A tour of The Netherlands with the younger ones in mind. Activities galore arranged around water, nature, animals and pure fantasy. A stimulating and enriching experience to treasure for the whole family
Overview
Day 1: Arrival, overnight in Amsterdam
Day 2: Amsterdam
Day 3: Transfer to the island of Texel.
Day 4: Texel
Day 5: Train transfer to Kaatsheuvel.
Day 6: Kaatsheuvel
Day 7: Transfer to Arnhem.
Day 8: Arnhem
Day 9: Train transfer to Amsterdam
Day 10: Departure
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
Upon arrival in Amsterdam you will be transferred to your hotel. Then get the first feel of Amsterdam with a private canal tour by boat passing some surprising Amsterdam sights. Continue to the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Find the locations of the 15 super plants in the Hortus, and learn about the endangered plants or visit the butterfly garden where hundreds of tropical butterflies frolic around.
Day 2: Amsterdam – a full daytrip to the Amsterdamse Bos
Today you will have a full day in the Amsterdamse Bos, a city forest on the outskirt of Amsterdam and one of the largest city forests in Europe. Start in the Fun Forrest Climbing Park with different courses at various heights in living trees with all levels of difficulty. Then enjoy some time at the goat farm “Ridammerhoeve”, where you can have a bite for lunch, feed the baby goats and enjoy a goat’s milk shake while Mum and Dad enjoy a cappuccino. After the goat farm you have the rest of the afternoon free at leisure to enjoy the forest; hike on one of the many tracks, go swimming, rent a bike or boat to explore.
Day 3: From Amsterdam via Zaanse Schans and Den Helder to Texel
After breakfast drive north of Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, a windmill village where you can visit a working windmill, a wooden clog factory and a cheese factory. After lunch a drive of approximately one hour brings you to Den Helder in the north of Holland. If you wish on your way to the ferry you can visit the Dutch Navy Museum, dedicated mainly to the history of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Then you continue to board the ferry to take you to the island of Texel, the most southern and biggest island of the five Frisian Islands in the very North of The Netherlands.
Day 4: Texel
Today you will have a whole day to explore the island. Start at Ecomare, a seal and bird sanctuary as well as a nature museum. Don’t forget the time to witness the seals feeding close up! Ecomare also consists of a bird sanctuary, sea aquarium and dune park and is fully dedicated to the preservation of nature in the area
In the afternoon observe the seals in their natural habitat by taking a one hour boat trip out on the Wadden Sea. If time permits visit the Schipbreuk en Juttersmuseum, with its interesting collection of objects washed up on Texel’s beaches.
Day 5: From Texel via Utrecht to Kaatsheuvel
Today you will be travelling by train, a frequently used mode of transport in The Netherlands. After breakfast you will travel back to Den Helder on the mainland by ferry for your 2 hour train trip to Utrecht in the middle of The Netherlands. Arrive at Utrecht Central Station, right in the city center and take a leisurely 10 minute walk from the canal “Oudegracht” for an early lunch along the canal.
After lunch continue your walk to the Dutch Railway Museum, where you travel back to the time of steam locomotives then move forward to the modern trains. Don’t forget the outdoor children’s railway “Jumbo Express”! A few hours in the Dutch Railway Museum and it is time to go with the special shuttle train back to Central Station. From here you will travel by train for another hour to reach Tilburg and transfer to Kaatsheuvel, a village known for its theme park the Efteling.
Day 6: Kaatsheuvel – a full day in the Efteling
The Efteling is The Netherlands most beloved theme park and today you can spend a full day here! With its almost 60 years the fairy tale theme park is one of the oldest in the world. See fairy tales come to life, experience the thrill of the rides and enjoy exploring forbidden cities and haunted castles. The Efteling caters for all ages, from young children to parents and grand-parents.
Day 7: From Kaatsheuvel to Arnhem – full day trip to Dutch Open Air Museum
This morning you will be transferred to Arnhem, where you have the entire day to visit the Dutch Open Air Museum. This museum is situated in a beautiful park on the outskirts of the city of Arnhem. It takes you on a journey through the last two hundred years using authentic buildings, objects and true stories to bring the past to life.
Day 8: Arnhem – full day trip to Burgers Zoo
Today you will enjoy a full day in one of the biggest and most popular zoos in The Netherlands; Burger’s Zoo. The zoo has six different themes, and due to its size the areas look very natural. There are over 3000 animals and the zoo is passionate about education, conservation and research.
Day 9: From Arnhem to Amsterdam
After breakfast depart by train from Arnhem to Amsterdam. After this approximately one hour journey you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day free at leisure.
Day 10: Departure
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. – End of itinerary
More information
The above is just an impression of what we offer. Should you like to know more such as additional options, possible extensions, pricing, or if you are interested in any other recommendations, please do not hesitate to contact us.