7 Days • 6 Nights
Netherlands Family Adventure: Bikes, Boats & Windmills
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Cycling together in the world's most bike-friendly city is a joyful family highlight. Amsterdam is the cycling capital of the world, flat, safe and laced with dedicated bike lanes, and there is no better way for a family to explore it than on two wheels (with child seats, tag-alongs or kids' bikes as needed). On a gentle guided ride you pedal along the canals, over the bridges and through the leafy Vondelpark, the city's beloved green playground, feeling the easy freedom that Dutch children grow up with. The fun and freedom are exhilarating for all ages.
- Windmills, clogs and cheese at Zaanse Schans bring Dutch traditions to life for children. At Zaanse Schans, a wonderfully preserved village of green wooden houses beside the river, the whole family can watch real windmills turn, their great sails creaking as they saw wood, grind spices and press oil, and step inside to see the giant gears at work. Children love the clog-making demonstration, where a block of wood becomes a wooden shoe in minutes, and the cheese farm where they can watch (and taste) cheese being made. The hands-on heritage is captivating for young and old.
- Drifting by boat through the car-free water village of Giethoorn is a magical family highlight. Giethoorn is one of the most enchanting villages in Europe, a place with almost no roads, where thatched cottages sit on their own little islands amid gardens and reeds, linked by more than a hundred wooden bridges and threaded by quiet canals. The family explores it by boat, and older children love taking a turn at steering a little electric 'whisper-boat', drifting past the flower gardens and mirror-still water, then crossing the humpbacked bridges on foot. The adventure and storybook beauty are magical for all ages.
- Hands-on museums and canal cruises make Amsterdam a joy for children. Amsterdam is full of fun for young explorers. The whole family loves a classic canal cruise, gliding past the tilting gabled houses, houseboats and countless bridges from the water. At the giant green NEMO Science Museum, children run wild among hands-on experiments, bubbles, chain reactions and a rooftop with city views, while the Rijksmuseum offers family trails and treasure hunts to make its masterpieces come alive. There is even a cat boat and pancake boats to discover. The fun and discovery are captivating.
- A traditional cheese market, where wheels are tossed and weighed, is a fun family highlight. Dutch cheese markets are wonderful, lively spectacles that children adore. At a traditional market such as Alkmaar or Edam, costumed cheese-porters in white outfits and coloured straw hats carry stacks of golden cheese wheels on wooden sledges, tossing and catching them, then weighing them on the old scales in a centuries-old ritual full of colour, bells and bustle. The family can taste creamy Gouda and Edam, watch the theatre and soak up the market-day atmosphere. The colour and fun are captivating.
- Above all, this journey offers a joyful, active and easy family holiday in the welcoming Netherlands. The Netherlands is one of the most family-friendly countries in the world, and this journey is designed to delight every age. Over seven days you cycle and cruise in Amsterdam, explore windmills, clogs and science museums, cheer at a cheese market and drift through the water village of Giethoorn, all fuelled by pancakes and stroopwafels and linked by easy, fun train rides. The combination of bikes, boats, windmills, hands-on discovery and a warm welcome makes the Netherlands wonderfully rewarding for families.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your family adventure begins as you arrive at Schiphol Airport and are met and transferred into Amsterdam, one of the most fun and welcoming capitals in Europe. Amsterdam is a place of glittering canals, tilting houses, bicycles everywhere and easygoing charm that children take to at once. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first gentle stroll along a canal, over a hump-backed bridge, or stopping for a plate of little Dutch pancakes or a warm stroopwafel. This evening, a family welcome dinner introduces everyone to the friendly flavours of the Netherlands and to the fun-filled days ahead among bikes, boats and windmills. As the whole family settles in, excitement builds. Rest well, ready to cruise and cycle through Amsterdam together tomorrow.
Today the whole family discovers Amsterdam the Dutch way, by water and on two wheels. You start with a classic canal cruise, gliding past the tilting gabled houses, houseboats and countless bridges, a relaxing and exciting way for children to see the city from the water. In the afternoon you take a gentle guided family bicycle ride (with child seats or kids' bikes as needed), pedalling along the canals, over the bridges and through the leafy Vondelpark, the city's beloved green playground, just like Dutch families do. There is time for ice cream and play in the park. The fun and freedom are captivating for all ages. As the day ends, you return to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a relaxed family dinner. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore windmills and science.
