A Self-Drive Tour of the Netherlands in Spring

Holland’s is Europe’s biggest uninterrupted garden and its greatest joyride, mingling psychedelic flower fields, ravishing towns and an unassuming but utterly alluring slice of la dolce vita. It’s a drive for the ultimate spring fling. You may be able to combine the drive with a visit to Floriade in Amsterdam. Floriade is a World Horticultural Expo staged once every ten years in the Netherlands,

Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Amsterdam – Rockanje
Pick up a rental car in Amsterdam, drive to the flower auction in Aalsmeer. The flower sale starts early. Continue on to see the windmills in Aarlanderveen. A 7km walk will take you through a landscape which looks like a Dutch painting.
 In Schiedam, an old harbour city. You could have lunch before visiting the Dutch Jenever (gin) museum. At the Kering house you will find out about the amazing constructions which protect this country of the dangers of the sea and rivers.
 Stay in recommended accommodation near the dunes and beach in Zeeland.

Day 2: Rockanje - Hertogenbosch
Drive over the storm surge barrier of Haringvliet on your way to the Deltapark Neeltje Jans. This park is located at the Oosterschelde Storm Surge barrier and offers information on the nature & wildlife, deltaworks and lot’s of activities. You can visit the lovely town of Zierikzee for lunch. In the afternoon perhaps visit the Water flood museum. After this visit it’s an 1.5 hour drive to a comfortable B&B at a Dutch farm. You can stay here for two nights. If you like, you can help feed the animals or milk the cows.

Day 3: Around Hertogenbosch

Suggested activities for the day: have lunch in the borough of Zaltbommel then visit the medieval castle Ammersoyen. Next you go to a wooden shoe-maker. Who will demonstrate his ancient craft.

Day 4: Hertogenbosch - Deventer

It’s an hour drive to Paleis ‘t Loo. See how the Dutch Royal family used to live. Then visit the nearby National Park De Hoge Veluwe. There is the Kroller Muller museum / Museonder / Country Residence Hubertus to visit. Or you can use the free white bicycles to get around or go on a walk to spot animals.
 Your hotel is in the Hanzestad Deventeter.

Day 5: Deventer - Amsterdam

Your first destination today is ‘Venice of the Netherlands’, Giethoorn. In a boat it’s easy to quietly enjoy the canals and lovely village. Lunch will also be in Giethoorn before you go to the small town of Luttelgeest. The Orchid farm is home to a world full of colours and blossoms. In the Butterfly Valley you’ll find tropical birds, reptiles and ponds full of koi. The tropical garden, ‘a simulated piece of jungle’, is home to thousands of wild orchids and many of them only can be admired in our gardens. At the Batavia Yard, you will see authentic VOC (Dutch East Indies Company) ships being constructed. The tour ends in Amsterdam.

Valid: from 5 April until 7 October 2024

Contact your Concierge Traveller Advisor for prices and more information.