7D6N Best of the Netherlands (4820)

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Amsterdam on your own. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

For centuries, this tiny nation of seafaring traders played a leading role in world history. It reclaimed 40% of its territory from the sea, and produces a healthy agricultural surplus in the midst of Europe's most densely populated area-yet Holland manages to remain quaint and scenic. Your day begins with a canal cruise to see Amsterdam from water level. Complete the experience watching skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones at a diamond centre, and follow a Local Guide who will point out Amsterdam's highlights on the included city tour. Enjoy time this afternoon to explore on your own or attend an optional traditional Dutch dinner.

Begin your day with a visit to the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction or, when the tulips bloom, see some of the 7 million flowers planted annually at the worldfamous Keukenhof-one of the world's largest flower gardens (departures 2 Apr to 30 Apr 2022; 1 Apr to 20 Apr 2023 and weather permitting). Continue to historic Delft to visit the famous Royal Delft pottery factory. See how this exquisite pottery is made, and marvel at the magnificent collection of hand-painted earthenware. Continue on to Rotterdam, the world's busiest port, to marvel at the city's futuristic architecture during your sightseeing with a Local Guide.

Arrive in Gouda, renowned for its cheese! Stroll around the picturesque narrow streets to the medieval Market Square, see the Gothic-style Town Hall with its red and white shutters and the Goudse Waag used for cheese weighing in the 17th-century. Then, enjoy your interactive cheese experience. Next, is Arnhem, site of the WWII Battle of Arnhem, where you will see John Frost Bridge, named after the commander of the British forces that held the bridge for four days. Enjoy time on your own to do some independent exploring.

This morning, head for the village of Giethoorn, built on canals but quainter than cities like Venice or Amsterdam. Spend the night in the provincial capital of Groningen.

Explore Groningen this morning, an important trade centre in the 13th century hailed today as the "World Cycling City." Cross over the 19-mile Barrier Dam, which is part of an incredible system of 1,200 miles of dikes, dams, and dunes built over the last 900 years to protect the part of Holland that is below sea level. Visit a wooden clog workshop in Zaanse Schans. Continue to the fishing village of Volendam, then arrive back in Amsterdam and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.