Best of the Netherlands
Best of the Netherlands
$1381
Best of the Netherlands
7 Days Starting and ending in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting: Arrive In Amsterdam, Netherlands, Amsterdam, Aalsmeer/Keukenhof, Delft, Rotterdam, Gouda, Arnhem, Giethoorn, Groningen, Zaanse Schans, Volendam
Tour operator:
Tour code:
4820-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Famous for its tulips, windmills, and wooden clogs, The Netherlands is a delightful country with scenic landscapes, historic monuments, and vibrant cities. You’ll get to know the country on this affordable tour starting and ending in Amsterdam. The capital of Holland is a pleasant, 700-year-old city whose elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, renowned museums, and picturesque canals—not to mention the bike paths throughout the city—make for a pleasurable atmosphere. Hop on a boat cruise—the best way to see Amsterdam—through the elegant canals lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Stay in Rotterdam, South Holland’s capital, a young city with the world’s busiest port and known for its modern architecture and design, as well as in some of the minor but interesting towns where you’ll discover the rural atmosphere of this country. The Netherlands is known for legendary flower production, which you will experience on the visit to the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction where more than 20 million plants and flowers are sold daily. (Note that from April to May, the Aalsmeer flower auction visit is replaced by a visit to the spectacular 70-acre Keukenhof garden to see the incredible display of a kaleidoscope of seven million flower bulbs.) You’ll also enjoy a visit to the Royal Delft Pottery Factory to see how this precious pottery is made. Visit Gouda, known for its namesake cheese and seasonal cheese market, regularly held on the medieval Markt square. Take a stroll in Volendam, known for its old fishing boats, characteristic small houses, drawbridges, and canals. Additionally, drive over the 19-mile Barrier Dam, constructed to protect the part of Holland that is below sea level. For the value-minded travel lover wanting to have an in-depth experience of the Netherlands, this is the perfect adventure!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Amsterdam,Netherlands
Location: Arrive In Amsterdam, Netherlands
Meals Included: Dinner
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Amsterdam on your own with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2: Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
For centuries, this tiny nation of seafaring traders played a leading role in world history. It reclaimed 40% of its territory from the sea and produces a healthy agricultural surplus amid Europe’s most densely populated area—yet Holland manages to remain quaint and scenic. Your day begins with a canal cruise to see Amsterdam from water level, and the visit of a diamond center, watching skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones. Enjoy the afternoon exploring on your own, perhaps by browsing one of the many marvelous museums or looking both ways in the city where bicycles outnumber cars by four times!
Day 3: Amsterdam,Aalsmeer/Keukenhof,Delft,Rotterdam
Location: Amsterdam, Aalsmeer/Keukenhof, Delft, Rotterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a visit to the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction or, during the tulip blooming season, see some of the 7 million flowers planted annually at the world-famous Keukenhof—one of the world’s largest flower gardens (departures April 5 to May 3 and weather permitting). Continue to historic Delft to visit the famous Royal Delft pottery factory. See how this exquisite pottery is made, and marvel at the magnificent collection of hand-painted earthenware. Continue to Rotterdam, the world’s busiest port, to marvel at the city’s futuristic architecture during your sightseeing with a Local Guide.Today’s Distance: 99 mi/ 160 km
Day 4: Rotterdam,Gouda,Arnhem
Location: Rotterdam, Gouda, Arnhem
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Arrive in Gouda, renowned for its cheese! Stroll around the picturesque narrow streets to the medieval Market Square, see the Gothic-style Town Hall with its red and white shutters and the Goudse Waag used for cheese weighing in the 17th-century. Then, enjoy your interactive cheese experience. Next, is Arnhem, site of the WWII Battle of Arnhem, where you will see John Frost Bridge, named after the commander of the British forces that held the bridge for four days. Enjoy time on your own to do some independent exploring.Today’s Distance: 71 mi/ 115 km
Day 5: Arnhem,Giethoorn,Groningen
Location: Arnhem, Giethoorn, Groningen
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, head for the village of Giethoorn, built on canals for a more quaint version of Venice or Amsterdam. Discover the idyllic storybook scenes while floating on an optional canal cruise, then flip for delicious Dutch pancakes as a light lunch. Continue to Groningen and spend some time exploring this important trade hub of the 13th century but hailed today as the “World Cycling City.” In fact, its center is entirely pedestrianized and boasts a dense network of cycle paths that make the city one of the most bike-friendly in the Netherlands. Today’s Distance: 118 mi/ 190 km
Day 6: Groningen,Zaanse Schans,Volendam,Amsterdam
Location: Groningen, Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross over the 19-mile Barrier Dam, which is part of an incredible system of 1,200 miles of dikes, dams, and dunes built over the last 900 years to protect the part of the Netherlands that is below sea level. Visit a wooden clog workshop in Zaanse Schans. Continue to the fishing village of Volendam, then arrive back in Amsterdam and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Today’s Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km
Day 7: Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport, Holiday Inn Express Central Station in Rotterdam, De Buunderkamp in Wolfheze, and Fletcher Hotel in Groningen.
