Best of Holland - 7 Days

Duration

7 Days

Difficulty
Balanced
Start

Amsterdam

End

Amsterdam

Rating

***

Operator

Trafalgar Tours

7-Day Netherlands Tour of Amsterdam and Rotterdam

Delight in the best of the Netherlands on this in-depth exploration. You'll visit Delft and Volendam to learn about regional traditions, see the works of great masters at the Rijksmuseum and even soak up some of that characteristic gezellig spirit with a family on their farm...

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Amsterdam

Arrival Transfer: Depart the airport at 09:00, 11:30, 14:30

Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 16:30

What better place to start your jaunt through the Netherlands than Amsterdam! Spend your day strolling through its pretty streets beside tree-lined canals, stopping to enjoy coffee and speculaas along the way. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening on a scenic canal cruise, including a light meal and welcome drinks, admiring the centuries-old gabled façades of canal houses.

Bilderberg Garden Hotel Amsterdam
Dinner

Day 2: Explore Amsterdam’s Art and Architecture

Delve into the Dutch Golden Age and its extraordinary art, architecture and history. Dive into Culture as you join a small group sightseeing tour of the Rijksmuseum, where you’ll see the works of great Dutch masters, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. Spend the rest of the day exploring Amsterdam your way, perhaps visiting the floating flower market or strolling along the canals past its gabled facades. This evening, you could choose to join an Optional Experience for dinner.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).      

Van Loon Museum - EUR 54 pp

In the heart of the canal district lies Museum Van Loon, a magnificent private residence built in 1672. The former residence of the artist Ferdinand Bol, the 18th-century interior still evokes the splendour of the Golden Age. With our Local Specialist, we’ll discover the large collection of paintings, fine furniture, precious silver and porcelain from several centuries. A short walking tour in the heart of the city gives a glimpse behind the façades of Amsterdam's world-famous canals and immerses you in an authentic Amsterdam experience.

Muiderslot, a Genuine Castle - EUR 73 pp

Take a short drive with our Local Specialist to the imposing Muiderslot Castle, for a real taste of Dutch history. It's part of Amsterdam's Defence Line and features on the UNESCO World Heritage List. During your guided tour through rooms refurbished in 17th-century style, it's easy to picture yourself in a Rembrandt painting, as it evokes the period when Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, known as the "Dutch Shakespeare", occupied the castle. You'll also enjoy a garden tour and a refreshment in a typical Dutch Inn.

Monnickendam Dinner & Dutch Countryside - EUR 79 pp

A beautiful countryside drive brings us to historic Monnickendam, the small fishing village that was formerly a major Dutch port. A walk along the wonderful streets and past lovely gabled houses brings us to the town’s former cheese weigh-house, now an atmospheric restaurant, for a delicious three-course dinner with wine, beer and soft drinks.

Bilderberg Garden Hotel Amsterdam
Breakfast

Day 3: Journey to Aalsmeer/Keukenhof, The Hague and Rotterdam

Rise with the birds this morning to visit Aalsmeer and its vibrant flower auction, filled with the vividly-hued blooms for which Holland is so famous. Alternatively, during the flowering season (late March until mid-May), we'll enjoy an included visit to the tulip gardens of Keukenhof. The mesmerising sight of millions of flowering bulbs planted across 32 hectares will leave you awestruck. This afternoon, travel via The Hague to the historic town of Delft and Dive Into Culture at the Royal Delft Pottery workshop where you'll gain insights into the production of this delicate hand-painted blue and white porcelain. Continue to edgy Rotterdam, which was rebuilt from the ground up after being destroyed during World War II. Your orientation tour will reveal an innovative city with architectural treasures worth capturing on camera and a vibrant multicultural scene around every turn.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).      

Rotterdam's Historic Delfshaven & Euromast Skytower - EUR 44 pp

Explore the maritime heritage of Rotterdam by taking a walk through Delfshaven, the place where it all started and learn more about the Pilgrim Fathers, who left in a small ship from the quay in Delfshaven. See the church where they had their last prayer before they sailed to the New World. Later we ascend the iconic Euromast tower for 360 views of the city and the harbour.

Novotel Rotterdam Brainpark Hotel
Breakfast

Day 4: Onwards to Arnhem, Oosterbeek and Tiel

Enjoy a morning at leisure, or perhaps consider joining an Optional Experience to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Kinderdijk, famous for its 19 monumental windmills. Later we travel east to Arnhem to see the John Frost Bridge, so named as a tribute to the commander of the British forces that held the bridge for four days with a mere 750 soldiers, during the World War II Battle of Arnhem. Learn about this famous battle, inspiration behind the film 'A Bridge Too Far', on an included visit to the Airborne Museum at Oosterbeek. Continue your journey to Tiel, your home for the night.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

Kinderdijk Exploration and Boat Ride - EUR 55 pp

Join us to discover the spectacular straight line of 19 working windmills at the Kinderdijk. Part of a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site and situated below sea-level, they were built around 1740 to pump water out of the reclaimed 'polder' lands. You’ll also admire the classic Dutch landscape between the Rhine river branches of the delta, during a relaxing boat ride.

