Here is a sample itinerary for a 20-day trip to the Netherlands on a limited budget:
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
- Cost: $200-300 for a one-way flight from your location to Amsterdam
- Transportation: Take the train or bus from the airport to your hotel
- Accommodation: $50-70 per night for a budget hotel in the city center
Day 2-3: Amsterdam
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the train or bus to visit the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and other famous landmarks in the city
Day 4: Amsterdam to The Hague
- Cost: $20-30 for a one-way train ticket
- Transportation: Take the train from Amsterdam to The Hague
- Accommodation: $50-70 per night for a budget hotel in the city center
Day 5-6: The Hague
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the bus to visit the Peace Palace, the Mauritshuis Museum, and other famous landmarks in the city
Day 7: The Hague to Rotterdam
- Cost: $20-30 for a one-way train ticket
- Transportation: Take the train from The Hague to Rotterdam
- Accommodation: $50-70 per night for a budget hotel in the city center
Day 8-9: Rotterdam
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the bus to visit the Rotterdam Market Hall, the Erasmus Bridge, and other famous landmarks in the city
Day 10: Rotterdam to Leiden
- Cost: $20-30 for a one-way train ticket
- Transportation: Take the train from Rotterdam to Leiden
- Accommodation: $50-70 per night for a budget hotel in the city center
Day 11-12: Leiden
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the bus to visit the Leiden University, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, and other historical sites in the city
Day 13: Leiden to Utrecht
- Cost: $20-30 for a one-way train ticket
- Transportation: Take the train from Leiden to Utrecht
- Accommodation: $50-70 per night for a budget hotel in the city center
Day 14-15: Utrecht
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the bus to visit the Dom Tower, the Rietveld Schröder House, and other historical sites in the city
Day 16 : Utrecht to Groningen
- Cost: $30-40 for a one-way train ticket
- Transportation: Take the train from Utrecht to Groningen
- Accommodation: $50-70 per night for a budget hotel in the city center
Day 17-18: Groningen
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the bus to visit the Groninger Museum, the Martinitoren, and other famous landmarks in the city
Day 19: Groningen to Maastricht
- Cost: $40-50 for a one-way train ticket
- Transportation: Take the train from Groningen to Maastricht
- Accommodation: $50-70 per night for a budget hotel in the city center
Day 20: Maastricht
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the bus to visit the Vrijthof, the Basilica of Saint Servatius, and other historical sites in the city
Total cost: Approximately $1500-2000 (including flights, transportation, accommodation, and meals)
Please note that this is a rough estimate and prices may vary depending on season, location, and personal preferences.
Also, The Netherlands is a small country with a lot of places to visit, you might want to pick and choose places that align with your interests, and adjust your itinerary accordingly.
Additionally, there are many ways to cut down costs while traveling in the Netherlands. For example, using public transportation like trains and buses, staying in budget accommodation like hostels and guesthouses, and cooking your own meals. Also, many of the famous landmarks and museums offer discounts or free entry with a Holland Pass, a multi-attraction pass that allows you to save money on admission fees. Another way to save money is to plan your trip off-season, the prices for accommodation and transportation tend to be lower during the spring or fall. Also, many of the cities in the Netherlands have a free bike rental system, which is a great way to get around and explore the city while saving money on transportation costs.