Welcome to the picture-perfect city of Amsterdam, buzzing with bicycles and boats. Every alley leads to another cosy bruin café and the canals are more plentiful than in Venice. Delve into the gezelligheid of Amsterdam during a city orientation – to see its beautifully preserved medieval buildings and tree-lined canals. Then, enjoy a Welcome Reception and laid-back city cruise along the winding canals, soaking up the alluring setting as you enjoy a light meal.

This morning, we Dive Into Culture and enjoy a Small Group Sightseeing tour of the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city your way. Visit the floating flower market or stroll along the canals to admire Amsterdam's pretty gabled façades. End your day with delicious local flavours at one of the city's many cosy restaurants. However you choose to spend your day, you’re in for a gezellig time in one of Europe’s most charming capitals.

Take a trip back in time to discover the centuries-old traditions of Holland today. First we will visit the pretty town of Haarlem and discover its sights and stories on a walking tour with a Local Specialist. Next we will continue to historic Zaanse Schans and Dive Into Culture as we discover the art of carving traditional wooden clogs. Learn about the Zuiderzee and the incredible story of the Dutch battle against the encroaching sea to reclaim the land as we travel on to the fishing village of Volendam on the shores of the IJsselmeer. Here we will meet the miller of Katwoude for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to learn about the important role windmills play in managing rising water levels in the Netherlands. Investigate the inner-workings of one of the country’s iconic windmills before visiting a nearby farm for a taste of delicious Dutch cheeses. This evening, we Connect With Locals to enjoy a wonderful home-cooked dinner with the Pauw family during an exclusive Be My Guest experience.

Explore Amsterdam your way today. Don your most comfortable shoes, as this is a city for walking. Spend the day discovering Amsterdam’s elaborate canal system and admire the centuries-old gabled homes that jostle for positions overlooking the water. Relax in a leafy plein and enjoy a crisp pils as you watch the busy Amsterdammers go about their business. You could choose to brave the city streets like the locals by bicycle. Pedal along tree-lined canals and over bridges for a closer look at some of the city’s great highlights like the Westerkerk, tranquil Jordaan and Vondelpark.

The aroma of delicious Dutch cheese will delight our senses today. Seemingly frozen in time with its beautiful 15th-century town hall and medieval cheese weighing station, Gouda’s status as a cheese trading town dates back to the Middle Ages. Dive Into Culture and witness this proud tradition first-hand in the town’s quaint market square, before spending the rest of the day at leisure (Please note, when the Keukenhof gardens are open, an excursion to see the tulip fields will be included instead of the visit to Gouda). Returning to Amsterdam this evening, you’ll be treated to a superb Farewell Dinner in the heart of the city.

The time has come to bid tot ziens to the magnificent city and your fellow travellers after an enjoyable encounter with Amsterdam and the surrounding Dutch countryside. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.