Best Things to Do in the Netherlands

One of the most popular museums in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House/Museum attracts millions of visitors every year to see where the city’s most famous resident and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. Our tour brings the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Anne, the German-born Jewish girl who documented her daily life in a diary while trying to escape Nazi persecution. It includes walking the final stretch of the same route Anne and her family took to reach Westerkerk, their hiding place and final home. You’ll walk around the area to see the exterior of the home and the picturesque Prinsengract canal it sits alongside. Enter the “secret annex” from her diary virtually while learning all about Anne and viewing rooms as they were in the 1940s as if the Franks were still living there. It’s an emotional story of hope and tolerance, just as she wished.

Travel through the Dutch countryside to Keukenhof Gardens, the largest flower garden in the world. It features over seven million flowers, including more than 800 varieties of Dutch tulips along with hyacinths and daffodils in nearly every color imaginable. You’ll have plenty of time to wander around and capture photos before heading to the Tulip Experience. It provides a trip through the history, breeding process, and magic of the Dutch tulip, a story told from the point of view of a tulip grower who’s been in the industry for three generations. The show garden includes more than 500 different with over a million tulips as another great place for selfies and countless Instagrammable photo ops. An absolute must when traveling to the Netherlands in spring. 

Utrecht, a picturesque Dutch gem, offers a charming alternative to bustling Amsterdam. Nestled along tranquil canals, its medieval allure captivates visitors. Cobblestone streets wind through historic neighborhoods, adorned with cozy cafes and eclectic boutiques. The iconic Dom Tower looms majestically, offering panoramic views of the cityscape. Utrecht’s compact size fosters a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for leisurely strolls or canal cruises. Cultural delights abound in its museums and galleries, showcasing local art and history. Vibrant nightlife hubs buzz with energy, yet retain a welcoming ambiance. With its authentic Dutch charm and laid-back vibe, Utrecht promises a delightful escape from Amsterdam’s crowds.

Giethoorn is an idyllic Dutch town known as the “Venice of the Netherlands” famous as a village without roads. Founded by a group of fugitives from the Mediterranean region in the early 13th century, it became world-renowned in 1958 after being spotlighted in the Dutch film “Fanfare.”  Instead of roads, Giethoorn is connected via a network of waterways with four miles of beautiful canals and wooden arch bridges. As you soak up the tranquillity and striking natural beauty, you’ll see farmhouses with 18th-century thatched roofs that make it even more picturesque, giving it somewhat of a fairytale-like feel. In addition to taking a cruise around the village, you should make time to explore on your own, capture photos, and perhaps grab a bite to eat. As you stroll the footbath along the canal you’ll see several canal-side cafes and restaurants.