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners, including dinner at a local restaurant in Amsterdam.
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Activities
Canal cruise in Amsterdam, visit to a diamond center, Aalsmeer flower auction or Keukenhof, Royal Delft pottery factory, sightseeing in Rotterdam, interactive cheese experience in Gouda, visit to John Frost Bridge in Arnhem, visit to Giethoorn, visit to Zaanse Schans, and visit to Volendam.
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Transportation
Transportation between cities and attractions as per the itinerary.
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Tour Director
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions on the first day.
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Local Guides
Sightseeing with a Local Guide in Rotterdam.
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UNESCO Sites
Visit the 17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and tips are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Meals Not Mentioned
Meals other than those specified in the inclusions are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and processing are not included.
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners, including dinner at a local restaurant in Amsterdam
Notes
On departures April 5 to May 3 2025, the Aalsmeer flower auction will be replaced by the visit of Keukenhof.
UNESCO Sites
17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam
Accommodation
Amsterdam Area:Ibis Schiphol AirportRotterdam:Holiday Inn Express Central StationArnhem Area:De BuunderkampGroningen:Fletcher Hotel
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at various hotels including Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport, Holiday Inn Express Central Station in Rotterdam, De Buunderkamp in Wolfheze near Arnhem, and Fletcher Hotel in Groningen. These hotels offer amenities such as indoor swimming pools, saunas, fitness centers, and free Wi-Fi.
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What activities are included in Amsterdam?
In Amsterdam, you will have a canal cruise to see the city from water level and visit a diamond center to watch skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones. You will also have free time to explore the city on your own.
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What will I see in Rotterdam?
In Rotterdam, you will marvel at the city's futuristic architecture during a sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. Rotterdam is known for being the world's busiest port.
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What unique experiences are included in Gouda?
In Gouda, you will stroll around the picturesque narrow streets to the medieval Market Square, see the Gothic-style Town Hall, and enjoy an interactive cheese experience.
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What can I expect to see in Giethoorn?
In Giethoorn, you will explore the village built on canals, which is known for being quainter than cities like Venice or Amsterdam.
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What is special about the visit to Zaanse Schans?
In Zaanse Schans, you will visit a wooden clog workshop and learn about traditional Dutch craftsmanship.
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What is included in the visit to Volendam?
In Volendam, you will visit the fishing village and experience its unique charm before heading back to Amsterdam.
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What historical site will I visit in Arnhem?
In Arnhem, you will see John Frost Bridge, named after the commander of the British forces that held the bridge for four days during the WWII Battle of Arnhem.
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What is the significance of the Barrier Dam?
The Barrier Dam is part of an incredible system of 1,200 miles of dikes, dams, and dunes built over the last 900 years to protect the part of the Netherlands that is below sea level.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and 3 dinners, including dinner at a local restaurant in Amsterdam.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.