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Introducing The Netherlands

The Netherlands is so much more than just windmills and tulips! From top to bottom, its rich history can be experienced through the well-preserved architecture of its picturesque villages, churches, and canals. If nature is more your speed, the Netherlands boasts beautiful beaches and national parks to explore. It may be a small country, but there is something here for everyone! 

When is the best time to visit Holland?
The Netherlands is a country that can really be visited year-round. Even in the chilly winter months, you are still able to enjoy a stroll through the park or a cup of mulled wine at a local market. Situated on the coast of the North Sea, the Netherlands experiences moderate marine temperatures during Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November), colder temperatures in the winter (December- February) and warm, but manageable temperatures during the summer months (June-August). Spontaneous rainfalls can occur year-round, with the heaviest rains falling in October and November. 

Where should you go?
In the Netherlands, you really can have it all! Since the country is relatively small, you are able to see all its corners without having to travel long distances. This means that it is quite easy to visit the tulips fields in the Bollenstreek (Dutch bulb region), go cycling along the dunes near Bergen and Schoorl, wander through charming cobblestone streets of 17th-century villages such as Haarlem or Leiden, or go hiking in the Veluwe National Park, all while traveling from point A to B in only 1.5 hours on average.

How many days do you need?
In 5 days, you can experience all of the highlights of the west such as Amsterdam and its many art museums which boast works from the great Dutch Masters, the tulip fields in bloom around Haarlem, traditional Dutch windmills at the Zaanse Schans, and a cheese market in Alkmaar or Gouda. If you have 7 to 10 days to spend, you can visit more off-the-beaten-track places like the picturesque fishing villages of Monnickendam, Marken, and Volendam, take a boat tour or canoe excursion through Biesbosch National Park, or head south to Limburg to visit castles and go hiking in the only hills in the Netherlands. You can even enjoy some mudflat waking and the beach in the Wadden Islands.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 10 days · 14 days

The Netherlands Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Lievebrug Bridge in Ghent
Grand Tour of the Netherlands & Belgium - 14 Days

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 and ending in the cosmopolitan Belgian capital of Brussels, the adventure offers a mix of cultural sightseeing and outdoor excursions. Learn about architecture in Rotterdam, see medieval Ghent from a boat, sample Belgian waffles in their place of origin, view original paintings by Vincent van Gogh, and experience natural landscapes with a ride through a national park on an e-bike. This grand tour has something for everyone!

The National Monument on Dam Square, Amsterdam
Map of World War II in the Netherlands - 5 Days
World War II in the Netherlands - 5 Days

History buffs won't want to miss this five-day tour of World War II sites and monuments in the Netherlands. From the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam to the Camp Westerbork detention camp, and from refugee hideaways in the woods to military cemeteries and memorials, there's so much to see and learn. Spend the night at the site where the Netherlands was liberated from the Nazis, walk with a veteran across a landmark bridge at sunset in Nijmegen, and wrap up the itinerary with a visit to the National Monument in Amsterdam.

A picturesque canal in Amsterdam
Best of Amsterdam & Haarlem - 5 Days

This enlightening 5-day journey will take you to the highlights of Amsterdam and its surrounding region. Start at the Anne Frank House, then enjoy a private boat tour along the city's canals before visiting two world-class art museums, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. On a day trip to the countryside, you'll see historic windmills, wander around a quaint fishing village, and sample traditional Dutch cheese in Edam. Spend the last part of the trip in the charming city of Haarlem, an easy side trip from the capital, where you'll visit the oldest museum in the Netherlands.

Historic monuments on a tour of Holland and Flanders
Map of Highlights of Holland & Flanders - 7 Days
Highlights of Holland & Flanders - 7 Days

There's no need to choose between Holland and Flanders (the Dutch-speaking half of Belgium). This weeklong itinerary takes you to the highlights of both, including sightseeing in Amsterdam, an architecture tour in Rotterdam, a gourmet food tour in Antwerp, and a boat tour past medieval castles in Ghent. You'll sample cheeses where they're produced, spot windmills in the Dutch countryside, and relax with a Belgian crowd on a river beach. This whirlwind itinerary has something for everyone!

