Luxury Tour of Holland - 10 Days

Day 1: Visit the Rijksmuseum & 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. 

Begin your art tour 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.

You'll spend tonight and tomorrow night at the extraordinary Hotel Pulitzer, a luxury hotel made up of 25 interconnecting canal houses dating back to the Golden Age. After checking in, enjoy dinner at one of several nearby restaurants.

Day 2: Take a Day Trip to Marken, Volendam, Edam & Zaanse Schans

After exploring the rich culture of the capital city, it is time to check out some other Dutch icons: wooden shoes, fishing villages, cheese, and windmills! Today, you will experience the beauty of the countryside north of Amsterdam. 

Begin in the picturesque village of Marken, located on an island in the Markermeer lake. Explore the small town and visit a wooden shoe factory before catching the ferry to Volendam, Holland’s best-known fishing village. The quaint harbor is lined with cafés and fish vendors. It's a good place to sample local treats like kibbeling (traditional battered and fried fish nuggets). Next, your guide will take you to visit the centuries-old cheese market area in Edam. The market happens on Wednesdays in July and August, but the market square and waag (weigh house) itself are very much worth a visit even outside those times. 

The last stop on your tour today is Zaanse Schans. During the 17th century, over 600 windmills were constructed in the area as part of an early industrial zone. The windmills were used to grind spices, produce paint and oil, and cut wood. A number of these windmills still exist and can be visited today, inside and out. After a busy day of sightseeing, you'll head back to your hotel in Amsterdam.

Day 5: Sightsee in the Historic Center of Deventer

Your next 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. You'll spend the night at the Grand Boutique Hotel Huis Vermeer.

Day 6: Discover the Canals of Leeuwarden on a Gondola 

Today you will travel by private car to the province of Friesland. Though you will notice similarities in architecture between Friesland and other Dutch provinces, the locals have a unique culture and a distinct language, Frisian. You will notice many signs are marked in both Frisian and Dutch.

The lively city of Leeuwarden, the birthplace of graphic artist M.C. Escher, has a canal system like Amsterdam's. A local guide will show you around the city center, pointing out highlights like the crooked tower of Oldenhove, on which construction started as early as 1529, but was never completed. Then you'll go on a private gondola tour through the canals. 

The rest of the day is free. Consider having dinner at popular Proefverlof, located in a former prison.  You'll overnight at Boutique Hotel Catshuis.

Day 7: Cycle Around the Car-Free Island of Vlieland

Catch a ferry across the Wadden Sea to a chain of small islands where you'll spend the rest of the trip. On arrival at the small and central village of Oost-Vlieland, you'll pick up an e-bike to explore the island of Vlieland at your own pace. Pedal along the beach, sit down for a seafood lunch in an oceanfront restaurant, then walk along the sandy shore. The island is car-free (except for a few cars owned by the islanders themselves) and flat, so it’s an excellent destination for families. Birds love these islands and the Wadden Sea, so be sure to bring your binoculars!

Spend the night at Loods Logement, located in the village.

Day 8: Boat from Vlieland to the Island of Texel

After breakfast, travel by boat to the next island, Texel. Along the way, you'll spot Texel’s magnificent bright red lighthouse. When you arrive in the harbor, a taxi will be waiting to take you to the fishing village of Oudeschild, where you will stay in a small luxury hotel right on the harbor. Walk to the lighthouse, wander around the beach at low tide, cycle around the area, and enjoy views of large flocks of sheep grazing the pastures. In the evening, sample local specialties like lamb, cheese, and seafood in one of the island's family-run restaurants.

Day 9: Hike the Sand Dunes and Visit Fishing Villages on Texel

Today, you'll continue your exploration of Texel on a bicycle. The scenery is quiet and stunning, with vast marshes, dazzling sand dunes, and seemingly endless beaches. Birds love these islands and the Wadden Sea, so be sure to bring your binoculars!

Stop at the natural area of De Slufter, climbing the dunes for mesmerizing views from the top. Bring a picnic lunch and you could easily spend a day hiking here between the sand dunes and the muddy salt marsh. Swimming gear is a good idea as these shallow waters are tempting for travelers of all ages! Later, explore one or two of the island's villages, stopping at local farms to pick your own fruits or sample homemade ice cream. At some farms open to visitors, you can see sheep barns and cows being milked.  

Another interesting stop along the way is the Juttersmuseum Flora near De Koog. This quirky beachcomber museum displays items found on the island's beaches over many years, including a collection of messages-in-bottles. Then cycle along the western side of the island, following the shore of the North Sea. Finish the day with snacks and drinks in one of many beach cafés.

Day 10: Return to Amsterdam & Depart

This morning, it’s time to bid farewell to the island of Texel. On the way to the harbor to catch the ferry back to the mainland, you might spot some Dutch tulip fields in full bloom. It's a cheerful end to your family's journey! Head to the Amsterdam airport or train station to make your way to your next destination. Safe travels!