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...
Join this 10-day adventure to discover three fascinating cities in both the Netherlands and Belgium: starting with Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam, then crossing the border...
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
Thank you so much for organising everything, ...
The Netherlands
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Apr 18 - Apr 25, 2024
Thank you so much for organising everything, we had a fantastic time and everything was made to done so easily.
Albert was an absolute star⭐️!! He had loads of inside knowledge and was an absolute joy to be with. Thank him again for the sweet treats.
Hi Amy,
Good to hear from you. Unfortunately I did not get to meet you, but you had amazing travel companions and I am glad to hear you have no regrets on joining the trip and had a wonderful time here☀️
Wishing you all the best! Mieke
Amsterdam or Bust!!
The Netherlands
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Apr 18 - Apr 25, 2024
Mieke, our wonderful specialist was nothing but excellent in everything she planned & organized for us.
From the day we started to plan our trip she was always available to answer our questions & was very timely in getting back to us despite the time difference.
The highlight was we got to meet her.
Outstanding Amsterdam and Brussels!
The Netherlands
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Apr 12 - Apr 17, 2024
Hi Abby,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience and feedback with us. I am glad to hear you have had a wonderful trip and we will use your experiences to make our trips even better 😉
The weather has not been that brilliant during the trip but, like true Dutchmen & Belgians, you have faced it and did not let it bother you.☔️ Kudos to you!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
Best Trip I’ve Had in a Long Time!
The Netherlands
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Apr 13 - Apr 21, 2024
The best trip planning and execution experience I’ve ever had! Things went very well during the trip and any hiccups were taken care of right away by Mieke and her team. Will definitely use KimKim again.
Thank you Tony! It was a pleasure hosting you here and organizing this trip for you. You have been wonderful guests 🌷
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
Amazing!
The Netherlands
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Apr 13 - Apr 21, 2024
Thank you for your kind words, Lara!
It was a pleasure hosting your trip here. And if you ever feel like returning to spend some more time, then just reach out!🌷
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
Mieke was the best!!
The Netherlands
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Apr 13 - Apr 21, 2024
Hi guys,
Thank you so much for your review, you have been wonderful guests :) I am sorry I could not come and meet you somewhere along the way - busy days here when the tulips are blooming :)
I am glad you have enjoyed your trip and the private excursions so much - and it's lovely to see your pictures
Since you feel you could have spent more time here, I guess you will just need to return some day :)
Wishing you all the best!
Mieke
Great trip and responsive to our requests
The Netherlands
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Apr 14 - Apr 18, 2024
Thank you so much for your kind words, and for being flexible when bad weather hit the country. You have made the best of the alternative plan. It was lovely seeing your pictures every once in a while, looks like you have enjoyed a lot! It was a pleasure hosting your trip here:)
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
Everything was well planned and very enjoyabl...
Belgium
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Feb 11 - Feb 18, 2024
Hi Jacob and travel mates,
Thank you for your kind review! I am so glad that you have had a good trip. A big shout out to our first travelers brave enough to face the Dutch February weather - which was not too bad in the end
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
Great time in the lowlands
The Netherlands
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Oct 31 - Nov 5, 2023
Dear Susan, thank you for your kind words! You id have your share of bad weather during your trip... but I am glad you have enjoyed nevertheless. It's always a bit unpredictable here, and can change quickly. Thank you for your flexibility! We loved hosting your trip for you.
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
Netherlands and Belgium tour
Belgium
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Sep 8 - Sep 17, 2023
Our Kim Kim trip was excellent. It saved us a ton of time in planning and research. Our organizer Mieke was super helpful and we enjoyed all her recommendations. Having all the trains tickets and passes made traveling easy and saved alot of time. We spent 10 days travelling through the Netherlands and Belgium . Both were wonderful countries with much to see and do. The tours we took were all well organized and informative. Its always great to spend some time with local people and get there perspective on their cities and country.
Dear Darrell and Cheryl,
Thank you for your kind words! It was a pleasure hosting you here and hopefully you have enjoyed the prolonged summer weather. You are right, there is enough to see and do here to keep you busy for a few weeks.
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
