Best of the Netherlands

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Amsterdam on your own with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Amsterdam on your own with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (D)

For centuries, this tiny nation of seafaring traders played a leading role in world history. It reclaimed 40% of its territory from the sea and produces a healthy agricultural surplus amid Europe’s most densely populated area—yet Holland manages to remain quaint and scenic. Your day begins with a canal cruise to see Amsterdam from water level, and the visit of a diamond center, watching skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones. Enjoy the afternoon exploring on your own, perhaps by browsing one of the many marvelous museums or looking both ways in the city where bicycles outnumber cars by four times!AMSTERDAM For centuries, this tiny nation of seafaring traders played a leading role in world history. It reclaimed 40% of its territory from the sea and produces a healthy agricultural surplus amid Europe’s most densely populated area—yet Holland manages to remain quaint and scenic. Your day begins with a canal cruise to see Amsterdam from water level, and the visit of a diamond center, watching skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones. Enjoy the afternoon exploring on your own, perhaps by browsing one of the many marvelous museums or looking both ways in the city where bicycles outnumber cars by four times! (B)

Begin your day with a visit to the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction or, during the tulip blooming season, see some of the 7 million flowers planted annually at the world-famous Keukenhof—one of the world’s largest flower gardens (departures April 5 to May 3 and weather permitting). Continue to historic Delft to visit the famous Royal Delft pottery factory. See how this exquisite pottery is made, and marvel at the magnificent collection of hand-painted earthenware. Continue to Rotterdam, the world’s busiest port, to marvel at the city’s futuristic architecture during your sightseeing with a Local Guide.Today’s Distance: 99 mi/ 160 kmAMSTERDAM–AALSMEER/KEUKENHOF–DELFT–ROTTERDAM Begin your day with a visit to the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction or, during the tulip blooming season, see some of the 7 million flowers planted annually at the world-famous Keukenhof—one of the world’s largest flower gardens (departures April 5 to May 3 and weather permitting). Continue to historic Delft to visit the famous Royal Delft pottery factory. See how this exquisite pottery is made, and marvel at the magnificent collection of hand-painted earthenware. Continue to Rotterdam, the world’s busiest port, to marvel at the city’s futuristic architecture during your sightseeing with a Local Guide.Today’s Distance: 99 mi/ 160 km (B)

Arrive in Gouda, renowned for its cheese! Stroll around the picturesque narrow streets to the medieval Market Square, see the Gothic-style Town Hall with its red and white shutters and the Goudse Waag used for cheese weighing in the 17th-century. Then, enjoy your interactive cheese experience. Next, is Arnhem, site of the WWII Battle of Arnhem, where you will see John Frost Bridge, named after the commander of the British forces that held the bridge for four days. Enjoy time on your own to do some independent exploring.Today’s Distance: 71 mi/ 115 kmROTTERDAM–GOUDA–ARNHEM Arrive in Gouda, renowned for its cheese! Stroll around the picturesque narrow streets to the medieval Market Square, see the Gothic-style Town Hall with its red and white shutters and the Goudse Waag used for cheese weighing in the 17th-century. Then, enjoy your interactive cheese experience. Next, is Arnhem, site of the WWII Battle of Arnhem, where you will see John Frost Bridge, named after the commander of the British forces that held the bridge for four days. Enjoy time on your own to do some independent exploring.Today’s Distance: 71 mi/ 115 km (B,D)

This morning, head for the village of Giethoorn, built on canals for a more quaint version of Venice or Amsterdam. Discover the idyllic storybook scenes while floating on an optional canal cruise, then flip for delicious Dutch pancakes as a light lunch. Continue to Groningen and spend some time exploring this important trade hub of the 13th century but hailed today as the “World Cycling City.” In fact, its center is entirely pedestrianized and boasts a dense network of cycle paths that make the city one of the most bike-friendly in the Netherlands. Today’s Distance: 118 mi/ 190 kmARNHEM–GIETHOORN–GRONINGEN This morning, head for the village of Giethoorn, built on canals for a more quaint version of Venice or Amsterdam. Discover the idyllic storybook scenes while floating on an optional canal cruise, then flip for delicious Dutch pancakes as a light lunch. Continue to Groningen and spend some time exploring this important trade hub of the 13th century but hailed today as the “World Cycling City.” In fact, its center is entirely pedestrianized and boasts a dense network of cycle paths that make the city one of the most bike-friendly in the Netherlands. Today’s Distance: 118 mi/ 190 km (B)

Cross over the 19-mile Barrier Dam, which is part of an incredible system of 1,200 miles of dikes, dams, and dunes built over the last 900 years to protect the part of the Netherlands that is below sea level. Visit a wooden clog workshop in Zaanse Schans. Continue to the fishing village of Volendam, then arrive back in Amsterdam and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Today’s Distance: 137 mi/ 220 kmGRONINGEN–ZAANSE SCHANS–VOLENDAM–AMSTERDAM Cross over the 19-mile Barrier Dam, which is part of an incredible system of 1,200 miles of dikes, dams, and dunes built over the last 900 years to protect the part of the Netherlands that is below sea level. Visit a wooden clog workshop in Zaanse Schans. Continue to the fishing village of Volendam, then arrive back in Amsterdam and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Today’s Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km (B,D)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.AMSTERDAM Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)