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7 Day Art & Museums of Holland
Highlights: Amsterdam
Trip start: Amsterdam
Trip end: Amsterdam
Price Range from $4,522 to $5,796 *
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

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Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Visit some of Holland's world famous museums (and some lesser well know gems) as you explore the cultural side of the country. Take things at your own pace with your private chauffeur driven vehicle as you see the various towns and cities such as Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague. Have a guied join you for as much or as little of your days exploring the sites. Visit museums such as Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum as well as the fantastic Hermitage, which hosts temporary exhibitions drawn from the collection of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. The Booijmans van Beuningen museum is one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands, and houses a unique collection of paintings, sculptures and everyday objects. The collection of prints and drawings is one of the best in the world. Kunsthal is a fascinating place to visit and presents culture in the widest sense of the word: old art, new art, design, photography - a must for anyone interested in the arts. The Kröller Müller museum, situated in the Hoge Veluwe National Park, where one can enjoy the wooded expanses, heaths and dunes. The museum houses a world famous collection of fine art, mainly from the 19th and 20th century.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam: Private - Airport pick up and City Orientation tour (with shared 1.5hr cruise) (Total 3.5hrs) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Welcome package
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
NH Krasnapolsky (4*) (B)
Day 2
Amsterdam
  • Public Transport Tickets - 24hrs
  • Private - Guide Service (8hrs)
  • Museum: Rijksmuseum - Entrance
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Museum: Willet-Holthuysen - Entrance
  • Dinner (not included)
NH Krasnapolsky (4*) (B)
Day 3
Amsterdam
  • Private - City tours of The Hague & Delft, Panorama Mesdag & Pottery visit (8hrs) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
NH Krasnapolsky (4*) (B)
Day 4
Amsterdam
  • Public Transport Tickets - 24hrs
  • Private - Guide Service (8hrs)
  • Museum: Van Gogh Museum - Entrance
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Museum: Our Lord in the Attic - Entrance
  • Museum: The Hermitage - Entrance
  • Dinner (not included)
NH Krasnapolsky (4*) (B)
Day 5
Amsterdam
  • Private - Rotterdam City tour, Museum visits: Booijmans van Beuningen & Kunsthal (8hrs) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
NH Krasnapolsky (4*) (B)
Day 6
Amsterdam
  • Private - 1/2 d Kroller Museum (Veluwe) (4hrs) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Self-Guided - Time at leisure
  • Dinner (not included)
NH Krasnapolsky (4*) (B)
Day 7
Amsterdam
  • Transfer - Private - Airport from Hotel - Vehicle/Driver
Depart - End of Itinerary 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, and the epicentre of the country's finance and culture. Amsterdam's attractions, including its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and its red-light district, draw 4.2 million tourists annually. This city fans out south from the Amsterdam Central railway station, which is serviced regularly from the airport. Amsterdam's rich architectural legacies make a stroll through the downtown, or a canal tour, a memorable experience. It is a city of bicycles, families, tidy streets and courteous manners. Quite opposite to the reputation, it's the peace and tranquility that lingers in your memory after departing this city.

You will be met at the airport in Amsterdam by your private guide and driver and brought on an orientation tour of this city of history, culture and inspiration before being dropped off at your hotel. Through a combination of your private transportation, a cruise as well as a guided walking tour, you'll become aquainted with the canals, bridges, and the beautiful 17th and 18th century mansions along the canals.  Places of interest include The Royal Palace on Dam square, the historic buildings along the Amstel River, and the colorful flower market. A canal cruise is the best way to see Amsterdam. (Holland’s capital has 100 canals and 1000 bridges).  Enjoy the views on a shared cruise in the company of your private guide, taking you through the old city where you will see elegant merchant's mansions, carillon-topped churches and warehouses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. There are audio phones available in English so you can get some information about the various places of interest enroute. Your car and driver will meet up with you after your cruise and bring you to your accommodation where you will have time to settle in and freshen up before thinking of evening plans.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be presented to you by your driver upon arrival. Alternative arrangements will be made if you do not have a private transfer at the start of your itinerary.

The NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (4*) is located in the very heart of the city, right on the central Dam square near many major tourist and business attractions. The  property offers a total of 468 stylish guest rooms, including one split-level suite, six luxurious junior suites, and 35 fully equipped apartments. Stop by the fitness center for a workout or relax with a soothing massage after your busy day. There is no shortage of fine food and drink at the NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Enjoy the hotel’s exquisite buffet breakfast, served every morning in the Summer Garden and glass-roofed Winter Garden. The hotel restaurant Reflet offers an à la carte dinner selection and menu of belle époque French style cuisine. Grand Café Mathilde offers a great selection of homemade tea, liqueurs, and an exceptional view of the Dam plaza.

Overnight at NH Krasnapolsky (4*).


Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Royal Palace
Royal Palace
NH Krasnapolsky Exterior
NH Krasnapolsky Exterior
Day 2 Amsterdam

A great way to get around the city of Amsterdam and to see its many sites is with a 24-, 48-, 72- or 96-hours GVB transport ticket which gives you unlimited travel throughout Amsterdam day and night by bus, tram and metro. Stamp your ticket once at the start of your first journey and you are set for the duration of the validation of your ticket.

Get the most out of your day by having the services of a professional English speaking guide today. (max 8hrs).

Vist the world renowned Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam today. Since 1885 people have been coming to see Holland's main collection of the Dutch Masters, such as Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Ruysdael and of course Rembrandt - in particular the world famous Night Watch.  There is also a lovely silverware, furniture and glassware exhibition from all parts of The Netherlands as well as a rich collection of art from the Far East. Open daily: 9.00 – 18.00 hr, Friday 9.00 – 20.30 hr (address Jan Luykenstraat 1, 1071 CJ Amsterdam).

Vist the Willet-Holthuysen museum - the only fully-decorated Amsterdam canal house open daily to the public. The last occupants were Abraham Willet (1825-1888) and his wife Louisa Holthuysen (1824-1895). Mrs. Willet-Holthuysen left the house and its contents, including a large art collection, to the city of Amsterdam, on the condition that it would be turned into a museum. (includes entrance).

Overnight at NH Krasnapolsky (4*).


Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum
Willet-Holthuysen Museum
Willet-Holthuysen Museum
Day 3 Amsterdam

Depart for The Hague today in the company of a private driver and guide (max. 8hrs of service). Enjoy a city tour with wonderful tree lined lanes and many monuments of The Hague, residence of Queen Beatrix.  See the Knight’s Hall, Parliament buildings, the Peace Palace and Scheveningen Seaside resort.

From here, you'll continue onwards to Panorama Mesdag. This circular painting covers 1680m2 canvas, is 14m high and has a circumference of 120m!   It is one of the world’s finest, and largest, surviving panoramas.  Absorb the image -  a sweeping view of the sea, a wide beach, the dunes of Holland, and the picturesque fishing village of Scheveningen.

The next place on today's agenda is Delft, one of the most charming towns in Holland.  The market place, the 'new' Church and the wonderful historical town hall in combination with narrow canals, and little shopping streets make it really special. Delft Blue is the famous porcelain.  Visit one of the potteries, where the art of painting the vases and plates, the baking process is shown.  There are many historical pieces of Delft Blue art on show as well as a shop where you can pick up a momento if you like.

At days end, you'll be returned to your accommodation in Amsterdam. (includes entrance to Panorama Mesdag).

Overnight at NH Krasnapolsky (4*).


Peace Palace in The Hague
Peace Palace in The Hague
Day 4 Amsterdam

A great way to get around the city of Amsterdam and to see its many sites is with a 24-, 48-, 72- or 96-hours GVB transport ticket which gives you unlimited travel throughout Amsterdam day and night by bus, tram and metro. Stamp your ticket once at the start of your first journey and you are set for the duration of the validation of your ticket.

Get the most out of your day by having the services of a professional English speaking guide today. (max 8hrs).

A visit to the Van Gogh Museum is a unique experience. Over 200 paintings and some 600 drawings by Vincent van Gogh are exhibited. In the new section of the museum there are interesting temporary exhibitions.  At the permanent collection, the visitor has a chance to follow the development and the life of the artist.  From the dark colored works at the beginning of his career until the bright violet tones of the last few years of his life.(includes entrance). Please note that the Van Gogh museum is closed Aug. 31 - end of Feb. 2013 due to renovation. During this time, the masterpieces from Van Gogh will be displayed in the Hermitage.

