Planning May trip for 6 nights in Haarlem with mix of car and train and 4 nights in Amsterdam. Don't think I'll go again and wanted to include all the highlights. Haarlem seems like quieter, smaller place and found B&B with free parking!! YAY!
Does following itinerary make sense? Is 6 nights too long for Haarlem? Or have I left off some “must see” places from Haarlem to do either by car or train? Is 4 nights in Amsterdam enough? Have I included too much of the same? No particular order to see things, just wanted to allot time by designating a day.
• Day 1 – get settled in Haarlem after long flight from U.S., pick up car, explore town
• Day 2 – Drive to Kuekenhoff (arrive early) and plan to spend day. If time, explore Leiden.
• Day 3 – Drive to Alkmaar/Hoorn. (Friday cheese market?)
• Day 4 – Drive to Edam and Monnickendam. Return car at end of day.
• Day 5 – Train to The Hague and then to Delft.
• Day 6 – Spend day enjoying Haarlem—Market Square, Grote Kerk, Corrie ten Boom House, Frans Hals Museum
• Day 7 – Train to Amsterdam – settle in Amsterdam B&B, explore the city
• Day 8 –Bus to Aaismeer Flower Auction
• Day 9 – Kinderdijk tour or Arnhem Open-Air Museum
• Day 10 – Amsterdam museums and boat tour?
• Day 11 – Train to Bruges
Want to see flowers, windmills, architecture, some museums and experience area without being rushed but don’t want to have too much sameness; e.g., too many windmill tours, etc. Please give me your thoughts and suggestions. This forum is great to hear from those whose eyes have seen and experienced the area. So appreciate your input as I plan.