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Beat the Dutch Travel

Looking for the real Holland? Unique places, routes & excursions, the best boutique hotels, friendly local guides and away from the crowds? We would love to host your holiday in the Netherlands! The country of cheese and tulips, windmills and polders, Rembrandt & Van Gogh, stunning architecture and beautiful beaches… We will show you the best places to experience the real Holland. Founded by two young veterans from the travel industry, Beat the Dutch Travel is an energetic and dynamic travel company that is always striving for amazing experiences, looking for new places, ensuring great quality in everything we do, and focussing on your wishes and needs. Whether you would like to focus on culture, travel on a bike, indulge in luxury, relax with your family, we will surprise you with exciting itineraries. Feel free to contact us for your travel adventure in the lowlands

Beat the Dutch Travel is part of the following groups: Belgium Travel Agents, Luxembourg Travel Agents, The Netherlands Travel Agents

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Recent Trip Reviews for Beat the Dutch Travel

My 4 Days in Holland
The Netherlands | Apr 15 - Apr 19, 2025

R
Robert K.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025
The communication with Bas was very easy and efficient. I really had no difficulties with my itinerary.
Its hard to pick which activity was the best as all were pretty spectacular.
Starting with my tour of Amsterdam, Inbal was very informative and was easily able to weave the highlights of the city and the food stops.
The boat tour was great as it gave me a different, very interesting perspective of the city.
In fact I could have spent more time on the water and skipped the Rijksmuseum!...
Read more

The communication with Bas was very easy and efficient. I really had no difficulties with my itinerary.
Its hard to pick which activity was the best as all were pretty spectacular.
Starting with my tour of Amsterdam, Inbal was very informative and was easily able to weave the highlights of the city and the food stops.
The boat tour was great as it gave me a different, very interesting perspective of the city.
In fact I could have spent more time on the water and skipped the Rijksmuseum!
(I know that sounds crazy but the crowds were a bit much!)
The tour of Haarlem was also great. Thessa was quite informative and the amount of time spent was perfect.
Finally, the shining star of my trip was the bike ride. Alex was a fantastic guide as he was able to provide me a safe but spectacular route from Haarlem , through the surrounding tulip fields to Kuekenhof, then as an added bonus, a tour of the sand dunes. We actually ended up spending an extra 1 - 1/2 hours on this tour but Alex graciously didn't mind.
All in all, as with the other two KimKim trips, my experiences in the Netherlands was spectacular!

Local specialist: Bas Naus
Bas
Bas Naus
Local specialist in Nijmegen, Netherlands | Replied on Apr 23, 2025

Dear Robert,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am delighted to read that you had a nice holiday in the Netherlands and that you appreciated our part in organising this. We enjoyed hosting your holiday to the lowlands!
With kind regards,
Bas.

Two fun weeks in the Netherlands and Belgium
The Netherlands | Mar 31 - Apr 11, 2025

J
John V.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025
Mieke did a great job. She was thorough and responsive to our questions and needs and very easy to work with. The package she provided was excellent. We had a couple of issues (train schedules) that came up over the 2 weeks and they were quickly resolved. The work she did enabled us to enjoy our trip without a hitch. Hotels, guides, and activities were very well planned Read more

Mieke did a great job. She was thorough and responsive to our questions and needs and very easy to work with. The package she provided was excellent. We had a couple of issues (train schedules) that came up over the 2 weeks and they were quickly resolved. The work she did enabled us to enjoy our trip without a hitch. Hotels, guides, and activities were very well planned

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Mai Amsterdam
Amsterdam

Exceptional Hotel with a very good-sized room and location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Boat accommodation for cycling tours: Fluvius
Amsterdam

The bike and boat Tulip tour was a lot of fun. The boat was very clean, the crew very accommodating, the food good, and the room while small (as expected) was nice and worked out very well.

Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was small as expected but big enough to be comfortable.
The Dominican
Bruxelles

Really nice hotel in a good location with a very helpful staff and a well appointed room

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Bike & Boat: Zaandam and Haarlem
Bike & Boat: Zaandam and Haarlem
The Netherlands

Our stop on the bike route at Zaanse Schans, was a very busy tourist location but was very interesing and worth the visit

Quality of Experience
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

The card was helpful and easy to use

Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
The Netherlands

To see the actual place where Ann Frank hid was very moving.

