Amsterdam’s hidden gems: a 3-day offbeat adventure

Forming part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the striking medieval Castle Muiderslot is a must-see for visitors to the city. It was built in the 13th Century by Count Floris V and offers plenty of awe-inspiring sights. Explore Golden Age-era rooms, see the armory, and much more, there's also an audio tour through the impressive Knight’s Hall included in your ticket. Also, don't miss the beautiful gardens which still retain the atmosphere of the 17th Century when they were created.Nestled on the shores near Amsterdam, Muiderslot Castle offers a view into the Netherlands' rich history. With towers reaching into the sky and a moat surrounding the stone walls, this castle is a spectacle for history lovers. Its museum exhibits showcase medieval armor, weaponry, and other artifacts that tell a tale of life during those times.If you're a fan of beautiful landscapes, the gardens at Kasteel Muiderslot are what you are looking for. These meticulously maintained gardens are divided into various sections, each representing a different period of Dutch history. Whether it's the detailed fountains or the mix of colorful flowers, visitors to the gardens will be transported to a world where nature and history join hands.

Full of canals and bicycles, Amsterdam is a city known for its urban allure, but only a stone's throw away you can find the captivating Zaanse Schans, a living testament to Dutch history. In a brisk 30-minute bus trip, you're swept from the dynamic and vibrant Amsterdam city life to the tranquil green pastures of Zaanse Schans.As you start your Zaanse Schans tour, you’ll immediately start to feel the rustic village ambiance. Filled with age-old windmills, traditional Dutch houses, and cheese and clog workshops, this place feels like stepping into an authentic postcard from the past. You can learn more about the wooden shoe making process, indulge in rich Dutch cheese, and get a first hand view of a working windmill. Navigating from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans is a simple journey with this bus tour!Discover the prosperity of the 18th and 19th Century as you explore beautiful houses, originally built as homes for rich windmill owners and merchants. Explore the beautiful facades of these opulent houses that have been painted in traditional colors such as green, beige and light blue.Upon arrival, your guide will take you on an orientation tour of the village - visit the Clog Museum, wooden shoemaker shop and taste delicious and traditional Dutch cheese in the cheese farm. Enjoy exploring the village at your own pace, learning all about the village's history, local culture and unique character.

Steer yourself around the winding beautiful canal routes, as the driver you can pedal at your own pace and choose specific sites and areas you want to explore.Want to steer your own course? Try a pedal boat rental in Amsterdam. It's a unique way to tour the city's famous canals, all at your own pace. You'll truly enjoy pedaling your way through history, seeing iconic buildings and bridges up close. A pedal boat adventure is a must-do in Amsterdam, so don't miss out!Canal biking has been Amsterdam's number 1 canal attraction since 1984, providing great, emission-free fun for all the family to enjoy, it's especially exciting for the kids! Soak up the atmosphere your way and make it a personal experience with Pedal Boat. A Pedal Boat can be rented daily from canal boat rental piers around the city.

Culture vultures - this one's for you. This unique museum brings Rembrandt's world to life.When Rembrandt came to Amsterdam, the city was full of life. He loved the busy streets full of locals and visitors selling trinkets and picturesque buildings by the water. This seemed to him to be the perfect place for him to paint. Every day, he saw something new and interesting, the most natural form of inspirationRembrandt loved Amsterdam, and he put this love of the people, environment and city into his art. Learn more about his life with discount entry through Go City®!Through this vibrant display, you can learn all about Amsterdam's most famous painter.Explore a reconstruction of his studio, admire projections of his famous works and meet some of the people who shaped his life in Amsterdam. The show lasts around 30 minutes and will leave you in awe of the life and works of Rembrandt.

The H'ART Museum in Amsterdam is a captivating haven for art enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs alike. Explore collections of famous art and stories from around the world in a unique blend of exhibitions spanning from antiquity to today, and connecting the art world in a whole new way.Located at the heart of Amsterdam in the historic 17th-century Amstelhof building, alongside the Amstel River, the H’ART Museum is a cultural oasis with its indoor garden and bustling Grand Café. The museum seamlessly mixes contemporary art with a celebration of human emotions. The eclectic collection transcends traditional labels and showcases innovative and thought-provoking pieces that explore the crossover between art and emotion.Discover art, culture and stories brought together like never before, as you go on a sensory journey through a selection of mediums, from paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations.

Visit Giethoorn, a fairytale Netherlands village, and take to the water to experience local life. Your day trip will begin at This is Holland, where you’ll take a two-hour luxury coach to the center of Giethoorn, with plenty of time to wander the village at your own pace. Giethoorn is often dubbed the “Venice of the North.” You’ll see characteristic bridges, waterways, and quaint buildings with traditional thatched roofs. Walk across the Binnenpad to enjoy a drink and a delicious bite to eat on the riverside – this area is known for its cuisine - or simply soak up the fresh air. There are also three waterside museums and a shipyard where classic Giethoorn boats are built. You can cycle around car-free Giethoorn, but there’s no better way to embrace all the sights and sounds than by water. Hop aboard your traditional boat and cruise the winding network of canals through the unspoilt Dutch countryside. Your one-hour tour will be led by a knowledgeable guide who will give you an insider’s view of Giethoorn. So, if you’re looking for a break from Amsterdam’s hustle and bustle, but still want those quaint Dutch canal views, you need to visit Giethoorn! Schedule:   10AM: Departure Amsterdam, Overhoeksplein, travel by luxury coach   12PM: Arrival in Giethoorn   4PM: Departure from Giethoorn   6PM: Arrival in Amsterdam