Beyond Amsterdam: Finding the Soul of the Netherlands

Amsterdam is a classic destination and worth its position as a must-see European city. The canals are iconic, the city is very walkable, and the frites and beer are absolutely not to be missed. This time we went beyond Amsterdam to explore more of the Netherlands and we loved it!

While we enjoyed our time in the city, it was our guided tours outside the capital that really brought the magic and story of this country to life for us. To me, this is the ultimate goal of travel: the ability to experience a bit of another’s culture, history, and context. These are the kinds of experiences that shift your POV.

We all know, or should be familiar with, the Netherlands' role in WWII and stories like Anne Frank. But what I learned on this trip was that the Dutch history of freedom and tolerance goes back hundreds of years before the 1940s.

Historically, the Netherlands has always been a place of acceptance, a cultural DNA dating back to the 17th-century philosopher Baruch Spinoza, who famously argued that a stable society thrives through tolerance and freedom of thought. This deeply ingrained mindset, that what people do privately is their own business, shapes today’s progressive landscape. From its historic religious tolerance to its modern protections for varied lifestyles, Amsterdam’s rule of thumb remains unchanged: as long as the impact on society isn't negative, you are free to be who you are.

Then we headed outside of the city - there is a popular saying here: “God made the earth, but the Dutch created the Netherlands.” We came to truly understand this as we left the city center and explored more of the countryside. The canals of Amsterdam are merely a fraction of a much wider, staggering network of canals, dikes, and pumping systems throughout the country. All of them are meticulously managed to ensure this beautiful country, which sits an average of 7 feet below sea level, does not flood into non-existence.

To really dig into this, we took two days with a private guide and driver to explore outside the city limits. Our first day trip took us to the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans and the lovely town of Haarlem (often called "Little Amsterdam"). If you think windmills are just for aesthetic postcards, let me tell you, I lost count of how many uses they actually have! They were the industrial engines of early Europe. We learned about and saw timber mills, pigment mills (where do you think all the paint for the  Dutch paintings came from!) and even mills that grind cocoa beans - many of which are destined for those famous Belgian chocolates next door.

We also saw first hand how mastering sustainability is just a way of life for the Dutch. Yes, wooden clogs are still widely used today for farming and gardening because they keep feet dry and safe - and when crafting clogs, the leftover wet wood remnants aren't thrown away, they are used to smoke local fish and cheese. Even the white flesh of the cocoa bean is being upcycled into a trendy new soda.

Afterward, we explored Haarlem, an incredibly cute, quieter version of Amsterdam. The cobblestone streets are wildly picturesque, lined with beautifully curated potted plants and hidden hofjes (courtyards) historically built by wealthy citizens to care for elderly, unmarried women. We stopped into St. Bavo Church to see and hear its magnificent organ, one of the largest in Europe, which ten-year-old Mozart famously played.

Our second day trip took us in a completely different direction: to the breathtaking De Haar Castle and the Kröller-Müller Museum. De Haar looks like a classic medieval fortress, but it was actually completely rebuilt in the early 1900s by the Rothschild family to serve as the ultimate, ultra-luxury party house. It was opened just once a year to host the rich and famous, welcoming the likes of Cary Grant, Coco Chanel, and international royalty.

Kröller-Müller Museum

Kröller-Müller Museum

From there, we headed into the stunning Hoge Veluwe National Park to visit the Kröller-Müller Museum. Home to the second-largest Van Gogh collection in the world, this indoor-outdoor museum is an absolute dream for anyone who usually finds massive art galleries overwhelming. The surrounding woodlands are even scattered with unique art exhibits, I definitely recommend  carving out time to grab one of the park’s free white bicycles to explore them. But the real game-changer here, especially if you aren’t traditionally a "museum person", is exploring it with a private guide. Instead of aimlessly wandering or squinting at tiny plaques, a great guide brings the canvas to life like a gripping story, tailoring the pace to your energy and pointing out the hidden, fascinating details you’d completely miss on your own.

With each day trip, our guide seamlessly customized the experience to our specific interests, questions, and pace. This is just one of the key benefits of working with an advisor.

For our clients, the opportunities to design unique, high-access experiences are virtually endless. We have local partners and on-the-ground connections to open doors that are impossible to unlock on your own. Skip the crowded shops and instead spend an afternoon with a master chocolatier in their studio making your own confections. Curious about Dutch agriculture? We can arrange access to a private working heritage farm to watch clogs being carved by hand, followed by a private tasting of cheeses smoked on-site.

Travel is at its best when it moves past the ‘gram and connects you to the people and heritage of a place. Let us take the stress, endless researching, and guesswork off your shoulders. Together, we’ll craft a beautifully paced, custom itinerary filled with exclusive moments that are entirely yours.