Holland Tours August 2023

Holland Travel Guide

Holland Tours Things To Do

• 
  Go Museum Hopping in Amsterdam

  The city has an entire district (Museumplein) devoted to museums, and why not? Holland is the birthplace of some of the world's greatest painters. Besides the famous Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum, there is a multitude of treasures waiting to be discovered. There's even a museum devoted to cats (Kattenkabinet), located in a historic 1667 canal house where cat sculptures, paintings, and objects are on display under the watchful eye of the resident felines.

  You Should Know

  The iAmsterdam card is a great money saver. It gives you access to more than 70 of the city's museums and includes bicycle rental, city-wide public transport, and a canal cruise. Plus, you get to skip lines and get discounts at many restaurants and shops.

• 
  Explore the Dutch Countryside on Two Wheels

  There is no place on earth that's better suited to exploration by bike. The Netherlands is as flat as a pancake and has thousands of miles of bike paths extending to virtually every corner of the country. Go from one enchanting village to the next, riding past tranquil scenery with traditional windmills, cows grazing in green pastures, and fields of vibrant tulips blooming in the springtime.

  You Should Know

  Bike rentals are ubiquitous and you can rent them everywhere. Do check the weather forecast before you set off. Riding in the rain is only fun for the first few minutes. Also, it's advisable to get a bike with at least 3 gears as the headwinds can get strong.

• 
  Let Your Hair Down in the “Dam”

  Amsterdam has one of the best club scenes in the world and is known for being a hedonists' playground. Many clubs have a 24-hour license, meaning you literally can dance non-stop to the pulsating beats. But if you're looking for something more intimate, there's a choice of stellar clubs that are favorites among the locals. The bruin cafes (brown cafes), named for their ancient tobacco-stained walls, are convivial pubs filled with warmth and cheer. 

  You Should Know

  Cocktails can be pricey in Amsterdam bars, but beer and wine only cost a few Euros. If you're planning to take public transport back to your hotel, plan to wind up your night on the town by 11 p.m. as most tram and bus services stop around midnight. Clubs in Amsterdam are open until the early hours of the morning, so if you plan to stick around until closing time, take a cab.

• 
  Escape to the Hoge Veluwe National Park

  If you're jaded by city life, spend a day soaking up the natural beauty of the Hoge Veluwe National Park, located between Arnhem and Apeldoorn. It's a 14,000-acre nature reserve with dense woodlands that were once private hunting grounds. The park is also home to the outstanding Kröller-Müller Museum which houses the world's second-largest Van Gogh collection as well as paintings by masters like Monet, Manet, Renoir, and Cézanne. Outside, in the stunning sculpture garden, you're treated to the works of Rodin, Dubuffet, and Hepworth, among others. 

  You Should Know

  A great way to explore the magnificent scenery of the park is by… you guessed it, bicycle. The white bikes are free (included in the cost of your admission ticket). There are bikes for children and bikes with child seats. The lockable blue bikes are for rent. You can get tandem bikes and electric bikes. There are several well-marked hiking trails and rambling routes to explore the park on foot, including wildlife viewing stations and picturesque spots.

• 
  See the Spectacular Dikes in Zeeland

  About one-third of The Netherlands lies below sea level. This means the Dutch people have been forced to innovate flood prevention techniques. Located in the southwestern part of the country, much of Zeeland consists of recently formed land. The massive dikes, sluice gates, and surge barriers of the Delta Works engineering project here control the entry of the North Sea waters into the estuaries, making it the world's largest flood protection system. Definitely worth a visit to admire the marvel of engineering. Plus, the area has some wonderful beaches.

  You Should Know

  The waters around Delta Works are rife with lobsters, mussels, and oysters. You can enjoy a delicious, fresh seafood lunch with gorgeous views in one of the areas many restaurants.

• 
  Visit the Most Beautiful Spring Garden in the World

  Located in Lisse, less than 20 miles from Amsterdam, Keukenhof (which means kitchen garden in Dutch) is a stunning spring garden with more than 7 million flower bulbs planted each year in its beautifully landscaped exhibits. The gardens open only for a short time in the spring, but it's well worth timing your Holland tour to coincide with this magnificent event. Keukenhof showcases tulips in every conceivable color, displayed in gardens of different styles, and interspersed with fountains and ponds.

