Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
A tiny nation called the Netherlands is located in Western Europe between Belgium and Germany. The Netherlands is constantly battered by the North Sea, which is to their north and west. The Netherlands is smaller than West Virginia but bigger than the state of Maryland which is quite small compared to most countries.
If the Dutch had not built walls to safeguard their territory, the North Sea would have wiped away the Netherlands. The Dutch have constructed several canals, dams, and pumping stations over the years to hold back the sea and rivers.
The low, flat area is currently protected from the North Sea by more than 1,491 miles (2,400 kilometers) of dams, with about half of it below sea level. 65 percent of the nation would be underwater without the Dams and Canals. In places like Utrecht, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam, many locals use bicycles for transportation. In the Netherlands, there are three times as many bicycles as cars.
Tourism is significant to the economy of the nation, and many tourists come to view Dutch architecture, artwork, and flowers. The Dutch produce more tulip bulbs than any other nation each year, billions of them, making them a significant industry.
Around the dams, dikes, and canals, animals have had to cram into shifting habitats. Among the wet wetlands, certain bird species have discovered a safe sanctuary and have made this place their home. To ensure the survival of flora, birds, and tiny animals, the government has established sanctuaries to protect them and these sanctuaries are very popular to visit among travelers.
The History of the Netherlands
The Netherlands was unable to defend itself from invading neighbors because it lacks natural borders or mountain ranges. The majority of the country’s history was spent under foreign rule.
Parts of the Netherlands were dominated for a long time by the Romans, Celtic tribes, Germanic peoples, Scandinavian Vikings, the Franks, Austrians, and the Spanish. The Dutch attempted to overthrow their Spanish rulers in the late 1500s. After participating in the Eighty Years’ War, they attained freedom in 1648.
During the Napoleonic Wars, France’s Napoleon took over Holland and put his brother Louis on the throne. In 1814, the people claimed independence from France and for 25 years, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands were joined together as one country called the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
In 1839, Belgium and the Netherlands became independent and Luxembourg became independent in 1890. During World War II, Germany occupied the Netherlands for five years and killed many people who resisted the Germans or tried to help the Dutch Jews.
Amsterdam has many historical sites to visit including the Anne Frank Huis. many people know who Anne Frank is but it truly is remarkable to visit and pay your respects to the Frank family’s strength in such a difficult time.
Planning a trip to the Netherlands can be difficult. There is just so much to see and do within the country that most people don’t even know where to start.
Another thing to consider is that organized tours are often cheaper than booking everything on your own as most of the staples like meals, accommodations, excursions, transportation and much more are often times included in the cost of your tour which can ease the stress of travelers with little travel experience or those on a budget.
Taking an organized tour can also leave you with some of the best unique experiences that you may not get if you were to plan the trip on your own. That’s why it’s always great to have an expert guide so you can truly experience everything. Here is a look at the top six best tours in the Netherlands.
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Best of Holland (7 Days)
Trafalgar Tours
Enjoy the best of the Netherlands on this thorough journey through Holland. You may view the works of famous artists at the Rijksmuseum, ride a bike through medieval Groningen like a local, and experience part of that special “Gezellig” vibe while visiting a family on their farm.
This is truly You will start and end your tour in Amsterdam with a chance to see a total of 11 dutch cities over the course of seven days. Your tour includes accommodations, an expert guide, meals, transportation, and much more. Here is a look at your seven-day tour and what you would be doing over the course of your seven-day dutch adventure!
Day One: Welcome to Amsterdam
Day Two: Explore Amsterdam’s Art and Architecture Dive Into Culture
Day Three: Journey to Aalsmeer/Keukenhof, The Hague, and Rotterdam Dive Into Culture
Day Four: Onwards to Arnhem and Zutphen
Day Five: Off to Stunning Zwolle and Groningen
Day Six: Venture to Volendam and Return to Amsterdam Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter
Day Seven: Farewell Amsterdam
On this seven-day tour through the best places in the Netherlands. You’ll enjoy some of the best tours in the Netherlands as well as a mix of some hidden gems and top attractions. This tour is offered by Trafalgar Tours which is considered a golden tour operator. This means that the tour is award-winning or highly recommended by travelers.
Trafalgar Tours is well known for its hand-crafted experiences. With over 70 years of experience, you can trust Trafalgar tours. This tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of five stars and is highly recommended by travelers around the world. Overall you can trust Traflagfar tours and this is one of the best tours in the Netherlands.
Netherlands Biking Adventure
Active Adventures
Bike around some of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands as you discover some of the best-hidden gems within the country. You will start and end your journey in Amsterdam. On this seven-day tour around the Netherlands, you will visit a total of ten dutch cities as well!
