Explore the Netherlands: Must-See Tours and Activities
The beautifully laid landscapes, historical treasures and deeply enriched culture are what most of the people know about the Netherlands. It abounds in tours and activities, regardless of whatever kind of traveler you are: be it a history maniac or just a culture lover. It doesn't matter whether you travel with kids: the Netherlands is sure to have something special for you. Here are some tours and activities that you should not miss for an adventure in Dutchland. Find more inspiration at https://www.hellotickets.nl when booking your excursions.
Historical Landmarks: Dive into Dutch History
The Netherlands is steeped in history, with landmarks that tell the stories of its past. When people start talking about historical icons in the Netherlands, the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is often on that list. Her hiding location during the Second World War now serves as a museum, the host for respectful memories of what horrors war can bring and the indomitable spirit of human beings. Booking a guided tour can make your experience even more detailed and broader.
Another place to visit in Amsterdam that has a big historical value is the Rijksmuseum. This particular museum hosts great works from the Dutch Golden Age, with among them various masterpieces of Rembrandt and Vermeer. The guided tour will help you in finding out the complex details and the history that lies deep within the paintings.
In The Hague, in the Binnenhof, a look into the political history of the Netherlands can be obtained at the Ridderzaal. Although for many important decisions nowadays this roof or its surroundings serve well, for centuries this is where the center of Dutch politics has been. Guided tours inform about the exciting development of the country's politics.
Cultural Experiences: Embrace Local Traditions
Netherlands is a country full of cultural traditions. To get a public view of what Dutch culture is, there's no place to go in the world except Keukenhof Gardens. They often call Keukenhof the Garden of Europe—one of the most important gardens of flowers with an amazing display of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. If you come here in the springtime when the flowers are yet in full bloom, then you're definitely in for quite an amazing treat.
For a taste of traditional Dutch life, a trip to the Zaanse Schans is a must. It's a quick trip to a living museum just outside of Amsterdam, showing off the workable windmills, wooden houses and shops. The works of traditional crafts—clog-making and cheese production—are also introduced into tourism. Guided tours do give historical context for visitors while finally showing how a classic Dutch windmill works up close.
Do not miss the chance to visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. This glorious museum exhibits the largest number of paintings and drawings by Vincent van Gogh. A guided tour of the museum could provide a visitor with more insight into the life and artistic journey of Van Gogh than would be possible without one.
Scenic Canal Tours: Discover Amsterdam from the Water
Amsterdam is a city of beauty and one can find UNESCO World Heritage site canals in this city. A great way to get to know the city is through a canal tour; many options range from sailing on open-air boats to cruising in luxury dinner boats.
Enjoy views of the city's famous landmarks during the day. Glide past historic buildings, charming houseboats and iconic bridges while listening to anecdotes about the city's past and its unique architecture.
Perhaps, for an affair of the heart spiced up a bit, a cruise during sunset or evening would be very nice. As the sun sets, the city lights will be switched on all around you; it's really beautiful. Most of the evening cruises combine dinner with cruising along the magnificent lighted canals.
Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Besides large cities and popular sights, in the Netherlands, there are a lot of hidden pearls. One of them is the Hoge Veluwe National Park: a spacious park, that is just the right place for cycling or hiking. The landscapes vary widely, from dense forests to dunes. In the park is also the Kröller-Müller Museum with a big collection of works by Van Gogh.
A perfect off-the-beaten-path destination would be the village of Giethoorn, highly publicized and marketed as the "Venice of the North." This is a very quiet, really off-the-beaten-path place with no industry, shops, or even small grocery stores, located inside a circle of canals, thatched roofs and wood footbridges. One can traverse through this village through an outboard on the waterway or just walking or on a bicycle, soaking in the serene beauty it emits.
For that special adventure on an island, one should go to Texel on the Wadden Sea. Texel is equipped with the beauty of the beaches, scenic biking routes and nature reserves teeming with life. It is also the home of the Ecomare Seal Sanctuary, where marine conservation efforts can be learned about.
Truly, the Netherlands is a well-experienced country. It spoils every single person out there with its historic richness, lively culture, panoramic views and activities fit for the whole family. And all that be it that you are visiting the icon highlights or digging into hidden treasures, this will surely be an experience in the Netherlands. So let's pack the bags, book the tours and get ready for a full trip of great moments in this amazing country.