7-Day Netherlands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Netherlands itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNetherlands travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Netherlands Itinerary, incl. Amsterdam and Rotterdam

  Dutch heritage comes alive in 7 cities over 7 days, from Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum to Rotterdam's modern architecture and Delft's pottery workshops. Aalsmeer Flower Auction, medieval Zwolle, and traditional Volendam round out the adventure. Includes 9 meals at premium Bilderberg accommodations.

  

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  • Day 1

    Amsterdam

    Start your week in Amsterdam. The airport express train takes just 20 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal. Spend the afternoon exploring the UNESCO-listed canal ring and stop at cafes for Dutch coffee and speculaas cookies. A recent traveler shared: "Taking an evening canal cruise was the perfect introduction - the lights reflecting off the water and historic facades were magical, plus it helped us get oriented for exploring on foot the next day."

    
  • Day 2

    Amsterdam Art & Culture

    Visit the Rijksmuseum at opening time (9 AM) to avoid crowds. Book tickets online and use the Museumstraat entrance for shorter lines. Plan 2-3 hours to see Dutch Masters like Rembrandt's Night Watch. After lunch explore the Jordaan neighborhood's boutiques and cafes. A visitor tip: "Don't miss the floating flower market, but go in the morning when the vendors are restocking - that's when you'll see the most vibrant blooms."

  • Day 3

    Delft & Rotterdam

    Take an early train to Delft (40 minutes). Visit Royal Delft factory before 10 AM to watch the detailed hand-painting process. After lunch head to Rotterdam (25 minutes by train) to see its striking modern architecture. A traveler notes: "The Markthal was mind-blowing - the massive food hall ceiling is covered in colorful artwork. Go hungry and try traditional Dutch snacks from the vendors."

  • Day 4

    Arnhem & History

    Take the train to Arnhem (90 minutes). Start at the Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek before the crowds arrive at 10 AM. The museum covers the WWII Battle of Arnhem in detail. Visit the John Frost Bridge afterward to see where British forces made their famous stand in 1944.

  • Day 5

    Zwolle & Leeuwarden

    Visit medieval Zwolle (60 minutes from Arnhem). The historic center is perfect for walking but watch your step on wet cobblestones. Next stop is Leeuwarden, Friesland's cultural hub. A visitor suggests: "The leaning Oldehove tower offers great city views, but the narrow spiral staircase isn't for everyone. Go early evening when the light is best for photos."

  • Day 6

    Volendam & Dutch Traditions

    Take a morning bus to Volendam (45 minutes from Amsterdam). Watch demonstrations of clog making and cheese production. Visit the working windmill in Katwoude to learn about Dutch water management. A traveler recommends: "Book lunch at the harbor - the fresh fish straight off the boats is incredible, especially the local specialty of smoked eel."

  • Day 7

    Final Amsterdam Morning

    Spend your last morning seeing any Amsterdam spots you missed. The city is quiet before 9 AM perfect for peaceful canal photos. If flying from Schiphol get there 3 hours early as security lines can be long during peak season.

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• 7 Days in The Netherlands, incl. Amsterdam and Giethoorn

  

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  • Day 1

    Amsterdam Arrival

    After landing at Schiphol Airport, take the quick 20-minute transfer to your hotel. If you're new to Amsterdam, stay near the Museumplein. This area puts you close to major museums and helps you avoid busy trams during rush hour. Take it easy on your first afternoon with a relaxed walk around the Canal Ring, saving the main sightseeing for when you're well-rested.

    
  • Day 2

    Amsterdam Canal Belt

    Start with a UNESCO canal cruise at 9:00 AM. The early boat gives you clearer views and better photos without other boats around. Later, walk through the Jordaan district between 2-4 PM when the streets are quieter. Stop at Winkel 43 on Noordermarkt for their local favorite apple pie, but skip the weekend crowds when lines get really long.

    
  • Day 3

    Giethoorn Day Trip

    Take the 2.5-hour coach ride to Giethoorn early in the morning. Get your own whisper boat instead of joining a group tour. This lets you explore the canals at your own pace. Wear shoes that can handle wet surfaces since the walking paths can get slippery. You'll be back in Amsterdam by early evening.

