Day 1 and 2: Amsterdam

Programme: On these days you will explore the cosmopolitan and vibrant capital of the Netherlands: Amsterdam. You could decide to take a canal cruise, rent a bicycle or simply stroll and get lost in a maze of canals and bridges. Amsterdam has something to offer for everyone: marvel at the very best of the Dutch Masters in the Rijksmuseum, visit the Anne Frank House where young wartime diarist Anne Frank hid with her family from Nazi persecution, treat your taste buds in cheese shops and the Heineken brewery or leave nothing to your imagination in the flashy Red Light District. 

If that isn’t enough yet to keep you occupied, you could take your car and drive to the historical windmill village of Zaanse Schans, or to the traditional fisherman’s villages of Marken and Volendam. In you’re lucky to visit in spring time, the world renowned flower gardens of Keukenhof shouldn’t be missed. 

Accommodation: Droompark Spaarnwoude / Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark / Amadi Panorama Hotel

Day 3: Morning: Giethoorn, afternoon: Veluwe / Kroller-Muller / Sint Hubertus

Programme: On this day you will drive eastward to the ‘Venice of the North’ – Giethoorn. Known for its beautiful vistas and charming cottages, this village is best explored by boat. In the afternoon more scenic places will await you in the Veluwe national park. If you’re lucky, you can spot some of the ‘Dutch Big Five’: foxes, badgers, roe deer, wild boar and red deer. In the middle of the national park, some 19th century masterpieces from the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso, Gauguin and Rodin can be found at the Kroller-Muller Museum.

Accommodation: Hotel Hof van Putten / Parkhotel de Bosrand

Day 4: Morning: Maastricht, afternoon: Valkenburg

Programme: After a 2 hour drive you will arrive in the southernmost city of the Netherlands. With its charming old town centre, giant cathedral and the river Meuse running through it, Maastricht is a very pleasant town to stroll around in. On the hilly road to Valkenburg, you will realise that the Netherlands aren’t only flat. Valkenburg itself is a quaint town with a hillside castle ruin, caves and catacombs. When night falls, you will find plenty cosy bars and restaurants in Valkenburg.

Accommodation: Hotel Schaepkens van St. Fijt / Fletcher Hotel Valkenburg or similar

Day 5: Hoensbroek Castle, Den Bosch and/or the windmills of Kinderdijk

En route to the west, you will have a few stopover options. For historical beauty, you can explore the splendid Hoensbroek castle, which is in the vicinity of Valkenburg. One hour down the road you will find the picturesque town of Den Bosch, which is definitely worth a visit. Not far from your abode for the night, you could pull over to see the famous windmills of Kinderdijk.

Accommodation: Delft/Den Haag

Day 6: Morning: Delft, afternoon: Den Haag

The small town of Delft occupies a significant place in Dutch history, and it has kept its charm throughout the centuries. Relive its past in the footsteps of world famous painter Johannes Vermeer and the Dutch royal family. 

After only a 15 minute drive, you find yourself in The Hague. Known as the capital of justice and the seat of the Dutch government, the third city of the Netherlands has a very different vibe. We recommend you to go sightseeing at the Peace Palace, the Dutch Parliament building, the Escher museum, the Maurits museum and, afterwards, chill out at the beach of Scheveningen. 

Accommodation

Day 7: Return to Amsterdam and flight