📍
Netherlands
Hidden Treasures of the Netherlands: From Tulips to Windmills
≈ 15
Days
802
Km
14
Stops
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Explore Schiermonnikoog, the smallest inhabited island of the West Frisian Islands and one of the most preserved. Declared a national park in 1989, this island offers pristine nature with its wild dunes, pine forests, and exceptional mudflats inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
2
Discover the Wadden Sea, a unique ecosystem classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This intertidal zone harbors remarkable biodiversity and is one of the last great natural wetlands in Europe.
Activities
→
Join a guided mudflat walk with expert local guides. At low tide, you'll explore this fascinating world populated by crabs, shellfish, and migratory birds-an unforgettable sensory experience.
→
Enjoy the widest beach in Europe with its kilometer of fine sand stretching as far as the eye can see. This immense space where sky and sea merge offers a feeling of absolute freedom, far from any urbanization.
Next stop
Distance:
220 km
Travel time:
3h
2
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Discover Hindeloopen, one of the eleven historic towns of Friesland, famous for its unique decorative art. This fishing village on the shores of the IJsselmeer has developed over centuries a distinctive artistic style recognizable by its colorful floral motifs on dark backgrounds.
Activities
→
Admire the traditional houses adorned with Frisian folk paintings in their characteristic hues. The local museum displays furniture and objects painted according to this artisanal tradition passed down through generations.
→
Stroll along the small harbor where traditional sailboats sit alongside captains' houses. The peaceful atmosphere of this village with narrow lanes invites contemplation and discovery of authentic Frisian heritage.
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
1h40
3
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Marvel at the largest tulip fields in the Netherlands in Noordoostpolder. This region northeast of Amsterdam has more than 2,000 hectares of cultivated land where tulips create natural paintings of vibrant colors at every corner.
2
Visit the Tulip Information Center in Noordoostpolder to understand the fascinating history of 'Tulipmania' and the economic importance of this emblematic flower. Interactive exhibits reveal the secrets of bulb cultivation and trade.
Activities
→
Explore the colorful fields on foot, by bike, or by car according to your preferences. Far from the crowds of Keukenhof, this region offers a more intimate and authentic experience at the heart of flower cultivation, with panoramic views stretching endlessly over multicolored rows.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
50min
4
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Discover Giethoorn, nicknamed the 'Venice of the North,' a fairy-tale village where streets are replaced by canals. This unique gem of the Netherlands consists of picturesque thatched cottages connected by more than 180 wooden bridges, creating a storybook setting preserved for centuries.
Activities
→
Glide through the canals in a traditional punt boat past flowering gardens and thatched-roof houses. The silence is broken only by birdsong and the gentle splash of water, offering an absolutely magical escape from time.
→
Explore the walking and cycling paths that wind between properties with manicured gardens. Each bridge crossed reveals a new perspective on this lakeside village where nature and human habitation coexist in perfect harmony.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
40min
5
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Explore Elburg, a remarkably preserved medieval fortified town. This former Hanseatic city has retained its original rectangular plan with its ramparts, monumental gates, and maze of cobblestone streets that transport visitors several centuries back in time.
Activities
→
Wander through the historic center where every building tells a story. The stepped gable facades, the old town hall, and St. Nicholas Church bear witness to the past prosperity of this merchant town that traded throughout the Baltic.
→
Walk along the restored ramparts that offer a panoramic view of the old town and surrounding polders. This fortified promenade allows you to appreciate medieval defensive engineering while admiring the typically Dutch landscape.
Next stop
Distance:
85 km
Travel time:
1h15
6
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Spend a magical day at Efteling, the largest theme park in the Netherlands and the fourth largest in Europe. This legendary attraction in the province of Brabant has enchanted young and old for decades with its fairy-tale worlds and thrilling rides.
2
Immerse yourself in the famous Fairy Tale Forest where the stories of Little Red Riding Hood, Old Mother Frost, and Sleeping Beauty come to life. These enchanting scenes, created with remarkable attention to detail, delight visitors of all ages.
Activities
→
Challenge the park's six roller coasters, from classic wooden ones to ultra-modern attractions. Thrill-seekers will find their happiness among the water rides and dark rides that have made Efteling famous.
→
Explore the park's different themed kingdoms that blend tradition and innovation. Efteling has preserved its nostalgic charm while offering contemporary attractions, creating a unique experience in Europe.
7
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Admire the 19 historic windmills of Kinderdijk, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. These 18th-century windmills, built to pump water from the polders, represent one of the most impressive and best-preserved ensembles in the Netherlands.
2
Visit the museum windmill to understand the ingenious workings of these hydraulic machines. These windmills pump water to the 'Nieuwen Waterschap' which flows into the River Lek, allowing farmland to be maintained below sea level.
Activities
→
Cycle along the paths that wind between the majestic windmills. Regardless of the season, these giants with their turning sails offer a fascinating spectacle, especially at sunset when their silhouettes stand out against the blazing sky.
→
Discover the history of the ancestral Dutch struggle against water through this emblematic site. These windmills testify to the ingenuity of a people who knew how to conquer land from the sea and keep it habitable for centuries.
Next stop
Distance:
55 km
Travel time:
50min
8
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Explore Madurodam, the famous miniature park in The Hague that presents the Netherlands at 1:25 scale. From the Royal Palace to the Rijksmuseum, Schiphol Airport, and tulip fields, discover the country's iconic monuments in their finest details.
2
Discover Scheveningen, the most popular seaside resort in the Netherlands, welcoming up to 18 million visitors per year. Its 381-meter pier, lively beaches, and vibrant boulevard make it an essential destination on the Dutch coast.
