9-Day the Netherlands Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Amsterdam to Haarlem, Utrecht, and Zwolle and surrounding area

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Channel in Amsterdam Netherlands houses river Amstel landmark old european city spring landscape.

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Explore the best of the Netherlands on a remarkable 9-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Amsterdam, Zaandijk, Haarlem, Aerdenhout, Overveen, Utrecht, Gouda, Giethoorn, Zwolle, Ede, Laren, and Blaricum.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in the Netherlands. You will spend 3 nights in Amsterdam, 2 nights in Haarlem, 2 nights in Utrecht, and 1 night in Zwolle. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in the Netherlands. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Amsterdam, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover the Netherlands on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in the Netherlands. Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Amsterdam, Zaandijk, Haarlem, Aerdenhout, Overveen, Utrecht, Gouda, Giethoorn, Zwolle, Ede, Laren, and Blaricum, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of the Netherlands. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in the Netherlands.

Throughout your road trip in the Netherlands, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in the Netherlands.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in the Netherlands fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in the Netherlands today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65

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Day 1

Amsterdam - Arrival day
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Anne Frank House
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Your road trip adventure in the Netherlands begins as soon as you reach Amsterdam and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 2 nights and explore what to see in Amsterdam, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Amsterdam is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Amsterdam. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Amsterdam, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in the Netherlands!

Day 2

Amsterdam
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Drive 10 km, 1 hour 15 min

Magere Brug
Rijksmuseum
Van Gogh Museum
Vondelpark
De Pijp
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One of the most iconic spots you can visit today is De Pijp. Allow yourself some time to explore this neighborhood and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in the Netherlands. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Amsterdam's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in the Netherlands!

Day 3

Amsterdam
Haarlem
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Drive 55 km, 1 hour 26 min

Wooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans
Julianabrug Zaandijk
Frans Hals Museum
The St Bavo Church in Haarlem
Teylers Museum
Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in the Netherlands. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Zaandijk and Haarlem. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Haarlem, where will spend 2 nights.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Amsterdam.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Haarlem. Haarlem offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Haarlem. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in the Netherlands.

Day 4

Haarlem
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Drive 22 km, 44 min

Elswout
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
Kennemerland National Park
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On day 4 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Aerdenhout and Overveen. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Haarlem, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Haarlem and your accommodation.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Haarlem. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Say good night to Haarlem and look forward to another great day of your road trip in the Netherlands!

Day 5

Haarlem
Utrecht
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Drive 71 km, 1 hour 25 min

Utrecht Botanic Gardens
Nijntje Museum
Zocherpark
Dom Tower of Utrecht
St Martin's Cathedral
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On day 5 of your road trip in the Netherlands, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Utrecht are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Utrecht, where you will stay for 2 nights.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Utrecht. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Utrecht. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in the Netherlands!

Day 6

Utrecht
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Drive 92 km, 1 hour 56 min

Museum Gouda
Saint-John Church
Gouda Cheese Experience
Van Bergen IJzendoornpark
Goudse Hout
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Greet day 6 of your road trip in the Netherlands with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Utrecht, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Gouda.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Utrecht.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Utrecht's best restaurants.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in the Netherlands!

Day 7

Utrecht
Zwolle
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Drive 160 km, 2 hours 15 min

Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus
Giethoorn Center
Giethoorn Netherlands
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Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in the Netherlands. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Zuideinde and Giethoorn. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Zwolle, where you'll spend 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Zwolle, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Zwolle, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in the Netherlands!

Day 8

Zwolle
Amsterdam
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Drive 162 km, 2 hours 26 min

Hoge Veluwe National Park
Singer
Schaapskooi Blaricummerheide
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On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in the Netherlands, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Ede, Laren, and Blaricum. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Amsterdam, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Amsterdam. Amsterdam offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Amsterdam is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam.

Head back to your accommodation in Amsterdam and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in the Netherlands.

Day 9

Amsterdam - Departure day
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Dam Square
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Day 9 of your road trip in the Netherlands is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in the Netherlands!

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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