Holland

12 tours from £399pp

Holland is renowned for a number of things, including its windmills, canals and coffee shops, but it is perhaps best known for its stunning bulbfields, and for being the country with the largest flower export market! The Dutch bulbfields are a true sight to behold, especially ‘The Garden of Europe’: Keukenhof. With 32 hectares full of flowers, the gardens are a wonder which date back to the 15th century. The rich history of Holland is fascinating and extensive, and goes beyond the simple life and city cycling. With its traditional music, art and architecture, this charming destination has an incredible amount to offer, particularly in its capital city of Amsterdam. Romantic canals, unique buildings and world-famous museums are on offer here, along with culinary staples such as waffles and pancakes. Whether you’re looking for a short break, festive holiday or river cruise, browse our fully escorted holidays and enjoy the kind and welcoming nature of the Dutch people. 

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Relax in the lovely town of Valkenburg and enjoy excursions to the wonderful towns and cities of Aachen, Monschau and Maastricht.

  • 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • 3 evening meals
  • Local joining points
  • Porterage at the hotel

Departures:

  • 2024
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  • 2025
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Visit the truly stunning Keukenhof Park with its beautiful floral displays, and enjoy the cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam in one short break.

  • 3 or 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • Local joining points
  • Porterage at the hotel

Departures:

  • 2024
    • Jan
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  • 2025
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Combine the famous Dutch Bulbfields with the best of Holland including a cruise on the Ijsselmeer, a steam train ride, and cheese and clog factory visit.

  • 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • 3 evening meals
  • Local joining points
  • Porterage at the hotel

Departures:

  • 2024
    • Jan
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  • 2025
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Meander through the picture-perfect canals of Holland on this 5-day cruise, taking in Keukenhof Gardens, Nijmegen and Rotterdam.

  • 4 nights cruising on a full-board basis
  • Services onboard the ship of a Cruise Director & Manager
  • Welcome drink and Captain's Gala Dinner
  • Complimentary tea, coffee and Wi-Fi
  • Local joining points

Departures:

  • 2025
    • Jan
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Make your festive season one to remember by joining us at André Rieu’s concert in his hometown, Maastricht, also visiting Christmas Markets.

  • Category 4 ticket for the André Rieu concert **
  • A FREE copy of André Rieu’s brand-new CD, ‘Jewels of Romance’
  • 3 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • Local joining points
  • Porterage at your hotel

Departures:

  • 2024
    • Jan
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Make this New Year one to remember and join us in the pretty town of Valkenburg, also enjoying visits to Maastricht and Monschau.

  • 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • 1 Light Supper on arrival
  • 3 evening meals including a gala dinner on New Year's Eve with live music
  • Local joining points
  • Porterage at the hotel

Departures:

  • 2024
    • Jan
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Make your New Year truly unforgettable with a fantastic break to Holland, visiting vibrant Amsterdam and historic Nijmegen.

  • 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • New Year's Eve party with live music, buffet, included selected drinks from 8.00pm to 2.00am and glass of champagne at midnight
  • 2 evening meals
  • Porterage at the hotel
  • Local joining points

Departures:

  • 2024
    • Jan
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Get into the festive spirit with this Christmas trip to pretty Valkenburg, with excursions to Maastricht, Liege and Monschau.

  • 5 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • 4 evening meals including turkey Christmas dinner
  • Drink with dinner on Christmas Day and Boxing Day
  • Live Music each evening in Valkenburg
  • Local joining points

Departures:

  • 2024
    • Jan
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Explore the amazing cities of Ghent and Amsterdam, as well as taking a trip to the beautiful Dutch town of Valkenburg.

  • 5 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • 4 evening meals
  • Christmas Lunch
  • Porterage at hotels
  • Convenient local joining points

Departures:

  • 2024
    • Jan
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Stunning scenery is guaranteed on this short break taking you to one of the best flower events in the Netherlands – the Zundert Flower Parade!

  • 3 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • Ticket to the Zundert Flower Parade
  • Convenient local joining points
  • Porterage at the hotel

Departures:

  • 2024
    • Jan
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  • 2025
    • Jan
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Make your New Year one to remember with an exciting break to Holland, enjoying fantastic excursions to Amsterdam and Delft!

  • 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • 2 evening meals
  • New Year's Eve party including buffet, selected drinks and a glass of Champagne at midnight
  • Porterage at the hotel
  • Local joining points

Departures:

  • 2024
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
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Holland

Holland Highlights

The capital city of Amsterdam keeps the beauty and deep floral culture of its homeland, harbouring a famous floating flower market, but is also a great city to explore for art and history enthusiasts with its incredible and insightful landmarks and museums. There is so much history to uncover in this remarkable country, and you can even visit the site of one of the most infamous battles of the Second World War, located in Arnhem. Roam underground in 150 miles of Roman-built corridors in the town of Valkenburg; the Christmas markets are truly unique and astonishing – as they are held in the underground caves themselves! Relish in incredible churches in the stunning historic centre of Maastricht such as the Romanesque Basilica of Our Lady and the Gothic Sint-Janskerk, visit the leaning tower of Oude Kerk in Delft, and delve into the largest flower parade in the world, Bloemencorso Zundert – a spectacular annual event with an astonishing float competition. This is a country of far-reaching appeal with warm and welcoming locals everywhere you go, so delve into Holland on an escorted tour with Shearings. 

