Discover Amsterdam, Utrecht, Deventer & Hoge Veluwe National Park - 7 Days

Day 1: Visit the Anne Frank House & Van Gogh Museum

Welcome to the Dutch Lowlands! After arriving in Amsterdam, you'll transfer to your hotel in the city center, a picturesque labyrinth of canals and small streets dotted with old houses and buildings. You'll start exploring Amsterdam with a visit to the Anne Frank House. Learn about the famous story of a young Jewish girl who lived here during the Second World War; the museum is built around the secret annex where she and her family hid for over two years.

After lunch, you'll go on a private boat cruise through the city's canals. After about two hours on the water, the boat will drop you off in front of the Rijksmuseum, the most famous museum in the country. It's home to The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn, considered one of the most important paintings ever created in the Netherlands. Near this massive artwork, you'll also see The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer and many other 17th-century works by Dutch Masters. 

Next, you'll stop by the Van Gogh Museum. Take a break for lunch in the museum's café, then explore the collections at your own pace. Van Gogh famously created over 2,000 paintings in a little over a decade. The museum houses some of his most famous works, including The Potato Eaters, Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, and one of his very last works, Wheatfield with Crows.

In the evening, have a leisurely dinner at one of the many restaurants near your hotel. 

Day 3: Explore the Canals of Utrecht

This morning you will catch a train to the city of Utrecht. Utrecht is centered around the Dom Tower, which is visible from anywhere in the lively (and car-free) city center. At the entrance to one of the city's central canals, canoes will be ready for you. After some brief instructions, you'll head out on your own and paddle through the city’s many canals for two hours. It's also easy to leave the city behind and follow the Minstroom or Amelisweerd routes to quiet landscapes outside town. Take a break for coffee or a beer at a canalside café.

In the afternoon, choose from a range of activities. You could head to the peaceful park known as Oude Hortus. From 1723 until 1920, this was the botanical garden of Utrecht's university. Architecture lovers should visit the Rietveld-Schröder House, designed by the famous architect Gerrit Rietveld. Built in 1923-1924, the strikingly modernist house is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Families traveling with small children may visit the interactive Miffy Museum or Spoorwegmuseum, a train-themed museum showcasing two centuries of railway history.

Have dinner in a restaurant in the city center before getting some rest at your hotel.

Day 4: Enjoy Nature and Art at Hoge Veluwe National Park

The adventure continues with a trip to De Hoge Veluwe National Park, one of the largest forested areas in the Netherlands. It once served as the private hunting grounds for Dutch royalty. Check into your hotel in Otterlo, right next to the park gate, and travel by e-bike to the Kröller-Müller Museum. The museum has the second-largest Van Gogh collection in the world, with almost 90 paintings and over 180 drawings. Among these are Cafe Terrace at Night (1888), Sorrowing Old Man (1890), and Country Road in Provence by Night (1890). You'll also find masterpieces by Georges Seurat and Pablo Picasso.

In the sculpture garden, one of the largest in Europe, stroll around hundreds of works sculptures by artists including Aristide Maillol, Jean Dubuffet, Marta Pan, and Pierre Huyghe. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the surrounding park on your e-bike. 

Day 5: Discover the Region on an E-bike

Today you'll spend more time exploring the park on your e-bike. On a self-guided tour, you'll pedal along quiet roads, keeping your eyes open for deer or wild boar — your best chances for wildlife spotting is in the early morning or in the late afternoon. Take a picnic lunch to enjoy along the way. 

On the other side of the national park, outside Otterlo, you'll find the small village of Hoenderloo. Locals all around the province of Gelderland know this town because of the famous ice cream parlor IJs van Co. It's a hole in the wall selling only one type of ice cream, but you'll see dozens of people queueing up to place their orders. It's worth a little detour to taste this famous treat for yourself! Then ride back to Otterlo for dinner and a relaxing evening. 

Day 6: Sightsee in the Historic Center of Deventer

Your last destination on the itinerary is Deventer, located on the banks of the IJssel River. The best way to explore the small city is on foot. Stroll along the narrow streets to see monuments, squares, churches, museums, and antique shops. Stop into Deventer Koekwinkel, a popular institution that's been producing the world-famous kruidkoek (spiced cake) for over four centuries.

Brink Square is the beating heart of the city, lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops. On weekends, a colorful market takes over the square. Nearby, the impressive Lebuïnus Church is a highlight. The interior's gothic arches are a delight, and you can climb the tower for an excellent view of the city. If you're traveling with children, check out the Speelgoedmuseum, a popular toy museum. Deventer is also known as "the city of books." The oldest library in the country is located here, and there are many excellent shops selling new and secondhand titles. 

In the evening, join the locals for an outdoor dinner beside one of the city's picturesque squares.

Day 7: Depart Amsterdam - End of Trip 

This morning, it’s time to bid farewell to the Netherlands. Head to the Amsterdam airport or train station to make your way to your next destination. Safe travels!

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