With the buzz of a big city and charm of a little village, let Amsterdam's tree-lined canals captivate you.
Wander through the city's labyrinthine streets, the smell of pancakes and spicy speculaas coffee linger as you marvel at the swarm of bicycles that pound the city's cobbled lanes.
Welcome to the picture-perfect city of Amsterdam, buzzing with bicycles and boats. Every alley leads to another cosy bruin café and the canals are more plentiful than in Venice. Delve into the gezelligheid of Amsterdam during a city orientation - to see its beautifully preserved medieval buildings and tree-lined canals. Then, enjoy a Welcome Reception and laid-back city cruise along the winding canals, soaking up the alluring setting as you enjoy a light meal.
This morning, we enjoy a Small Group Sightseeing tour of the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces of Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer. Spend the rest of the day on your own. End your day with delicious local flavours at one of the city's many cosy restaurants.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Hidden Amsterdam
Still in use by the Dutch Royal Family, The Royal Palace in Amsterdam was built in 1648. Originally serving as the Town Hall, it was also a Napoleonic Palace before its current role. Its rich history and the interior of this magnificent building in the heart of Amsterdam make this a must see.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Van Loon Museum
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. 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 will then take us to the Beguinage (Begijnhof), a hidden courtyard where extremely pious women lived for almost 700 years. This glimpse behind the façades of Amsterdam's world-famous canals is highly recommended.
Adult Price: €42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Holland's Favorite Foods
Nibble your way through Amsterdam's international dining scene on a tasting tour led by a Local Specialist. Learn about the international flavors that have influenced Dutch cuisine, while grabbing bites at a cheese shop, beer garden and family restaurant. Savour handpicked local delicacies including artisanal cheeses, a sweet ‘stroopwafel’ and the best fish in town. We'll wash them all down with a beer or Jenever.
Adult Price: €62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Amsterdam – Excursion to Haarlem, Zaanse Schans and Volendam
Take a trip back in time to discover the centuries-old traditions of Holland stopping in the pretty town of Haarlem. We join a 'Local Specialist' this morning for a visit to the Corrie ten Boom House and Museum. Learn how this watchmaker helped countless Jews escape Nazi prosecution during World War II, which ultimately led to her arrest. 'Dive Into Culture' and visit Zaanse Schans to sample delicious Dutch cheeses and investigate the inner-workings of one of the country's many windmills. Along the way, you'll learn about the Zuiderzee, and its incredible story of land reclamation and battle against the encroaching sea. We travel to the fishing village of Volendam on the shores of the IJsselmeer, our gateway into a Holland of yesteryear. This evening, we join some of our local friends on a farm and indulge in a meal of authentic Dutch delicacies.
Amsterdam – Excursion to The Hague, Delft, Rotterdam and Kinderdijk
This morning, we travel to the stately capital of The Hague and the heart of Dutch politics, where we will learn about the International Court of Justice, housed within the beautifully designed Peace Palace. The pretty blue and white pottery of Delft takes centre stage next as we 'Dive Into Culture' during an exclusive tour with a 'Local Specialist' to the factory that produces these delicate pieces. Our next stop is edgy Rotterdam, which was almost completely rebuilt after World War II. Ascend the iconic Euromast Tower for spectacular panoramic views of the world's largest port city before returning to Amsterdam, via Kinderdijk, to see the stunning views of a series of 18th-century windmills.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 5
Amsterdam – Excursion to Gouda (Keukenhof excursion included during Tulip Season as an alternative to Gouda)
The powerful aroma of delicious Dutch cheese will infuse our senses today. Seemingly frozen in time with its beautiful 15th-century town hall and medieval cheese weighing station, Gouda's status as a cheese trading town dates back to the Middle Ages. 'Dive Into Culture' and witness this proud tradition first-hand in the town's beautiful market square, before spending the rest of the day at leisure (Please note, during the opening of Keukenhof, an excursion to see the tulip fields will be included instead of the visit to Gouda). Returning to Amsterdam this evening, you'll be treated to a superb Farewell Dinner in the heart of the city.
We'll take a short drive to imposing Muiderslot Castle, which will give us a real taste of Dutch history. It's part of Amsterdam's Defence Line and is UNESCO World Heritage Listed. During your guided tour, through rooms refurbished in 17th-century style, you'll imagine yourself in a Rembrandt painting as it evokes the period when Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, known as the "Dutch Shakespeare," occupied the castle. We'll also enjoy a garden tour and a refreshment in a typical Dutch Inn is included.
Adult Price: €56.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Depart Amsterdam
The time has come to bid tot ziens to the magnificent city and your fellow travellers after an enjoyable At Leisure encounter with Amsterdam and the surrounding Dutch countryside. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Hidden Amsterdam
Still in use by the Dutch Royal Family, The Royal Palace in Amsterdam was built in 1648. Originally serving as the Town Hall, it was also a Napoleonic Palace before its current role. Its rich history and the interior of this magnificent building in the heart of Amsterdam make this a must see.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Van Loon Museum
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. 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 will then take us to the Beguinage (Begijnhof), a hidden courtyard where extremely pious women lived for almost 700 years. This glimpse behind the façades of Amsterdam's world-famous canals is highly recommended.