Book any tour for
only
£25 deposit per person

Local Information

  • Capital Amsterdam
  • Language Dutch
  • Currency Euro 
  • Tip 5-10%
  • Time Zone GMT +1 
  • Electricity Type C & F Two Pin (230V)
View Tours

Must See

The capital city of Amsterdam is brimming with attractive 17th century merchant houses, a floating flower market, charming canal-side cafés

View Tour

Things to Do & Local attractions

  • Visit the world-famous Keukenhof Park with its colourful tulip displays View Tour
  • Watch the amazing floats and soak up the atmosphere at the Zundert Flower Parade View Tour
  • Stroll around the quaint streets of Valkenburg and visit the castle perched above the townView Tour
  • Discover vibrant Amsterdam with a cruise along its famous canals View Tour

Food and Drink

Stamppot

The national dish of the Netherlands is the traditional Dutch Stamppot, known as a wonderful comfort food. The meal, translating to ‘mash pot’, uses potatoes and usually one vegetable, mashed together, with a meat sometimes added at the end. 

Poffertjes

Poffertjes are Dutch mini pancakes, made using a traditional batter. They’re small and fluffy, typically made sweet with powdered sugar and syrup on top, but can be made savoury and enjoyed with gouda. 

Erwtensoep

Erwtensoep is a traditional Dutch split pea soup. This truly delicious and hearty dish, served in the winter months and on New Year’s Day, is made from split peas, a variation of vegetables, and usually using pork. 

Stroopwafel

Both crisp and chewy, the stroopwafel is a delectable, thin and round waffle cookie. The layers are held together with caramel syrup and then pressed in a hot iron, binding the waffle together. Best enjoyed hot, this treat can be found fresh from a street stall. 

Planning your Trip

With so much on offer, you might need some inspiration! We’ve hand-picked a selection of favourite destinations and provided an overview of the very best highlights...

Amsterdam

Amsterdam Highlights

Canals 

Lined with some of the capital’s most remarkable buildings, Amsterdam boasts more than 160 canals. Acting as the symbol of the city, it’s no surprise that the canal belt was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. Be sure to visit the floating flower market on the Singel canal!  


Museums 

From quirky art galleries to world-famous museums, Amsterdam is bursting with culture and heritage. The Rijksmuseum is a must-visit with its impressive collections of artefacts, paintings and sculptures, whilst the museum in Anne Frank’s former house offers a moving, emotional insight into Nazi-occupied Holland.   


Dam Square 

As one of Amsterdam’s main squares, Dam Square has plenty to keep you entertained. Its most prominent feature is the Royal Palace, the former residence of the Dutch Royal Family, with other highlights including Magna Plaza, Madame Tussauds, and the National Memorial Statue.  


Valkenberg

Valkenberg Highlights

Gemeentegrot 

With former uses as a WWII hiding place, a chalk quarry and a nuclear fallout shelter, the Gemeentegrot – or Municipal Cave – offers a fascinating insight into years of Holland’s history. During Christmas, the cave turns into Europe’s largest underground Christmas market – a truly magical experience!  

 

Castle Ruins 

The country’s only castle built on a hill, Valkenburg Castle has a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Relive the stirring history of the many sieges and assaults as you explore the ruins, and admire the panoramic views of the town below.  

 

Old Town  

A stroll around the Old Town centre is a must, with its cobblestone streets, rustic restaurants and independent boutiques. Relax with a beer in one of the many eateries and watch the world go by.  


Delft

Delft Highlights

Oude Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk 

Delft is dominated by two churches: Oude Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk. Notable for its slightly leaning tower and distinctive corner turrets, Delft’s Old Church is often called ‘Holland’s Tower of Pisa’, whilst the New Church boasts a rich history and connections to the Dutch Royal Family.   

 

De Porceleyne Fles 

In continuous operation since the 1700s, De Porceleyne Fles provides a fascinating look at the history and process of Blue Delftware. Visitors can watch the art of hand-painting live and see years-old techniques, view historical collections, and explore the factory.  


Delft Markt 

The centre of the town, Delft’s main square is home to historic landmarks, open-air cafés and a fantastic range of shops. The beautiful City Hall, designed by architect Hendrick de Keyser, is a highlight of the square, along with the Nieuwe Kerk – one of the city’s most distinctive monuments.  


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