Best of the Netherlands
Best of the Netherlands
$1453
Best of the Netherlands
7 Days Starting and ending in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting: Amsterdam, Keukenhof, Delft, Aalsmeer, Rotterdam, Gouda, Arnhem, Giethoorn, Groningen, Volendam, Zaanse Schans
Tour operator:
Tour code:
4820-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
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 of 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: Amsterdam
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport
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
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport
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 in the midst of Europe’s most densely populated area—yet Holland manage 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 time this afternoon to explore on your own, maybe visiting one of the many museums or watching people zooming by on their bicycles. Fun fact: There are four times more bicycles than cars in Amsterdam.
Day 3 : Amsterdam - Aalsmeer/Keukenhof - Delft - Rotterdam
Location: Keukenhof, Amsterdam, Delft, Aalsmeer, Rotterdam
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Central Station
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a visit to the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction or, when the tulips bloom, see some of the 7 million flowers planted annually at the world-famous Keukenhof—one of the world’s largest flower gardens (departures 0406 to 0504 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 on 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: Gouda, Arnhem
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: De Buunderkamp
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: Giethoorn, Groningen, Arnhem
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fletcher Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, head for the village of Giethoorn, built on canals but quainter than cities like Venice or Amsterdam. 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: Volendam, Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans, Groningen
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport
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 the Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport, Holiday Inn Express Central Station in Rotterdam, De Buunderkamp in Wolfheze, and Fletcher Hotel in Groningen. Enjoy modern amenities, wellness facilities, and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, all in prime locations.
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Meals
Enjoy daily buffet breakfasts and three dinners, including dinner at a local restaurant in Amsterdam.
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Fully Guided
Benefit from guided sightseeing tours in various cities.
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
Stay connected with free Wi-Fi at all accommodations.
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
All domestic transportation is included, ensuring seamless travel between destinations. Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam and guided sightseeing tours in various cities.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
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International Travel
International travel is not included.
UNESCO Sites
17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam
Notes
On departures April 6 to May 4 the Aalsmeer flower auction will be replaced by the visit of Keukenhof.
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners, including dinner at a local restaurant in Amsterdam
Mode of Transport
All domestic transportation is included, ensuring seamless travel between destinations. Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam and guided sightseeing tours in various cities. Note that international travel is not included.
Check out our Q&As
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What will we do in Amsterdam on the second day?
The second day includes a canal cruise to see Amsterdam from water level and a visit to a diamond center to watch skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones. You will have free time in the afternoon to explore on your own, perhaps visiting museums or observing the city's vibrant bicycle culture.
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What can I expect during the visit to Aalsmeer or Keukenhof?
You will visit the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction or, when the tulips bloom, see some of the 7 million flowers planted annually at the world-famous Keukenhof, one of the world's largest flower gardens. This visit is available for departures from April 6 to May 4, weather permitting.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
All domestic transportation is included, ensuring seamless travel between destinations. Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam and guided sightseeing tours in various cities. Note that international travel is not included.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes daily buffet breakfasts and three dinners, including dinner at a local restaurant in Amsterdam.
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What is special about the visit to Gouda?
In Gouda, you will 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. You will also enjoy an interactive cheese experience.
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What will we see in Groningen?
In Groningen, you will explore this important trade hub of the 13th century, now hailed as the 'World Cycling City.' The city center is entirely pedestrianized and boasts a dense network of cycle paths, making it one of the most bike-friendly cities in the Netherlands.
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What is the significance of the Barrier Dam?
The 19-mile 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 activities are planned for the first day in Amsterdam?
On the first day, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore Amsterdam on your own with the help of the CosmosGO app. In the evening, you will meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
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What is included in the visit to Delft?
In Delft, you will visit the famous Royal Delft pottery factory to see how this exquisite pottery is made and marvel at the magnificent collection of hand-painted earthenware.
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What will we 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 having the world's busiest port.
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What will we do 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. You will also have time to explore the area independently.
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What activities are planned for the last day of the tour?
Your vacation ends with breakfast in the morning on the last day.
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What type of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at the Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport, Holiday Inn Express Central Station in Rotterdam, De Buunderkamp in Wolfheze, and Fletcher Hotel in Groningen. These hotels offer modern amenities, wellness facilities, and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, all in prime locations.
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What is unique about the village of Giethoorn?
Giethoorn is a village built on canals, quainter than cities like Venice or Amsterdam. It offers a unique and picturesque experience.
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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.
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