Ultimate 8-Day Netherlands Tour: Amsterdam to Rotterdam and Beyond

Day 1: Amsterdam Arrival

Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 10, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Enjoy traditional Dutch pancakes in the heart of Amsterdam, perfect for a delicious and hearty start to your trip.
EUR12, 1h

10:30am

Anne Frank House

Explore the poignant history of Anne Frank and see the secret annex where she hid during WWII. Tickets must be booked in advance; open 9am-10pm.
EUR14, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Moeders

Experience traditional Dutch home cooking in a cozy setting, known for its hearty comfort foods and local atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Rijksmuseum

Visit the country's premier art museum featuring masterpieces from Rembrandt and Vermeer. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR20, 2h

4:30pm

Canal Boat Tour

Take a scenic canal cruise through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals to see the city from a unique perspective. Tours run until 7pm.
EUR18, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Greetje

Enjoy traditional Dutch cuisine with a modern twist in a charming setting, open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 2: Culture & Exploration

Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bakers & Roasters

A New Zealand-style brunch spot with rich coffees and fresh ingredients, perfect to energize your day.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Van Gogh Museum

Delve into the life and works of Vincent van Gogh with the largest collection of his paintings worldwide. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR19, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Foodhallen Amsterdam

Explore a variety of local and international street food vendors in an atmospheric indoor food market.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Vondelpark Walk and Relaxation

Spend the afternoon strolling through Amsterdam’s largest park, enjoying nature and occasional live performances.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Heineken Experience

Take an interactive tour of the original Heineken brewery, learn brewing process and sample fresh beer. Open until 7pm.
EUR21, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Seafood Bar

Feast on fresh seafood dishes in a modern and lively setting, open until 10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 3: Traditional Villages

Zaanse Schans & Volendam, Netherlands on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Start early with a light breakfast to prepare for a day of exploring nearby traditional Dutch villages.
EUR10, 30m

8:30am

Travel to Zaanse Schans

Short 40-minute drive or train + bus ride to this open-air museum featuring historic windmills, crafts, and traditional houses.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Zaanse Schans Exploration

Visit working windmills, wooden shoe workshops, and cheese farms to experience Dutch heritage. Open 9am-6pm.
Free entry, some attractions EUR5-10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at De Kraai in Zaanse Schans

Taste classic Dutch pancakes while enjoying views of the windmills.
EUR18, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Volendam

A 20-minute drive from Zaanse Schans to the fishing village famous for its harbor, colorful houses, and traditional costumes.
EUR5, 30m

2:00pm

Volendam Village Walk

Stroll along the harbor, visit souvenir shops, and photograph the iconic Dutch houses.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Volendam Museum

Learn about the history and culture of this fishing village; open 10am-5pm.
EUR7, 45m

4:00pm

Return to Amsterdam

Travel back for an evening in the city, resting or free activities.
EUR10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café de Klos

Enjoy a hearty Dutch-style meal, specializing in ribs in a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 4: Historic Utrecht

Utrecht, Netherlands on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Village Coffee & Music

Start your day with specialty coffee and light breakfast options in a trendy café.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Utrecht

Take a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam to Utrecht, a city known for its medieval old town and canals.
EUR10, 30m

10:00am

Dom Tower Climb

Climb the iconic 112-meter tall Dom Tower for spectacular views of the city. Open 10am-5pm.
EUR9, 1h

11:30am

Canal-side Walk & Museum Speelklok

Walk along the unique wharfs and visit Museum Speelklok to see self-playing musical instruments. Open 10am-5pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ledig Erf

Enjoy lunch with local ingredients in a lively yet historic setting near the canals.
EUR18, 1h

2:30pm

Railway Museum (Spoorwegmuseum)

Explore interactive railway exhibits ideal for both adults and children. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR17, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Amsterdam

Travel back to Amsterdam for dinner and rest.
EUR10, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bussia

Savor modern Italian cuisine with Dutch influences in an elegant environment, open until 10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 5: Political Capital - The Hague

The Hague, Netherlands on July 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Stach

Quick coffee and fresh pastries to fuel your travel day.
EUR10, 30m

8:00am

Travel to The Hague

Take a direct 50-minute train ride from Amsterdam to The Hague.
EUR15, 50m

9:00am

Mauritshuis Museum

Home to Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' and other Dutch Golden Age masterpieces. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR17, 1h30m

10:45am

Binnenhof & Ridderzaal (Knight’s Hall)

Tour the historic Dutch parliament complex and admire the medieval architecture.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Houtrust Lounge

Dine with views of the beach, offering fresh seafood and light meals.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Scheveningen Beach

Relax or stroll along the most famous beach in the Netherlands, ideal for afternoon leisure.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Escher in Het Paleis Museum

Explore the fascinating works of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher. Open 11am-5pm.
EUR13, 1h

6:00pm

Travel to Rotterdam

45-minute train ride to vibrant and modern Rotterdam to end your day.
EUR12, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Fenix Food Factory

Enjoy local artisanal food and lively atmosphere in this trendy Rotterdam food hall.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 6: Modern Rotterdam

Rotterdam, Netherlands on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hopper Coffee

Specialty coffee and fresh pastries to begin your day in Rotterdam's hip district.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Markthal Rotterdam

Visit this iconic market hall to see amazing architecture and shop local produce; open 10am-8pm.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)

Explore or even enter these quirky, cube-shaped houses, a unique architectural attraction.
EUR3 for museum entrance, 45m

11:30am

Maritime Museum Rotterdam

Learn about Rotterdam's rich maritime history with engaging exhibits. Open 10am-5pm.
EUR14, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bertmans

Eat fresh, healthy dishes focusing on organic and local ingredients in a cozy setting.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Euromast Tower

Ascend Rotterdam’s highest observation tower and enjoy panoramic city views. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk along Erasmus Bridge

Take a sunset stroll along the iconic bridge symbolizing modern Rotterdam.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Parkheuvel

Experience Michelin-starred fine dining with views over the Maas River. Reservation recommended.
EUR80, 2h

Day 7: Historic Windmills & Delft

Kinderdijk & Delft, Netherlands on July 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your Rotterdam hotel or nearby café

Have a quick breakfast before heading out to historical sites.
EUR10, 30m

8:30am

Travel to Kinderdijk

30-minute transfer by car or public transit to the famous Windmill Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
EUR10, 30m

9:00am

Kinderdijk Windmills Tour

Explore 19 authentic 18th-century windmills, with walking paths and a visitor center. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR12, 2h

11:30am

Travel to Delft

20-minute drive to the charming city known for its pottery and historic center.
EUR7, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Stads-Koffyhuis

Enjoy traditional Dutch and European dishes in the heart of Delft’s old town.
EUR18, 1h

1:30pm

Royal Delft Factory Tour

Discover the famous blue-and-white pottery and how it’s made at Holland’s last remaining earthenware factory. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR14, 1h30m

3:30pm

Delft Old Town Walk

Visit the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Markt square, and enjoy the picturesque canals.
Free, church entry EUR5, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Amsterdam

Travel back to Amsterdam to rest and prepare for departure day.
EUR12, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at De Kas

Enjoy farm-to-table dining in a greenhouse restaurant focusing on fresh, local produce. Open until 10pm.
EUR50, 2h

Day 8: Departure Day

Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel or local café

A final light breakfast before checking out and heading to the airport.
EUR10, 30m

10:00am

Leisurely Canal Walk or Last Minute Shopping

If time allows, enjoy a peaceful walk along Amsterdam’s canals or pick up souvenirs from local shops.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Travel to Schiphol Airport

Take a 20-minute train or taxi ride to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for your departure.
EUR5, 30m