Discover the enchanting beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands through carefully curated travel packages. From iconic tulip fields to historic cities laced with picturesque canals, the Netherlands offers a diverse array of experiences for every traveller. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant energy of Amsterdam, the innovative architecture of Rotterdam, or the serene coastal retreats, there’s a Dutch adventure waiting for you. Let’s explore the myriad options available for an unforgettable journey through this captivating country.
Curated dutch city break itineraries
The Netherlands boasts a collection of fascinating cities, each with its own unique character and attractions. City break packages offer an excellent way to immerse yourself in Dutch urban life, allowing you to experience the best of what these metropolises have to offer.
Amsterdam’s canal ring UNESCO world heritage tour
No visit to the Netherlands is complete without experiencing Amsterdam’s iconic canal ring. This UNESCO World Heritage site forms the heart of the city, with its 17th-century canal houses and charming bridges. A typical package includes a guided canal cruise, providing insightful commentary on the city’s history and architecture. You’ll glide past landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum, gaining a unique perspective on Amsterdam’s layout and charm.
Many tour operators offer exclusive evening cruises , allowing you to witness the magical transformation of the canal ring as it lights up at night. These packages often include a gourmet dinner aboard the boat, combining culinary delights with breathtaking views.
Rotterdam’s innovative architecture exploration
Rotterdam, known for its bold, modern architecture, offers a stark contrast to Amsterdam’s historic charm. Architecture enthusiasts will revel in guided tours showcasing the city’s innovative buildings. A typical package might include visits to iconic structures such as the Cube Houses, the Markthal, and the Erasmus Bridge.
For a truly unique experience, some packages offer rooftop tours , providing panoramic views of Rotterdam’s skyline. These tours often culminate with a visit to the Euromast observation tower, where you can enjoy a birds-eye view of the city and its bustling port.
Utrecht’s medieval centre and dom tower experience
Utrecht, with its well-preserved medieval centre, offers a journey back in time. Many travel packages focus on the city’s rich history, with guided walks through its narrow streets and along its unique split-level canals. The centerpiece of these tours is often the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands.
Some packages offer exclusive after-hours access to the Dom Tower, allowing you to climb its 465 steps in the quiet of the evening and enjoy a spectacular sunset view over the city. This experience is often paired with a traditional Dutch dinner in one of Utrecht’s cozy restaurants.
The hague’s political and cultural circuit
As the seat of the Dutch government and home to numerous international organisations, The Hague offers a unique blend of politics, culture, and history. Many tour packages include visits to key sites such as the Binnenhof (Dutch Parliament), the Peace Palace (home to the International Court of Justice), and the Mauritshuis museum, which houses Vermeer’s famous “Girl with a Pearl Earring”.
Some operators offer behind-the-scenes political tours , providing insight into the workings of Dutch and international politics. These may include meetings with political insiders or guided tours of areas typically closed to the public.
Tulip season speciality packages
The Netherlands is synonymous with tulips, and springtime brings a riot of colour to the Dutch landscape. Speciality packages during tulip season offer unique ways to experience this floral spectacle.
Keukenhof gardens guided tours and photography sessions
Keukenhof, known as the Garden of Europe, is a must-visit destination during tulip season. Many packages offer guided tours of this spectacular garden, which boasts over 7 million flower bulbs. Expert guides provide insights into the history of Dutch tulip cultivation and the intricate designs of the garden layouts.
For photography enthusiasts, some operators offer early morning photography sessions before the gardens open to the general public. These sessions allow you to capture the beauty of Keukenhof in the soft morning light, without the crowds.
Noordoostpolder tulip route cycling adventures
For those who prefer a more active experience, cycling tours along the Noordoostpolder Tulip Route are increasingly popular. These packages typically include bike rental, route maps, and accommodation in charming local B&Bs. You’ll cycle through vast fields of tulips, stopping at local farms and enjoying picturesque Dutch landscapes.
Some operators offer electric bike options , making the route accessible to a wider range of fitness levels. These packages often include picnic lunches featuring local Dutch specialties, to be enjoyed amidst the colourful tulip fields.
Aalsmeer flower auction Behind-the-Scenes access
For a glimpse into the commercial side of the Dutch flower industry, many packages include a visit to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction. This is the largest floral auction in the world, where millions of flowers are traded daily. Early morning tours allow you to witness the frenetic activity of the auction floor.
Some exclusive packages offer VIP access , allowing you to join a buyer during the bidding process or tour the massive refrigerated warehouses where flowers from around the world are stored.
Flevoland’s tulip island exclusive visits
For a truly unique tulip experience, some operators offer packages to Flevoland’s Tulip Island. This man-made island, created specifically for tulip cultivation, is typically not open to the public. Exclusive tours allow you to walk among the tulip fields, learn about sustainable cultivation practices, and even participate in bulb planting or harvesting, depending on the season.
These packages often include gourmet picnics among the tulips, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and Dutch wines. It’s a truly immersive way to experience the heart of Dutch tulip culture.
Dutch coastal and island retreats
While the Netherlands is often associated with its cities and tulip fields, its coastal areas and islands offer a different kind of charm. These retreats provide a perfect balance of nature, relaxation, and unique Dutch experiences.
Texel’s national park ecotel stays
Texel, the largest of the Wadden Islands, is a nature lover’s paradise. Many packages focus on eco-friendly stays in the island’s national park. These often include guided nature walks, birdwatching expeditions, and visits to the island’s iconic lighthouse.
