day trip from amsterdam

Full-Day The Hague Day Trip from Amsterdam

Explore the vibrant cultural side of the Dutch political center

The Finer Details
Discover the Hague on our full-day trip from Amsterdam tour with a private car or train transport, guided by a Ph.D.- or MA-level expert on Dutch history and art. Perfect for travelers looking to explore outside of Amsterdam, this tour will uncover the abundant cultural offerings in the Dutch seat of government, including the Mauritshuis, one of Holland's most impressive and important art collections. Depending on your time frame and interests, the day may also include a visit to the Kunstmuseum or a stroll around the gardens of the Paleis Noordeinde. 

Sites Visited 

  • Hague city center
  • Mauritshuis Museum
  • (Depending on traveler interest) Kunstmuseum, Paleis Noordeinde

Included

  • Transportation to/from Amsterdam via train or private car 
  • Mauritshuis Museum tickets 
  • Viewing of Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'
  • (May include) Kunstmuseum, Paleis Noordeinde 

Itinerary Detail

We will meet our guide in Amsterdam, and together take the train or a private car through the Dutch countryside to the Hague. As we travel, our guide will introduce the story of the Hague - its origin and how it developed to become the home of the Dutch government. On arrival, we’ll start to map this story onto the streets that we walk, tracing a path through the Binnenhof punctuated by the Ridderzaal, Hofvijver, and the parliamentary buildings.

NOTE: If you add the optional car service, please tell us your hotel or apartment address in the 'Additional Details' box while adding the tour to your shopping cart.

Before (or after) a local lunch (at your expense), our journey will continue to the Mauritshuis, home to a world-renowned collection of paintings by the Dutch masters. We will weave through the galleries with our guide, pausing to study and discuss famous works by Rembrandt and Fabritus, as well as lesser-known treasures. Vermeer’s ‘Girl With a Pearl Earring’ will provide the climax to our visit, and we will take time to appreciate the artist’s mastery of light and learn about the painting’s pathway to its current home. 

If time allows, we may also explore the Kunstmuseum’s collection of modern art, acquainting ourselves with their excellent collection of works by Mondrian and De Stijl, amongst others. Or, we may choose to explore the Peace Palace, an important seat of administration for international law and justice. At the end of our day together, we’ll return to Amsterdam with a deeper appreciation of both the multifaceted character of the Hague, its significance for international justice, and the many varied artworks that are housed in its museums.

FAQ

How do we travel to the Hague?
We can either take the train or a private car to the Hague. We usually recommend the train as it is a pleasant journey through the Dutch countryside and takes under an hour but we can arrange a private car service if that better suits your needs. Please indicate when you book which option you prefer.

Where do we meet? Where does it end?
If we are taking the train, we will meet near the train station in Amsterdam, or if we are traveling by private car, we usually meet at your hotel. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.

We are a bigger group and it won't let us book a larger vehicle at checkout, can we still book? 
If your group needs a larger vehicle than the options displayed at checkout, please reach out to our team in order to verify availability and pricing with our car provider. Thank you!

What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your expert will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to be prepared; we encourage keeping an eye on the weather and bringing along an umbrella, sunscreen, water, or a hat as needed. 

I'm interested in going to the Kunstmuseum - is there anything to consider when booking this tour?
We can certainly include the Kunstmuseum in this tour - please book your tour for Tuesday-Sunday, as the museum is closed on Mondays. As this is an optional venue, please note that you will need to pay for your own tickets on-site. 

Is this suitable for children and/or travelers with mobility challenges? 
Yes. We can adapt the route of our private tours based on the ages, needs, and interests of travelers in your party. 
Book a Tour
Where You’ll Go

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

  • Mauritshuis
  • Binnenhof
  • Ridderzaal (exterior)
  • Den Haag Centraal
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
  • English-speaking expert guide
    Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
  • Intentionally sized groups
    A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
  • Tickets and entrance fees
    All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
  • Headsets
    Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
    We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
  • Food and drink
    Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point
    Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
  • Hotel pickup or drop-off
    Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Map of Full-Day The Hague Day Trip from Amsterdam general meeting point area

Make the Most of Your Tour

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:
  • Wear comfortable footwear
  • Check the weather and dress appropriately
  • Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
  • Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
  • Bring firearms or weapons
  • Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
  • Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always contact us.

Don’t just take our word for it

32 Reviews

Barend was a marvelous guide who moved effortlessly from architecture to history to art. He was charming and gave us the best possible introduction to The Hague. Barend showed us the place and the spirit of The Hague

Fabulous! Wonderful trip and guide! Iris was exceptional.

Sabry was so informative and went the extra mile to make our day/experience perfect!

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