Driving through The Netherlands is a pleasure with a kaleidoscope of sleepy villages, dramatic forests, sandy beaches and historic towns to see along the way, all within easy journey time of the ferry ports.
Amsterdam
Lives its life on the street. The Amsterdammers seem to have a matchless zest for life. On bicycles or trams, in ‘brown’ cafes sipping pea soup or thronging Dam Square, you will soon catch the cheerful spirit of these warm hosts. Yet Amsterdam has its reflective side. Diamond capital of the world, this city – home to the famous Rijksmuseum and infamous red light district – has charms best viewed by canal. These thread like a spider’s web along tree-lined streets and under scores of bridges. Here elaborately gabled houses transport you back to another time. Then Amsterdam’s pulsating night life will bring you smack bang into the twenty-first century.
Apeldoorn
To the east of Amsterdam is the provincial town of Apeldoorn, an ideal base from where you can explore Holland’s largest nature reserve, The Hoge Veluwe National Park. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest or visit the Kroller Muller Museum with its collection of Van Gogh paintings as well as Europe’s largest sculpture garden.
Delft
With its canal-side cafes, gothic architecture, Renaissance art and impressive market, Delft offers far more than the exquisite ceramics for which it is famed.
Haarlem
Known as the Flower City, due to the abundance of public gardens and flower beds, Haarlem is a bustling city noted for its culture, shopping and nightlife.
Leiden
Leiden is an old University town with picturesque canals, draw bridges and gabled houses. The cobbled streets are full of interesting shops and a variety of restaurants from student cafes to gourmet cuisine.
Maastricht
The lively city of Maastricht with its medieval centre, houses ancient fortifications, imposing basilicas and interesting museums. The cobbled streets are full of boutiques, galleries and markets.
The Hague
As befits a royal city, The Hague sparkles with history and culture. And after the pomp and splendour of its architecture there are a wealth of shops and restaurants to enjoy, as well as museums, art galleries and the golden beaches of Scheveningen.
Utrecht
In the heart of Holland, the centre of Utrecht is dominated by the 14th century, 112 metre high Dom church tower. With its medieval canals, abundant fashionable shops and entertainment areas, this city is a marvellous blend of old and new.
Putten
The amazing Six Flags Holland, just 4 kilometres from the centre of Putten, is Europe’s newest and most thrilling theme park. An exciting world of fun and exhilaration with a Looney Tune theme throughout, there are more than 30 new shows and attractions from white knuckle rides to spectacular shows.