Van der Valk Hotel Tiel
Breakfast Dinner

Day 5: Off to Stunning Zwolle and Leeuwarden

Today, head north to the beautiful Hanseatic city of Zwolle, where you'll join your Local Specialist for a walking tour through its historic centre. Later, continue to Friesland where your Local Specialist will reveal the delights of Leeuwarden on a guided walk around this vibrant city full of art, beautiful architecture and medieval canals and streets.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).  

Holland's Green Venice Unveiled - EUR 63 pp

Join us on a visit to the charming village of Giethoorn, popularly known as 'Holland's Green Venice'. This village without roads is famous for having only waterways and quaint hump-backed bridges that lead to traditional thatched houses. Due to its unique qualities, Giethoorn was included on the World Edition of the Monopoly board game, sharing space with cities like Taipei, Montreal and Sydney. We'll explore the town by boat and then enjoy some typical Dutch specialities in a local cafe.

Fletcher Hotel Paleis Stadhouderlijk Hof
Breakfast

Day 6: Venture to Volendam and Return to Amsterdam

Embark on a beautiful drive through Friesland en route to Volendam, a former fishing port on the edge of IJsselmeer. Dive Into Culture and learn about the craft of wooden clog making and Dutch cheese. Then meet Tom, miller of Katwoude, for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Visit the mill and learn about the important role the mill plays in managing rising water levels. This evening, enjoy a celebratory Be My Guest experience with the Pauw family as you connect with locals over a traditional Dutch meal.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).    

Discover the Zuiderzee - EUR 47 pp

Step back in time to experience what life was like a century ago on the shores of the historic Zuiderzee, or ‘Southern Sea’. Stroll along cobbled alleys past authentic houses, shops and workshops, with craftsmen and artisans at work and 19th century ‘locals’ going about everyday life. See, hear, feel and taste everyday life as it was before the Great Barrier Dam turned this former inland sea into a freshwater lake in 1932.

Mercure Hotel Amsterdam City
Breakfast Dinner

Day 7: Farewell Amsterdam

Say a fond tot ziens to Amsterdam and your newfound friends, closing the door on a memorable Dutch experience.  You can, of course, extend your stay.

Departure Transfer: Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) 08:00, 10:00

Breakfast

Includes

  • 7 nights in handpicked 3 & 4 star hotels in great locations
  • Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
  • 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
  • Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary 

Excludes

  • Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
  • Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
  • Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour

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Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?

A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.

The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.

The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice. 

Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.

YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.

CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.

What does the tour cost include?

The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

Can we book flights through you ?

Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines. When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL Bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.  You are of course are welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.  

Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?

Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.   

Can i book twin beds or triple and quad rooms

Yes, We have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.

If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.

For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.

For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.

How much is the solo/single supplement?

Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement. 

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

How many guests will be on this tour?

Southwest Adventure tours specialise in small group experiences - usually between 7 and 13 passengers.

How much walking with be on this tour?

With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.

Leisurely: Tours will typically have minimal to 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs. 

Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs. 

Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.   

Do the coaches have on-board Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities

Southwest Adventure Tours offers comfortable transportation in our fleet of well-maintained Mercedes Sprinter Vans, Ford Transit Vans, Chevy Express/GMC Savanah Vans and Motorcoaches. All vehicles are 2014 or newer and we are continually updating our fleet.

  • Vehicles are thoroughly inspected before, during and after your tour for any safety or comfort concerns
  • Vehicles are deep cleaned at the beginning of each tour as well as each day after your adventure. Each vehicle has its own cleaning kit, masks, and safety gear
  • Customized seating to afford the best viewing experience
  • Vans seat 13 plus a driver for the ultimate small group atmosphere
  • Our Driver/Guides are required to have a valid DOT Health Certificate as well as basic CPR- many of our guides have taken the extra step and earned their Wilderness First Responder Certification!

Whilst vehicles do not have on-board bathroom facilities, regular stops will be scheduled in enroute.

Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?

Gratuities are not included for your Travel Director or driver, these can be given at your discretion locally at the end of the tour.  

Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.

Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.

We suggest that your insurance covers the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
  • Loss or damage to your property and baggage
  • Loss of cash, credit cards etc
  • Medical costs and personal accidents

Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive. 

Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel. 

Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.

What does a guaranteed departure mean?

A guaranteed departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate or will depart no matter how many people are booked to travel. 

In the slim case that a guaranteed departure has to be withdrawn that you are booked on due to a unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.

What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?

Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.

Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:

Europe trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.

Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.

Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.

Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc. 

United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:

From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel. 

UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.   

USA trips incl transiting travellers: 

US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.

ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website. 

Canada trips:

Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.   

eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.

Rest of the World trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them. 

What if I have mobility issues?

Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.

What if I have food allergies?

Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.

You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.

How much luggage can I bring?

Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).

Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.  

GBP £1,819.00 / Adult
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