Best Netherlands Tours: Amsterdam, Windmills & Gardens

The Netherlands offers an enchanting blend of historic cities, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for diverse tours. From the bustling canals of Amsterdam to the serene beauty of tulip fields and iconic windmills, there's an adventure waiting for every traveler. Discover the best ways to experience the heart of Holland.

Planning a trip to the Netherlands means immersing yourself in a country renowned for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal systems, flat landscapes, cycling routes, and, of course, its friendly inhabitants. Whether you prefer a structured guided tour or an independent exploration, the options are vast and cater to all interests and paces.

Explore the Vibrant Capital: Amsterdam Tours

Amsterdam, the capital city, is often the starting point for many Dutch adventures, and for good reason. Its unique character, defined by its intricate network of waterways and historic gabled houses, offers a plethora of touring possibilities.

Iconic Amsterdam Experiences

Canal Cruises:A quintessential Amsterdam experience, a boat tour along the Canals of Amsterdam provides a unique perspective of the city's architecture and bustling life. Evening cruises, often with dinner, offer a magical ambiance as the city lights up.
Museum District Exploration:Dive into Dutch art and history with tours of world-class museums. The Rijksmuseum houses masterpieces by Dutch Golden Age painters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, while the Van Gogh Museum offers an unparalleled collection of the artist's works.
Historical & Cultural Walks:Guided walking tours can reveal the hidden gems and poignant stories of the city. A visit to the Anne Frank House is a deeply moving experience, offering insight into a significant piece of World War II history. Other tours might explore the charming Jordaan district or the vibrant Albert Cuyp Market.
Cycling Tours:Embrace the local way of life by joining a cycling tour. Amsterdam is a cyclist's paradise, and guided bike tours are an excellent way to cover more ground and see local neighborhoods beyond the main tourist areas.

Tip:Many Amsterdam tours offer skip-the-line access to popular attractions, which can save valuable time during peak season. Consider booking combination tickets for museums and canal cruises.

Windmill Wonders: Tours to Holland's Iconic Landscapes

No trip to the Netherlands is complete without witnessing its iconic windmills. These marvels of engineering are not just picturesque; they tell a story of Dutch ingenuity in managing water and land.

Must-See Windmill Destinations

Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage Site:A visit to Werelderfgoed Kinderdijk is a journey back in time. This site features 19 authentic windmills, beautifully preserved and still functional, set against a stunning polder landscape. Tours often include boat trips along the canals and opportunities to enter a working mill.
Zaanse Schans:While more of an open-air museum, Zaanse Schans offers a fantastic glimpse into traditional Dutch life with its collection of historic windmills, wooden houses, workshops demonstrating traditional crafts (like clog making and cheese production), and charming shops.
Windmill Cycling Routes:For the adventurous, many regions, particularly around Kinderdijk and the countryside near Amsterdam, offer excellent cycling routes that pass by numerous windmills, allowing for a self-guided exploration at your own pace.

Garden & Floral Delights: A Kaleidoscope of Color

The Netherlands bursts into a spectacular display of colors each spring, thanks to its world-famous flower fields and gardens. Floral tours are incredibly popular, drawing visitors from across the globe.

Top Floral Attractions

Keukenhof Gardens:The ultimate destination for flower lovers,Keukenhof is arguably the most beautiful spring garden in the world. Open seasonally (typically late March to mid-May), it showcases millions of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other flowers in breathtaking displays. Tours to Keukenhof often include transportation from major cities and sometimes combine it with other nearby attractions.
Flower Fields (Bollenstreek):Beyond Keukenhof, the surrounding "Bollenstreek" (bulb region) offers vast fields of blooming tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. Cycling or bus tours through these fields provide incredible photo opportunities and an immersive experience in the Dutch floral industry.
Aalsmeer Flower Auction:For a different kind of floral experience, visit the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the largest flower auction in the world. Witness the bustling trade of millions of flowers and plants daily, a fascinating insight into the global flower market.

Beyond the Big Three: Other Memorable Tours

The Netherlands holds many more treasures beyond Amsterdam, windmills, and gardens. Expanding your tour itinerary can uncover fascinating history, art, and nature.

Delft:Take a tour to Delft, a charming historic city famous for its blue pottery (Delftware) and its association with painter Johannes Vermeer. Explore its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and visit a Delftware factory.
The Hague & Mauritshuis:Discover The Hague, the political heart of the Netherlands. Tours often include a visit to the Peace Palace and the Mauritshuis, home to Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and other Dutch masterpieces. Consider combining this with a trip to Madurodam, a miniature park showcasing famous Dutch landmarks.
Utrecht & Castle De Haar:Explore Utrecht, a vibrant university city with beautiful canals and the iconic Dom Tower. Nearby, the magnificent Castle De Haar offers tours through its opulent rooms and stunning gardens, transporting you to a fairytale setting.
Traditional Fishing Villages:Day trips to traditional villages like Marken and Volendam offer a glimpse into traditional Dutch life, with their charming wooden houses, fishing harbors, and locals often dressed in traditional attire.
Nature & Art in Hoge Veluwe:For nature and art lovers, a tour to Hoge Veluwe National Park is a must. This vast nature reserve offers diverse landscapes, free-to-use white bikes, and is home to the Kröller-Müller Museum with its impressive Van Gogh collection.
Delta Works:Witness an incredible feat of engineering with a tour of the Delta Projects Netherlands. These storm surge barriers protect a large part of the country from the sea, showcasing Dutch innovation in water management.

Choosing Your Netherlands Tour: Practical Advice

When selecting your tour, consider your interests, time constraints, and travel style. Are you looking for a comprehensive multi-day experience or a focused day trip? Do you prefer a guided group tour with all logistics handled, or a more independent adventure using public transport and local guides?

Guided vs. Independent:Guided tours often provide valuable insights from expert guides and handle transportation, making them convenient. Independent travel offers flexibility and the chance to linger longer at favorite spots.
Theme-Based Tours:Focus on what excites you most – history, art, nature, food, or cycling – and seek out tours tailored to those themes.
Timing:For flower-related tours, spring (April-May) is essential. For city exploration, the shoulder seasons (spring/autumn) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Practical Tips for Touring the Netherlands

To make the most of your Netherlands tours:

Book in Advance:Especially for popular attractions like the Anne Frank House and Keukenhof, and during peak season, booking tickets and tours well ahead of time is highly recommended.
Transportation:The Netherlands has an excellent public transport system. Trains connect major cities efficiently, and buses serve smaller towns. Consider purchasing a public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart) for convenience.
Weather:Dutch weather can be unpredictable. Layered clothing and a waterproof jacket are advisable, even in summer.
Cycling Culture:Embrace the cycling culture. Many tours incorporate biking, and it's a fantastic way to see the countryside.

From the bustling energy of Amsterdam to the tranquil beauty of its flower gardens and the historical significance of its windmills, the Netherlands offers an array of unforgettable touring experiences. Plan your adventure to discover the diverse charm and rich heritage of this captivating country.