Now please note, this experience is a cycling experience and is meant for cyclers or those with a passion for biking! This tour also includes accommodations, insurance, meals, an expert guide, and much more. Here is a look at your full itinerary for this tour and what you would be doing over the course of your visit.
Day One: Arrive in Amsterdam, cycle near Haarlem and along the coast
Day Two: Bike from De Rijp to Enkhuizen, visit a windmill
Day Three: Ferry to Stavoren, cycle along lake IJsselmeer
Day Four: Cycle through the canal-laced village of Giethoorn
Day Five: Visit a bird sanctuary, cycle through dreamy hamlets to Odoorn
Day Six: Ride through moors to the village of Eext, visit Emmen outdoor market
Day Seven: Transfer to Amsterdam, depart home
Enjoy some of the most spectacular views in combination with some of the most beautiful city lights as you cycle through the Netherlands. This tour is offered by “Active Adventures” a company based in New Zealand which has been offering active-type tours to the world for the past 33 years.
This tour operator has an overall rating of 4.9 out of five stars and is considered one of the highest tours in the Netherlands and travelers themselves are confident in this particular tour.
Best of the Netherlands
Cosmos
The Netherlands is a lovely country with beautiful landscapes, ancient landmarks, and bustling towns well-known for their tulips, windmills, and wooden clogs. With a starting and ending in Amsterdam, this reasonably priced tour will let you get to know the nation.
The 700-year-old capital of Holland is a lovely place with attractive and traditional architecture, cafes, restaurants, renowned museums, and charming canals, not to mention the city’s extensive network of bike lanes. The finest way to see Amsterdam is to take a boat tour around its opulent canals, which are dotted with majestic homes from the city’s “Golden Era.”
As mentioned above, you will start and end in Amsterdam! This 7-day tour package to Amsterdam and 10 other Dutch locations is considered one of the busiest itineraries on the list! The Best of the Netherlands package includes meals, a professional tour guide, accommodations, transportation, and more. Here is your full itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Arrive in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day Two: Amsterdam
Day Three: Amsterdam–Aalsmeer/Keukenhof–Delft–Rotterdam
Day Four: Rotterdam–Gouda–Arnhem
Day Five: Arnhem–Giethoorn–Groningen
Day Six: Groningen–Zaanse Schans–Volendam–Amsterdam
Day Seven: Amsterdam
On this seven-day journey, take in the true beauty of the Netherlands and experience the Netherlands in detail. Holland is mainly noted for its historic canals, drawbridges, small, distinctive dwellings, and fishing boats which is what makes the country so unique.
This journey is ideal for the budget-conscious traveler who wants to get to know the Netherlands in-depth. This tour is rated 4.4 out of five stars and the operator themselves is also rated 4.4 out of five stars. Hence, we are confident that you will have the time of your life on this tour.
Tulip Serenade (Amsterdam – Amsterdam)
Lueftner Cruises
Enjoy the awakening of the countryside in the most beautiful season of the Netherlands, spring. Go through peaceful towns, windmills that are spinning gently, and beautiful vegetation as you travel over the waterways of Holland and Belgium.
See the capital city of Amsterdam, “the Venice of the North,” as well as the charming villages and Renaissance cities of Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges. See works of art by Dutch and Flemish artists and sample Dutch cheeses and renowned Belgium chocolates.
Seize the chance to see the Keukenhof gardens, which are only open in the spring and span 79 acres of exquisite splendor. The Tulip Serenade is also a fantastic treat since it has a riot of blooms that burst with color and fragrance as well as centuries of history and culture.
Starting and finishing in Amsterdam, You will embark on an 8-day travel journey that includes Amsterdam, Netherlands, and 5 other locations in Europe with the River Cruise cruise Tulip Serenade (Amsterdam – Amsterdam). Among other things, the Tulip Serenade (Amsterdam – Amsterdam) includes lodging, a knowledgeable guide, food, and transportation. Here is your full itinerary.
Day One: Embarkation from 4:00 pm
Day Two: The bridge of Arnhem
Day Three: Gothic town hall in Middelburg & Delta Works
Day Four: Historic old town of Ghent and Bruges
Day Five: Diamonds of Antwerp & Brussels Atomium
Day Six: Visit Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden
Day Seven: City tour Amsterdam and Cheese Tasting
Day Eight: Disembarkation after breakfast
Enjoy a peaceful cruise along the canals as you explore one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. You will be left speechless at the gorgeous architecture and flower-lined streets of the Netherlands. In fact, you may not even want to return.
This tour is offered by Lueftner Cruises which is a local company focused on giving travelers the best experience possible when abroad. This tour operator has an overall rating of 4.4 out of five stars and is considered highly recommended by tourists and travelers alike.
