6 Days • 5 Nights
Netherlands Honeymoon: Canals, Tulips & Storybook Villages
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- A private canal cruise through candlelit Amsterdam is a beautifully romantic highlight for two. Amsterdam is at its most magical at golden hour and after dark, when its glittering ring of UNESCO canals, tilting gabled houses and countless bridges are reflected and lit in the still water. On a private boat, just the two of you, you glide along the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht with a glass in hand, watching the illuminated bridges, houseboats and cafe terraces drift by in the loveliest, most intimate way to see the city. The romance and beauty are utterly captivating.
- The fairytale water village of Giethoorn, explored by boat, is a magical highlight for two. Giethoorn is one of the most enchanting villages in Europe, a place with almost no roads, where centuries-old thatched cottages sit on their own little islands amid gardens and reeds, linked by more than a hundred graceful wooden footbridges and threaded by quiet canals. You explore it by silent electric 'whisper-boat', drifting past the flower-filled gardens and mirror-still water in blissful peace, and stroll the car-free paths hand in hand. The tranquillity and storybook beauty are magical.
- The great windmills of Kinderdijk, drifting past by boat, are a beautiful and iconic highlight for two. No image says the Netherlands like a windmill, and Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the most beautiful windmill landscape of all, where nineteen stately eighteenth-century windmills stand in a long row along the polders and canals, their great sails turning against the huge Dutch sky. You drift past them by boat and stroll the peaceful dyke-top paths together, stepping inside a working mill to see how a miller's family once lived. The heritage and beauty are captivating.
- Serene, blue-tiled Delft is a charming and romantic highlight for two. Tiny Delft is one of the most romantic little cities in the Netherlands, a place of tranquil, tree-lined canals, hump-backed bridges, a handsome market square between two great churches, and lanes rich with the legacy of Vermeer, who painted his luminous 'View of Delft' here. You wander hand in hand over the bridges, browse antique and design shops, and visit the historic Royal Delft workshop, where the famous blue-and-white pottery is still hand-painted by artisans. The charm and serenity are delightful.
- Candlelit dinners, cheese and chocolate tastings, and romantic hotels make this honeymoon a delight for two. Between the sights, this journey is filled with intimate pleasures, candlelit dinners in canal-side restaurants and cosy brown cafes, tastings of rich Dutch cheeses, chocolates and the beloved warm stroopwafel, and long, unhurried mornings over breakfast. You stay in characterful, romantic hotels chosen for two, from an elegant canal house in Amsterdam to a peaceful countryside retreat, each adding to the sense of escape. The romance, flavour and comfort are delightful. Savouring candlelit dinners, cheese and chocolate tastings and long, unhurried days together.
- Above all, this honeymoon offers the romance, beauty and charm of the Netherlands, an intimate escape for two. The Netherlands is quietly one of the most romantic countries in Europe, and this journey is designed for two. Over six days you glide candlelit Amsterdam by private boat, escape to the fairytale water village of Giethoorn, drift among the great windmills of Kinderdijk and wander blue-tiled Delft, savouring candlelit dinners, tastings and characterful romantic hotels throughout. The combination of glittering canals, storybook villages, iconic windmills, historic charm and unhurried intimacy makes the Netherlands utterly captivating for honeymooners.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your Netherlands honeymoon begins as you arrive at Schiphol Airport and are met and transferred to your elegant canal-house hotel in enchanting Amsterdam. Amsterdam is quietly one of the most romantic cities in Europe, a place of glittering canals, tilting gabled houses and easygoing charm, and its intimate atmosphere is felt at once. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing together, perhaps taking a first gentle stroll along a canal, over a flower-decked bridge, or into a cosy brown cafe for a first taste of Dutch 'gezelligheid'. This evening, a romantic welcome dinner introduces you to the city's cosmopolitan flavours and to the beautiful days ahead. As the charm of Amsterdam works its magic and you toast the start of married life, rest well, ready to discover the canal capital together tomorrow.
Today you discover romantic Amsterdam together at a gentle, unhurried pace. You wander the intimate Jordaan quarter hand in hand, with its hidden almshouse courtyards, flower-lined canals, boutiques and welcoming brown cafes, browse the floating flower market, and perhaps slip into a museum or a chocolate shop. In the afternoon you savour a cheese and chocolate tasting, discovering the rich flavours of the Netherlands. Then, as the light turns golden, you step aboard a private boat for an intimate evening canal cruise, just the two of you, gliding past illuminated bridges, tilting gabled houses and glittering water with a glass in hand. The romance is captivating. As the day ends, you dine canal-side. Rest well, for tomorrow you escape to the fairytale village of Giethoorn.