Quality of Experience
Bike & Boat: practical information
Bike & Boat: practical information
The Netherlands

Going into the bike and boat trip we were a little leery, but the boat wound up exceeding our expectations. The room was small as expected but worked out very well. The crew was really nice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens
The Netherlands

Amazingly beautiful gardens.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bike & Boat: from Oude Wetering back to Amsterdam
Bike & Boat: from Oude Wetering back to Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Quality of Experience
Amsterdam - Canal cruise (join in)
Amsterdam - Canal cruise (join in)
The Netherlands

Fun time very informative guide

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bike & Boat: Amsterdam
Bike & Boat: Amsterdam
Amsterdam

The bikes were very functional, and the guides made for a safe and enjoyable experience The activities along the routes were excellent.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Brussels - Waffle making workshop
Brussels - Waffle making workshop
The Netherlands

This was a lot of fun. It was a little difficult finding the location but once we arrived it was all good from there. The instructor was fun, and the instructions clear, thus the end result was a delicious batch of waffles made with our own hands.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Brussels - Day trip to Ghent by train
Brussels - Day trip to Ghent by train
Brussels

We really enjoyed Ghent. A nice city with many interesting shops and sights

Quality of Experience
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Apr 14, 2025

Hi John & Michele...thank you so much for your review and feedback. Glad to read you have enjoyed your trip and to read your comments.

You wont believe it, but today it started raining after it stayed completely dry during all of your trip (which is quite exceptional in springtime).

I am glad you have enjoyed your trip, and I am honored to have been able to be a part of arranging it for you!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

We had a wonderful time on our trip. The Neth...
The Netherlands | Mar 26 - Apr 2, 2025

S
Suellen G.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2025
We had a wonderful time on our trip. The Netherlands were everything we had hoped for and more.
The hotels and staff were very nice and accommodating and we appreciated having breakfast available each morning. The OV chip kaart made getting around fairly easy. I am sorry we couldn’t mail it back as you asked. Hotel CitizenM wouldn’t accept it.
We loved the museums, especially the Resistance and Van Gough. I do wish we would have had tickets to the introduction program at the Anne Frank...
Read more

We had a wonderful time on our trip. The Netherlands were everything we had hoped for and more.
The hotels and staff were very nice and accommodating and we appreciated having breakfast available each morning. The OV chip kaart made getting around fairly easy. I am sorry we couldn’t mail it back as you asked. Hotel CitizenM wouldn’t accept it.
We loved the museums, especially the Resistance and Van Gough. I do wish we would have had tickets to the introduction program at the Anne Frank House. We enjoyed the tours, especially the food tour.
On our last day we decided not to visit Kinderdijk. We decided instead to travel to The Hague and visit Mauritshuis. It was a wonderful day. In hindsight we should have agreed to a day trip to Brussels, Delft, or The Hague as BeattheDutchtravel had recommended.
Our trip was great, however there were several issues that caused confusion, anxiety, wasted time, and money loss.
1. The day before our trip we did not yet have all tickets.
2. Day 2: We were told our food tour was from 3-7pm. At 2:00 the guide called to say the tour had started and we would need to reschedule. This was not possible. We were in route but it would take us 45 minutes to get there. Thankfully, the rest of the group agreed to wait on us but sadly, we did miss the first stop of apple pie.
3. Day 3: We arrived at Keukenhof at 9:00 as scheduled. We toured until 11:15 (researching showed this is average time to spend). We were scheduled to explore the bulb area by Twizy from 3:30-5:30pm. I am not sure what we should/could have done for over four hours waiting. Sadly, this was something I was especially looking forward to doing but could not justify waiting in the cold for four hours.
4. Day 5: our itinerary was extremely confusing. It stated that our 4-town day trip would be from 9:15am-3:45pm. It also said the starting time was 12:00. We showed up at 9:00 to be told the tour is from 12:00-6:30. We were also told that we were given the wrong place for the tour to start. We waited around for three hours but thoroughly enjoyed the day. I only wish we would have known for sure of the later start time so that we could have spent our morning better.
I understand that mistakes happen, and scheduling can be troublesome. We have used travel groups in the past but have not had issues like this before. We have enjoyed using KimKim (Rome, Florence, Berlin, Munich, Austria) in the past and have referred several others. Even though we feel that this trip was not planned or scheduled as well as the others will use KimKim again.

