Seven Days of Adventure in the Netherlands

  • Day 1: Hoge Veluwe National Park
    1 hour 30 minutes (60 miles) from Schiphol airport

    Explore the vast natural landscape of Hoge Veluwe National Park. Hike or bike along the park's many trails where you can spot different wildlife, including deer, boars, and foxes. The Kröller-Müller Museum is also located within the park and showcases an impressive art collection that includes works by Van Gogh, Mondrian, and Picasso.

  • Day 2: Canals of Amsterdam
    1 hour (45 miles) from Hoge Veluwe National Park

    Take a break from adventure and spend a peaceful day exploring the charming canals of Amsterdam. Hop on a boat tour or rent a bike to traverse the scenic waterways. Stop by the Anne Frank House, a museum dedicated to the famous Holocaust victim and writer, or take in the impressive art collection at the Rijksmuseum.

  • Day 3: Kinderdijk Windmills
    1 hour 30 minutes (65 miles) from Amsterdam

    Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk, which boasts 19 well-preserved windmills that date back to the 18th century. Learn about the history and importance of these windmills in Dutch culture and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Day 4: Efteling Theme Park
    1 hour (45 miles) from Kinderdijk Windmills

    Get your adrenaline pumping at Efteling Theme Park, the largest amusement park in the Netherlands. Take a ride on the thrilling roller coasters or enjoy the entertaining shows and attractions. Don't miss the park's famous Fairytale Forest, featuring whimsical depictions of classic fairy tales.

  • Day 5: Ziplining in Valkenburg
    2 hours 30 minutes (135 miles) from Efteling Theme Park

    Experience a rush of excitement by ziplining through caves and hillsides in Valkenburg. Admire the beautiful scenery below and feel the wind in your hair as you soar through the air. Afterward, relax by visiting the Valkenburg Castle or exploring the Christmas markets during the winter months.

  • Day 6: Climb Mount Scenery on Saba Island
    2 hour flight from Schiphol airport to Saba airport

    Travel to the Caribbean island of Saba, where you can climb to the top of Mount Scenery, the highest point in the country. The challenging hike will take you through lush rainforest and past breathtaking views of the island below. Afterward, cool off by snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.

  • Day 7: Hiking in the Veluwezoom National Park
    2-hour 30 minutes (100 miles) from Saba Island

    End your adventure with a peaceful hike in the Veluwezoom National Park. Discover the scenic views of the Rhine river and explore the pathways that lead to the highest peak in the park, the Posbank. The park is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna, making for an unforgettable nature experience.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hoge Veluwe National Park (5 hours, free entry)
  • Canals of Amsterdam (4 hours, boat tour - €22 per person)
  • Kinderdijk Windmills (4 hours, €8 per person)
  • Efteling Theme Park (6 hours, €40 per person)
  • Ziplining in Valkenburg (4 hours, €85 per person)
  • Climbing Mount Scenery on Saba Island (8 hours, $30 for park pass)
  • Hiking in the Veluwezoom National Park (5 hours, free entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €155 per person

Transportation

Traveling around the Netherlands can be done by car, train or bus. Driving from Amsterdam to Hoge Veluwe National Park takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and renting a car costs around €30 per day. Tickets for trains and buses can be purchased online, and pricing depends on the distance of the journey but an average cost could be €10-€20 per person per trip. For transportation to Saba Island from Amsterdam, a 2-hour direct flight is available for an estimated cost of €500 per person including taxes and fees.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time in Amsterdam, consider visiting the Van Gogh Museum or taking a food tour through the city. For those wanting more outdoor adventure, try sandboarding in the Schoorlse Duinen or surfing at Scheveningen beach. Those with less time can consider cutting out the trip to Kinderdijk or spending only a half-day in Amsterdam.

Airports

The primary airport in the Netherlands is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), which is located approximately 9 miles southwest of the city center. Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) and Eindhoven Airport (EIN) are both smaller airports that serve regional flights. Saba Island's airport (SAB) is only accessible by small planes due to its short runway and offers limited flights to and from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

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