Get ready for a magical Dutch winter adventure! ✨ Join me on a 4-day roadtrip through the Netherlands, where cozy towns, historic windmills and festive lights come together for the perfect Christmas escape. Our journey takes us from the charming city of Alkmaar and the iconic windmills of the Zaanse Schans, to the picturesque fishing village of Volendam, where we’ll dress up in traditional Dutch costumes for a fun photo memory! 📸 But the real highlight of this trip awaits in the south: the world-famous Christmas Market in the caves of Valkenburg. 🎅🏼🎄 Wander through underground tunnels filled with twinkling lights, Christmas music and local treats, a unique winter experience you won’t find anywhere else. We’ll also explore the magical Christmas Market in Maastricht, with its ice rink, where we can ice-skate and feel the warm festive atmosphere. Between glühwein, stroopwafels and beautiful city lights, this trip is packed with Dutch charm and Christmas coziness! Traveling together by car keeps everything easy and flexible. Relax, enjoy the scenery and let’s make unforgettable memories this December! 🚗🎄
About me: I’m Gaby, 32 years old and born in the Netherlands! 🇳🇱 I started traveling in December 2021, I’ve visited 26 countries so far and I'm not planning to stop anytime soon! ✈️ Traveling has truly changed my life. I love learning about different cultures, meeting new people and hearing everyone’s unique stories. That’s why I decided to start sharing my adventures here on JoinMyTrip, to connect with like-minded travelers who share the same curiosity and love for exploring the world. 🌎✨ I can’t wait to meet you and create amazing memories together on our first trip! 💛
Accommodation: During our trip, we’ll stay in cozy and comfortable hostels that are perfect for travelers who enjoy a friendly and social atmosphere. Both hostels include breakfast and all linens and towels are provided. Expect clean, cozy and sociable places where we can unwind after our winter adventures. 🎅🏼☕🛏️✨
What's included?
Transport (we travel together in my car)
3 nights accommodation (shared rooms)
3 times breakfast
Group photo Volendam (print + digital)
Entrance ticket to Christmas caves
Fun, friendly small group atmosphere
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Arrival time is flexible today. I’ll pick you up from train station Alkmaar (easy to reach from Schiphol Airport, check ns.nl ). We’ll stay in a cozy hostel in Alkmaar (private rooms available for an extra fee). In the evening, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner together to get to know each other and if you like, we can go for a drink afterwards in Alkmaar’s charming city center. Alkmaar is known as the cheese capital of the Netherlands! The city is full of canals, cute shops, and cozy winter vibes, perfect for our first night. 🧀✨
2
Zaanse Schans
Day 2
After breakfast, we’ll drive to the Zaanse Schans, a picture-perfect village full of traditional windmills, green wooden houses, and Dutch craftsmanship. You can watch how cheese and wooden clogs are made and don’t miss the delicious stroopwafels (caramel waffels), poffertjes (mini pancakes) and other local treats! 😋
3
Volendam
Day 2
Next, we’ll visit the charming fishing village Volendam. Here, we’ll take a group photo in traditional Dutch costumes, everyone gets a printed photo and the digital photos as a fun souvenir! 📸 And try more autentic local treats!
4
Maastricht
Day 2-3
With full bellies and happy hearts, we’ll drive south in the evening to Maastricht, where we’ll stay for two nights in a cozy hostel. Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, known for its Roman history, beautiful architecture and delicious food. During winter, Maastricht becomes a magical place with its Christmas markets, festive lights and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. ✨
5
Valkenburg
Day 3
After breakfast, we’ll head to Valkenburg, the Christmas capital of the Netherlands! This market is truly unique, it takes place inside underground caves. Wander through twinkling lights, handmade gifts and taste local specialties like 'Limburgse vlaai' and glühwein.
6
Vrijthof
Day 3-4
In the evening, we’ll return to Maastricht, where you can explore the beautiful Vrijthof Christmas Market, with a big ferris wheel, festive music and a warm, romantic atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to end our Christmas adventure! 🎁
7
Amsterdam
Day 4
We’ll have breakfast together in the hostel before saying our goodbyes. You’ll have some free time in the morning to explore Maastricht at your own pace. Then we’ll drive back north, I can drop you off at Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam on the way. From here you can explore Amsterdam or other cities at your own pace or return home.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hostel
4 days trip
Alkmaar, Zaanse Schans & 5 more
Transportation
Car
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What's excluded?
Flight tickets and visa
Train ticket to Alkmaar (arrival point)
Fuel and parking fees
Lunch, dinner and personal expenses
Travel insurance
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Netherlands
Visit the most iconic Dutch spots! 
Transport (we travel together in my car) 
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27 Countries
Flight tickets and visa 
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Unique Trips hosted by Experienced Travellers 
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