Today mixes classic Dutch heritage with hands-on fun. In the morning you visit Zaanse Schans, a storybook village of green wooden houses beside the river, where the family watches real windmills turn, their great sails creaking, and steps inside to see the giant gears; children love the clog-making demonstration, where a block of wood becomes a wooden shoe, and the cheese farm where they can taste as they watch. Back in Amsterdam, the afternoon is spent at the giant green NEMO Science Museum, where kids run wild among hands-on experiments, bubbles and chain reactions, with city views from the rooftop. The heritage and discovery are captivating. As the day ends, you head back to your hotel. This evening, enjoy pancakes for dinner. Rest well, for tomorrow you head to a cheese market and Giethoorn.
Today brings two Dutch delights the whole family will love. In the morning you visit a traditional cheese market, where costumed porters in white outfits and straw hats carry stacks of golden cheese wheels on wooden sledges, tossing, catching and weighing them in a centuries-old ritual full of colour and bustle, with plenty of tasting. You then journey to Giethoorn, the enchanting car-free water village, where thatched cottages sit on little islands linked by wooden bridges and quiet canals. The family explores by boat, and older children love steering a little whisper-boat past the flower gardens. The colour and adventure are magical. As the day ends, you settle into your village stay. This evening, dine in this dreamlike setting. Rest well amid the peace of Giethoorn.
Today you enjoy a final, unhurried morning in Giethoorn before heading to a lively, historic city. You take one more gentle boat ride or walk across the wooden bridges of the car-free village, past the thatched cottages and mirror-still canals, soaking up its storybook peace. Then you journey to Utrecht, one of the oldest and most delightful cities in the Netherlands, famous for its unique two-level canals, whose old wharves sit right at the water's edge and now brim with cafe terraces. The family can admire (or the energetic can climb) the soaring Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the country, and enjoy the buzzing, welcoming streets. The variety is captivating. As the day ends, you settle into your Utrecht hotel. This evening, dine on the wharf. Rest well in friendly Utrecht.
Today you enjoy the charm and fun of Utrecht at a relaxed, family pace. You explore the city's unique two-level canals, wandering the old wharves right at the water's edge, and can rent a little pedal-boat or canoe to paddle beneath the bridges, a favourite family adventure. You might visit the wonderful Miffy (Nijntje) Museum, dedicated to the beloved little rabbit created by Utrecht's own Dick Bruna and perfect for younger children, or the fascinating railway museum. There is time for ice cream on a sunny terrace and a stroll through the lively, welcoming streets. The fun and charm are captivating. As the day ends, you gather your happy memories of the journey. This evening, enjoy a farewell family dinner. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final morning together, perhaps a last canal stroll, a pedal-boat ride or one more stroopwafel, you are transferred to Schiphol Airport for your onward departure. The family leaves having enjoyed the very best of the Netherlands, cruising and cycling in Amsterdam, watching windmills turn and clogs being carved at Zaanse Schans, running wild at the NEMO Science Museum, cheering at a colourful cheese market, drifting through the water village of Giethoorn and paddling the canals of Utrecht, all in one of the friendliest, safest and most fun countries in the world. The images stay vivid long after you land, the bikes and boats, the turning windmills, the tossed cheese wheels and the thatched cottages on the water. The Netherlands offers fun, adventure and warmth for every age, and you depart already planning a return.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation, a family welcome dinner
- 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
- private family-friendly touring as per itinerary, an Amsterdam canal cruise, a gentle family bicycle ride, a Zaanse Schans windmills and clog excursion, NEMO Science Museum entry, a traditional cheese market visit, a Giethoorn boat experience, and all listed entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional experiences and tips for guides and drivers
- 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
Is the Netherlands a good destination for children?
The Netherlands is one of the best family destinations in the world, flat, safe, clean, superbly organised and endlessly welcoming to children. Canal boats, bicycles, windmills, cheese markets, hands-on science museums and car-free villages like Giethoorn are pure fun for kids, distances are short, trains are easy and reliable, and there are pancakes and stroopwafels everywhere. English is spoken universally, so there are no language barriers. We tailor the pace and activities to your children's ages, keeping every day fun, active and stress-free.
Can young children take part in the cycling?
Yes, cycling is at the heart of Dutch family life and we make it easy and safe for all ages. For younger children we arrange child seats, tag-along attachments or kids' bikes, and our gentle guided rides stay on the flat, traffic-calmed lanes and park paths for which the Netherlands is famous, away from busy roads. Parents comfortable on a bike will feel completely at ease, and we can also swap the ride for a boat or walk if you prefer. Helmets and all equipment can be provided.
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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