Day 3 (5 April 2015, Sunday): Amsterdam City Tour
Spend the night in Amsterdam
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About:
Amsterdam began building its famous canals in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. The three main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht form concentric belts around the city, known as the grachtengordel. Today there are over 100 km (60 miles) of canals and 1,500 bridges. Alongside the main canals are 1550 monumental buildings.
Day 4 (6 April 2015, Monday): Keukenhof - Leiden - The Hague - Delft - Kinderdijk
Spend the night in Kinderdijck
Keukenhof Garden
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About:
Keukenhof Gardens is the world’s largest flower garden, and actually a promotion for the Dutch flower industry. Approximately seven million flower bulbs are planted annually in the park with not only tulips, but also hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers on display. The gardens are open from the last week in March to mid-May. Keukenhof is one of the most visit tourist attractions in the Netherlands.
Details:
About 36 km from Amsterdam. 41 minutes from Amsterdam.
Leiden Canal
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About:
Leiden is known for the oldest university in the Netherlands, the birthplace of Rembrandt and its beautiful canals. The two branches of the Old Rhine enter Leiden on the east and unite in the city center which also contains several smaller canals. The old center of Leiden is one of the largest 17th century town centers in the Netherlands, second only to Amsterdam.
Details:
20 km from Keukenhof. Half an hour from Keukenhof.
The Hague
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About:
Best known for the contemporary art exhibits at the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag and the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, The Hague is arguably one of the most extraordinary places to visit in the Netherlands. Known as the Royal City by the Sea due to its Dutch Royalty citizens, visitors often enjoy spending time along the North Sea in the warmer months at the sea town of Scheveningen. Several notable monuments and historic districts are easily traversable in The Hague, and travelers can peruse the luxury department stores, cozy shops, and international art galleries with ease. The Binnenhof, the seat of the government of the Netherlands is also located in The Hague even though Amsterdam is the capital. Other attractions in The Hague include the miniature city, Madurodam and a 360 degree panoramic view of the Scheveningen Sea in the 19th century at Panorama Mesdag.
Details:
About 20 km from Leiden. Half an hour from Leiden.
Delft
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About:
From the Renaissance style City Hall building on the Markt Square to the city’s traditional Holland canals, architecture, and vibe, Delft is a progressive town that has worked diligently to restore its antiquated appearance. This unspoiled town is an ideal day trip destination or vacation destination if the busy streets of Amsterdam are undesirable for a long stay. Popular sites include The Prinsenhof, where the bullet holes still remain from the death of William of Orange. This museum tells the tale of the Eighty Years’ War and also features many intriguing artworks. Those looking for a Johannes Vermeer souvenir or print cannot miss stopping by Vermeer Centrum in Delft.
Details:
20 km from The Hague. Half an hour one way.
Kinderdijk
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About:
More than 1.000 old windmills still exist in the Netherlands. The largest concentration of Dutch windmills can be found near the village of Kinderdijk (“Children’s dike”). To drain the excess water from the polders, which are situated below sea-levels, 19 windmills were built around 1740. They have been well preserved to the present day and are now popular tourist attractions in the Netherlands. Nice place to end the day by watching sunset. A UNESCO site since 1997.
Details:
45 km from Delft. 40 minutes one way.
Spend a night nearby Kinderdijk.
Day 5 (7 April 2015): Kinderdijk - Maastricht
Details:
200 km from Kinderdijk. 2 hours from Kinderdijk.
Spend a night here. Return car here.
Day 5 (7 April 2015): Kinderdijk - Maastricht
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About:
Best known for its dynamic city square, the Vrijthof, Maastricht in southern Holland is home to the impressive Saint Servatius Church, the Saint Jan’s Cathedral, and the old fortifications, or Vestigingswerkens, are huge draws for visitors here. Many annual festivals take place at the Vrijthof, with local favorites arriving in autumn and winter, and this bustling town square also boasts amazing cafes, hip bars, and interesting galleries and shops. Other popular attractions in Maastricht include the St. Pietersberg Caves and the Helpoort, the oldest surviving town gate of its kind in the Netherlands.
Details:
200 km from Kinderdijk. 2 hours from Kinderdijk.
Spend a night here. Return car here.
