Amsterdam to Rotterdam: Explore History, Art and Nature in the Heart of the Netherlands

Your journey starts in the exciting capital city of the Netherlands. Stay a few days here before your trip and wander around the gingerbread like houses and along the tranquil canals. Visit the world-famous museums of Amsterdam, seize the history, and even rent a bike to explore the city like a local.

Start your day with a sweet tooth and enjoy the many varieties of cakes, buns or donuts here. This cute pastry shop has outdoor tables and delicious coffee. Mingle with the locals and do some people watching while you're there. Its outdoor seating area is overlooking an insta-worthy historic canal lock, don't forget to take a photo!
Opening times: Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 17:30 Saturday: 07:00 – 16:00 Sunday: Closed

After breakfast, head to one of the best-preserved castles in the Netherlands. Muiderslot was erected in 1285, and it is surrounded by water and peaceful gardens. You can walk around the gardens and enjoy the view of Muiden as well as the castle. You can also climb to the fort. There are also exhibitions inside to learn more about the Netherlands's history. There are restrooms and an electronic guide, should you need them.
Opening times: April 1st – October 31st Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
November 1st – March 31st Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00 Monday: Closed
You can prebook tickets on their official website.

Jump back in your car and head south to Utrecht. It is an amazingly beautiful city that has a university. Some people even find it better than Amsterdam. It is still a hidden gem because this historic city is not so popular among tourists, yet the locals love it here. Utrecht is quite walkable, so park your car here and start exploring the city.

The main attraction of Utrecht is its 2 km long Old Canal, which is called Ouder Gracht. Walking along this beautiful canal and taking in the views on its quays is the delight of discovering Utrecht.
The lower level warehouses have been transformed into trendy cafés today with terraces overlooking the water. Gaardbrug is a historic bridge on this canal with an excellent view of the canal, the old city and the famous Dom Tower.
Stop by this bridge to watch the view and take a photo. The picturesque city center of Utrecht will make you want to reach for your camera many times today.

The Dom is right in the city center, and it's a gothic church from the 14th century. It has the tallest church tower of the Netherlands, with a height of 112 m. Climbing the tower to see the city from above is a popular activity, but it takes an hour to climb its steps, so today just admire the gothic architecture of this historic structure. The square surrounding the church is vibrant and full of cafés.

The Pandhof Garden is the elegantly designed garden of the old monastery. Enjoy the green plants breathing in a centuries old courtyard and forget about the hurry of daily life. Marvel at the majestic arches and arcades of the surrounding buildings. It was, once upon a time, the passage of university students from the church to the academy.
It is also open every day from 10:00 to 16:00.

You should be starving by now, and you are in luck because it is time for lunch in a really special spot. The Street Food Club has arguably the best decoration among all restaurants in Utrecht. Under the stained-glass ceiling, choose a place to sit and enjoy the colors of the tropical green room or the pink room.
This colorful joint offers street food style dishes, and it's famous for the Asian food. Go for the butter chicken curry and tuna sandwich with tamarind chimichurri. Although it's a big restaurant, you may want to book in advance on their website.
Street Food Club is open from 12:00 pm until late at night every day.

After exploring the small but joyful center of Utrecht, jump back in your car and head to Rotterdam this time.

Your next stop is in Kinderdijk, where you'll find the UNESCO heritage nineteen iconic windmills. These make up the international symbol of the Netherlands because they actually have a major role in the country's water defense mechanism.
The Netherlands is prone to floods since it is located below sea level, and the windmills in Kinderdjik were constructed in the 18th century to clear the water from the low lands. Using the power of the wind and pumps, these truly beautiful brick structures moved water from low areas to higher ground to help send it to the river. This resulted in success for agriculture in Kinderdjik and today there are still people living inside the mills to continue the system.
The landscape around the heritage site is also stunning and makes a picturesque sight together with the windmills. There is a walkway along the river taking you to the mills and two of the mills operate as museums, in which you can climb the ladders to the top when the mill is still spinning. You can enjoy the views and learn all about the famous windmills of the Netherlands in this UNESCO protected heritage site.
The museum entrance is free! However, you need a ticket to go inside the museum. You can buy tickets on their website. The museum is open every day from 10:30 to 16:00 but you are free to roam the premises and take photos as you like. It is best to check the official website for opening hours.

You can charge your car here. Head to the nearby Shell Market to utilize the restrooms and grab a hot coffee and some snacks.
Type: CCS/SAE 2 stations, 2 plugs Power: 50 kW

Grab a takeaway coffee here for the road while waiting for your car to be charged and stretch your legs before the short drive ahead.

Once your car is charged up, jump back in and head to Rotterdam.

Check into your hotel in Rotterdam city center and leave your car here before going to dinner.

It's already time for dinner after a full day of exploration. Vessel 11 is a boat from the 50s. It also has a bar, and sometimes you can come across live music here. Since it's a British restaurant, go for the comfort food of fish and chips or beef Wellington. This cozy old boat has a great decoration and a warm atmosphere. You'll have an incredible view of the harbor and the city architecture. Sit back and unwind with a well-deserved meal before ending your day.
Opening times: Tuesday – Friday: 12:00 – 01:00 Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 – 01:00 Monday: Closed

Go to your room and have a good rest to reenergize for your next day of adventure. The hotel offers great views of Rotterdam, which you can enjoy during your breakfast next morning.