Some operators offer stargazing experiences in collaboration with local astronomers, taking advantage of Texel’s dark sky reserve status. These packages might include overnight stays in specially designed ‘star cabins’ with glass roofs for optimal night sky viewing.
Zeeland’s delta works and beach resort combo
Zeeland, known for its beautiful beaches and the impressive Delta Works, offers a unique combination of engineering marvel and coastal relaxation. Packages often include tours of the Delta Works, a series of dams and storm surge barriers that protect the Netherlands from flooding.
Many operators combine these educational tours with stays at luxury beach resorts. Some packages offer water sports activities such as windsurfing or kiteboarding, taking advantage of Zeeland’s optimal wind conditions.
Scheveningen’s pier and kurhaus luxury weekend
Scheveningen, The Hague’s seaside resort, offers a blend of beach relaxation and historic charm. Luxury weekend packages often center around stays at the iconic Kurhaus, a grand hotel dating back to 1885. These packages typically include spa treatments, gourmet dining experiences, and visits to the recently renovated Scheveningen Pier.
Some operators offer exclusive sunset dining experiences in the Pier’s panorama restaurant, combining spectacular views with high-end cuisine.
Wadden islands hopping expedition
For those seeking a more adventurous coastal experience, island-hopping packages across the Wadden Islands are increasingly popular. These expeditions typically cover multiple islands, including Texel, Vlieland, and Terschelling, each with its own unique character and attractions.
Many packages include mudflat walking experiences , a traditional Dutch activity where you can walk on the seabed at low tide, guided by local experts who explain the unique ecosystem of the Wadden Sea.
Culinary and brewery tours of the netherlands
Dutch cuisine, often overshadowed by its European neighbors, offers a wealth of flavors and experiences. Culinary tours provide an excellent way to explore the country’s gastronomic landscape.
Gouda cheese market and stroopwafel workshop
Gouda, famous for its eponymous cheese, is a popular destination for food lovers. Many packages include visits to the traditional cheese market, where you can witness the centuries-old practice of cheese trading. These are often combined with hands-on stroopwafel making workshops, allowing you to create your own version of this iconic Dutch treat.
Some operators offer cheese and wine pairing experiences , showcasing how Dutch cheeses complement both local and international wines.
Trappist monastery beer trail in brabant
For beer enthusiasts, the Trappist Monastery Beer Trail in Brabant offers a unique experience. Packages often include visits to the La Trappe and Zundert monasteries, two of the world’s 14 Trappist breweries. You’ll learn about the brewing process, the history of Trappist beer, and enjoy guided tastings.
Some tours offer overnight stays in monastery guesthouses , providing a truly immersive experience in the tranquil monastic environment.
Amsterdam’s indonesian rijsttafel experience
Reflecting the Netherlands’ colonial history, Indonesian cuisine plays a significant role in Dutch culinary culture. Many packages in Amsterdam include rijsttafel experiences, where you can sample a wide array of Indonesian dishes in a single meal.
Some operators offer cooking classes focused on Indonesian-Dutch fusion cuisine, allowing you to recreate these flavors at home.
Dutch gin (jenever) distillery route
Jenever, the juniper-flavored traditional liquor of the Netherlands, has a rich history. Distillery route packages often include visits to historic distilleries in cities like Schiedam, known as the jenever capital of the Netherlands.
Many tours include tasting sessions where you can sample different styles of jenever, from traditional to modern interpretations. Some packages even offer opportunities to blend your own jenever under the guidance of master distillers.
Windmill and water management heritage packages
The Netherlands’ iconic windmills and innovative water management systems are integral to its cultural identity. These packages offer insights into how the Dutch have shaped their landscape over centuries.
Kinderdijk UNESCO windmill complex overnight stay
Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts an impressive collection of 18th-century windmills. Many packages offer guided tours of the complex, explaining the crucial role these windmills played in water management.
Some operators provide exclusive overnight stays in converted windmills , allowing you to experience life as a miller would have centuries ago. These packages often include early morning photography sessions, capturing the windmills in the misty dawn light.
Zaanse schans Open-Air museum artisan workshops
Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum near Amsterdam, offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch crafts and industries. Packages typically include visits to working windmills, traditional craft shops, and the museum’s historic houses.
Many tours offer hands-on workshops where you can learn traditional Dutch crafts such as clog making or cheese production. Some packages even include opportunities to assist the miller in operating a windmill.
Afsluitdijk wadden center interactive exhibition
The Afsluitdijk, a major causeway and crucial part of the Netherlands’ flood defense system, is home to the Wadden Center. Packages often include interactive exhibitions that explain the history and future of Dutch water management.
Some operators offer behind-the-scenes tours of the Afsluitdijk’s control rooms and pumping stations, providing a deeper understanding of this engineering marvel.
Friesland’s eleven cities waterway journey
Friesland’s famous Eleven Cities Tour, traditionally an ice skating race, has been adapted into a fascinating waterway journey. Packages often include boat tours or cycling routes connecting these historic Frisian cities, each with its own unique character and water management features.
Some tours offer opportunities to participate in traditional Frisian water sports , such as Fierljeppen (canal pole vaulting) or Skûtsjesilen (sailing in traditional flat-bottom boats). These activities provide a hands-on experience of Friesland’s unique water culture.
From urban explorations to tulip adventures, coastal retreats to culinary journeys, and windmill heritage to water management marvels, the Netherlands offers a diverse array of travel experiences. These carefully curated packages provide immersive ways to discover the rich tapestry of Dutch culture, history, and innovation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler to the Netherlands, these packages offer new perspectives and unforgettable experiences in this captivating country.