Art, Tulips, and Canals: Netherlands in Spring

Picture yourself cycling past centuries-old canal houses draped in wisteria, their reflections dancing on jade-green water. Imagine standing among seven million tulips in full spring bloom, a kaleidoscope of crimson, gold, and violet stretching to the horizon. This is Amsterdam in April, when the Netherlands awakens in spectacular color and the air carries the promise of adventure.

Journey through three captivating Dutch cities with a small group of like-minded women, from Amsterdam's artistic soul to The Hague's royal elegance and Delft's old world charms. Walk in Anne Frank's footsteps through history, marvel at windmill-dotted landscapes, savor aged Gouda at local markets, and discover why the Dutch art of gezelligheid (cozy togetherness) makes every shared meal feel like coming home.

Whether you're wandering cobblestone streets lined with golden-age gables, cruising the iconic canals, or raising a toast with your new travel companions over fresh herring and Dutch gin, this spring escape creates memories painted in tulip colors and bound by the friendships formed along the way.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1 - APRIL 7: WELCOME TO AMSTERDAM

Your Dutch adventure begins at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, where private transportation whisks you through flat polders and distant windmills into the heart of Amsterdam. After settling into your boutique hotel's comfortable single room, meet your Women Travel Abroad host and fellow travelers for a warm welcome orientation. Over your first group dinner together, toast to new friendships with wine or Dutch beer while getting acquainted with the remarkable women sharing this week's journey. The evening is yours to take your first stroll along illuminated canals, where golden-age gabled houses glow against the twilight, or simply rest and shake off jet lag. Amsterdam's magic already surrounds you.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Inntel Hotels Centre, Amsterdam

DAY 2 - APRIL 8: ANNE FRANK'S AMSTERDAM

Step into history this morning at the Anne Frank House with advance reservations ensuring an intimate visit. Walk through the Secret Annex where young Anne and her family hid during World War II, stand in the rooms where she wrote her famous diary, and view powerful exhibits about the Holocaust's impact on Amsterdam's Jewish community. Your guide provides essential context about the occupation and the brave Dutch who risked everything to shelter neighbors. After this moving experience, the afternoon offers reflection time. Perhaps visit a cozy brown café for traditional apple tart, browse the Nine Streets boutiques, or sit canal-side watching the city unfold. Tonight's dinner provides space to process the day's powerful lessons with your travel companions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Inntel Hotels Centre, Amsterdam

DAY 3 - APRIL 9: FREE DAY IN AMSTERDAM

This FREE day is yours to craft your own Amsterdam adventure. Rent a bike and pedal through the countryside beyond the city, where 320 miles of cycle lanes lead past working farms, tranquil lakes, and historic windmills. Art lovers might explore the Van Gogh Museum or grand Rijksmuseum. Shopaholics can discover Jordaan boutiques or hunt for vintage treasures at weekly markets. Foodies might take a canal cruise followed by Indonesian rijsttafel. Or simply wander the canal ring with no agenda, discover hidden courtyards, people-watch from café terraces, or join fellow travelers for shared discoveries. Follow your curiosity, indulge your passions, or simply be present in one of Europe's most captivating cities. Tonight's dinner brings everyone together to share stories.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Inntel Hotels Centre, Amsterdam

DAY 4 - APRIL 10: KEUKENHOF GARDENS & JOURNEY TO THE HAGUE

Today brings spectacular beauty as you venture to Keukenhof, the legendary Garden of Europe. This 79-acre paradise explodes with seven million flower bulbs in peak bloom, creating living masterpieces almost too beautiful to be real. Wander paths through seas of tulips in every imaginable hue, discover hyacinths filling the air with perfume, and find daffodils nodding in the breeze. Explore floral art pavilions, photograph the iconic windmill surrounded by striped tulip fields, and simply absorb nature's artistry. Your group has ample time to explore at your own pace and perhaps enjoy a traditional Dutch pancake at the garden café. After this glorious immersion in spring color, bid farewell to Amsterdam and transfer to The Hague, the elegant seat of Dutch government. Check into your boutique hotel in this sophisticated city, where refined grace replaces Amsterdam's bohemian energy. Tonight's celebration dinner toasts the wonderful days in Amsterdam and welcomes new adventures ahead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Boutique Hotel de Salon, The Hague

DAY 5 - APRIL 11: WALKING TOUR OF THE HAGUE

Embark on a private guided walking tour through The Hague's elegant streets and historic landmarks. Marvel at the medieval Binnenhof, the historic parliament complex with its fairytale towers reflected perfectly in the Hofvijver pond. Stroll through the manicured gardens of the Royal Palace Noordeinde, where you might glimpse the King's standard flying if he's in residence. Your expert guide reveals The Hague's crucial role as the International City of Peace and Justice, pointing out grand embassies, the impressive Peace Palace, and monuments that tell stories of diplomacy and human rights. Walk tree-lined avenues where diplomats and royalty have strolled for centuries, discovering hidden courtyards and charming neighborhoods. The Hague's refined atmosphere offers a striking contrast to Amsterdam's artistic energy. Evening brings dinner featuring local South Holland specialties, perhaps fresh North Sea fish or traditional stamppot, as you share the day's discoveries with your travel companions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Boutique Hotel de Salon, The Hague

DAY 6 - APRIL 12: DELFT POTTERY & DUTCH DELIGHTS

Take a short train ride to Delft this morning for a walking tour of this charming and historic Dutch town. Stroll along picturesque canals, cobbled streets, and tree-lined squares as you explore landmarks such as the Markt, the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), and the Royal Delft pottery factory. Admire the town’s rich artistic heritage, famously tied to painter Johannes Vermeer, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere that defines Delft’s small-town charm. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café before returning by train to your accommodation in The Hague. This evening will conclude your tour of the Netherlands with a delicious farewell dinner in one of the oldest and most authentic restaurants in The Hague.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Boutique Hotel de Salon, The Hague

DAY 7 - APRIL 13: DEPARTURE DAY

After a final Dutch breakfast at your hotel, bid farewell to The Hague and board the train for your return journey to Amsterdam. The comfortable ride offers one last glimpse of the Dutch countryside that has become familiar over this remarkable week. Upon arrival in Amsterdam, continue directly to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for your connecting flight back to the United States. As you journey home with a camera full of tulip photos, a heart full of new friendships, and memories of canal-lined streets and historic cities, you carry the spirit of this adventure: Anne Frank's courage, Keukenhof's beauty, and the laughter shared with women who started as strangers and leave as lifelong friends. Tot ziens, Netherlands, until we meet again.

Meals: Breakfast

Note: Your departure flight should be scheduled to leave after 12:00 PM to allow sufficient time for the train journey from The Hague to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.