Amsterdam Explorer
6 Days from $1,758 per person
Wander through the city's labyrinthine streets, the smell of pancakes and spicy speculaas coffee lingers as you dodge the swarm of bicycles that pound the city's cobbled lanes.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Overview
Wander through the city's labyrinthine streets, the smell of pancakes and spicy speculaas coffee lingers as you dodge the swarm of bicycles that pound the city's cobbled lanes.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
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Day 1: Arrive Amsterdam (5 Nights)
Welcome to the picture-perfect city of Amsterdam, a charming city buzzing with bicycles and boats. On arrival at Amsterdam Airport transfers will operate at 9 am, 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Every alley leads to another cozy 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 laidback city cruise along the winding canals, soaking up the alluring setting as you enjoy a light meal.
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Day 2: Amsterdam Sightseeing including the Rijksmuseum
This morning, we enjoy a Small Group Sightseeing tour of the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces of Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer. Spend the rest of the day on your own. End your day with delicious local flavors at one of the city's many cozy restaurants.
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Day 3: Amsterdam – Excursion to Haarlem, Volendam and Zaanse Schans
Take a trip back in time to discover the centuries-old traditions of Holland stopping in the pretty town of Haarlem. We join a Local Specialist this morning for a visit to the Corrie ten Boom House and Museum. Learn how this watchmaker helped countless Jews escape Nazi prosecution during World War II, which would ultimately lead to her arrest. Dive into culture and visit Zaanse Schans to sample delicious Dutch cheeses and investigate the inner-workings of one of the country's many windmills. Along the way, you'll learn about the Zuiderzee, and its incredible story of land reclamation and battle against the encroaching sea. We travel to the fishing village of Volendam on the shores of the IJsselmeer, our gateway into a Holland of yesteryear. This evening, we join some of our local friends on a farm and indulge in a meal of authentic Dutch delicacies.
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Day 4: Amsterdam – Excursion to The Hague, Delft, Rotterdam and Kinderdijk
This morning, we travel to the stately capital of The Hague and the heart of Dutch politics, where we will learn about the International Court of Justice, housed within the beautifully designed Peace Palace. The pretty blue and white pottery of Delft takes center stage next as we dive into culture during an exclusive tour with a Local Specialist to the factory that produces these delicate pieces. Our next stop is edgy Rotterdam, which was almost completely rebuilt after World War II. Ascend the iconic Euromast Tower for spectacular panoramic views of the world's largest port city before returning to Amsterdam, via Kinderdijk, to see the stunning views of a series of 18th-century windmills. Get a real taste of the city with our exclusive Eatwith Optional Experience and share delicious traditional flavors with a local family in their home.
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Day 5: Amsterdam – Excursion to Gouda (Keukenhof excursion included during Tulip Season as an alternative to Gouda)
The powerful aroma of delicious Dutch cheese will infuse 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 firsthand in the town's beautiful Market Square, before spending the rest of the day at leisure (Please note, during the opening of Keukenhof, 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.
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Day 6: Depart Amsterdam
The time has come to bid tot ziens to the magnificent city and your fellow travelers after an enjoyable encounter with Amsterdam and the surrounding Dutch countryside. Return transfers will arrive at Amsterdam Airport at 8 am and 10 am. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
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Keukenhof
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Keukenhof |
28 Apr 19 | 3 May 19 |
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$1,995pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Call 1-877-622-9109 | |
| 19 May 19 | 24 May 19 |
|
$1,995$1,758pp | SAVE: $237Promo Code: PPLMDE571AARP members save an additional $100 | Call 1-877-622-9109 Book Now | ||
| 9 Jun 19 | 14 Jun 19 |
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$2,015pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 7 Jul 19 | 12 Jul 19 |
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$1,915pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 21 Jul 19 | 26 Jul 19 |
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$1,915pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 22 Sep 19 | 27 Sep 19 |
|
$1,995pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
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Keukenhof: This departure includes admission to Keukenhof gardens in Lisse.
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a room.
