Begin your trip by exploring the vibrant and cultured city of Amsterdam. Visit the world-famous Rijksmuseum which houses over 8,000 masterpieces including works from Rembrandt and Vermeer. Take a relaxing stroll through the picturesque Vondelpark and unwind while enjoying the tranquil scenery.
Navigate to the city of Rotterdam, a major port city with a unique architectural style. Visit the futuristic Markthal food market and explore the innovative Cubic Houses. Walk a few blocks south to see the impressive Erasmus Bridge that connects the north and south of Rotterdam across the Maas River.
Next on the list is the city of The Hague, known for its court of justice and Binnenhof parliament buildings. Visit the Grote Kerk (Great Church), the Mauritshuis museum and the Panorama Mesdag to get a 360-degree view of the city from above. While in the city, take a stroll to the relaxing beach at Scheveningen.
The city of Utrecht is next on the itinerary, as it's known for being the heart of the country's railway system and fascinating history. Climb up the 112-meter Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. Visit the famous St. Martin's Cathedral and Centraal Museum to gain insights on Dutch history and art.
The city of Groningen is a true student city of Netherlands where you can enjoy different activities like city cycling or quirky museums. Visit the Groninger Museum which houses modern and contemporary art, and the Universiteitsmuseum for the students to get to see the history of the university.
The capital of Friesland, Leeuwarden is Dutch city with European Capital of Culture in 2018, and known for the iconic Oldehove leaning tower in its canal. The Fries Museum and the Princessehof Ceramics Museum are among the attractions that show the characteristic culture of the region.
Travel to the city of Nijmegen, which is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands with rich history and picturesque views. Visit the Valkhof Museum and see Roman artifacts and artwork, Marikenstraat for shopping enthusiasts, and also enjoy a relaxing walk along the waterfront of Waal.
The final stop on the itinerary is the vibrant city of Maastricht, known for its sophisticated culture, ample art galleries and historical landmarks. Explore the Bonnefantenmuseum, discover the history of St. Pietersberg Caves, and walk around the Vrijthof Square, where the Saint Servatius church dominates the view.
Enjoy some downtime in the coastal towns of Zandvoort beach, and Bloemendaal beach, which are just a short distance away from Amsterdam. Take a bike ride, watch the sunset, or just simply lay back and take in the sun.
Finally, return to Amsterdam to wrap up your trip. Explore the authentic Amsterdam atmosphere by taking a stroll on the canals, visit the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House to gain insights on the city's rich history.
Public transportation such as trains, buses, and trams are the most convenient and cheapest way to travel within the Netherlands. For this 15-day itinerary, a budget of €150 would be enough. Consider getting an OV-chipkaart (tourist travel card) for seamless travel. Biking is also very popular in the Netherlands if you prefer to see some of the sights on two wheels
If you have additional time, consider adding Haarlem - a quaint town just outside Amsterdam, and the Kinderdijk windmills as there are numerous windmills spread throughout Netherlands, you can check for the closest one. If you have a shorter period, you can exclude one or more cities on the list.
The Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is the main hub for international and domestic travel and located around 15 km southwest of Amsterdam. The Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) is located around 10 km northeast of Maastricht city.