8 days in Benelux Itinerary

Known as one of the greatest small cities in the world, Amsterdam charms visitors with its cool and cozy atmosphere.

You'll explore and learn at Van Gogh Museum and Museum Het Rembrandthuis. Get a sense of the local culture at Anne Frank House and The Jordaan. Get out of town with these interesting Amsterdam side-trips: Haarlem (Sint-Bavokerk (Church of St. Bavo), Grote Markt, &more). The adventure continues: sample the tasty concoctions at Heineken Experience, explore the world behind art at Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, steep yourself in history at Willet-Holthuysen Museum, and wander the streets of De 9 Straatjes.

For traveler tips, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Amsterdam trip planner.

Cairo, Egypt to Amsterdam is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of car and train. Traveling from Cairo to Amsterdam, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Cairo in December, plan for much colder days and a bit cooler nights in Amsterdam: temperatures range from 9°C by day to 3°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 16th (Fri) to allow time for the car ride to Leiden.

Located in the flower-growing district, Leiden has been called the most beautiful city in the Netherlands.

On the 16th (Fri), take in the spiritual surroundings of Pieterskerk Leiden, examine the collection at Molenmuseum de Valk, and then stroll through Strand van Katwijk aan Zee.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Leiden trip maker app.

Traveling by car from Amsterdam to Leiden takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In December in Leiden, expect temperatures between 11°C during the day and 5°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to The Hague.

Known as the "judicial capital of the world," The Hague is the center for everything official in the Netherlands: the home of the Dutch government and parliament, the workplace of the King and Queen, and the base of many international affairs such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

On the 17th (Sat), look for gifts at Boerderijzuivel Delft, take in the spiritual surroundings of Old Church, then make a trip to Panorama Mesdag, then explore the world behind art at Escher in Het Paleis (Escher in the Palace), and finally view the masterpieces at The Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Maria van Jessekerk, see the interesting displays at Madurodam, and then see the interesting displays at The Hidden House of Madame de Berry.

To see traveler tips, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the The Hague trip planner.

The Hague is just a short distance from Leiden. In December in The Hague, expect temperatures between 9°C during the day and 3°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Rotterdam.

Located in the South Holland province, Rotterdam is one of the Netherlands' most lively cities, as well as one of the largest trading ports in the world.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Mon): see the interesting displays at Royal Delft - Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, snap pictures at Erasmus Bridge, then see the interesting displays at Kijk-Kubus, and finally buy something for everyone on your list at Markthal.

To see where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Rotterdam trip planner.

Getting from The Hague to Rotterdam by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. In December, daytime highs in Rotterdam are 9°C, while nighttime lows are 3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Tue) so you can catch the flight back home.