Scenic 4-Day Road Trip from Amsterdam to Northern Netherlands

Day 1: Cultural Heritage

Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, Netherlands on May 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Start your trip with traditional Dutch pancakes in the city centre, offering a variety of sweet and savoury options in a cosy setting.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Drive to Zaanse Schans

A quick 30-minute drive to Zaanse Schans, a living museum featuring classic Dutch windmills, wooden houses and artisan workshops.
Free entry, some workshops may charge, 30m

10:30am

Explore Zaanse Schans

Explore the picturesque windmills and traditional crafts like clog making and cheese production. Don't miss the Zaans Museum for regional history.
EUR15, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at De Kraai

Enjoy hearty Dutch pancakes at De Kraai with lovely views over the river and windmills.
EUR18, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Leeuwarden

Begin the 1.5-hour drive north to Leeuwarden, the vibrant capital of Friesland known for its historic architecture and cultural attractions.
Fuel cost approx. EUR20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Oldehove Tower

Climb the leaning Oldehove Tower, symbol of the city, and enjoy panoramic views over Leeuwarden.
EUR5, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at 't Havenmantsje

Savour local Frisian dishes and fresh seafood in the historic city centre at this well-reviewed restaurant.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Nature & Islands

Leeuwarden to Wadden Islands on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Gartine Leeuwarden

Enjoy fresh and organic breakfast dishes including homemade bread and jams in a charming setting.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Harlingen

Drive 45 minutes west towards the port town of Harlingen, gateway to the Wadden Islands.
Fuel cost approx. EUR10, 45m

10:15am

Explore Harlingen

Stroll along the harbour with its historic merchant houses, and visit the Maritime Museum for fascinating nautical history.
EUR10, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at De Oer’t Kofje

Enjoy sandwiches and fresh seafood with harbour views at this popular café located right on the waterfront.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Ferry to Vlieland Island

Take the ferry from Harlingen (about 1 hour 15 mins one way) to Vlieland, known for serene beaches and dunes.
EUR20 return, 3h

5:00pm

Explore Vlieland

Rent a bike to explore the island’s nature reserve, lighthouse and peaceful village atmosphere.
Bike rental EUR15, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Strandpaviljoen de Branding

Dine on fresh seafood with stunning sunset views on Vlieland’s beach.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Idyllic Villages

Vlieland to Giethoorn on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Vlieland

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel with local produce before catching the morning ferry back to Harlingen.
Included or EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Ferry back to Harlingen

Return ferry journey to return to the mainland for onward driving.
Included from previous day, 1h15m

11:00am

Drive to Giethoorn

Journey south for 2.5 hours to the iconic village of Giethoorn, famous for its canals and thatched-roof houses.
Fuel approx. EUR25, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at De Grachthof

Enjoy traditional Dutch cuisine beside the village canals at this well-known restaurant offering a charming atmosphere.
EUR28, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boat Tour of Giethoorn Canals

Rent a whisper boat or join a guided tour to explore the car-free village and enjoy scenic views along the peaceful canals.
Boat rental EUR25, 2h

6:00pm

Drive back to Amsterdam

Return drive of about 1 hour 15 minutes to Amsterdam to conclude your road trip.
Fuel approx. EUR12, 1h15m

7:30pm

Dinner at Moeders, Amsterdam

Wrap up your trip with traditional Dutch homestyle cooking in a warm, family-friendly environment in central Amsterdam.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Optional Day Rest

Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 4, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Bakers & Roasters

Enjoy a New Zealand and Brazilian influenced breakfast in a lively café known for fresh coffee and creative dishes.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Visit Rijksmuseum

Spend the morning at Amsterdam’s premier art museum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Opens at 9 am.
EUR20, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Foodhallen

Explore this indoor food market offering a wide selection of global street food in a vibrant atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h

3:30pm

Canal Cruise

Relax on a scenic canal cruise through Amsterdam’s historic waterways available until early evening.
EUR18, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at De Kas

Dine in a unique greenhouse setting with fresh, seasonal farm-to-table dishes, reservations recommended.
EUR50, 2h
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