Local specialist: Bas Naus
Bas
Bas Naus
Local specialist in Nijmegen, Netherlands | Replied on Apr 15, 2025

Dear Larry and Suellen,
Thanks for sending your feedback about your trip. Very glad to hear you had a wonderful time in the Netherlands!
You are right; there was some confusion about starting times (last-minute changes) and tickets (some sites just opened their bookings for the season). Our apologies for the inconvenience. We will use your feedback to improve our services for next time.
Thanks for trying to send back the cards. No worries the last hotel didn't cooperate...
Great to hear you will use kimkim again in the future! Greetings from the lowlands, Bas.

Amsterdam: hôtel excellent, tour to Kokunhof ...
The Netherlands | Mar 23 - Apr 5, 2025

M
Marcel D.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 06, 2025
Amsterdam: hôtel excellent, tour to Kokunhof was disappointing because we were too early, tulips were not in bloom. Tour to Edam with Tickets and Travel was very interesting and our guide Pieter was very informative.
The Hague: super hotel interesting city. Trip to Rotterdam was OK with Spido
Antwerp: excellent hotel. Tour to Brussels with Florence very informative.
Ghent: nice and cosy hôtel. Tour of Bruges with Roland was excellent
All tickets for transportation for the whole trip was...
Read more

Amsterdam: hôtel excellent, tour to Kokunhof was disappointing because we were too early, tulips were not in bloom. Tour to Edam with Tickets and Travel was very interesting and our guide Pieter was very informative.
The Hague: super hotel interesting city. Trip to Rotterdam was OK with Spido
Antwerp: excellent hotel. Tour to Brussels with Florence very informative.
Ghent: nice and cosy hôtel. Tour of Bruges with Roland was excellent
All tickets for transportation for the whole trip was well planed.
Overhaul it was a well planed trip with very good accommodations and good sight seeing.
Thank you Bas
Amy and Marcel

Local specialist: Bas Naus
Bas
Bas Naus
Local specialist in Nijmegen, Netherlands | Replied on Apr 23, 2025

Dear Amy and Marcel,
Great to hear you enjoyed your trip, found the local guides excellent and appreciated our part in this! We loved hosting your trip. Thanks for visiting!
Warm regards, Bas.

Christmas in Cologne, Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges
Belgium | Dec 22 - Dec 28, 2024

A
Aaron & Ashley L.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2025
Emma did an absolutely amazing job planning and organizing our trip to explore the magic of the holiday season in Cologne, Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges! She was extremely helpful and attentive, from our first messages trying to figure out what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go, right up until the days before our trip when she provided suggestions for helpful phone apps and other details, big and small. Emma answered every question we had promptly and thoroughly, and she patiently made... Read more

Emma did an absolutely amazing job planning and organizing our trip to explore the magic of the holiday season in Cologne, Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges! She was extremely helpful and attentive, from our first messages trying to figure out what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go, right up until the days before our trip when she provided suggestions for helpful phone apps and other details, big and small. Emma answered every question we had promptly and thoroughly, and she patiently made numerous changes and "tweaks" so we could shape a trip together that met our particular needs and wishes. Upon arriving at our first hotel, we had a welcome packet waiting for us with our train tickets, city cards, and other helpful information, well-organized and labeled. When we had a question during the first day of the trip, we received a response immediately, and were very impressed. We would use kimkim again for our vacation planning in a heartbeat. Emma truly went above and beyond to create a magical Christmastime adventure for us, and we are so grateful for her! Anyone who works with Emma to plan their trip is in excellent hands.

Local specialist: Emma Gerards
Emma
Emma Gerards
Local specialist in Huissen, The Netherlands | Replied on Jan 03, 2025

Dear Aaron, Ashley, Barry & Valerie,
Thank you for your wonderful review!
I very much enjoyed trip planning with you to create such a special and magical Christmas adventure!
Wishing you all the best and a wonderful year ahead,
Emma

Emma is a great travel planner!
The Netherlands | Dec 21 - Dec 28, 2024

Meg
Meg M.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Dec 30, 2024
Emma’s recommendations and trip-planning made this the trip of a lifetime for our family, ages 22 to 77. She thought of every detail, from train tickets and schedules to finding great restaurants and making reservations, to researching specific things we were hoping to see and experience in Holland. She is friendly, thoughtful, and was readily available and quick to respond to questions through the entire process. The KimKim team gave us the ability to ask for help or with questions while... Read more

Emma’s recommendations and trip-planning made this the trip of a lifetime for our family, ages 22 to 77. She thought of every detail, from train tickets and schedules to finding great restaurants and making reservations, to researching specific things we were hoping to see and experience in Holland. She is friendly, thoughtful, and was readily available and quick to respond to questions through the entire process. The KimKim team gave us the ability to ask for help or with questions while we were traveling. We also very much appreciated the transport drivers Maarten, Reuben, and Ibo who were prompt and made airport and Christmas Day transport so easy. Many THANKS from our whole family!

