The Netherlands Luxury Tours & Vacations & Holidays 2025 & 2026

The Netherlands LGBTQ+ Rights

The Netherlands has one of the longest histories of LGBTQ+ tolerance in the world, with homosexuality being decriminalized remarkably early—in 1811, when the country adopted the Napoleonic Code during the French occupation. This progressive stance came at a time when most European nations still criminalized same-sex relations, placing the Netherlands more than 150 years ahead of many Western countries in this fundamental aspect of LGBTQ+ rights. While social acceptance evolved more gradually than legal protection, this early decriminalization established an important foundation for the Netherlands’ later pioneering role in LGBTQ+ equality.

The Netherlands is still a pioneering nation in LGBTQ+ rights, making history in 2001 as the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. This groundbreaking legislation followed decades of progressive reforms, including the introduction of registered partnerships in 1998.

Same-sex couples enjoy full adoption rights, both partners in lesbian couples can be recognized as legal parents and transgender individuals can change their gender markers through an administrative process without surgical requirements since 2014.

What Everyone Does in The Netherlands

Amsterdam offers an exceptional cruising experience along its UNESCO-listed canal ring, where guided boat tours provide a unique perspective of the city’s Golden Age architecture and charming bridges. Private canal cruises can be arranged for a more intimate experience, with luxury vessels offering champagne service as you glide past historic merchant houses and under ornate bridges. Evening cruises are particularly atmospheric, when the bridges illuminate and the city takes on a magical quality reflected in the calm waters.

The Rijksmuseum stands as the Netherlands’ premier cultural institution, housing masterpieces like Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid” within its impressive 19th-century building. Just steps away, the Van Gogh Museum holds the world’s largest collection of works by the tortured genius, including “Sunflowers” and “Almond Blossom,” arranged chronologically to illustrate his artistic evolution. For the ultimate cultural experience, consider booking private, after-hours tours of either museum.

What Some People Do in The Netherlands

Indulge in the country’s Michelin-starred restaurants, tasting exquisite Dutch and international cuisine. Enjoy a private, guided tour of the stunning palaces and castles, such as the Royal Palace in Amsterdam or the Keukenhof Gardens. For a unique experience, rent a private yacht and cruise the waterways of Amsterdam or take a helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of the picturesque landscapes. Visit the charming towns of the Dutch countryside, like Giethoorn, known for its serene canals and traditional thatched-roof cottages.

What No One Does in The Netherlands

While most travelers flock to the Netherlands’ iconic tulip fields in spring and Amsterdam’s bustling attractions year-round, few venture to the ancient hunebedden (dolmens) of Drenthe province—prehistoric megalithic structures older than Stonehenge that silently dot the tranquil Dutch countryside. These massive stone tombs, dating back over 5,000 years to the Neolithic period, stand as the country’s oldest architectural monuments yet remain remarkably uncrowded and serene. The Hunebedcentrum in Borger provides context for these mysterious structures while the surrounding national park offers peaceful cycling routes through ancient landscapes virtually untouched by international tourism.

Getting to The Netherlands

Getting to the Netherlands is relatively easy, with multiple international airports well-connected to major cities around the world. The country’s primary gateway is Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, one of the busiest and most efficient airports in Europe, offering direct flights from cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Airlines like KLM, Delta, American Airlines, and British Airways offer frequent, direct flights to Schiphol from major cities like New York, London, Paris, and Toronto.

For travelers coming from Europe, the Netherlands is well-connected by high-speed trains, with regular services from cities like Brussels, Paris, and Frankfurt, allowing for a comfortable and scenic journey. Amsterdam’s central location within Europe also makes it a great starting point for exploring neighboring countries.

Once in the Netherlands, it’s easy to travel around by train, bus, or bicycle, with efficient public transport and well-maintained roads. Whether arriving by air, train, or even ferry, the Netherlands offers smooth and convenient travel options for international visitors, ensuring a seamless journey to this welcoming and vibrant destination.