Compared with France, Germany, the UK, or the US, The Netherlands may seem small, but it is full of interesting places to visit outside of Amsterdam. There are many Holland tours available as day trips from Amsterdam, as well as longer tours in Holland that spend significant time outside the country's largest city.

Holland Tours to The Hague

The Hague is a very popular spot for day trips and longer visits. It is the third largest city in the country and also the seat of government. The Dutch constitution requires that Amsterdam be the technical capital, but The Hague is where all government business occurs, where the queen resides, and where all foreign embassies are located. One of the most interesting attractions in The Hague is the United Nations judicial courts and infrastructure. Whenever the United Nations convenes a tribunal or a special court, it is held in The Hague.

Exploring Rotterdam

Just a short drive away from Amsterdam visitors will discover Rotterdam. The heart of the city was bombed during World War II by the Nazi Luftwaffe, forcing the Dutch army to surrender and allowing Hitler to move forward. Ultimately, the damage caused by the bombing began to be repaired, and today tours in Holland show a rebuilt city center and business districts. The new architecture is beautiful and striking, built by some of the newest visionaries in Europe. Renewed and refreshed, Rotterdam is an ascendant hotspot.

Delft

Made famous by the painter Vermeer, this small city is a beautiful example of classical Dutch architecture. The city center is crisscrossed with canals that are home to fish and flowering lilypads, creating a picturesque setting that photographs beautifully. In addition, there are old buildings and museums that easily merit this city's inclusion on Holland tours.

Traditional Costumes and Lifestyles in Volendam

In Volendam, the traditions of old Holland continue to thrive. The women's costume of Volendam is among the most widely recognized Dutch costumes, and the old fishing customs are still in force. Volendam was originally a town of fishermen and their families, founded upon traditional ideals. Visitors can explore a museum highlighting the town's history and showing the origins of its unique dress, and also get a photo taken in the distinctive traditional costumes.

Wooden Houses of Marken

Formerly an island, there is now a causeway connecting Marken with the rest of Holland. Tours here must connect through that bridge, but after the drive visitors are rewarded with some of the best examples of wooden houses in Holland.

Planning a Visit

Travelers from other countries often overestimate how long it will take to travel between areas in Holland, but anyone seeking tours in Holland should plan carefully if intending to cover a large amount of the country. It is possible to see all the sights within a reasonably short period of time, but a tight schedule typically must be maintained and planning must be done beforehand. Many find it easier to consult a planning company for advice rather than trying to orchestrate all details with no assistance.