Hotel Review
Accommodation booked by traveler
Activity Reviews
Explore Rotterdam and Kinderdijk windmills
Explore Rotterdam and Kinderdijk windmills
The Netherlands
Quality of Experience
Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum
The Netherlands

Was an extremely packed place on 12/23, likely lots of families visiting because of the holiday week-

Quality of Experience
Transport
Train transport to/from Gouda was pretty easy all week
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise
The Netherlands

Our tiny boat’s propeller quit working and we were close to having to abandon ship during the cruise. The driver June was hanging over the side repairing it in the dark. Would probably suggest another boat company or bigger boat for future groups. The lights in the canal were pretty. June packed hot water bottles to keep our laps warm which was nice.

Utrecht - De Haar Castle
Utrecht - De Haar Castle
The Netherlands

Booked this on our own without KimKim. Was a fun event to soon Christmas Day since most things are closed. Emma arranged transport and we were so thankful we had drivers Reuben and Ibo!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
No English- speaking tour guides or audio tours available on Christmas Day.
Transport
Haarlem canal cruise
Haarlem canal cruise
The Netherlands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Gouda - Cheese Experience
Gouda - Cheese Experience
The Netherlands

Place is great! 22 year old son said the cheese-tasting was his favorite thing of the week. Liked the cafe for lunch afterwards, and we bought cheese and souvenirs to take home before we left.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Gouda - Day trip to Haarlem
Gouda - Day trip to Haarlem
Gouda

We liked the city of Haarlem very much! We purchased tickets for the Corrie ten Boom museum on our own after reading her book The Hiding Place and really enjoyed the 50 min. tour. We liked the canal cruise very much. Shopping was fun by all, and we sampled and enjoyed the street food vendors. Emma planned an Escape Tour and made dinner reservations for us also, but we had one person in our group who wasn’t feeling well, so we went back early for the day.

Quality of Experience
Transport
Haarlem - Corrie ten Boom museum
The Netherlands

Be on time! The reservations tell you this, but you must be waiting in the alley at your ticket time or they will give your place away to others waiting. We had a late train because of a prior train accident, which forced us to run to the museum to make it just in time!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Gouda - Day trip to Rotterdam
Gouda - Day trip to Rotterdam
Gouda

Kinderdijk windmills, water taxi to the windmills, Cube Houses, and Markthal for dinner were terrific! Markthal closed at 6:00 pm, which ended up being just enough time to get and eat dinner for us.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Haarlem - City escape tour
Haarlem - City escape tour
The Netherlands

We ran out of time to play this tour escape game. However, I know we would’ve liked to play it as it’s a great multi-age group game and a fun way to discover new places in Haarlem! We will do this next time for sure.

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Emma Gerards
Emma
Emma Gerards
Local specialist in Huissen, The Netherlands | Replied on Jan 03, 2025

Dear Meg, Steve, Jacob, Reagan, Betty & Ethan!
Thank you so much for sharing about your wonderful experience here in the Netherlands. I’m very happy to hear that our trip planning helped create such a memorable trip for your family, spanning all ages!
Wishing you all the best and a wonderful year ahead,
Emma

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

Belgium
Belgium | Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024

J
JEAN B.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Oct 05, 2024

Great guides esp in Ypres
Great hotels esp in Antwerp and Bruges
Would include the alter of Ghent in tour and the Madonna sculpture in tour
Thanks

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Oct 05, 2024

Dear Jean,

Hope you had a pleasant and safe journey home!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the hotels, guides and excursions, and I am glad you have enjoyed the trip. Weather has not been the best last week, but I am glad you have made the most of it.

Wishing you all the best,

Mieke.

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 - Private Grand Dutch Food Tour
Amsterdam - Private 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?