The Netherlands tours

Put a springtime trip to the Netherlands on your travel wish list if you'd like to see the country's famous tulips in full bloom. The tulip is considered the Netherlands’ national flower, and you can admire over 70 acres of them in April on our Amsterdam & the Keukenhof Gardens tour. For many, getting to see such a quintessential Dutch attraction makes spring the best time to visit the Netherlands!

While the Netherlands experiences its warmest weather in July and August, the country also gets its highest number of visitors during these peak summer months. But, you won't be missing out if you choose to skip Netherlands tours during this time—the country really is lovely all year, and there is plenty of pleasant weather to enjoy from April to October.

Of course, like many places throughout Europe, the Netherlands also boasts stunning Christmas markets during the winter. If the sparkle of the festive season calls you, start planning a trip to the Netherlands for December to see Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Maastricht decked out for the holidays.

The Netherlands tours we offer give you a peek at all the country's famous highlights. From canals and world-class museums to sprawling flower gardens and quintessential windmills, there is so much to see in this stunning country.

Amsterdam is one of the top places to go for an immersive look at true Dutch culture. With its row houses, outdoor cafes, lively culture, and fascinating history, it truly is one of the best cities in the Netherlands. Check out our Amsterdam tours if seeing this capital city is on your bucket list.

Beyond Amsterdam, cities like Maastricht and Delft offer a different look at life in the Netherlands. Add an excursion to Delft on our Amsterdam, Luxembourg & Brussels tour to see the the town's cobbled alleyways, medieval architecture, and breathtaking churches. Then, soak in picturesque countryside views as you travel through the province of Limburg to Maastricht, a hip university city with plenty of outdoor cafes, shopping, and historic Roman remnants.

Of course, any time you get the chance to see flowers in the Netherlands, take it! Here are just some of the places to go on a trip to the Netherlands to see these beautiful blooms, and more:

• The famous Keukenhof Gardens, one of the world’s largest flower gardens specializing in tulips. You can visit them on our Amsterdam & the Keukenhof Gardens tour
• The Aalsmeer Flower Auction in the city of Aalsmeer, where you can watch sales in action at the largest exchange of flowers and plants in the world
• The Bloemenmarkt, the market hosted on houseboats floating along Amsterdam’s canals

While the Netherlands may not spring to mind when we think of the world's most famous cuisines, the country's food scene is definitely something to write home about. Some popular dishes include fried cod, hearty soups, fries dipped in a variety of sauces, and fried, meat-filled balls called bitterballen.

Looking to step outside your comfort zone? Try maatje, which is raw green herring commonly served with raw onions and pickles. Locals usually eat it as a snack food, so you'll rarely find it in restaurants; swing by a street-side vendor for a taste of the best!

Did you know that the Netherlands is one of the world's largest cheese exporters? It goes without saying, then, that you need to try a few bites of cheese while you're there. Local favorites include Gouda and Edam, and you can find them by popping into almost any market or restaurant.

If you'd like to really indulge, there are plenty of Dutch specialties to satisfy any sweet tooth. Here are some local favorites to seek out on a trip to the Netherlands:

• Sweet or savory pannekoeken, which are thin, crepe-like pancakes topped with everything from fruit and whipped cream to cheese and ham
• Small, sugar-dusted pancakes called poffertjes
• Doughnuts called oliebollen, which are a holiday favorite
• Stroopwafels, two thin waffles sandwiched together with a caramel syrup
• Anything and everything made with black licorice, which Dutch people call drop

Thanks to its ample coastline along the North Sea, the Netherlands enjoys moderate weather that rarely gets overwhelmingly hot or cold. But, a majority of Holland sits below sea level, so dampness and fog are not uncommon. Fit in with the locals and remain prepared for the weather by packing simple yet stylish basics that can be layered no matter what the temperature is like on your Netherlands vacation.

While the country's maritime climate prevents any weather extremes, it also means rain showers are common. So, it's best to be prepared with rain gear on any of the Netherlands tours you may have your eye on. A warm rain jacket, travel-sized umbrella, and comfortable, waterproof shoes will come in handy if you happen to get caught in an unexpected drizzle—which is always a possibility on guided tours of the Netherlands!

Looking for more packing tips for the Netherlands tours you have your heart set on? The regional experts on our Customer Experience Team are always just a phone call away. You can also download our mobile Tour Companion App to find a helpful packing list for Netherlands vacation packages once you're booked!