The Netherlands tours

The Netherlands is known wordlwide for its beautiful canals, iconic windmills and colorful tulips and is renowned for its friendly, forward-thinking culture. The capital Amsterdam boasts world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, a lively nightlife, cycling-friendly streets and iconic sites such as the Anne Frank House, make it a sought-after destination.

In the Netherlands, tipping is not obligatory but is a nice gesture, especially for good service (5-10% is recommended). Leaving a tip is generally appreciated in restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as in other service-oriented businesses like hotels and taxis.

The Netherlands is considered a great year-round destination. One of the best times to visit is during the spring months of April and May, when the famous tulip fields are in full bloom. Late spring and early summer (June) offer pleasant weather and lively festivals, while Fall (September to November) offers milder weather and fewer tourists, making it a good time to visit if you prefer a quieter experience. Winter (December to February) is great for holiday festivities, but it can be quite cold and wet.

The Netherlands has a typical maritime climate with mild springs, warm summers, cooler falls and cold winters. Whatever season you visit, the Netherlands’ weather is variable and often rainy, so layered clothing and an umbrella are recommended year-round.

Yes, it snows in the Netherlands during winter, typically between December and February, however snowfalls can vary each year. Snow might last for a few days, and cold temperatures can lead to frost and icy conditions.

ATM access in the Netherlands is widespread and convenient. You can find ATMs in cities, towns, and even small villages. Most ATMs accept major international debit and credit cards and many locations have multilingual options, making it easier for international users.

Yes, tap water in the Netherlands is safe to drink and of very high quality. It is regularly tested and meets strict EU standards

For a trip to the Netherlands, pack layered clothing as you will experience variable weather, including a handy rain jacket and umbrella. You will need comfortable walking shoes for exploring cities and museums. If visiting in spring, fall or winter, include warmer clothes like sweaters, a coat and a scarf. Bring a small backpack for day trips. and don't forget toiletries, sunscreen, and a hat for sunny days.

The ideal length of stay in the Netherlands depends on your interests, but generally, 3 to 5 days is enough to explore major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht for sightseeing, museums and iconic sites. If you want to experience more scenic countryside, tulip fields and smaller towns, consider extending your trip to around a week or more.

A small country with big stories to tell, some must-see places in the Netherlands include Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. The picturesque canals and tulip fields in Keukenhof are also popular. Don’t miss Utrecht’s Dom Tower, Rotterdam’s modern architecture, and the windmills at Kinderdijk. Outside of the cities, visit Giethoorn’s beautiful village and Hoge Veluwe National Park for a mix of culture, history and fabulous scenery.

The Netherlands is known for a variety of traditional foods, perhaps most famously its cheeses such as Gauda and Edam. Other traditional dishes include Stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffles), Bitterballen (savory meatballs), Herring (raw fish often eaten with onions) and Pancakes (Pannenkoeken). You should also try the Dutch licorice, Patat (thick-cut fries served with Dutch mayonnaise) and Apple Pie (appeltaart).

We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip. Please ensure you add the details of your insurance to the MyTrafalgar portal. Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events. Book your travel insurance with Trafalgar's Travel Protection Plan, which includes the Cancel For Any Reason Credit Certificate Feature and the Travel Insurance Benefits that may help to protect your vacation payment against the unexpected.

Tulips in the Netherlands typically bloom from mid-April to early May, with the peak blooming period occurring around late April. The famous tulip fields in Keukenhof and the surrounding countryside are best visited during this time to see the colorful displays but note that weather and seasonal variations can affect the exact timing of peak blooming.