Bicycle in the Dutch Countryside
Map of Flower Tour of Holland - 5 Days
Flower Tour of Holland - 5 Days

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 and at floating flower markets. View magnificent tulips on display at the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, the largest flower park in the world, and learn all about the rich history of tulips and their value in Dutch culture at the Tulip Museum. The best time to plan this trip is March through May, with the tulips at their best in mid-April.

Church
Map of Highlights of Holland - 10 Days
Highlights of Holland - 10 Days

Experience the best of Holland along with some of its hidden gems on this 10-day trip! From big cities to charming small villages, you’ll experience a perfect cross-section of what the Netherlands has to offer. You’ll have the opportunity to admire all of the traditional Dutch characteristics: cheese markets, famous painters, typical canals, rich history, churches with stained-glass windows, windmills, lovely squares, and ancient cobbled alleys. In addition to exploring picturesque smaller cities such as Gouda, Leiden, and Delft, you will also visit Amsterdam, home to the country’s most famous museums, the vibrant, modern harbor city of Rotterdam, and even get some beach time!

Make the Most of Your Time in the Netherlands

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Traditional windmills throughout the Alblasserwaard polder of Kinderdijk
How Many Days to Spend in the Netherlands

With five days in the Netherlands, travelers can explore Amsterdam's highlights and use the capital as a hub for nearby popular sites, including The Hague, Rotterdam, and...

The Netherlands Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest The Netherlands Content

Spend a week exploring the Benelux capitals, starting in Amsterdam
Map of Discover the Benelux Capitals: Amsterdam, Brussels & Luxembourg City - 7 Days
Discover the Benelux Capitals: Amsterdam, Brussels & Luxembourg City - 7 Days

Experience the beautiful capitals of the Benelux countries (the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg) during this whirlwind trip. In Amsterdam, you'll cruise the canals and take a walking tour of the historic streets while stopping to see the famous Dutch masters. Then, head to Brussels, the capital of Belgium, for waffles, beers, quirky museums, and a rowboat excursion. Finish the trip in Luxembourg City, where you'll wander through the compact and historic streets, as well as its famous palace.

Wander around Amsterdam's historic canals and cobblestone streets
Map of Grand Tour of Benelux: the Netherlands, Belgium & Luxembourg  - 14 Days
Grand Tour of Benelux: the Netherlands, Belgium & Luxembourg - 14 Days

Spend two glorious weeks in the tri-nation Benelux region with this action-packed itinerary. Start by cruising the canals and visiting the world-famous artworks of Amsterdam, cycling through the innovative streets of Rotterdam, and cruising past windmills in Kinderdijk. You'll then head to Brussels for mussels, beer, and museums, followed by kayaking in Belgium's picturesque town of Dinant. Finish the trip in Luxembourg, where you'll check out the capital and nearby castle of Vianden.

Traditional windmills throughout the Alblasserwaard polder of Kinderdijk
How Many Days to Spend in the Netherlands

With five days in the Netherlands, travelers can explore Amsterdam's highlights and use the capital as a hub for nearby popular sites, including The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Seven days, however, is the right amount of time to cover main interests and discover more of the country than the average visitor with places like Marken, Edam, and Biebosch National Park. If you have 10 days, you can go farther afield to the northern province of Groningen or visit a second country and cross the border into Belgium.

The Netherlands Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 7 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
7 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
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Map 10 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
10 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
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Map 5 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
5 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for The Netherlands
Travel specialist Mieke Arendsen
active 14 hours 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Bas Naus
active 2 days ago

Bas Naus

Like any person in the Netherlands, I started riding my bike soon after I learned how to walk and I ate cheese almost every day. But during my childhood, we would always drive straight to the...

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Travel specialist Nadine Hikisch
active 6 hours ago

Nadine Hikisch

Having been brought up with an English mum and a German dad, born and raised in Limburg. I was at an early age fascinated by different cultures. As a child we always went to Austria for our...