Today you leave the city for one of the most enchanting villages in Europe. You journey north to Giethoorn, the fairytale 'Venice of the North', a village with almost no roads, where centuries-old thatched cottages sit on their own little islands amid gardens and reeds, linked by more than a hundred graceful wooden footbridges and threaded by quiet canals. You explore it together by silent electric whisper-boat, drifting past flower-filled gardens and mirror-still water in blissful peace, and stroll the car-free paths hand in hand, perhaps pausing at a waterside terrace. The tranquillity and storybook beauty are magical. As the day ends, you settle into your peaceful village retreat, far from any traffic. This evening, savour a candlelit dinner in this dreamlike setting. Rest well amid the quiet, romantic beauty of Giethoorn.
Today you journey south through the classic Dutch landscape to a romantic little city. On the way you stop at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site where nineteen stately eighteenth-century windmills stand in a long row along the polders and canals, their sails turning against the vast Dutch sky. You drift past them by boat and stroll the peaceful dykes together, stepping inside a working mill. You continue to tiny, serene Delft, one of the most romantic little cities in the country, with its tranquil canals, hump-backed bridges and handsome market square. The windmills and charm are captivating. As the day ends, you check into your characterful Delft hotel. This evening, wander the softly lit lanes and dine together over the water. Rest well in beautiful, romantic Delft.
Today you savour serene, blue-tiled Delft at leisure. You wander hand in hand over the tranquil, tree-lined canals and hump-backed bridges, through the handsome market square between the New Church and Old Church, following the legacy of Vermeer, who painted his luminous 'View of Delft' here. You visit the historic Royal Delft workshop, watching artisans hand-paint the famous blue-and-white pottery, and browse the antique and design shops for a keepsake of your honeymoon. The afternoon is yours to relax together, perhaps over coffee and apple pie on a sunny terrace. The charm and serenity are delightful. As the day ends, you enjoy a special candlelit dinner celebrating your journey and your new life together. Rest well in romantic Delft, savouring your final evening in the Netherlands.
After a final, unhurried morning together, perhaps a last stroll over Delft's bridges or a coffee on the market square, you are transferred to Schiphol Airport for your onward departure. You leave having shared the very best of the romantic Netherlands, candlelit Amsterdam and its private evening cruise, the fairytale water village of Giethoorn, the great windmills of Kinderdijk and serene, blue-tiled Delft, along with cheese and chocolate tastings, candlelit dinners and characterful hotels chosen for two. The images stay vivid long after you land, the illuminated canals of Amsterdam, the thatched island cottages of Giethoorn, the turning windmills against the huge sky, and the quiet, tree-lined canals of Delft. The Netherlands offers romance, beauty and charm in abundance, and you depart, hand in hand, already dreaming of a return together.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation, a romantic welcome dinner and a special candlelit 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 touring and guiding as per itinerary, a private evening canal cruise in Amsterdam, a Giethoorn whisper-boat experience, a Kinderdijk windmills visit by boat, a Royal Delft blue-pottery visit, a cheese and chocolate tasting, 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 spa treatments 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
What kind of hotels do you use for the honeymoon?
We choose characterful, romantic hotels with two in mind, such as an elegant canal-house hotel in the heart of Amsterdam, a peaceful thatched or waterside retreat near Giethoorn, and a charming boutique hotel in old Delft. Where possible we arrange special touches like a canal-view room, flowers or a bottle of something chilled on arrival. We can also upgrade to five-star luxury or add a countryside spa stay. Just let us know your style and we will tailor the romance to you.
Is Giethoorn worth the journey from Amsterdam?
Absolutely, Giethoorn is one of the most magical and romantic places in the Netherlands and a highlight for honeymooners. This village of thatched island cottages, wooden bridges and quiet canals, with almost no roads, feels like stepping into a storybook, and drifting through it by silent whisper-boat, just the two of you, is unforgettable. Staying overnight lets you enjoy it in blissful peace after the day-trippers leave, when the village is at its most tranquil and beautiful. It is well worth the easy private transfer.
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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