Our Lord in the Attic is one of the oldest and most remarkable museums in Amsterdam. Behind the characteristic facade of the house by the canal lies a largely original 17th-century home and a completely hidden church. This hidden church in the attic was built during the Reformation, when Catholics were forbidden to hold public services. Today, the church and the house form the backdrop to a succession of striking exhibitions highlighting religion and contemporary art.

For 324 years, the Amstelhof building was a home for the elderly. In 2009, the entire Amstelhof became part of the Hermitage, covering more than 4,000 square metres. The Hermitage hosts temporary exhibitions drawn from the collection of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Each exhibition is on view for around five months.(includes entrance).

Overnight at NH Krasnapolsky (4*).


Van Gogh Museum
Van Gogh Museum
 The Hermitage
The Hermitage
Day 5 Amsterdam

Leave Amsterdam for the day in the company of your private driver and guide (max. 8hrs of service). The destination this morning is the modern and cultural city of Rotterdam. See the city hall, the Coolsingel (shopping street) and the cubical houses. There is also a historical part of town called Delfshaven, built in a typical Dutch style. Rotterdam is also the largest harbor of the world.

From here, continue on to the Booijmans van Beuningen museum - one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands. In 1849 the lawyer Boijmans left his art collection to the city of Rotterdam. With the acquisition of the Van Beuningen collection in 1958, the museum aquired the second part of its name. The museum houses a unique collection of paintings, sculptures and everyday objects. The collection of prints and drawings is one of the best in the world. The museum also organises a diverse programme of spectacular temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

The last stop on today's agenda is the Kunsthal which presents culture in the widest sense of the word: old art, new art, design, photography - from elitist to popular. The Kunsthal frequently experiments with themes which in many cases provide the first impulse for an exhibition. This approach has resulted in an exciting and varied exhibition repertoire highlighting Impressionism, lingerie, Leonardo da Vinci, Blackfoot Indians, Jewels of the Orient, Pop-art. More than 3300 square metres of exhibition space are available in the striking building designed by Rotterdam architect Rem Koolhaas - a work of art in its own right, making a visit to the Kunsthal well worth your while. (includes entrances to all mentioned museums).

Overnight at NH Krasnapolsky (4*).


Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Day 6 Amsterdam

Departure to Veluwe (approx. 1 hr and 15 mins transfer from Amsterdam) in the company of your driver and guide (max. 4hrs). Visit the Kröller Müller museum, situated  in the Hoge Veluwe National Park, where you can enjoy the wooded expanses, heaths and dunes. The museum houses a world famous collection of fine art, mainly from the 19th and 20th century. The main points of the museum are the extensive range works by Van Gogh and the sculpture garden. Please let your sales Advisor know if you would like to have your driver and private vehicle available to you for the full day so you can spend more time in this area.

A great way to see the city and experience it in local fashion is to rent a bike for a day or even a few hours. Amsterdam is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the world and bicycles have sometimes more space on the road than their fellow pavement users. Expect to pay EUR12 per day for a bike rental. For bike hire contact:MacBike, Mr Visserplein 2 or Weteringschans 2. Tel: +31 (0)20-620-0985 or Rent-a-Bike, Damstraat 20-22. Tel: +31 (0)20-625-5029. From the picturesque Jordaan district where streets are named after flowers to the artistic Westerpark where open-air concerts, theatre and exhibitions take place, Amsterdam abounds with walking opportunities that combine well with cultural heritage.  Amsterdam's infamous Red Light District is in the very centre of the city, concentrated on two canals (Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal) and the interconnecting streets. It is definitely an eye-opener, the working girls sit or stand in windows beckoning at passers-by.

Overnight at NH Krasnapolsky (4*).


Van Gogh Self-Portrait
Van Gogh Self-Portrait
Amsterdam cityscape
Amsterdam cityscape
Day 7 Amsterdam

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer from hotel. 

Overnight at Depart - End of Itinerary.



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.