Holland in bloom 7-day springtime tour

Amsterdam

Day 1: Welcome to Amsterdam

On arrival at Schiphol Airport, your private driver will meet you for a seamless transfer to your centrally located hotel.

Step into Amsterdam's historic heart — a captivating maze of canals, narrow streets and charming old houses. Your adventure begins with a private guided walking tour, tracing 750 years of history. Stroll along the bustling harbour, the Zeedijk and the iconic canals to discover hidden gems and fascinating tales. Highlights include the Jewish Quarter and the serene Begijnhof courtyard.

After your tour, relax at a café or explore nearby museums using your public transport pass: the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.

Amsterdam

Day 2: Canal cruise & the Rijksmuseum

After breakfast, start your day gliding along Amsterdam's picturesque canals on a private open boat. This serene cruise offers a unique perspective on the city’s historic waterways, passing elegant townhouses and quaint bridges.

Step ashore at the Rijksmuseum, the crown jewel of Dutch art and culture. Marvel at masterpieces like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and other Golden Age treasures.

Spend the rest of the day discovering Amsterdam at your own pace. Wander through the vibrant Floating Flower Market along the Singel Canal, where colourful blooms and bulbs showcase the beauty of Dutch horticulture.

Later, find a cozy canal-side restaurant to spend the evening relaxing and enjoying dinner.

Amsterdam

Day 3: Tulip fields & the Keukenhof Gardens

Rise early for an unforgettable day of floral wonders. Begin at the bustling flower auction, where you'll see the lively bidding process and discover how blooms are prepared for global travel. Step in to the visitors' centre to learn more about the auction.

Continue your journey through the Bollenstreek region, a breathtaking patchwork of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils stretching as far as the eye can see. Pause for photos and learn how the area’s historic role in construction helped shape the perfect environment for cultivating these vibrant blooms.

Spend the rest of the morning at Keukenhof Gardens, where seven million meticulously arranged flowers create a dazzling display every spring. Wander through artfully landscaped plots, designed to showcase the blooms at their most stunning.

Spend the afternoon back in Amsterdam, with plenty of time to explore the city further.

Amsterdam

Day 4: Van Gogh museum & Anne Frank House

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast then spend today immersing yourself in Amsterdam's rich vein of art and history.

Begin your day at the Van Gogh Museum, home to iconic works such as Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, and The Potato Eaters. Learn about the painter’s extraordinary artistic journey, from his vibrant creativity to his turbulent personal life, through the museum’s engaging exhibits.

In the afternoon, visit the Anne Frank House, a poignant site that brings history to life. Explore the preserved secret annexe where Anne and her family hid during World War II. The museum sheds light on the resilience and courage of those who lived in unimaginable circumstances, while an audioguide brings her diary to life, offering a moving insight into her world. Note: For those with mobility issues, the Anne Frank House has steep stairs.

The rest of the day and evening is free to relax and reflect.

Amsterdam

Day 5: Cheese, windmills & heirloom bulbs

Escape to the countryside  on a day filled with iconic Dutch sights. Visit a traditional cheese farm where you’ll learn the time-honoured art of cheese-making from skilled artisans dressed in traditional attire.

Next, explore historic Zaanse Schans, home to a remarkable collection of windmills. Step inside these 17th-century marvels to see how they once powered industries like spice grinding and paint production. The site offers a glimpse into Holland’s rural industrial heritage.

Finally, wander through the Hortus Bulborum in Limmen, a unique bulb garden showcasing thousands of heirloom tulips, narcissus and hyacinths. Some of these spring-blooming flowers date back centuries, offering a glimpse into the history of bulb cultivation. While functioning as a gene bank, the gardens also host a magnificent seasonal display.

Return to Amsterdam for an evening at leisure.

Amsterdam

Day 6: Discover historic Haarlem

Take the short train ride to Haarlem after breakfast; you'll uncover a charming city brimming with history and character.

Your private guide will lead you through cobbled streets, past monumental buildings, serene courtyards and along peaceful canals. Highlights include the impressive Bavo Church and the Frans Hals Museum, celebrating the city’s Golden Age art. For a refreshing break, visit the Jopenkerk, a former church turned brewery.

Before heading back to Amsterdam on the train, consider staying in Haarlem for dinner. Try a traditional rijsttafel, an Indonesian-Dutch fusion made up of a collection of small, flavourful dishes or enjoy a meal on the lively Grote Markt square, surrounded by centuries-old buildings and buzzing with local life.

Amsterdam

Day 7: Farewell to the Lowlands

Your Dutch adventure concludes today after breakfast. Your driver will meet you for driver a private transfer  from your hotel to Schiphol Airport, ensuring a smooth journey in time for your departure.