North Holland Highlights Alkmaar, Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Haarlem
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
A day tour where you get a chance to escape the busy Amsterdam but still enjoy a day exploring historic buildings, canals, and museums.
The tour is private and pickup is available directly from the hotel. We can visit 2 towns on this tour.
There is a lot more to North Holland than Amsterdam. Explore the Duch Golden Age cities of Hoorn and Enkhuizen. Hoorn is a small town but historically very influential. Hoorn is famous for historic buildings including the Dutch East Indies warehouse, Alms house and the city gates. Enkhuizen is home to the famous 'Zuiderzee Museum'.
Or explore Haarlem ( Harlem in NYC got its name from this town), the capital of North Holland. The town square boasts multiple heritage buildings as well as the church. Haarlem is a great town for shopping.
Alkmaar is a charming town famous for its cheese market on Fridays. Apart from the cheese market, the city offers a boat ride across the narrow canals. The low bridges make the boat ride a lot more exciting.
Available options
North Holland Highlights Alkmaar, Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Haarlem
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
WiFi on board
Bottled water
Detailed itinerary
1
Welcome to Hoorn, the city of the Golden Age. We will take you across the city of Hoorn including the old City centre, the historic square and we will visit some of the monumental buildings associated with both the East India Company and the West Indies Company. Visit the lovely harbour and if you wish, the famous West Frisian Museum. Hoorn was a prosperous city during the Golden age and you witness the same in every step you take at the city centre.
2
Enkhuizen is a historic city located on what was before the Zuider Zee. The city is full of history and home to over 300 national monuments including the iconic city gate, the city hall and the famous Pepper House, which was used by The Dutch East Indies to store pepper in the golden age. There is a possibility to take a boat trip during the summer time. The city is located near the Ijsselmeer (lake) and offers breath taking views.
3
Alkmaar is a small picturesque town that got its city right back in the 13th century. Surrounded by beautiful city canals on its border, the city is home to 400 monumental buildings. Every Friday, between March and September, the town hosts a cheese market dating back several centuries. Apart from the weekly cheese market, one gets to see windmills, old weighing houses, merchant homes, and the famous courtyards.
4
Haarlem, the charming capital of North Holland, offers a delightful blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque beauty, featuring stunning medieval architecture, world-class museums like the Frans Hals Museum, and beautiful canals and gardens.
What's not included
Lunch
Entrance fees to any museum or church (Optional)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
About Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Known as the 'Venice of the North,' the city offers a rich blend of art, history, and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Museum
2-3 hours
€20
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world.
Museum
1.5-2 hours
€20
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II.
Historical
1 hour
€16
Dam Square
Dam Square is the central square of Amsterdam and a historic site. It is home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and various other landmarks.
Historical
1 hour
Free
Jordaan
Jordaan is a picturesque and lively neighborhood known for its narrow streets, canals, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a great place to explore, shop, and dine.
Neighborhood
A few hours to explore
Free to explore, varies for shopping and dining
Must-Try Local Dishes
Stroopwafel
A thin, round waffle made from two layers of baked dough joined by a caramel-like syrup filling
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains wheat and sugar
Bitterballen
Deep-fried, crispy balls filled with a creamy, spiced ragout, typically made from beef or veal
Snack
Contains meat, gluten, and dairy
Haring
Raw herring fish, traditionally served with onions and pickles, eaten by holding the fish by its tail and lowering it into your mouth
Dish
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians
Poffertjes
Miniature pancakes made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and yeast, served with powdered sugar and butter
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains wheat, eggs, and dairy
Popular Activities
Canal kayaking
Bike tours
Escape rooms
Canal cruises
Visiting parks and gardens
Spa and wellness treatments
Museum visits
Art galleries
Best Time to Visit
June to August
The peak tourist season in Amsterdam is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, but it's also the busiest and most expensive period.
15°C to 22°C
59°F to 72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Dutch
- Widely spoken: English, German, French
- English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution
Amsterdam is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bike theft, can occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport
- • Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey
Getting there
By air
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 17.5 km from city center
By train
Amsterdam Centraal
By bus
Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Getting around
Public transport
Amsterdam's tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with 14 day and night tram lines. A single ticket costs €3.20, and day passes are available.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Amsterdam
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Jordaan
De Pijp
De Wallen (Red Light District)
Museumplein
Amsterdam-Noord
Day trips
Zaanse Schans
20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day
A picturesque and open-air museum featuring traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and workshops, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of the region.
Haarlem
20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day
A charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and vibrant cultural scene, often considered a smaller and more relaxed version of Amsterdam.
Utrecht
50 km from Amsterdam • Full day
A vibrant and historic city known for its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene, with a unique and charming atmosphere.
Festivals
King's Day (Koningsdag) • April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday)
Amsterdam Pride • Late July to early August
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) • Mid-October
Pro tips
- Use the OV-chipkaart for seamless and convenient public transport
- Rent a bike to explore the city like a local, but be aware of cycling rules and etiquette
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Explore the city's neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm
- Try local specialties, such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and Dutch pancakes
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