Adult Price: €42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Holland's Favorite Foods
Nibble your way through Amsterdam's international dining scene on a tasting tour led by a Local Specialist. Learn about the international flavors that have influenced Dutch cuisine, while grabbing bites at a cheese shop, beer garden and family restaurant. Savour handpicked local delicacies including artisanal cheeses, a sweet ‘stroopwafel’ and the best fish in town. We'll wash them all down with a beer or Jenever.
Adult Price: €62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Muiderslot, A Genuine Castle
We'll take a short drive to imposing Muiderslot Castle, which will give us a real taste of Dutch history. It's part of Amsterdam's Defence Line and is UNESCO World Heritage Listed. During your guided tour, through rooms refurbished in 17th-century style, you'll imagine yourself in a Rembrandt painting as it evokes the period when Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, known as the "Dutch Shakespeare," occupied the castle. We'll also enjoy a garden tour and a refreshment in a typical Dutch Inn is included.
Adult Price: €56.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Enjoy a Dutch dining experience at a cheese farm where you will also gain an insight into the making of traditional wooden clogs. (Day 3) Visit a working Dutch windmill and see the inner workings of the machinery responsible for helping to reclaim the Netherlands from the sea. (Day 3) Visit the Delft Pottery factory for a look at the creation of this renowned, hand-painted porcelain. (Day 4) Visit the historical cheese market of Gouda and witness the proud tradition which has made it a cheese trading town since the middle ages. (Day 5)
Local Specialist
For included visit to the Corrie ten Boom House and Museum
Sightseeing highlights
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SMALL GROUP SIGHTSEEING in Amsterdam, enjoy a guided visit to the Rijksmuseum with a group size of no more than 20 guests
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ORIENTATION in Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam
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VISIT Corrie ten Boom House and Museum in Haarlem, Zaanse Schans, Volendam, The Hague, Delft, Kinderdijk and Gouda
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SCENIC CRUISE of Amsterdam's canals
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TICKETS for Keukenhof Tulip Bulb fields are included during the flowering season as an alternative to Gouda (end of March until mid-May)
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Handcrafted Highlights
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VIP entry to many sights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Amsterdam Explorer Trip Reviews
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Amsterdam Explorer - September 2019
Trip Rating
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5
This was the perfect itinerary to break up our 12 day visit to Amsterdam. We initially thought we would try to venture out of Amsterdam on our own but our travel agent suggested this tour for us. We’re so glad that she did, we would never have seen or experienced all that we were able to on this tour. Great job Trafalgar and special kudos to our tour director and driver — they were both fantastic.
The tour was very well organized; the tour director provided fantastic service to all on tour (and there were people of all ages and physical abilities on the tour), she was very knowledgeable and had great stories about the areas that we travelled to — it was a pleasure to be on tour with her. The local specialists we’re also very good — they were very knowledgeable and entertaining which made the tours very enjoyable. And, the driver was amazing — he was very helpful, considerate and did an amazing job driving that huge coach around the narrow, busy streets in all of the European cities that we visited.
The Amsterdam Explorer experience provides an overview of the Netherlands.
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4
All services provided were well thought out, however, the itinerary could have provided more experiences of the treasures of Amsterdam city and less time spend in cheese shops and cafes.
The tour was laid out very well. We were disappointed to hear that we couldn't get into Kinderdijk. Never did get a full explanation why as I checked online on the site is open to visitors. The trip to Zaanse Scans and the private tour of the old windmill with Tom was excellent and made up for it. We did all the optional touts and enjoyed them all. The hotel was very nice, except for the bed. I still don't like the double beds pushed together and was a little old and lumpy. The coach was very good. Not excellent because we have toured with Insight and the 40 seat buses have spoiled us with the extra leg room. Beside that the bus was quiet, clean and very comfortable, no complaints.
Our tour guide Colette and are driver François were both amazing. Colette was very helpful with any of the tour questions we had and was on top of things. She went above and beyond with requests from some of the other needy tour members. The information and explanation of the history of the sites we seen were excellent. Our driver Francois was amazing the traffic, tight spots you always get in the big cities and small towns. Very helpful with the older guests that need some assistance. The local tour guides were also very good and informative. They went way above the expected with some of the tour group that had mobility issues. The hotel was very good and staff was always polite and helpful. Originally we thought the hotel being away from the city center was a bad choice but with the tram stop only being a block away we were able to easily get anywhere in Amsterdam we wished for very little money. Excellent trip and we did all the optional experiences which adds to the trip very much.
Kept you active, which I liked. Did not like back to back optional tours. Would have liked to have Van Gogh museum included in tour. Hotel and breakfast was very good, negative was that hotel was not near downtown. Enjoyed canal cruise and dinner. Tour director and bus driver were excellent. First trip with Trafalgar was very positive.
A great range of experiences. Since the country is small we were able to stay in the same hotel the entire time. Travel time to other locations were all under an hour.
Incredible trip, so much of the experience does hinge on your guide. Simone did an outstanding job and it is evident she loves what she does. The trip was very well organized and we saw so much. The itinerary offered a range of experiences. We were very pleased and would definitely use Trafalgar again.
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Trip Notes
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Shared Rooming: Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Kings Day is a national holiday in the Netherlands. Celebrations will be taking place throughout Amsterdam on 27 April.
Keukenhof: Tickets for Keukenhof Bulb fields are included during the flowering season (21 March - 10 May 2020). Departures 05 April, 12 April, 26 April and 03 May will include tickets to the magnificent Keukenhof tulip fields instead of a visit to Gouda.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be travelling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