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Travel specialist Emma Gerards
active 14 hours ago

Emma Gerards

Ever since I was a child, I was very fond of the road trips my family took within Europe. We went into nature and hiked mountains, or drove to sunny beaches by lakes and seas. When I was a student...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for The Netherlands

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Thank you to Emma for an Amazing trip to the Netherlands and Belgium!
The Netherlands | Nov 22 - Nov 29, 2024

A
April I.
Canada | Reviewed on Dec 01, 2024
I wish I had more than 5 stars to give! I cannot thank Emma and the team enough for the exceptional job they did planning our trip to the Netherlands and Belgium. Emma listened to our preferences and crazy requests and planned experiences that were so perfect and thoughtful. Everything was taken care of and all the instructions were very detailed and clear, it could not have gone more smoothly. Such a pleasure to have spent time with Maartin, who is absolutely wonderful, knowledgeable and... Read more

I wish I had more than 5 stars to give! I cannot thank Emma and the team enough for the exceptional job they did planning our trip to the Netherlands and Belgium. Emma listened to our preferences and crazy requests and planned experiences that were so perfect and thoughtful. Everything was taken care of and all the instructions were very detailed and clear, it could not have gone more smoothly. Such a pleasure to have spent time with Maartin, who is absolutely wonderful, knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. Having the train/tram access cards was terrific, and so easy to use. Somehow (luck or I suspect good planning) all our tickets to attractions had been booked with entry times that were less crowded; imagine having the Rijksmuseum nearly to ourselves! Food tours were exceptional, delicious stops and excellent guides. I will also give Emma credit for the beautiful sunny day (a rarity in November) that appeared the day we rode bicycles to the beach from Haarlem to Zandvoort. Everyone we met during all our experiences was so welcoming and wonderful, we thank you all so much!

Hotel Review
Hotel Park Centraal
Amsterdam

Beautiful hotel and rooms, centrally located, 6 minute walk to trams and so many attractions.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Exceptionally clean and beds, pillows etc. were so comfortable.
Local specialist: Emma Gerards
Emma
Emma Gerards
Local specialist in Huissen, The Netherlands | Replied on Dec 02, 2024

Dear April & Jeff,
Thank you for your lovely words and review.
I'm grateful to hear that you had a wonderful time and that everything went excellently!🍂🌞
Wishing you the best (also on your next adventure),
Emma

Emma planned a great trip for us and was very...
The Netherlands | Aug 29 - Sep 3, 2024

Leigh
Leigh H.
Columbus, OH | Reviewed on Sep 04, 2024
Emma planned a great trip for us and was very flexible to our asks and changes. We loved the hotels and all the perks of the notes, tee shirts, and special touches made it extra special. The differentiator with Kim Kim is the personalized service thru the trip and someone to reach out to. We recommend Kim Kim all the time. Love the ability to pull up entire trip online as well any time. Read more

Emma planned a great trip for us and was very flexible to our asks and changes. We loved the hotels and all the perks of the notes, tee shirts, and special touches made it extra special. The differentiator with Kim Kim is the personalized service thru the trip and someone to reach out to. We recommend Kim Kim all the time. Love the ability to pull up entire trip online as well any time.

Hotel Reviews
Singel hotel
Amsterdam

Great location on a quiet street but close to train and city center. Lovely amenities of the hotel and the room itself. Very friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
We loved siting downstairs in common areas and outside
Location
Quiet street but a short walk to town
Staff
All
Cleanliness & Comfort
Super clean and spacious
Hotel Fidder
Zwolle

Loved the location and amenities. Cool to be next to a whiskey bar. Loved the breakfast and just a pretty location. Felt like a local.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to city center
Staff
All
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loved the robe and slippers!
Activity Reviews
Amsterdam - Resistance Museum
Amsterdam - Resistance Museum
The Netherlands

Super interesting and love the audio guide

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
The Netherlands

Can’t come to Amsterdam without visiting. Very moving exhibit

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour
The Netherlands

Loved walking the city and hearing the history while getting to sample different local foods and drinks. Great guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Loved having this instead of buying individual tickets for each trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emma Gerards
Emma
Emma Gerards
Local specialist in Huissen, The Netherlands | Replied on Sep 04, 2024

