The Netherlands is small and its cities are close together, so one hotel in Amsterdam with day trips by train is enough. This 6-day itinerary covers Amsterdam and its canals, windmills and traditional villages, the tulip gardens in season, and Rotterdam and The Hague, with a version ready for your Schengen visa file.
Best time to visit the Netherlands
Mid-March to May is tulip season and the time of the Keukenhof gardens, and the most popular period. Summer is mild and good for canal cruises, and rain is possible at any time. Dutch visa appointments get busy before tulip season and summer, so apply early.
Day-by-day itinerary
| Day | City | Activities | Transport | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amsterdam | Arrival, Dam Square | Flight to Schiphol, then train | Hotel, Amsterdam |
| 2 | Amsterdam | Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, canal cruise | Tram and boat | Hotel, Amsterdam |
| 3 | Zaanse Schans and Volendam | Windmills and traditional villages | Bus or organised tour | Hotel, Amsterdam |
| 4 | Keukenhof (seasonal) or Utrecht | Tulip gardens from March to May, or the Utrecht canals | Bus or train | Hotel, Amsterdam |
| 5 | Rotterdam and The Hague | The port and modern architecture, Scheveningen beach | Train | Hotel, Amsterdam |
| 6 | Amsterdam | Departure | Flight | — |
Getting around and practical tips
The train from Schiphol reaches Amsterdam Central Station in about 15 minutes, and trains to Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht run frequently all day. Tickets for Keukenhof and the Van Gogh Museum are booked online in advance with a time slot. Hotels in Amsterdam are expensive compared to other cities, so book early.
Visa and trip documents
All nights are in the Netherlands, so you apply to the Dutch embassy for a Schengen visa. Details and the required bank statement are in our Netherlands visa guide. One hotel booking in Amsterdam for five nights is enough, with a return flight reservation. If you want to add Belgium: Belgium itinerary.
We prepare this itinerary with your own dates, or combine it with Belgium in one plan with all bookings.
Frequently asked questions
Are 6 days enough for the Netherlands?
Yes, for Amsterdam and the nearby cities, thanks to short distances and frequent trains.
When is Keukenhof open?
Usually only from mid-March to mid-May. Check the exact dates for the year on its website.
Is this itinerary suitable for families?
Yes, and you can replace the Rotterdam day with the Efteling theme park in the south.