  Best Time To Visit

  Keukenhof is only open from late March to early May (check exact dates as they change from year to year). The gardens are easily accessible by bus and train from Amsterdam. There are several places to get lunch at Keukenhof, including outdoor terraces overlooking the picturesque gardens, where you can sample authentic Dutch cuisine.

• 
  Discover the Windmills of Kinderdijk

  It's one of the most photographed spots in Holland, and when you go there, you'll understand why. The 19 windmills of Kinderdijk, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were built around 1740 to protect the surrounding low-lying lands from floods. Facing each other, they create a quintessential Dutch scene of idyllic country life. 

  You Should Know

  The windmills of Kinderdijk are about an hour and a half's drive from Amsterdam, and like most attractions in Holland, easily accessible by public transport. There is a museum onsite and a workshop where guides explain the workings and maintenance of the windmills.

• 
  Tantalize Your Taste Buds

  Dutch cheeses come in a variety of flavors, and shops around the country stock huge waxy wheels of cheese. A walk around the cheese market (Kassmarkt) in Alkmaar is a foodie essential. Here, cheese has been traded since 1365 and visitors can see how the wheels are weighed by guild members in traditional costume. But cheese is not the only Dutch specialty you can indulge in. There's Hollandse Nieuwe (Dutch new herring served raw with onions and gherkins), krokets (deep-fried rolls), Stroopwafel (a wafer-thin cookie with a caramel filling), and poffertjes (fluffy baby pancakes served with butter and sugar).

  You Should Know

  If you're a die-hard foodie, you can taste fine cheeses paired with wine and learn about different cheeses from an expert in a centuries-old warehouse in Old Amsterdam.

• 
  Bring a Piece of Holland Home

  It doesn't get more Dutch than traditional crafts like Delft blue pottery and wooden clogs (shoes). No, the Dutch don't wear wooden clogs (klompen) in the streets, but they are a typical icon of the country and a dying art form. Only 30 traditional clog-makers remain to practice an art passed down generations. Clogs are a popular souvenir and you can buy them as a symbol of disappearing Dutch history. Or pick up a gorgeous piece of hand-painted Delft blue pottery.

  You Should Know

  If you want to carry tulip bulbs back from Holland, check your country's rules regarding bringing agricultural products from overseas.

Holland Tour Packages

• Summer - July to August - High Season

  The summer months in the Netherlands are mostly sunny and warm but the unpredictability of rain at any time of the day is something to take into consideration. It is best to pack an umbrella or rain jacket when traveling to holland because even in the sunniest of days there is still a chance of rain.

• Spring and Fall - March to May or September to October - Shoulder Seasons

  Spring is arguably the best time to visit, especially for flower enthusiasts. This is when the famous tulips bloom, painting the landscape in vibrant colors. The weather is mild, perfect for outdoor activities and touring Netherlands' cities and countryside.

• Winter - November to March - Good Season

  Winter is the off-season for tourists and can get quite cold (40F in Amsterdam), but if you don't mind the weather, you may be able to save some money by traveling to Holland at this time of the year. Plus, all the attractions are clear of tourist crowds.

• Are You Ready to Tour the Netherlands?

  Now that you've glimpsed what the Netherlands has to offer, it's clear why this country is such a beloved destination. Netherlands guided tours offer a blend of historical richness, cultural vibrancy, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Whether it's exploring the tulip fields, navigating the canal-filled cities, or indulging in local flavors, touring the Netherlands is an experience you won't forget. So, are you ready to embark on a memorable journey? Consider a tour to the Netherlands and discover all the unique wonders this country has in store. Your adventure awaits in the land of windmills, cheese, and charming cities!

Holland Tours Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Holland tours?

  Holland tours are escorted group tours that allow you to enjoy everything the country has to offer at a great price. You enjoy the services of an expert tour manager and the company of like-minded travelers.

• What’s included on a Holland tour?

  Your accommodation at hand-picked hotels, transportation by luxury motor coach, daily breakfast, some additional meals, and lots of sightseeing are included in the price of your Holland tour. 

• What’s the best Holland tour?

  You can include Holland as part of a longer European vacation or combine it with a trip to neighboring countries like Belgium and Luxemburg. Of course, if you'd like to see The Netherlands in-depth, there are Holland tours that showcase the best of the country.

• How much do Holland tours cost?

  Holland tours start at around $150 per person per day. This is a land-only price and does not include the airfare from your city of origin. We are one of the largest sellers of Holland tours and you're guaranteed the lowest price on your vacation package.