7 Days • 6 Nights
Luxury Netherlands: Canal-House Elegance & Golden Age Art
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- A grand seventeenth-century canal-house suite in the heart of Amsterdam is a beautiful highlight of this journey. You stay at one of Amsterdam's finest five-star hotels, set in a stately, restored canal house (or grand mansion) on the elegant seventeenth-century canal belt, a UNESCO World Heritage setting of tilting gabled facades and glittering water. Behind its historic front lie sumptuous suites, a celebrated restaurant, a serene spa and impeccable service, placing you in the most beautiful and refined heart of the city. The elegance and comfort are captivating. Staying in a grand seventeenth-century canal-house suite in the heart of Amsterdam's UNESCO canal belt.
- Private, out-of-hours access to the great museums is a magnificent highlight of this journey. With privileged private arrangements, you experience the world-class art of the Netherlands without the crowds, standing almost alone before Rembrandt's 'Night Watch' and Vermeer's 'Milkmaid' on a private, expert-guided tour of the Rijksmuseum, following Van Gogh's brilliant life in a privately guided Van Gogh Museum visit, and meeting Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' at the Mauritshuis in intimate calm. The privilege and beauty are unforgettable. Enjoying private, expert-guided and, where possible, out-of-hours access to the great museums, standing in intimate calm before Rembrandt.
- A private saloon-boat cruise with champagne along the canals is an elegant highlight. Amsterdam is loveliest from the water, and you glide its glittering UNESCO canals aboard your own private classic saloon boat, a gleaming vessel of polished wood and brass, just for your party, with a glass of champagne in hand. As illuminated bridges, tilting gabled houses and houseboats drift by at golden hour, a host attends to your every comfort in the most refined and romantic way to see the city. The elegance and beauty are captivating. Gliding the glittering canals of Amsterdam aboard your own private classic saloon boat.
- Celebrated fine dining and a chauffeured private tour add refinement to every day. Throughout your journey you dine at some of the most celebrated restaurants in the Netherlands, from Michelin-starred tables to elegant canal-side dining rooms, savouring refined Dutch and international cuisine paired with fine wines. You travel by chauffeured luxury car with expert private guides who tailor each day entirely to you, whether art, gardens, windmills or leisure. The refinement and ease are captivating. Dining at some of the most celebrated.
- Delft, The Hague and a fairytale castle add art, elegance and beauty to this journey. Beyond Amsterdam, your chauffeured days take in the finest of the Netherlands. In stately The Hague you visit the jewel-box Mauritshuis and, nearby, serene, blue-tiled Delft, with its Vermeer legacy and the private ateliers of Royal Delft. You visit a fairytale castle such as the moated, turreted Castle de Haar, and, in spring, enjoy a private visit to the dazzling tulip gardens of Keukenhof. The beauty and elegance are captivating. Discovering the Mauritshuis and blue-tiled Delft, a fairytale moated castle and, in spring.
- Above all, this journey offers the Netherlands at its most refined, seamless and beautiful. The Netherlands rewards the luxury traveller with a rare blend of elegance, art and effortless ease, and this journey savours it at the highest level. Over seven days you stay in the finest five-star canal-house and country hotels, enjoy private museum access to Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, glide the canals on your own saloon boat with champagne, dine at celebrated restaurants and tour by chauffeured car with expert guides, from windmills and Delft to a fairytale castle and, in season, Keukenhof.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your luxury Netherlands journey begins as you arrive at Schiphol Airport and are met and chauffeured to your grand five-star canal-house hotel in the heart of Amsterdam's elegant UNESCO canal belt. Amsterdam is one of the most enchanting and refined capitals in Europe, and you settle into a sumptuous suite overlooking the glittering water and tilting gabled facades. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in comfort, perhaps enjoying the hotel's serene spa or a first stroll along the canal. This evening, a champagne welcome dinner at a celebrated restaurant introduces you to refined Dutch cuisine and to the beautiful, seamless days ahead. As the elegance of Amsterdam envelops you, rest well in your suite, ready for private art and a private canal cruise tomorrow in the most refined heart of the city.
Today you savour the world-class art of Amsterdam in privileged calm. With an expert private guide you tour the magnificent Rijksmuseum, standing in intimate quiet before Rembrandt's 'Night Watch', Vermeer's 'Milkmaid' and the treasures of the Golden Age, then the Van Gogh Museum, following the artist's brilliant life without the crowds. The afternoon is yours for the hotel spa or elegant boutiques. As the light turns golden, you step aboard your own private classic saloon boat, a gleaming vessel of polished wood and brass, gliding the glittering canals with champagne in hand as the illuminated city drifts by. The privilege and beauty are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your suite. This evening, dine at a celebrated table. Rest well in refined Amsterdam, ready for windmills and Delft tomorrow.