Activities
→
Participate in Madurodam's interactive activities: close a storm surge barrier, load containers at the Port of Rotterdam, or mix your own beats at the DJ table. This playful park allows you to learn Dutch history in an entertaining way.
→
Climb to the observation tower at the end of Scheveningen's pier for a breathtaking panoramic view of the North Sea. The more adventurous can even take a bungee jump from this iconic structure.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
50min
9
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Visit Keukenhof, nicknamed the Garden of Europe and considered one of the most beautiful spring gardens in the world. With more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in bloom, this 32-hectare park offers an absolutely spectacular explosion of colors from March to May.
2
Learn about the fascinating history of the tulip and the 17th-century 'Tulipmania' through the park's exhibitions. This period when bulbs were worth more than houses testifies to the Dutch passion for this flower that became a national symbol.
Activities
→
Admire the 50 sculptures by Dutch artists scattered throughout the park, making Keukenhof the largest sculpture park in the Netherlands. Contemporary art dialogues harmoniously with floral compositions in a successful marriage of nature and culture.
→
Embark on an excursion in a traditional wooden boat through the surrounding tulip fields. These ancient vessels, once used by gardeners, offer a unique perspective on the multicolored rows stretching to infinity.
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
35min
10
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Enjoy the award-winning beach of Bergen aan Zee, recognized eight times with the Blue Flag for its exemplary cleanliness and safety. This seaside resort founded specifically as a holiday destination attracts thousands of visitors each year seeking preserved nature and pure North Sea air.
Activities
→
Try your hand at water sports on this coast renowned for its ideal conditions. Kitesurfing and sailing are practiced here in an exceptional setting, with schools offering courses for all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners.
→
Take a leisurely walk along the long sandy beach where the North Sea laps at the shore. The infinite horizon and preserved dunes create a soothing landscape, perfect for long invigorating walks to the sound of the waves.
Next stop
Distance:
40 km
Travel time:
45min
11
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Visit the Royal Netherlands Navy Museum, housed in the former naval base of Den Helder. This institution traces the glorious maritime history of the Netherlands, a nation of navigators and explorers who dominated the seas for centuries.
2
Explore Den Helder's town center with its elegant red brick buildings typical of Dutch architecture. This strategic port city offers a fascinating blend of military history and provincial charm.
Activities
→
Tour the surrounding tulip fields on foot, by bike, or by car. From April 1st to mid-May, the region bursts into spectacular colors, with the sea of flowers alongside the real sea in a striking natural tableau.
→
Pick your own tulips at the Floratuin garden, which offers more than 100 different varieties. This unique experience allows you to create your personalized bouquet from a dazzling palette of colors.
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
1h30
12
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Visit the famous Alkmaar Cheese Market on Waagplein, an unbroken tradition since 1622. Every Friday morning from April to September, cheese carriers dressed entirely in white transport wheels of cheese on wooden stretchers according to ancestral rituals, offering a spectacle unique in Europe.
2
Discover the Alkmaar Cheese Museum which traces the fascinating history of Dutch cheese production. Through traditional tools, period paintings, and interactive demonstrations, you'll understand why Dutch cheese is renowned worldwide.
Activities
→
Explore Alkmaar's historic center with its typical brick buildings and charming canals. This medieval city is full of architectural treasures and offers an authentically Dutch atmosphere far from the tourist crowds of major metropolises.
Next stop
Distance:
15 km
Travel time:
20min
13
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Explore Volendam, one of the most iconic fishing villages in the Netherlands. This traditional port on the shores of the IJsselmeer has preserved its old-world charm with cobblestone streets, wooden houses, and locals who still occasionally wear traditional costumes during local festivals.
Activities
→
Walk along the picturesque harbor where colorful fishing boats gently sway. Admire the typical facades of fishermen's houses and soak in the authentic maritime atmosphere of this village that has inspired countless artists for centuries.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
40min
14
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Discover Broek in Waterland, a picturesque village of colorful wooden houses that seems frozen in time. This authentic 17th-century gem, located just a few kilometers from Amsterdam, offers a complete immersion into traditional Holland with its peaceful canals and bucolic atmosphere preserved from mass tourism.
Activities
→
Stroll along the canals lined with historic pastel-colored houses and admire the typically Dutch architecture of this classified village. The reflections of ancient homes in the calm water create a postcard-perfect setting ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Next stop
Distance:
12 km
Travel time:
20min
🗺️ Itinerary map
🗺️ Nearby itineraries
🛡️ Travel advice - Netherlands
Check official recommendations
❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-May): Peak season with famous tulip blooms, mild temperatures (10-18°C), and longer daylight hours. Keukenhof Gardens and flower fields create spectacular displays.
Summer (June-August): Warmest weather (15-22°C) with long daylight hours, outdoor festivals, and peak tourist season. Highest prices but best conditions for cycling and outdoor activities.
Autumn (September-October): Pleasant temperatures (12-18°C), fewer crowds, and beautiful fall colors. Excellent value with comfortable weather and fewer tourists than summer.
Winter (November-March): Cool weather (3-8°C) with cozy indoor culture, Christmas markets, and potential canal ice skating. Museums less crowded, lower accommodation rates.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 12 and 18 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Netherlands?
Progressive society with beautiful canals, tulip fields, and innovative culture. Experience cycling culture, world-class museums, and authentic Dutch lifestyle. The country offers cultural sophistication with natural beauty and modern amenities. Netherlands provides European experiences with cultural innovation and natural preservation.