Classic Holland: Windmills, Tulips, and Cheese

4 cities | 7 attraction(s) | total distance 86 km

TIPS

This 5-day Holland tour includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Oude Kerk and Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the picturesque Zaanse Schans windmills and the Zaans Museum, the breathtaking Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, the historic Stadhuis Gouda and Gouda Cheese Market in Gouda, and the impressive Euromast and vibrant Market Hall Rotterdam in Rotterdam. This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Holland's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Day1: Amsterdam

2 attraction(s) · 2 km

Explore the historic Oude Kerk in Amsterdam's Red Light District and admire its Gothic architecture. Then, immerse yourself in Dutch art and history at the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by renowned artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer.

De Oude Kerk

In 1306, the Bishop of Utrecht consecrated the Old Church (Oude Kerk), making it the oldest parish church in Amsterdam. The church occupies an area of approximately 3,300 square meters and its foundation is based on an artificial mound, which is believed to be the most robust foundation in the swampy area. The ground is covered with tombstones because the church was built on a cemetery. It wasn't until 1865 that locals stopped burying inside the church. Today, the Old Church has nearly 2,500 graves and about 10,000 Amsterdam citizens are buried there. The church is very close to the Royal Palace, and can be easily reached by foot.

2 km

Rijksmuseum

The National Museum in the Netherlands is the country's largest museum and has been highly acclaimed since its opening in 1885. The museum is known for its collection of works from the Dutch Golden Age. It houses numerous masterpieces by Dutch artists, including Rembrandt's "The Night Watch," which is considered the museum's centerpiece, as well as the notable art treasure, "The Jewish Bride." In addition, the museum displays collectibles such as porcelain, glass art, and silverware. Some of the museum's famous exhibits include Rembrandt's "The Night Watch," "The Jewish Bride," "The Sampling Officials of the Drapers' Guild," and "Self-Portrait"; Vermeer's "The Milkmaid" and "The Little Street"; Hals' "Marriage Portrait" and "The Merry Drinker"; Steen's "The Feast of St. Nicholas"; Avercamp's "Winter Landscape"; and the Ott mansion dollhouse.

Day2: Zaandam

2 attraction(s) · 1 km

Experience Dutch history and culture at the Zaanse Schans, a neighborhood in Zaandam known for its well-preserved windmills and historic houses. Explore working windmills, visit a cheese farm, and witness traditional Dutch crafts being made. Visit the Zaans Museum to learn about the industrial heritage of the Zaan region and the area's traditional crafts.

Zaanse Schans

1 km

Zaans Museum

The theme of this museum is to showcase artworks and visual materials related to the Sanshui area, and to present the daily life of the Sanshui people and the cultural background of the industrial zone to the audience. One highlight is the use of sound and light systems to show how the hydraulic windmills in the early industrial town of Sanshui drained water and carried out industrial operations, allowing visitors to experience the industrial technology and cultural life of this historical period.

Day3: Lisse

2 attraction(s) · 2 km

Experience the vibrant beauty of Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, known as the Garden of Europe, showcasing over seven million stunning flower bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths blooming each spring.

Keukenhof

Expansive, 19th-century park, open from March to May, showcasing multicolored Dutch spring flowers.

2 km

Lisse

Day4:

0 attraction(s) · 0 km

Explore the historic Stadhuis Gouda, one of the oldest Gothic city halls in the Netherlands, then immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Gouda Cheese Market, where traditional cheese trading thrives.

Day5: Rotterdam

1 attraction(s) · 0 km

Explore the stunning views of Rotterdam from the tallest observation tower at Euromast and indulge in the vibrant food scene at the modern Market Hall Rotterdam.

Euromast

The Euromast is one of the tallest buildings in the Netherlands, reaching a height of 185 meters. Its observation restaurant, called "Crow's Nest", is located at a height of 96 meters and forms a bird's nest shape with the tower. Visitors can enjoy delicious food while admiring the breathtaking views. The "Space Adventure" observation elevator, which rotates 360 degrees, takes passengers from the restaurant to the top of the tower at a height of 185 meters. The elevator is completely transparent and passengers can sit on a specially designed seat while overlooking the entire city of Rotterdam. If you're brave enough, you can also choose to experience a high-altitude glide by attaching to a rope and speeding down from the top of the tower.