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: €43.00*
* 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: €40.00*
* 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: €43.00*
* 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: €40.00*
* 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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Trip Notes
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Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Shared Rooming: Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
King's 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.
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.
