Canal cruises, countryside bike rides and seaside breaks are all on the cards with holidays to the Netherlands.

Say hello to Holland

Clogs, tulips and stroopwafels – the perfect holiday trio. The Netherlands crams loads in, so you’ll get a full flavour of the country, however long you’re visiting for. Amsterdam headlines Holland holidays, but there’s plenty more to uncover than just its capital. The village of Kinderdijk is where you’ll find waterside windmills and lush landscapes, while Nijmegen is another great place to plot on your itinerary – it’s the oldest city in the country and once formed part of the Roman Empire. Driving-wise, no edge of the country is much more than a two-hour journey from the other, making it a breeze for those wanting to explore further afield.

The Dutch coast

The Netherlands probably doesn’t spring to mind when you think of beach breaks. But don’t be fooled – this place has got a super-sized stretch of beach-lined coast, with a sprinkle of seaside towns right the way along it. Scheveningen is one of the big players on the country’s seaside scene. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Amsterdam, with a long sandy stretch lined with a boulevard of bars and restaurants. Another easy-access spot is Zandvoort Beach, which is around a forty-minute train journey from Central Station. Or, if you fancy blending beach days with history, head to Zierikzee. The town’s dotted with over 500 historical monuments, including its Medieval city gates.

Boats and bikes

Whether you’re sitting in the saddle or cruising The Netherlands’ labyrinth of canals, there’s plenty of alternative ways to see the city. This cycle-loving country’s got bike paths that really go the extra mile – the cycle lanes stretch for more than 35,000 kilometres. They weave through loads of must-see spots, including Hoge Veluwe National Park, where wild boar, deer and horses roam freely beside the pathways. For some exploring that’s a little less strenuous, head out on a canal cruise. In Amsterdam and Utrecht, you can book hop-on, hop-off tickets and tick off the sights as you go.

Fancy seeing the Netherlands by train?

We also offer flight-free trips to the Netherlands, in partnership with Byway. Travel to Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Haarlem and explore by train, boat or bicycle. Browse flight-free trips to the Netherlands >

At a Glance

  • Have a day at the seaside in Scheveningen
  • Go cycling through Hoge Veluwe National Park
  • Visit the Roman-roamed city of Nijmegen
  • First Choice x Byway – flight-free trips available

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