Best of the Netherlands
Best of the Netherlands
$1586
Best of the Netherlands
7 Days Starting and ending in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting: Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, Delft, Rotterdam, Gouda, Arnhem, Giethoorn, Groningen, Zaanse Schans, Volendam
Tour operator:
Tour code:
4820-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the enchanting beauty of the Netherlands on this immersive tour, starting and ending in Amsterdam. Experience the charm of the city with a canal cruise and a visit to a diamond center. Explore the vibrant Aalsmeer flower auction or the breathtaking Keukenhof gardens during tulip season. Visit the Royal Delft pottery factory and admire Rotterdam's futuristic architecture with a local guide. Stroll through Gouda's medieval Market Square and enjoy an interactive cheese experience. Discover the picturesque village of Giethoorn, known for its canals, and visit a wooden clog workshop in Zaanse Schans. Conclude your journey in the quaint fishing village of Volendam. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and delightful meals, including a special dinner in Amsterdam. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty, making it an unforgettable Dutch adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Amsterdam,Netherlands
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Ibis Schiphol 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: Ibis Schiphol 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 amid Europe’s most densely populated area—yet Holland manages 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 the afternoon exploring on your own, perhaps by browsing one of the many marvelous museums or looking both ways in the city where bicycles outnumber cars by four times!
Day 3: Amsterdam,Aalsmeer/Keukenhof,Delft,Rotterdam
Location: Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, Delft, Rotterdam
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Central Station
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a visit to the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction or, during the tulip blooming season, see some of the 7 million flowers planted annually at the world-famous Keukenhof—one of the world’s largest flower gardens (departures April 5 to May 3 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 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, Arnhem
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: Giethoorn, Groningen
Accommodation Name: Fletcher Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, head for the village of Giethoorn, built on canals for a more quaint version of Venice or Amsterdam. Discover the idyllic storybook scenes while floating on an optional canal cruise, then flip for delicious Dutch pancakes as a light lunch. 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: Groningen, Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Ibis Schiphol 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: Ibis Schiphol Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Activities
Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam, visit a diamond center, explore the Aalsmeer flower auction or Keukenhof gardens, tour the Royal Delft pottery factory, and experience sightseeing in Rotterdam.
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Interactive Experiences
Participate in an interactive cheese experience in Gouda and visit a wooden clog workshop in Zaanse Schans.
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Cultural Visits
Visit the quaint village of Giethoorn, the fishing village of Volendam, and the 17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Tour Director
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions on the first day.
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Local Guides
Enjoy sightseeing with a Local Guide in Rotterdam.
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Transportation
Transportation between cities and attractions is provided as per the itinerary.
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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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, 2025, 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 Ibis Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Holiday Inn Express Central Station in Rotterdam, De Buunderkamp in Arnhem, and Fletcher Hotel in Groningen, offering comfortable and convenient accommodations throughout your journey in the Netherlands.
Mode of Transport
Transportation between cities and attractions is provided as per the itinerary, ensuring a seamless travel experience across the Netherlands.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays 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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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, buffet breakfasts are provided daily, along with three dinners, including one at a local restaurant in Amsterdam.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a canal cruise in Amsterdam, visits to a diamond center, Aalsmeer flower auction or Keukenhof, Royal Delft pottery factory, sightseeing in Rotterdam, an interactive cheese experience in Gouda, a visit to John Frost Bridge in Arnhem, a visit to Giethoorn, a visit to Zaanse Schans, and a visit to Volendam.
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Is transportation between cities included in the tour?
Yes, transportation between cities and attractions is included as per the itinerary.
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Will there be a tour director during the trip?
Yes, you will meet your Tour Director and travel companions on the first day of the tour.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the 17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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What is the policy on optional activities and excursions?
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and it is recommended that you arrange your own.
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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.