Best of Holland & Flanders 10-day tour

Schiphol - Amsterdam

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam

After arrival at Amsterdam 's Schiphol airport, take a 15-minute train ride into the city centre and then a short walk to your hotel. The centre of Amsterdam is relatively small, so can be easily explored on foot or by bike. You can use the city’s tram network or taxis for longer distances. Start exploring Amsterdam at the Anne Frank House, finding out more about the life of this world-famous Jewish girl and her family.

If time permits, you can also visit one of the many other museums in Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum is the most famous museum in the Netherlands and houses the country’s most important painting, The Night Watch by Rembrandt. Right next door, you'll find the Van Gogh Museum, with many of his most-famous works, such as Sunflowers and Wheatfield with Crows.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon wandering the pretty streets and canals of the capital, and spend an evening in a cosy bar.   

Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans

Day 2: Day trip to the countryside

Today, it's time to experience the countryside north of Amsterdam. With your private guide/driver you’ll visit the picturesque village of Marken. Here, you can explore the village and visit its clog factory. From Marken, a ferry will take you to Volendam, Holland’s best-known fishing village. The quaint harbour is lined with cafes and fish stands, and is a good place to enjoy local treats such as kibbeling (traditional battered and fried fish nuggets). Next, your guide will take you to the centuries-old cheese market in Edam.

The last stop is at Zaanse Schans where, during the 17th century, over 600 windmills were constructed. The windmills were used to grind spices, produce paint, saw wood and produce oil. After a busy day of sightseeing, your driver will bring you back to your hotel in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam - Den Haag

Day 3: The Hague by bike

Today, you’ll be taking a train to The Hague after breakfast. The city is home to one of the most magnificent paintings in the country: Johannes Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Mauritshuis, where you can see this masterpiece.

After this, you’ll take a guided afternoon cycle ride around the attractive city centre. Once you've explored the inner city, cruise out to Scheveningen, a well-heeled beach resort during the 1800s, which still retains much of its former grandeur. You can either choose to cycle back to your hotel in city centre or leave your bikes and spend an evening here, then make your own way back later.

Den Haag - Rotterdam

Day 4: Rotterdam by bike

A half-hour train ride will take you from The Hague to Rotterdam. Rotterdam is a city of many faces: it's a tough port city with trendy nightlife and sophisticated shopping. But above all, Rotterdam is an artistic and architectural hotspot with an ever-changing skyline.

Today you’ll tour the city on a private guided cycling tour. Your expert local guide will offer you a vivid exploration of the city's past, present and future with many anecdotes to share.

Head back to your hotel, relax, then get ready to enjoy the city by night. 

Rotterdam - Antwerp

Day 5: Into Belgium

In the morning, you'll be heading over the border to Antwerp in Belgium. The train from Rotterdam to Antwerp takes just an hour.

On arrival in Antwerp, you will find yourself smack in the middle of the first major landmark you'll be exploring today. The railway station in which your discovery of the Belgian region of Flanders begins was built in 1905 and has magnificent interiors, as well as an impressive facade. From the railway station, you can either walk to your hotel or take a taxi. 

The afternoon is free for you to explore the heart of this beautiful, historic city. The city centre is situated in a relatively small area, so it’s easily seen on foot. The many narrow, cobbled medieval streets will take you past countless amazing Renaissance buildings, so take your time and enjoy the surroundings. 

Antwerp

Day 6: Food tour & Rubens House

After breakfast and a leisurely morning, indulge in Antwerp’s cuisine with a walking food tour through the city. No food tour here would be complete without a stop at a classic Belgian bakery, where you’ll try the famous Belgian frieten (chips), chocolate and waffles. As Antwerp is a harbour city, the local cuisine has many international influences as well.

In the afternoon head, to Rubens House, the home of the 17th-century painter Peter Paul Rubens. The house is open to the public and offers a brilliant opportunity to see some of the artist’s work along with incredible architecture from the era. 

Antwerp - Bruges

Day 7: Exploring Bruges

This morning, return to the magnificent railway station to catch a train to the fairytale city of Bruges 1.5 hours away. The cobbled streets, alleys and charming squares are best explored on foot.

While strolling around the centre and gazing at the marvellous facades, make sure to stop at one of the many chocolate shops that the city is famous for. Also, try to find yourself an empty table in one of the historic squares and try out a locally brewed beer like Brugse Zot.

The city is also well known for its lacework. At one point, a quarter of all Bruges women worked in the lace industry. Today, it is still made and sold in many souvenir shops, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to buy examples of this traditional local craft. 

Bruges - Ghent

Day 8: Ghent by boat & bike

Today take a train journey to the nearby city of Ghent. On arrival, you can take a bus or tram to your hotel. In the afternoon, walk (or take the bus and tram again) to the starting point of your cycling tour. Along with a small group of other travellers, you will tour the city of Ghent by bike, accompanied by your knowledgeable local guide. They will tell you all about the city’s history, pointing out the main highlights, as well as more secret places and street art.

After this tour, you'll feel right at home in the city and be able to make your own way around. In the late afternoon, head to the Leie River for a boat trip around the canals of medieval Ghent. After your cruise, wander across the river and choose a restaurant for dinner.

Ghent

Day 9: Free day in Ghent

If today is a Sunday, then head to the Kouter in the morning to enjoy the large flower market. Another great spot is the Vrijdagmarkt, meaning 'Friday Market'. This fresh food market is open on Fridays and Saturdays, and is a great spot if you like seafood.

Your Ghent pass includes free entrance to all sites, monuments and museums in the city, plus rides on any bus or tram, so take your pick. After a day of sightseeing, it’s time to rest your feet and enjoy fine Belgian cuisine in one of the many restaurants.

Ghent

Day 10: Departure day

Enjoy one last breakfast at your hotel before your homeward journey.