THE NETHERLANDS · DESTINATION
The Dutch classics.
The 15 most popular historic dutch cities in the Netherlands. What each one is really like, who runs it, and what it costs.
50-min Haarlem canal cruise from Smidtje Canal Cruises. See De Adriaan windmill, Jopenkerk, museums, and enjoy heated comfort.
“Loved the relaxed and informative cruise. It was perfect”
See Leiden’s City Hall, Hortus Botanicus, and canal houses on a 1-hour guided cruise under 88 bridges for $15.
“The tour guide was excellent and this was a great way to see a beautiful and interesting city. It was well paced and I would recommend to anyone”
Step into a giant Gouda in South Holland. Learn cheesemaking hands-on, then taste Gouda yellow gold for $19 in about 1-1.5 hours.
“It was great, specially for the kids. A bit of delay for the tasting experience but nothing seriuous”
50-minute electric canal cruise in Leiden from Blauwpoortsbrug with live Dutch/English stories, key sights, and covered comfort in bad weather.
“seeing Leiden from the canals was a great way to see the city. The guide/boat pilot was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. I highly recommend the canal tour.”
Cruise Haarlem’s canals in a covered 1954 sloop with snacks, cheese, and drinks, plus live English/Dutch stories from Mo.
“Since it was just my wife and myself Mo took time to provide us with a full experience. We learned not only about the history of Haarlem, but also about the various cultures that inhabit the city.”
50-minute electric open-boat canal cruise in Haarlem from De Adriaan, with an English/Dutch host, calm views, and snacks/drinks for purchase.
“Our guides, Peter and Max, were so nice. Enjoyed seeing Haarlem from the water and learning about the city’s history. Great way to spend an hour!”
2-hour official walking tour of Maastricht with a local guide: 5 km stroll, Saint Servatius stop when open, and clear history on foot.
“Super Tour”
Haarlem’s De Adriaan windmill tour for $9: guided inside look at 250-year-old milling, scale models, and unbeatable views from 12m.
“My husband and I loved our tour of the Windmill. The man on the phone (also at the check in desk) was very friendly and kind. The guide was kind, friendly and gave us so much information. We left knowing so much more about windmills and what they were used for. The view of Harleem…”
Rent a private electric boat in Leiden and captain your own 2-hour canal cruise, no license needed, with easy controls for groups up to 8.
“It was very pleasant and the instructions were clear.”
75-minute Gouda canal cruise on Jan Salie or Jan Kordaat. See historic waterways and Museum Harbour with live Dutch/English guidance.
“Het was zotte zaterdag tijdens onze vaartocht waardoor de bemanning verkleed was. Dat was al een bonus maar de reisgids was een ook nog eens een hele leuke verteller. Wij hebben genoten van de reis en raden deze van harte aan.”
Cruise Gouda’s canals in a traditional open boat, see 9 historic sites in 1 hour, and get skipper-led fun facts.
“Heel enthousiaste gids met veel weetjes over de geschiedenis van Gouda. Echte aanrader!”
Small-group Utrecht walk with canals, Dom Tower stories, the 12,500-bike parking, plus a local snack and included lunch.
“Our tour was cancelled due to bad weather but Julian contacted me in good time the day before and offered a refund. He also send the route we would have taken and suggested some places to visit during my time in Utrecht which I appreciated a lot despite the cancellation. Hope to be back one…”
Step into Leiden’s 1590 Hortus botanicus for $14. See tulip origins, Japanese gardens, orchids, carnivorous plants, and old trees.
Explore 50 interactive optical illusions at Museum of Illusions Maastricht in 1 hour. Photos, games, and fun for all ages.
“The museum was smaller than I thought, but there are full of fun illusions!”
Walk into the Frans Hals Museum and HOF Museum in Haarlem with an audio guide, mixing Dutch masters and modern art.