Today your chauffeured car and private guide take you into the classic Dutch landscape. You visit the great row of nineteen turning windmills at UNESCO-listed Kinderdijk, or the storybook village of Zaanse Schans, learning how they kept the low land dry, then continue to serene, blue-tiled Delft, with its tranquil canals, Vermeer legacy and a private visit to the ateliers of Royal Delft, where the famous blue-and-white pottery is hand-painted. In spring, this day can instead feature a private visit to the dazzling Keukenhof gardens. The heritage and beauty are captivating. As the day ends, you are chauffeured back to your Amsterdam suite. This evening, enjoy refined dining at leisure. Rest well in elegant Amsterdam, ready to move to stately The Hague tomorrow.
Today you are chauffeured to stately The Hague, the elegant seat of Dutch government and the royal city. You settle into a distinguished five-star hotel, then, with your private guide, visit the jewel-box Mauritshuis, coming face to face in intimate calm with Vermeer's exquisite 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' and 'View of Delft', alongside Rembrandt and Fabritius's 'The Goldfinch'. You take in the grand Binnenhof parliament, the elegant avenues and, nearby, the fashionable seaside resort of Scheveningen with its grand pier. The refinement and art are captivating. As the day ends, you relax in your elegant hotel or its spa. This evening, dine at a celebrated restaurant in The Hague. Rest well in the stately royal city, ready to explore more of its treasures and elegance tomorrow.
Today you enjoy the refined pleasures of The Hague and its coast at leisure. With your private guide you might explore more of the city's superb art, from the Escher museum in a former royal palace to the panoramic Panorama Mesdag or the modern masters of the Kunstmuseum, and admire the grand embassies and leafy avenues of this most elegant of Dutch cities. You take in the coast at Scheveningen, perhaps with a seafront lunch, and enjoy time for the hotel spa or refined shopping. The elegance and art are captivating. As the day ends, you relax in comfort. This evening, savour another celebrated dinner, perhaps overlooking the sea. Rest well in stately The Hague, ready for a fairytale castle and charming Utrecht tomorrow as your journey moves inland.
Today you are chauffeured towards Utrecht by way of a fairytale castle. En route you visit the moated, turreted Castle de Haar, the largest and most romantic castle in the Netherlands, set in beautiful landscaped gardens, exploring its opulent, restored interiors with your private guide. You continue to delightful Utrecht, one of the oldest cities in the country, famous for its unique two-level canal wharves and soaring Dom Tower, where you settle into an elegant hotel or nearby country estate. There is time to enjoy the atmospheric canal-side terraces at leisure. The romance and charm are captivating. As the day ends, you relax in refined comfort. This evening, enjoy a farewell fine-dining experience celebrating your beautiful journey. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow, savouring your final elegant evening in the Netherlands.
After a final, unhurried morning in refined comfort, perhaps a last canal-side coffee or a stroll through elegant Utrecht, you are chauffeured to Schiphol Airport for your onward departure. You leave having experienced the Netherlands at its most luxurious, a grand canal-house suite in Amsterdam, private access to Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, a private saloon-boat cruise with champagne, celebrated fine dining, the windmills and blue pottery, the Mauritshuis and the coast of The Hague, and a fairytale castle, all by chauffeured car with expert private guides. The images stay vivid long after you land, the glittering canals, the masterpieces enjoyed in intimate calm, the champagne aboard your private boat and the moated castle. The Netherlands offers elegance, art and effortless ease in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of an equally refined return.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation, a champagne welcome dinner and celebrated fine-dining experiences
- Daily breakfast
- Transfers and touring by comfortable private vehicle, train or boat as per itinerary
- Sightseeing and experiences as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees to museums, gardens and attractions as per itinerary
- luxury five-star accommodation, chauffeured private luxury car with expert private guides, a private saloon-boat canal cruise with champagne, private guided museum visits to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Mauritshuis, a private windmills and Delft tour, a fairytale castle visit, a private Keukenhof visit in season, and all listed entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Premium wines and spirits beyond those included
- Personal shopping, spa treatments beyond those included and gratuities
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, so many nationalities (including UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) enjoy visa-free short stays of up to 90 days, while others need a Schengen visa arranged in advance; a passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay is required. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality and assist with the Schengen visa where needed
- Currency: The currency is the Euro (EUR); the Netherlands is largely a cashless society, and cards (especially contactless and debit) are accepted almost everywhere, from museums and restaurants to markets and canal cruises. Note that some smaller shops and market stalls prefer cards over cash, and a few even decline cash, so a travel card is invaluable; ATMs are widely available
- Best time to visit: April and May are magical, when the tulip fields bloom and Keukenhof gardens open in a riot of colour, while June to August brings warm, long summer days ideal for canals, cycling and terraces. Spring and early autumn are gloriously quieter; the Dutch climate is mild but changeable year-round, so pack layers and a waterproof whatever the season
