Read more

Our trip was amazing on so many levels and in so many ways. Mieke did an incredible job setting everything up. Our guides were great as were all the recommendations for restaurants. THANK YOU so much Mieke and everyone that made this a trip of a lifetime!!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel des Galeries
Brussels

This hotel was amazing!! Great location. Very clean and well kept. I would definitely stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Great authenticity and character.
Location
Great location. In the middle of great shopping and restaurants, but still private and quiet.
Staff
Staff was very helpful and kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vey clean and comfortable.
Comic Art Hotel
Ghent

We loved this hotel. The comic theme was very cool. It is in a great location as well and the staff was amazing!!

Authenticity & Character
Such great character and with the comic theme it is very authentic.
Location
The location is great. Right next to the canal and a couple blocks from all the action. It is perfect!!
Staff
The staff was amazing!! Incredibly helpful and kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel was very clean and very comfortable. Five stars for sure!!
The James Hotel Rotterdam
Rotterdam

Fantastic hotel!! It is very clean and the staff is very friendly.. Great location as well. We would definitely stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
This hotel has great character and authenticity. I really liked it.
Location
The location is prime. Close to shopping, restaurants and plenty of action, yet quiet and comforatble.
Staff
The staff was top notch. Very polite and very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
This hotel is very clean and very comfortable. Top rated on this too.
Boutique Hotel Beekhuizen, Velp
Velp

This hotel is stunning. It is so pretty. The staff was amazing as well. I would stay here again for sure!!

Authenticity & Character
Filled with character and authenticity.
Location
Being in the forest makes this extra special and incredibly beautiful!!
Staff
The staff was very kind and very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
This hotel was very clean nd incredibly comfortable.
Boutiquehotel Staats
Haarlem

This is an amazing hotel. The staff was fabulous and everything was very clean. I would definitely stay here again,

Authenticity & Character
This hotel has so much character. I absolutely LOVED it!!
Location
Staff
The staff was so friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean hotel and very comfortable as well.
Activity Reviews
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise
The Netherlands

A must when in Amsterdam!! Those Damn Boat Guys were amazing!! Very knowledgably and took the time to answer questions and educate us.

Quality of Experience
This experience was amazing!! You get to see the city from a complete different vantage point.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Outstanding!!!!
Transport
The boat was very comfortable and we all felt very safe.
Amsterdam -  Grand Dutch Food & History Tour in a small group
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food & History Tour in a small group
The Netherlands

This tour was exceptional. Our guide Bo was amazing!! I would highly recommend this to anyone.

Quality of Experience
This was well worth the cost and the time.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bo was exceptional. Very knowledgeable and very kind.
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Jul 20, 2025

Hi Chuck, Thank you for your kind words! Great to hear you have enjoyed your family time here to the fullest. It's been wonderful hosting your trip here, and I am glad all choices turned out so well for all of you.
Tot ziens!
Mieke

We had such a wonderful trip to the Netherlan...
The Netherlands | Jun 12 - Jun 21, 2025

K
Kristi K.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025
We had such a wonderful trip to the Netherlands. Mieke and Beat the Dutch Travel did such a great job organizing our trip for our two families (4 adults, 1 young adult, 3 kids ages 17, 10, and 8). We felt like we had a great balance of highly tourist activities and also some lower key travel excursions that felt more local. The day by day descriptions and step by step instructions for transportation and navigation made travel very easy. Particular highlights of the trip were the private... Read more

We had such a wonderful trip to the Netherlands. Mieke and Beat the Dutch Travel did such a great job organizing our trip for our two families (4 adults, 1 young adult, 3 kids ages 17, 10, and 8). We felt like we had a great balance of highly tourist activities and also some lower key travel excursions that felt more local. The day by day descriptions and step by step instructions for transportation and navigation made travel very easy. Particular highlights of the trip were the private bike tour with Marc and the kids particularly loved the trip to the Muiderslot castle. The private canal tour with Those Dam Boat Guys tour was also a great way to see Amsterdam.

