7 day itinerary for Netherlands

Itinerary

A week in the Netherlands sounds like a fantastic adventure, especially for a couple on the go. Let’s pack in some culture, history, and stunning scenery while keeping that fast pace you love. Here’s a lively itinerary for your 7-day trip:

## Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam

• Morning: Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel. Grab a quick breakfast at a local café—try some Dutch pancakes!
• Midday: Head to the Rijksmuseum to admire masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the iconic “I Amsterdam” sign!
• Afternoon: Stroll through the Vondelpark for a leisurely walk, then visit the Van Gogh Museum to see the largest collection of his works.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a cozy canal-side restaurant. Afterward, take a romantic evening canal cruise to see the city lights.

## Day 2: Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans and Volendam

• Morning: Take a short train ride to Zaanse Schans. Explore the windmills, traditional wooden houses, and cheese-making demonstrations.
• Midday: Grab a quick lunch at a local café in Zaanse Schans, then hop on a bus to Volendam.
• Afternoon: Stroll along the picturesque harbor of Volendam, and don’t miss trying some fresh herring or a traditional Dutch snack.
• Evening: Return to Amsterdam and enjoy a night out in the Jordaan district, known for its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere.

## Day 3: Utrecht and The Hague

• Morning: Take a train to Utrecht. Explore the beautiful canals and visit the Dom Tower for stunning views of the city.
• Midday: Have lunch at one of the canal-side terraces. Try a local specialty like “Utrechtsche Kruidcake.”
• Afternoon: Head to The Hague (about 30 minutes by train). Visit the Mauritshuis to see Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and stroll through the Binnenhof.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in The Hague, then take a leisurely walk along the beach at Scheveningen if time allows.

## Day 4: Delft and Rotterdam

• Morning: Travel to Delft (about 15 minutes from The Hague). Explore the charming old town and visit the Royal Delft pottery factory.
• Midday: Have lunch in Delft, perhaps at a café with a view of the market square.
• Afternoon: Head to Rotterdam (about 15 minutes by train). Marvel at the modern architecture, including the Cube Houses and the Erasmus Bridge.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of Rotterdam’s trendy restaurants, then take a stroll along the waterfront.

## Day 5: Kinderdijk and Gouda

• Morning: Take a train to Kinderdijk (about 30 minutes from Rotterdam). Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with its iconic windmills.
• Midday: Have a picnic lunch by the windmills or grab a bite at a nearby café.
• Afternoon: Head to Gouda (about 30 minutes by bus). Visit the famous Gouda Cheese Market (if it’s Thursday) and explore the charming town center.
• Evening: Enjoy a cheese-themed dinner in Gouda before heading back to Rotterdam for the night.

## Day 6: Haarlem and Keukenhof (or Lisse)

• Morning: Travel to Haarlem (about 15 minutes from Amsterdam). Visit the Frans Hals Museum and explore the quaint streets.
• Midday: Have lunch at a local café, then head to Keukenhof (if it’s spring) or Lisse for beautiful flower fields.
• Afternoon: Spend the afternoon wandering through the stunning gardens or fields, taking in the vibrant colors.
• Evening: Return to Amsterdam for dinner and perhaps catch a show at the Concertgebouw if you’re in the mood for some classical music.

## Day 7: Amsterdam and Departure

• Morning: Spend your last morning in Amsterdam. Visit the Anne Frank House (be sure to book tickets in advance!) and take a leisurely stroll through the Nine Streets for some last-minute shopping.
• Midday: Enjoy a farewell lunch at a café with a view of the canals.
• Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit the NDSM Wharf for some street art and a unique vibe.
• Evening: Head to the airport for your departure, filled with wonderful memories of your whirlwind tour of the Netherlands!

And there you have it! A week packed with adventure, romance, and a taste of Dutch culture. Enjoy your trip! 🌷✈️