Best of the Netherlands
Best of the Netherlands
$1456
Best of the Netherlands
7 Days Starting and ending in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting: Amsterdam, Gouda, Groningen
Tour operator:
Tour code:
4820-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the enchanting beauty of the Netherlands on this immersive tour, perfect for budget-conscious travelers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Begin your journey in Amsterdam, where you'll explore the city's iconic canals and visit a diamond center. Experience the vibrant flower auctions in Aalsmeer or the breathtaking Keukenhof gardens, and marvel at the craftsmanship in Delft's Royal pottery factory. Wander through Rotterdam's futuristic architecture, savor Gouda's rich cheese heritage, and reflect on history at Arnhem's John Frost Bridge. Delight in the quaint charm of Giethoorn and the cycling haven of Groningen. Conclude your adventure with visits to Zaanse Schans' wooden clog workshop and the picturesque fishing village of Volendam, before returning to Amsterdam for a memorable farewell dinner. Enjoy comfortable stays at eco-friendly and centrally located hotels throughout your journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Amsterdam,Netherlands
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport
Meals Included: Dinner
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Amsterdam on your own with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2: Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
For centuries, this tiny nation of seafaring traders played a leading role in world history. It reclaimed 40% of its territory from the sea and produces a healthy agricultural surplus in the midst of Europe’s most densely populated area—yet Holland manage to remain quaint and scenic. Your day begins with a canal cruise to see Amsterdam from water level, and the visit of a diamond center, watching skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones. Enjoy time this afternoon to explore on your own, maybe visiting one of the many museums or watching people zooming by on their bicycles. Fun fact: There are four times more bicycles than cars in Amsterdam.
Day 3: Amsterdam,Aalsmeer/Keukenhof,Delft,Rotterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Central Station
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a visit to the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction or, when the tulips bloom, see some of the 7 million flowers planted annually at the world-famous Keukenhof—one of the world’s largest flower gardens (departures 0406 to 0504 and weather permitting). Continue to historic Delft to visit the famous Royal Delft pottery factory. See how this exquisite pottery is made, and marvel at the magnificent collection of hand-painted earthenware. Continue on to Rotterdam, the world’s busiest port, to marvel at the city’s futuristic architecture during your sightseeing with a Local Guide.Today’s Distance: 99 mi/ 160 km
Day 4: Rotterdam,Gouda,Arnhem
Location: Gouda
Accommodation Name: De Buunderkamp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Arrive in Gouda, renowned for its cheese! Stroll around the picturesque narrow streets to the medieval Market Square, see the Gothic-style Town Hall with its red and white shutters and the Goudse Waag used for cheese weighing in the 17th-century. Then, enjoy your interactive cheese experience. Next, is Arnhem, site of the WWII Battle of Arnhem, where you will see John Frost Bridge, named after the commander of the British forces that held the bridge for four days. Enjoy time on your own to do some independent exploring.Today’s Distance: 71 mi/ 115 km
Day 5: Arnhem,Giethoorn,Groningen
Location: Groningen
Accommodation Name: Fletcher Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, head for the village of Giethoorn, built on canals but quainter than cities like Venice or Amsterdam. Continue to Groningen and spend some time exploring this important trade hub of the 13th century but hailed today as the “World Cycling City.” In fact, its center is entirely pedestrianized and boasts a dense network of cycle paths that make the city one of the most bike-friendly in the Netherlands. Today’s Distance: 118 mi/ 190 km
Day 6: Groningen,Zaanse Schans,Volendam,Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross over the 19-mile Barrier Dam, which is part of an incredible system of 1,200 miles of dikes, dams, and dunes built over the last 900 years to protect the part of the Netherlands that is below sea level. Visit a wooden clog workshop in Zaanse Schans. Continue to the fishing village of Volendam, then arrive back in Amsterdam and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Today’s Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km
Day 7: Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport, Holiday Inn Express Central Station in Rotterdam, De Buunderkamp in Wolfheze, and Fletcher Hotel in Groningen.
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners, including dinner at a local restaurant in Amsterdam.
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Activities
Canal cruise in Amsterdam, visit to a diamond center, Aalsmeer flower auction or Keukenhof, Royal Delft pottery factory, sightseeing in Rotterdam, interactive cheese experience in Gouda, visit to John Frost Bridge in Arnhem, visit to Giethoorn, visit to Zaanse Schans, and visit to Volendam.
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Transportation
Transportation between cities and attractions as per the itinerary.
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Tour Director
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions on the first day.
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Local Guides
Sightseeing with a Local Guide in Rotterdam.
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UNESCO Sites
Visit the 17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and tips are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Meals Not Mentioned
Meals other than those specified in the inclusions are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and processing are not included.
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners, including dinner at a local restaurant in Amsterdam
Notes
On departures April 5 to May 3 the Aalsmeer flower auction will be replaced by the visit of Keukenhof.
UNESCO Sites
17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam
Accommodation
Stay at the Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport, Holiday Inn Express Central Station in Rotterdam, De Buunderkamp in Wolfheze, and Fletcher Hotel in Groningen. Enjoy modern amenities, wellness facilities, and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, ensuring a pleasant stay throughout your journey.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably by coach, exploring the Netherlands' scenic landscapes and historic cities. Enjoy guided sightseeing tours and convenient transportation between destinations, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Gouda, Arnhem, Giethoorn, and Groningen.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at various hotels including Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport, Holiday Inn Express Central Station in Rotterdam, De Buunderkamp in Wolfheze near Arnhem, and Fletcher Hotel in Groningen. These hotels offer amenities such as indoor swimming pools, saunas, fitness centers, and free Wi-Fi.
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What activities are included in Amsterdam?
In Amsterdam, you will have a canal cruise to see the city from water level and visit a diamond center to watch skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones. You will also have free time to explore the city on your own.
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What will I see in Rotterdam?
In Rotterdam, you will marvel at the city's futuristic architecture during a sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. Rotterdam is known for being the world's busiest port.
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What unique experiences are included in Gouda?
In Gouda, you will stroll around the picturesque narrow streets to the medieval Market Square, see the Gothic-style Town Hall, and enjoy an interactive cheese experience.
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What can I expect to see in Giethoorn?
In Giethoorn, you will explore the village built on canals, which is known for being quainter than cities like Venice or Amsterdam.
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What is special about the visit to Zaanse Schans?
In Zaanse Schans, you will visit a wooden clog workshop and learn about traditional Dutch craftsmanship.
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What is included in the visit to Volendam?
In Volendam, you will visit the fishing village and experience its unique charm before heading back to Amsterdam.
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What historical site will I visit in Arnhem?
In Arnhem, you will see John Frost Bridge, named after the commander of the British forces that held the bridge for four days during the WWII Battle of Arnhem.
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What is the significance of the Barrier Dam?
The Barrier Dam is part of an incredible system of 1,200 miles of dikes, dams, and dunes built over the last 900 years to protect the part of the Netherlands that is below sea level.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and 3 dinners, including dinner at a local restaurant in Amsterdam.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.