Netherlands

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is a small country that packs in a remarkable amount. Amsterdam alone - the canals, the Golden Age art, the Anne Frank House, the Jordaan neighbourhood - takes more than a day to appreciate properly. But beyond Amsterdam lies a country of windmill landscapes, flower fields in spring, historic Delft and Leiden, the harbour city of Rotterdam and the classic Dutch towns of the Haarlem and Gouda variety.

A guided tour makes the most of this compact geography, moving efficiently between highlights that independent travellers often miss simply because they do not know they are there. For British passengers, the Netherlands is an easy destination in terms of language and logistics, but the depth of context - particularly around the Dutch Golden Age, the history of the port of Rotterdam and the wartime story of Amsterdam - is what transforms a pleasant visit into a memorable one.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Netherlands Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, with good Indian restaurant availability across Amsterdam and other cities
• Vegetarian options widely available throughout the Netherlands, one of Europe's more vegetarian-friendly countries
• No beef or pork compulsory in any included meals
• Midlands, Leicester and London pick-up points for all UK departures
• Short travel time from the UK makes this accessible for a range of group sizes and budgets

Best Time to Visit the Netherlands

Mid-March to mid-May is the standout period. The tulip fields across the Bollenstreek are in full bloom and Keukenhof Gardens (open only in spring) is at its peak. Book early for April departures as these fill quickly.

May and June are excellent more broadly: warm days, long evenings and the canal cities looking their best.

July and August are the warmest months. Amsterdam is busy with international visitors; the countryside is more relaxed.

December brings Christmas markets and the beginning of the ice skating season at outdoor rinks across the country. A pleasant alternative time to visit for those who have already done spring.

Popular Destinations Within the Netherlands

Amsterdam - the canal ring, the Rijksmuseum (home to Rembrandt's Night Watch), the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House and the Jordaan neighbourhood. One of Europe's most beautifully preserved city centres.

Keukenhof - the world's largest flower garden, open only for eight weeks in spring. Over seven million bulbs across 79 acres of parkland. Worth a dedicated visit.

Delft - the home of Vermeer and Dutch Delftware pottery. A quiet, beautiful canal town that contrasts well with Amsterdam.

The Hague - seat of the Dutch government and home to the Mauritshuis museum, which holds Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring and several Rembrandts.

Rotterdam - a modernist architectural showcase rebuilt after wartime destruction. The Markthal, the Erasmus Bridge and the harbour views are among the most striking urban environments in Europe.

Kinderdijk - nineteen windmills in a UNESCO-listed polder landscape east of Rotterdam. The most emblematic Dutch scene outside of the flower fields.

Bruges (day trip) - just across the Belgian border, and often paired with a Netherlands tour for good reason. See our Belgium page for details.

Practical Information

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Language: Dutch; English spoken almost universally across the country
• Time zone: Central European Time (GMT+1 in winter, GMT+2 in summer)
• Electricity: Type F plugs (230V). A European adapter is needed for UK devices.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Netherlands holidays are fully protected