- Language & etiquette: Dutch is the official language, but the Netherlands has some of the best English in the world and you will have no trouble at all; the Dutch are famously direct, friendly, tolerant and down-to-earth, and a straightforward, honest manner is appreciated. Tipping is modest, rounding up or around five to ten percent for good service, as service is included
- Getting around: The Netherlands is compact, flat and superbly connected, with fast, frequent, punctual trains linking Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Delft in minutes, plus trams, buses and canal boats; cycling is a way of life, with safe, dedicated bike lanes everywhere. Watch for bikes when crossing roads, as cyclists always have priority and move fast
- Health & safety: The Netherlands is one of the safest, cleanest and most orderly countries in the world, with excellent healthcare and very low crime; normal city precautions against pickpockets apply in busy tourist areas of Amsterdam. Tap water is excellent and safe to drink, pharmacies are widespread, and an EHIC/GHIC or travel insurance is recommended for European visitors
- Culture & customs: The Dutch value punctuality, honesty, equality and a relaxed live-and-let-live tolerance; the famous 'gezelligheid' (cosiness and conviviality) is central to life, best felt in a brown cafe or on a sunny terrace. Amsterdam's coffeeshops and red-light district are part of the city, but respect local rules, do not photograph people, and behave considerately
- Power & practicalities: Power is 230V with type C and F (round two-pin) plugs, so bring an adapter; the Netherlands is very flat, making walking and cycling easy, though canal-house stairs are famously steep and narrow. Many museums and Keukenhof benefit from advance booking, which we arrange, and the country is exceptionally welcoming to visitors of every kind
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of accommodation and service can I expect?
The very highest. You stay in the finest five-star hotels in the Netherlands, such as a grand canal-house hotel in Amsterdam's UNESCO belt, a distinguished address in The Hague and an elegant estate near Utrecht, with sumptuous suites, celebrated restaurants and serene spas. Throughout, you travel by chauffeured luxury car with expert private guides, enjoy private museum access and a private canal boat, and every detail, from dinner reservations to spa afternoons, is arranged and anticipated for you. It is a seamless, discreet and utterly refined way to experience the country.
Can the luxury itinerary be tailored to my interests?
Completely. This is a private, bespoke journey built entirely around you. We can weight it towards art, add Michelin-starred dining experiences or wine pairings, include a private visit to Keukenhof in spring, arrange a helicopter transfer or a day sailing, extend spa time, or add golf, antiques or design. We can also upgrade any hotel, arrange a private art historian, or restructure the route entirely. Simply share your passions and pace, and we will craft a flawless, personalised luxury journey through the Netherlands for you.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (such as a welcome dinner or a special tasting). Dutch food is hearty and characterful, from herring, cheese and bitterballen to stroopwafels, pancakes and the beloved 'rijsttafel' Indonesian feast that is a national institution, and the cafe and restaurant scene in the cities is superb and cosmopolitan. We usually leave lunches and most dinners free so you can explore, recommending the best spots at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guide and comfortable private vehicle or boat where touring is included, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group and seat-in-coach options can be arranged if you prefer. Because the Netherlands is so compact and superbly connected, we often combine private touring with easy, fast train journeys and scenic canal boats, and knowledgeable Dutch guides bring the art, canals, history and culture vividly to life.
Do I need a visa for the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is in the Schengen Area, so many nationalities enjoy visa-free stays of up to 90 days, while others need a Schengen visa arranged in advance. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option, and assist with the Schengen visa where needed, so entry is smooth. A passport valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure is required.
Is the Netherlands safe to visit?
The Netherlands is one of the safest, cleanest and most orderly countries in the world, with very low crime, excellent infrastructure and superb healthcare, and travel here is exceptionally smooth and easy. Normal city precautions against pickpockets apply in busy areas of Amsterdam, but visitors feel comfortable and welcome everywhere. English is spoken almost universally, making the Netherlands one of the easiest and most rewarding countries in Europe to travel.
When is the best time to visit?
April and May are magical, when the tulip fields bloom and Keukenhof gardens open, while June to August brings warm, long summer days ideal for canals, cycling and terraces. Spring and early autumn are gloriously atmospheric and quieter, and December brings festive lights and markets. The Dutch climate is mild but changeable, so we advise on the best timing for your interests, whether tulips, cities, cycling or cruising.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Amsterdam, the tulip fields and Keukenhof, the windmills, Rotterdam, The Hague, Delft, Utrecht, the cheese markets and pretty Giethoorn, add a canal or river cruise, extend cycling in the countryside, include the Wadden Islands, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the beautiful, welcoming and endlessly charming Netherlands.
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