Springtime in Holland (port-to-port cruise) (from Antwerp to Amsterdam)
CroisiEurope River Cruises
Discover the Netherlands, the country of tulips, windmills, and cheese. from Antwerp to Amsterdam, We encourage you to experience the real Holland, with its many canals and cities that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
With this trip and its excursions, you’ll start your journey in Antwerp and travel to Amsterdam over the course of five days with a chance to visit three cities in the Netherlands. Things like an expert guide, meals, transportation, insurance, accommodations, and much more are completely included in the cost of your tour. Here is a look at your itinerary over the course of your five-day Dutch adventure.
Day One: Start in ANTWERP
Day Two: visit Rotterdam and take a cruise down the canals.
Day Three: Visit The Keukenhof gardens
Day Four: Enjoy a classic guided tour of the Netherlands.
Day Five: Departure from Amsterdam.
On this short but sweet five-day tour of the Netherlands, you will get a chance to discover a mix of some of the top tourist sites as well as enjoy a couple of hidden attractions that aren’t so well known yet. This tour is operated by “CroisiEurope River Cruises” a European cruise company that works hard to ensure travelers have a safe and wonderful time on board. This tour has an overall rating of 4.3 out of five stars and is considered one of the best tours in the Netherlands.
Tulip Time Cruise for Garden & Nature Lovers 2023
Avalon Waterways
Amsterdam, the vibrant city of the Netherlands, serves as the departure point for this springtime river trip. Before setting out on your river cruise through Belgium and Holland, spend some time exploring this 700-year-old city’s classic architecture, cafés, and restaurants, which are ideal for garden and wildlife aficionados.
A specialist will give lectures on board for those who enjoy flowers, offering their expertise in botany and the plant kingdom as you discover some of the best natural beauty in the Netherlands.
Pass through the harbor of Rotterdam, allegedly the busiest port on earth, or perhaps Garden lovers will love a trip to Keukenhof, sometimes referred to as the “Garden of Europe,” to view the stunning colors. It is one of the biggest flower gardens in the world, including 70 acres of parkland and lakes with approximately 7 million colorful flowering bulbs.
Continue on by sailing to Antwerp, the second-largest city in Belgium, which is renowned for its centuries-long history of diamond commerce among historic structures and monuments mixed with modern architecture. Join a local expert for a guided tour of Ghent, Belgium, that includes a stop at St. Baaf’s Cathedral. After returning to Holland, your ship will pass via Middelburg, a historic trading hub.
Starting and finishing in Amsterdam! The 8-day travel package for the River Cruise tour Tulip Time Cruise for Garden & Nature Lovers includes stops in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and 6 other locations across Europe. The 2023 Tulip Season Cruise for Flower & Nature Lovers offers lodging, a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and more. Here is a look at your full itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
Day Two: Access Amsterdam’s secret gardens hidden behind the brick façades – a unique opportunity as they are normally closed to the public or take a cruise down the canal.
Day Three: Join a full- or half-day Guided Tour of breathtaking Keukenhof
Day Four: Take a Guided Tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined with 16th-century guildhall houses. You’ll also see the beautiful city hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens or take a tour of Brussels.
Day Five: Explore Ghent—“The Diamond of Flanders”—with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of this showcase of medieval Flemish wealth.
Day Six: Join a Guided Walking Tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall and learn about its important role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading. Or enjoy free time
Day Seven: Join a Guided Walking Tour of Willemstad and discover its many beautifully restored buildings from the 17th and 18th Centuries.
Day Eight: Disembark in Amsterdam.
With extra time to explore Amsterdam and many of the most beautiful dutch cities, this lovely and historic springtime river trip will excite you like nothing else. On a canal tour along the exquisite waters of Holland, you will be truly serenaded by the sheer beauty, which is flanked with homes from the city’s “Golden Period. This tour is operated by Avalon Waterways a Gold tour operator established in 2003.
The company has been working tirelessly for the last 20 years to ensure travelers have both an exciting and wonderful time as they tour some of the most beautiful places in the world. Overalls this tour has an overall rating of 5 out of five stars and is the highest-rated tour on this list.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is called Netherlands (or Holland). While some of it is in the Caribbean, Western Europe makes up the majority of it. There are more than 17 million residents. Many people who enjoy the country almost always want to come back. It’s just such a mesmerizing place that is somewhat addicting to visit as every time you visit there is something new to see.
That’s what makes this place so unique and different from the rest of Europe. Hence, you should take an organized tour of the Netherlands, you won’t be disappointed. Visit the Netherlands – The Netherlands, the Original Cool.
If none of these tours work for you in the Netherlands, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.
Take a look at all the group tours in the Netherlands now, which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.
