Utrecht to Giethoorn and Zwolle: Private day trip

Giethoorn was founded by peat farmers, who harvested the plant-stuff, and created a series of ponds, lakes, and canals in the process. Today, the settlement is often called ‘The Venice of Holland’ because of its series of canals and bridges. However, this isn’t a bustling city, but a charming village where visitors can ride through the canals, under traditional wooden bridges to admire the 18th and 19th century farm houses. For foodies, the town also has a gift for gastronomy, with a slew of excellent water-facing restaurants, including De Lindenhof, which has 2 Michelin stars.

Zwolle is a medieval marvel that sits at the convergence of four rivers. It distills the Dutch essence into one compact, walkable city. Dominated by the 15th-century Sassenpoort, a UNESCO-listed castle-like gate, Zwolle’s cobbled streets remind visitors of a long-gone era. Climb the Peperbus, a 75-meter tower with dizzying spiral stairs, for panoramic views, or lose yourself in Waanders in de Broeren, a breathtaking bookstore housed in a Gothic cathedral (complete with original pipe organ!). Art lovers can’t miss Museum de Fundatie, crowned by a surreal glass egg atop its neoclassical dome, showcasing everything from Old Masters to avant-garde installations. Just an hour from Amsterdam, Zwolle offers authentic Dutch charm without the crowds.