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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.

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.

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!

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 14 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
14 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
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Trip Reviews for The Netherlands

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

A great experience
The Netherlands | Sep 20 - Sep 26, 2025

K
Kelly G.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Oct 01, 2025
Nadine asked great questions to figure out what my version of an ideal vacation is. She worked to meet my budget needs and had great suggestions. Read more

Nadine asked great questions to figure out what my version of an ideal vacation is. She worked to meet my budget needs and had great suggestions.

Hotel Review
Boutiquehotel Staats
Haarlem

The rooms are a nice size, clean, and well-appointed. The lounge/eating area was comfortable and available at all hours. There’s a secluded patio out back. The staff were uniformly friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
O
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Amsterdam - Private guided historic city walk
Amsterdam - Private guided historic city walk
The Netherlands

My guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. She also gave lots of suggestions on local places to shop and dine.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Nadine Hikisch

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.

Hotel Reviews
The Collector Hotel
The Hague

The Collector Hotel in The Hague was fantastic. It was really beautiful, had a nice room, and the staff were great. The location was excellent with no complaints whatsoever. Truly a pleasant experience all around.

Hotel des Arts
Amsterdam-Centrum

The Hotel des Arts in Amsterdam was beautiful and historic, but it had its challenges. We had to climb four flights of narrow stairs with our luggage as there were no escalators, and it was unexpectedly warm, making it difficult to sleep. On the plus side, the staff were very nice, the breakfast was great, and the location was perfect. Overall, an okay stay but not without its discomforts.

Activity Reviews
Haarlem - Teylers Museum
Haarlem - Teylers Museum
The Netherlands

The Teylers Museum in Haarlem was amazing! It exceeded my expectations with its quality and exhibits. A thoroughly enjoyable experience that I would highly recommend.

Amsterdam - Scheepvaartmuseum
Amsterdam - Scheepvaartmuseum
The Netherlands

The Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum) in Amsterdam was a delightful surprise. It's very historical, and you get to go on boats, which I think both kids and adults would enjoy. It's a bit off the beaten path in terms of common tourist spots, but definitely worth a visit.

Delft - Vermeer Center
Delft - Vermeer Center
The Netherlands

The Vermeer Center in Delft was disappointing. There were no real paintings, just a couple of rooms with not much to learn that we didn't already know from visiting other locations like the Rijksmuseum and Mauritshuis. It didn't meet my expectations.

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
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
Amsterdam - Heineken Experience
Amsterdam - Heineken Experience
Amsterdam

It was a great experience.

Quality of Experience
Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
The Netherlands

It was very memorable.

Quality of Experience
Amsterdam - Begijnhof
Amsterdam - Begijnhof
The Netherlands

It was such an amazing experience.

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
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
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

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