We are taking our three daughters 17, 15 and 12 on their first trip to Europe. We fly in and out of Amsterdam with 7 full days to visit (fly back on 8th day). We would like to take a day trip to Giethoorn and I am trying to decide what is the best way to get there. I am thinking with 5 of us renting a car may be our best option. We are also thinking of going to Belgium or Germany for 2 or 3 nights. Any advice or suggestions?
Options for travel to Giethoorn---https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Amsterdam/Giethoorn
if you want to compare it to public transport...
You can buy discounted tickets at https://www.discoverholland.com/daytrip/24/giethoorn-by-boat for EUR 23. This includes the train from Amsterdam Centraal (or any other Dutch Railway station) to Steenwijk or Zwolle, bus from Steenwijk/Zwolle to Giethoorn and a boat ride in Giethoorn (and of course bus/train back to Amsterdam)
It will take 2 hours to 2h 20 minutes by public transport (https://9292.nl/en/journeyadvice/station-amsterdam-centraal/giethoorn/departure/2018-08-29T0907)
Thank you both for the helpful information! The discoverholland looks like a great option for us, so thank you Floris for that!!