Single Room Supplement: from $490 per person
Triple Room Discount: $110 per person
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver, $58 per person
Shared Rooming: Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Airport Transfers: On arrival at Amsterdam Airport transfers will operate at 9 am, 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Amsterdam Airport at 8 am and 10 am.
Luggage & Porterage: Guests should not take any more than 50 pounds in their luggage as the Netherlands' government has approved a new law for health and safety regulations that restricts employees from carrying any luggage heavier than 50 pounds. Guests would need to carry their own luggage if it exceeds this limit.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
8 meals: 5 Buffet Breakfasts, 3 Dinners.
Insider Experiences
Dive into Culture
- A Dutch dining experience at a cheese farm where you will also gain an insight into the making of traditional wooden clogs
- Visit a working Dutch Windmill and see the inner workings of the machinery responsible for helping to reclaim the Netherlands from the sea
- Visit the Delft Pottery factory for a look at the creation of this renowned, hand painted, porcelain
- Visit the historical cheese market of Gouda and witness the proud tradition which has made it a cheese trading town since the middle ages
Sightseeing Experiences
- Orientation in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam
- Tickets for Keukenhof Tulip Bulb fields are included during the flowering season as an alternative to Gouda (April until mid-May)
- Cruise of Amsterdam's canals
- Visit the Rijksmuseum, Corrie ten Boom House and Museum in Haarlem, Zaanse Schans, Volendam, The Hague, Delft, Kinderdijk, Gouda
- Small Group Sightseeing guided visit to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam with a group size of no more than 25 guests
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Amsterdam
Dutch Countryside Bicycle Ride with a Local
The Netherlands is well known for being the perfect country to go for a bike ride. We'll leave the hectic city behind and cycle into the beautiful and green nature reserve called “Waterland”. Our Local Specialist will take us through centuries-old picturesque villages with typical wooden houses. We'll cross wooden bridges, pass brooks and green pastures and ride along the Ijsselmeer. Comfortable bicycles, helmets and refreshment in a typical Dutch Café are provided. The best way to experience Holland!
Adult Price: €52
Hidden Amsterdam
Still in use by the Dutch Royal Family, The Royal Palace in Amsterdam was built in 1648. Originally serving as the Town Hall, it was also a Napoleonic Palace before its current role. Its rich history and the interior of this magnificent building in the heart of Amsterdam make this a must see.
Adult Price: €43
Van Loon Museum
In the heart of the canal district lies Museum Van Loon, a magnificent private residence built in 1672. The former residence of the artist Ferdinand Bol, the 18th century interior still evokes the splendour of the Golden Age. We’ll discover the large collection of paintings, fine furniture, precious silver and porcelain from several centuries. A short walking tour in the heart of the city will then take us to the Beguinage (Begijnhof), a hidden courtyard where extremely pious women lived for almost 700 years. This glimpse behind the façades of Amsterdam's world-famous canals is highly recommended.
Adult Price: €40
Holland's Favorite Foods
Nibble your way through Amsterdam's international dining scene on a tasting tour led by a local specialist. Learn about the international flavors that have influenced Dutch cuisine, while grabbing bites at a cheese shop, beer garden and family restaurant. Savour handpicked local delicacies including artisanal cheeses, a sweet ‘stroopwafel’ and the best fish in town. We'll wash them all down with a beer or jenever.
Adult Price: €62
Muiderslot, A Genuine Castle
We'll take a short drive to imposing Muiderslot Castle, which will give us a real taste of Dutch history. It's part of Amsterdam's Defence Line and is UNESCO World Heritage Listed. During your guided tour, through rooms refurbished in 17th-century style, you'll imagine yourself in a Rembrandt painting as it evokes the period when Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, known as the "Dutch Shakespeare," occupied the castle. We'll also enjoy a garden tour and a refreshment in a typical Dutch Inn is included.
Adult Price: €56
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
U.S. citizens traveling to the Netherlands and Belgium must have a current passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering these countries.
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Currency
The currency in the Netherlands and Belgium is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive in Europe, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in the Netherlands and Belgium. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress, as well as comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket with a hood. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