Best decision I ever made to use KimKim for this travel planning. Saved me the hours of stress and planning to try to accommodate 8 people of varying interests and attention spans. Would highly recommend and happily use them again!

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Jul 16, 2025

Great to hear from you again, Kristi! It has been a pleasure organizing the trip for your family, and you have been wonderful guests! Glad you have enjoyed life in the lowlands and the time spent together.
Wishing you all the best!
Mieke

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 a small group
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food & History Tour in a 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
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Jul 11, 2025

Hi Jamie & family
wonderful to hear from you and read your kinds words. It has been a pleasure organizing the trip for you and I am glad you like both the highlights and the hidden gems like the hotel in the forest.
Sounds like a wonderful quality time with the family!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Adult Family trip to the Netherlands & Belgium
Belgium | May 2 - May 10, 2025

Dana
Dana F.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 21, 2025
My husband , 29 year old daughter and I just returned from a wonderful 9 day trip to The Netherlands & Belgium. Mieke did a fantastic job tailoring the trip to our needs. She picked perfect hotels that provided room for 3 adults. Once she understood our family dynamics she was able to tailor our daily itineraries . Highlights for us were: Visiting the Kuekenhof Gardens, Touring Kinderdijk windmills & exploring The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb using the 3 D tour! Mieke also... Read more

My husband , 29 year old daughter and I just returned from a wonderful 9 day trip to The Netherlands & Belgium. Mieke did a fantastic job tailoring the trip to our needs. She picked perfect hotels that provided room for 3 adults. Once she understood our family dynamics she was able to tailor our daily itineraries . Highlights for us were: Visiting the Kuekenhof Gardens, Touring Kinderdijk windmills & exploring The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb using the 3 D tour! Mieke also gave us restaurant recommendations and tips for navigating each city. When we arrived she had a well organized package for us with all of our travel documents. And prior to the trip, Mieke was accessible for phone conversations to discuss our trip. This aspect of the service was invaluable and helped solidify our plans. This is our 2nd time traveling with KimKim and I could not be more pleased.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel des Arts
Amsterdam-Centrum

We had a room for 3 adults. Loved the decor and the view of the canal. The room & bathroom were on the small side but, doable. The breakfast was very nice. Great location. Perfect for our trip.

Authenticity & Character
Decor was pretty
Location
View of the canal. Across from the metro. Walking distance to everything.
Staff
Very nice. Helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was clean. Just a little small. Hard to find a place for 3 bags.
Ghent River Hotel
Ghent

Room was comfortable and provided a very good amount of space for 3 adults. Shower room was a nice size.

Authenticity & Character
Room was a very nice size. Breakfast room was on the rooftop and light and airy with a patio.
Location
Walking distance to everything.
Staff
We were not greeted well by the hotel. When we checked in there was no welcoming manner. The man seemed put out.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable. There is a bathrobe. Loved the exposed brick wall and the high ceilings. Bedspreads and towels were not special. No color or uniqueness to decor.
Activity Reviews
Amsterdam - Canal cruise (join in)
Amsterdam - Canal cruise (join in)
The Netherlands
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Loved having our card and being able to navigate the trains and trolleys when we needed them.

Haarlem - Self-guided cycling route to the Keukenhof & through the tulip fields
Haarlem - Self-guided cycling route to the Keukenhof & through the tulip fields
The Netherlands

Unfortunately the tulip fields were no longer in bloom when we got there. Apparently we missed it by 1 day. Also, we needed better biking directions. We had trouble following the path. That said, people were very happy to help. Also, enjoyed having E- bikes!!! LOVED the Keukenhof Gardens!!! So beautiful!

Day trip to Haarlem
Day trip to Haarlem
The Netherlands

We didn't spend very much time in Haarlem. We were there just to head out to the gardens. Biking to Kuekenhof gardens was fun but, the directions from the bikeshop were a little challenging. People are very happy to help you out.