    
  • Day 4

    Seasonal Highlights

    Spring visitors should go to Keukenhof Gardens right when it opens at 8:00 AM, before tour groups arrive. The windmill area offers great views of endless tulip fields. In summer, check out De Tulperij for dahlias. Fall visitors will enjoy the Kröller-Müller Museum's Van Gogh collection and outdoor sculptures.

    
  • Day 5

    Zaanse Schans

    Visit Zaanse Schans in the late morning, just 30 minutes from Amsterdam. The light at this time is perfect for windmill photos. Each windmill serves a different purpose. The paint mill is especially interesting to visit. Remember to bring cash for cheese samples since not all vendors take cards.

    
  • Day 6

    Amsterdam Museums & Markets

    Visit the Rijksmuseum when it opens at 9:00 AM. Go directly to see Rembrandt's Night Watch in the Gallery of Honor before it gets crowded. Later, browse the Albert Cuyp Market, but remember it closes at 5 PM and some vendors leave earlier.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Give yourself plenty of time to reach Schiphol on your last day. Trains from Amsterdam Centraal get packed during morning rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM). The airport is big, so arrive 3 hours before international flights.

    

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• 7 Days in Netherlands, incl. Amsterdam and Rotterdam

  Four major cities unfold over seven days: Amsterdam, The Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam. Six museums including Rijksmuseum and Mauritshuis complement UNESCO-listed Kinderdijk visits. Premium hotels host cultural workshops and canal cruises.

  

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  • Day 1

    Amsterdam Arrival

    Arrive at Schiphol Airport and make your way to central Amsterdam. Try to book an afternoon flight since morning traffic can add 30 minutes to your transfer time. After checking in, walk around your neighborhood to get your bearings. The Leidseplein area is perfect for first-time visitors with good tram connections and lots of places to eat.

    
  • Day 2

    Historic Amsterdam

    Start your day at Anne Frank House. Book tickets online at least 2 months ahead for a morning visit. Walk to Dam Square, the historic center of Amsterdam. Visit around 11 AM to avoid the biggest tour groups. Take a canal cruise in late afternoon when the lighting is best for photos. A local tip: "Skip the tourist boats and take public ferry 50 from behind Central Station. It's free and gives you the same amazing canal views."

    
  • Day 3

    The Hague

    Take the 50-minute train from Amsterdam Centraal to The Hague. Visit Mauritshuis Museum first, as the "Girl with Pearl Earring" room gets busy by midday. The Binnenhof complex is a short walk away. Remember to book your Peace Palace visit online before you arrive.

    
  • Day 4

    Delft Day Trip

    Take a quick 15-minute tram from The Hague to Delft. If you're there on Thursday, check out the morning market in Markt Square for local atmosphere. Visit the Delft Blue pottery workshops early before demonstration spots fill up. As one visitor shared: "The Old Church tower leans more than Pisa! Get your photos from the canal bridge on Oude Delft street for the best angle."

    
  • Day 5

    Rotterdam and Kinderdijk

    Take an early train to Rotterdam (25 minutes from The Hague). Start with the Spido harbor cruise at 10 AM before the crowds arrive. The water bus to Kinderdijk takes about 30 minutes. Visit the windmills later in the day after the tour buses leave. Bring a windbreaker as it gets quite windy near the water.

    
  • Day 6

    Return to Amsterdam - Museum Day

    Back in Amsterdam, focus on the museum quarter. Visit the Rijksmuseum when it opens at 9 AM. Use the Garage entrance on Hobbemastraat to skip the main entrance lines. Schedule your Van Gogh Museum visit for 2-3 PM when it's usually less crowded. Skip the museum cafes and walk to Museumplein for better lunch options.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    For morning flights, leave central Amsterdam 3 hours before departure time. Trains to Schiphol can run late unexpectedly. The direct train from Amsterdam Centraal takes 15-20 minutes.

    

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