10 day itinerary for Noord Holland

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam

Welcome to Noord Holland! Start your trip by exploring the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque canals, visit the famous Anne Frank House, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this beautiful city. Don't forget to try some delicious Dutch treats like stroopwafels and herring!

Day 2: Zaanse Schans and Volendam

Head out of the city and visit the charming village of Zaanse Schans, known for its well-preserved windmills and traditional Dutch houses. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the windmills and even see them in action. Afterward, make your way to the picturesque fishing village of Volendam, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and explore the quaint streets lined with colorful houses.

Day 3: Haarlem and Keukenhof Gardens

Spend the day in Haarlem, a historic city known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant art scene. Visit the stunning Grote Markt square, explore the Frans Hals Museum, and take a leisurely bike ride through the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon, make your way to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, where you can marvel at the breathtaking display of tulips and other spring flowers.

Day 4: Alkmaar and Cheese Market

Head to Alkmaar, a charming city known for its traditional cheese market. Witness the centuries-old tradition of weighing and trading cheese at the Waagplein square, and sample some of the delicious local cheeses. Afterward, explore the city's historic center, visit the Stedelijk Museum, and enjoy a leisurely canal cruise.

Day 5: Texel Island

Take a day trip to Texel Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the Wadden Sea. Explore the stunning beaches, go for a bike ride through the dunes, and visit the Ecomare nature reserve to learn about the local wildlife. Don't forget to try some fresh seafood at one of the island's charming restaurants.

Day 6: Hoorn and Enkhuizen

Visit the historic towns of Hoorn and Enkhuizen, both known for their rich maritime history. Explore the well-preserved old town of Hoorn, visit the Westfries Museum, and take a boat tour on the IJsselmeer. In Enkhuizen, visit the Zuiderzee Museum to learn about the region's maritime heritage and explore the charming streets lined with traditional Dutch houses.

Day 7: Amsterdam Museums

Spend the day exploring some of Amsterdam's world-class museums. Visit the Van Gogh Museum to admire the works of the famous Dutch painter, explore the Rijksmuseum to see masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, and visit the Anne Frank House to learn about the life of the young Jewish girl during World War II.

Day 8: Haarlem Beaches

Take a break from the city and head to the beautiful beaches of Haarlem. Relax on the sandy shores, go for a swim in the North Sea, and enjoy a picnic with stunning views. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at kitesurfing or windsurfing.

Day 9: Aalsmeer Flower Auction and Amsterdam Canals

Start your day early and visit the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the largest flower auction in the world. Witness the hustle and bustle of the auction floor as millions of flowers are traded daily. In the afternoon, return to Amsterdam and take a relaxing canal cruise to see the city from a different perspective. Enjoy the picturesque views and learn about the history of the canals.

Day 10: Amsterdam Parks and Farewell

On your last day, take a leisurely stroll through some of Amsterdam's beautiful parks, such as Vondelpark or Westerpark. Enjoy the lush greenery, rent a bike, and have a picnic to soak up the last moments of your trip. Say farewell to Noord Holland with a delicious Dutch dinner and reflect on the wonderful memories you've made during your 10-day adventure.