Amsterdam - Private guided walking tour on Jewish History
Amsterdam - Private guided walking tour on Jewish History
Belgium

Inbal , our guide, was very knowledgeable.

Amsterdam - Jewish Museum & Portuguese Synagogue
Amsterdam - Jewish Museum & Portuguese Synagogue
Amsterdam

Synagogue is so beautiful. History of the area very interesting. Did not see the museum.

Ghent - Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
Ghent - Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
Belgium

AMAZING!!! Did the 3 D tour and it was such a fun and informative experience!!

Ghent - Gravensteen - Castle of the Counts
Ghent - Gravensteen - Castle of the Counts
Belgium

The outside of the castle is way more interesting than the inside.

Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
Belgium

Very well organized and informative. Powerful experience.

Amsterdam - Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam - Van Gogh Museum
Belgium

Wonderful!

Ghent - Day trip to Bruges
Ghent - Day trip to Bruges
Ghent

Pretty city. Think it would have been better if we had a tour guide when we arrived. We did do the bus tour on our own. It was expensive and just okay. But, it did give us a chance to see all around the city. Climbed the Belfry and that was wonderful.

Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum
Belgium

Beautiful museum!

Explore Ghent with a CityCard
Explore Ghent with a CityCard
Belgium

Easy to show card and take buses and canal tour.

Rotterdam - Kinderdijk windmills by public boat (waterbus)
Rotterdam - Kinderdijk windmills by public boat (waterbus)
Belgium

Loved this experience. Very interesting!!

8Ghent - Private guided walking tour
8Ghent - Private guided walking tour
Ghent

Wonderful tour guide!!!

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on May 22, 2025

Hi Dana,
Great to hear from you and reading your feedback and comments. Glad you have enjoyed your trip so much. It has been a pleasure planning this trip with and for you!
Thank you for your kind words, and wishing you all the best for the future
Best regards,
Mieke

Amsterdam was amazing . And the itinerary Kim...
The Netherlands | May 8 - May 12, 2025

J
Jill T.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on May 20, 2025
Amsterdam was amazing . And the itinerary Kim Kim put together was perfect . Enables us to go and show up with minimal to no prior research . Hotel was prime location , central and close to all transport , walking distance to millions restaurants . The canal ride is a must , and we would not have known to do the evening sunset one , which was a real treat . The city food tour was a wonderful way to spend the day . We learned a lot , and saw the best of Amsterdam . Well laid out and paced .... Read more

Amsterdam was amazing . And the itinerary Kim Kim put together was perfect . Enables us to go and show up with minimal to no prior research . Hotel was prime location , central and close to all transport , walking distance to millions restaurants . The canal ride is a must , and we would not have known to do the evening sunset one , which was a real treat . The city food tour was a wonderful way to spend the day . We learned a lot , and saw the best of Amsterdam . Well laid out and paced . Just delightful . We had incredible weather , which made the days and flowers perfection . Ann Frank house is not to be missed . And very grateful Kim Kim facilitated as well as got us to get our act together , to be able to get the tickets . Museums , walking , shopping , markets . All great . The public transportation is amazing , and makes it so easy to get around ..

This was my third trip with Kim Kim , so I’m a big fan .
The only thing I would say , although the price of the trip seemed reasonable , as we were there and knew what things cost , it did seem like Kim Kim overcharged. All for them making money , but the distribution didn’t feel good . Which was a little disappointing .

Hotel Review
Die Port van Cleve Amsterdam
Amsterdam

Hotel is charming with great service and really great location .

Authenticity & Character
Location
Central
Staff
Friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room and bathroom could have been cleaner
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on May 21, 2025

Hi Jill,
Glad to hear you have enjoyed your trip so much. The weather has been amazing, indeed! Perfect circumstances for seeing the blooming flower fields and the Keukenhof park. Good to know you have managed the public transport system well - it is indeed a very practical way to get around.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, and wishing you all the best,
Mieke