Dear Leigh & Wilbur, thank you for taking the time to review and give all your valuable feedback. It was a great pleasure organizing your trip and we hope to see you again on your next kimkim adventure.
Warm wishes,
Emma

Entire trip was excellent!
The Netherlands | May 25 - Jun 8, 2024

DWANE & KAREN
DWANE & KAREN S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jul 01, 2024
Mieke was excellent. We had great things planned and plenty of time to explore on our own. It took us a few days to figure out the amazing train system, trams, etc., but then it was a great way to see the rest of the countries we visited. We did a combo with kim kim (Netherlands and Germany) and a cruise with MSC to Denmark and Norway. We loved staying right across (Premier Suites) from the Rotterdam Central Train Station and then visiting different cities from there. Gouda was our... Read more

Mieke was excellent. We had great things planned and plenty of time to explore on our own. It took us a few days to figure out the amazing train system, trams, etc., but then it was a great way to see the rest of the countries we visited. We did a combo with kim kim (Netherlands and Germany) and a cruise with MSC to Denmark and Norway. We loved staying right across (Premier Suites) from the Rotterdam Central Train Station and then visiting different cities from there. Gouda was our favorite. We did the Cheese Experience (Excellent and so fun) and made our own stroopwafels at Berg's Bakery. Soooo fun. In Amsterdam, we did some things on our own. The Lookout Restaurant was well worth it. The Anne Frank House is so interesting. Very very worthwhile. We did a lot of just walking and visiting shops and restaurants and little cafes, etc. We opted not to do a planned Kinderdijk windmill tour (from Rotterdam) - it was cold that day and we decided to just do other things. We came back to Amsterdam after some time in Norway and Germany (also thru Kim kim) and did a tour to the Zaanse Schans Windmills. They were great! A clog shop and cheese place right there. The only suggestion I have for kim kim is to figure out some way for people to have a phone. Our carrier did not provide coverage there. We contacted Mieke one day from our hotel and she gave us very detailed directions to the Anne Frank house. This was great. However, if we would have had phones with mapquest that worked, it would have avoided alot of looking on our own. We had wifi on germany trains but not in the netherlands. We checked train schedules, platforms, etc. in the morning at our hotel before walking to the Rotterdam train station, and we were fine that way, but it would have been very very helpful to have a phone with wifi. The chip cards are a must (provided by kim kim). They loaded it with sufficient dollars for what we scheduled and then we added to it for some extra places we wanted to go. Then they provided an envelope and on our last day, we mailed them back to them at the train station. You can use them on any form of transportation which is very very convenient. We will never forget this trip - it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us. The two words that best describe it all are - Beautiful and interesting. Thank you all!

Hotel Review
Premier Suites Plus Rotterdam
Rotterdam

This hotel is great - right across from the central train station. We had a room that overlooked the central station - very nice and interesting. Restaurants and shops are close. We could walk. They also provide a coffee/expresso machine in their lobby.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Gouda - Stroopwafel workshop
Gouda - Stroopwafel workshop
The Netherlands

Berg's Bakery is amazing. It is a 6th generation family bakery. The owner, himself, did our workshop, and we enjoyed chatting with him about his journey in the stroopwafel industry.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Jul 03, 2024
Hi Dwane and Karen,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your trip and send us valuable feedback - especially about having a smartphone and wifi coverage - that is very helpful indeed and a very good suggestion.
I am glad to hear you have enjoyed the trip so much and have found your way with the planned activities and the free time as well. I am not surprised you love the stroopwafel bakery in Gouda, it's a gem of a place. I
Cherish your happy memories of this very special trip -...
Read more

Hi Dwane and Karen,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your trip and send us valuable feedback - especially about having a smartphone and wifi coverage - that is very helpful indeed and a very good suggestion.
I am glad to hear you have enjoyed the trip so much and have found your way with the planned activities and the free time as well. I am not surprised you love the stroopwafel bakery in Gouda, it's a gem of a place. I
Cherish your happy memories of this very special trip - and I am honored to have been a small part of making it happen.

Best regards,
Mieke
PS: I totally forgot to ask you how you experience the Dutch language! Were you able to follow some of it given your knowledge of Pennsylvania Dutch?? Or a different lingo after all?