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!"
Mieke's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
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...
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...
Wander among the canals of three countries in 10 days on this well-rounded journey through northern Europe. Start in Amsterdam, where you'll discover its hidden beauty as you...
Family itineraries
Filled with outdoor adventures and colorful sights, this weeklong trip around the Netherlands is fun for the whole family. Cruise around the canals of Amsterdam on a private...
Welcome to the perfect family destination — Holland! On this 10-day adventure, you'll explore the canals of Amsterdam on a private boat, see the windmills of Kinderdijk and...
Filled with outdoor adventures and cultural highlights, this family-friendly tour is a wonderful introduction to the Netherlands. Cruise the canals of Amsterdam in a private...
Luxury itineraries
Get away from the crowds and experience Holland's finer things on this 5-day luxury tour around the Netherlands. Explore the smaller cities of Leiden, the Hague, and Delft,...
Experience the best Holland has to offer on this 10-day luxury tour! You'll sleep in one-of-a-kind boutique hotels and dine in fine restaurants while exploring the capital city...
Recent trip reviews for Mieke
Outstanding travel planning - Netherlands & Belgium
The Netherlands
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Apr 19 - Apr 29, 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
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Apr 15 - Apr 19, 2026
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
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
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Apr 7 - Apr 12, 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
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Apr 1 - Apr 14, 2026
We had an absolutely wonderful trip to The Netherlands!
The Netherlands
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Mar 31 - Apr 12, 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
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Dec 29 - Jan 13, 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
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Sep 18 - Sep 24, 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
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Sep 5 - Sep 9, 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
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Aug 3 - Aug 8, 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
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Aug 6 - Aug 10, 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