Overview
The capital of Holland is a pleasant, 700-year-old city whose elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, renowned museums, and picturesque canals—not to mention the bike paths throughout the city—make for a pleasurable...read more atmosphere. Hop on a boat cruise—the best way to see Amsterdam—through the elegant canals lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age”. Stay in Rotterdam, South Holland’s capital, a young city with the world’s busiest port and known for its modern architecture and design, as well as in some of the minor but interesting towns where you’ll discover the rural atmosphere of this country.
The Netherlands is known for legendary flower production, which you will experience on the visit to the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction where more than 20 million plants and flowers are sold daily. (Note that from April to May, the Aalsmeer flower auction visit is replaced by a visit to the spectacular 70-acre Keukenhof garden to see the incredible display of a kaleidoscope of seven million flower bulbs.) You’ll also enjoy a visit of the Royal Delft Pottery Factory to see how this precious pottery is made.
Visit Gouda, known for its namesake cheese and seasonal cheese market, regularly held on the medieval Markt square. Take a stroll in Volendam, known for its old fishing boats, characteristic small houses, drawbridges, and canals. Additionally, drive over the 19-mile Barrier Dam, constructed to protect the part of Holland that is below sea level. For the value-minded travel lover wanting to have an in-depth experience of the Netherlands, this is the perfect adventure!
Itinerary
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. (D)
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 centre, 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. (B)
Begin the day with a visit to the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction, where more than 20 million plants and flowers are sold daily, 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 tour with a Local Guide. Today's Distance: 99 mi/ 160 km (B)
Get ready for a "cheesy" day as you 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 an interactive cheese experience.
Next is Arnhem, where the WWII Battle of Arnhem took place. 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 (B/D)
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 centre 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 (B)
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 (B/D)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 6 Breakfasts
- 3 Dinners
- Amsterdam Area Hotel Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Rotterdam Holiday Inn Express Central Station (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Arnhem Area De Buunderkamp (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Groningen Fletcher Hotel (First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- (2024) On departures April 6 to May 4 the Aalsmeer flower auction will be replaced by the visit of Keukenhof.
Enjoy inside visits to Europe's the must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their holidays, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Best of the Netherlands' Reviews
The BIG downside was what all 46 travellers ...read more decided - the tour guide had never done this tour before and gave us NO info about Holland in any way, shape or form. She did however spend hours telling us we had to tip her €5 euros a day and she was very busy every night doing paper work for our group. She said that we had to write excellent on everything on the customer survey form as her job depended on it, and how she only got commission and not a wage from the company and so much other rubbish. Everyone was talking about this during the trip.
It’s a pity that a tour and country so amazing was spoilt by a hopeless tour guide. We had a guy from the USA who was there on a free trip because he was one of the top 10 sellers of Cosmos tours, and even he was amazed at the rubbish that came out of the tour guides mouth. As I said a wonderful tour, I just hope you don’t get this tour guide on your trip.
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cosmos. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Cosmos. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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