7 day itinerary for The Netherlands

Itinerary

A week in the Netherlands sounds like a fantastic adventure! Starting and ending in Weeze gives you a great base to explore the beautiful Dutch landscapes, charming cities, and rich culture. Let’s dive into an ideal 7-day itinerary!

## Day 1: Arrival in Weeze and Explore Nijmegen

• Morning: Arrive in Weeze and pick up your rental car or hop on a train to Nijmegen, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. It’s just about a 30-minute drive or a short train ride away.
• Afternoon: Stroll through the historic city center. Don’t miss the Valkhof Museum, which showcases Roman history and modern art. Grab lunch at a cozy café in the city square.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional Dutch dishes like stamppot or poffertjes. If you’re up for it, take a walk along the Waal River for a lovely sunset view.

## Day 2: Utrecht – The Heart of the Netherlands

• Morning: After breakfast, head to Utrecht (about an hour’s drive). Start your day at the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. Climb the 465 steps for a stunning view of the city!
• Afternoon: Explore the picturesque canals and grab lunch at one of the many waterside cafés. Visit the Centraal Museum to learn about Utrecht’s art and history.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the vibrant neighborhood of Lombok, known for its diverse cuisine. Try some Indonesian food, a popular choice in the Netherlands!

## Day 3: Amsterdam – The Capital City

• Morning: Drive to Amsterdam (about 30 minutes from Utrecht). Start your day at the Anne Frank House to learn about this poignant piece of history. Be sure to book tickets in advance!
• Afternoon: Explore the Jordaan district, known for its narrow streets, independent art galleries, and quirky shops. Grab lunch at a local café and then visit the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum.
• Evening: Take a canal cruise to see the city from the water. Afterward, enjoy dinner in the lively Leidseplein area, where you can find a variety of restaurants and bars.

## Day 4: Zaanse Schans and Volendam

• Morning: Head to Zaanse Schans (about 20 minutes from Amsterdam), a picturesque village famous for its traditional windmills and wooden houses. Explore the area and visit a cheese factory!
• Afternoon: Drive to Volendam (about 30 minutes), a charming fishing village. Stroll along the harbor, try some fresh herring, and visit the local shops. Don’t forget to take a picture in traditional Dutch attire!
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant overlooking the water. Try the kibbeling (battered fish) for a true local experience.

## Day 5: Haarlem and Keukenhof (if in season)

• Morning: Drive to Haarlem (about 30 minutes). Visit the stunning Grote Kerk and explore the quaint streets filled with shops and cafés.
• Afternoon: If you’re visiting in spring (mid-March to mid-May), make a trip to Keukenhof Gardens to see the breathtaking tulip displays. If not, consider visiting the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem.
• Evening: Have dinner in Haarlem, perhaps at a local brewery. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and try some local beers!

## Day 6: The Hague and Scheveningen Beach

• Morning: Head to The Hague (about 45 minutes from Haarlem). Visit the Mauritshuis to see masterpieces by Vermeer and Rembrandt.
• Afternoon: Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Palace Noordeinde and then head to Scheveningen Beach for some relaxation. Grab lunch at a beachside café.
• Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner while watching the sunset. Try some fresh seafood or a classic Dutch pancake!

## Day 7: Return to Weeze via Roermond

• Morning: Start your journey back to Weeze, but make a stop in Roermond (about 1.5 hours from The Hague). Explore the charming town center and visit the Designer Outlet for some shopping.
• Afternoon: Have lunch in Roermond and take a leisurely stroll along the Maas River.
• Evening: Head back to Weeze, reflecting on your wonderful week in the Netherlands. If you have time, enjoy a final dinner in Weeze before your trip ends!

Tips:

• Transportation: Renting a car is a great option for flexibility, but trains are also efficient and comfortable.
• Accommodation: Consider staying in central locations in each city for easy access to attractions.
• Weather: The Netherlands can be rainy, so pack an umbrella and dress in layers!

I hope this itinerary helps you have an amazing week in the Netherlands! Enjoy every moment of your adventure! 🌷🚲