My first trip to Holland was back in 1989 when I was in 1st year at high school, a lot has changed since then! I was in awe with the wooden clogs, the vibrant floral Tulip displays, and of course the delicious sweet marzipan treats. It was an educational trip with the geography department at school and the teachers had researched and packed our itinerary with lots of amazing things to do, taste, and discuss throughout. Since then I have visited a few more times enjoying the relaxing boat trips along its many canals in Amsterdam, seeing the Crown Jewels at The Hague, the medieval city of Maastricht, and discovering some of its historical stories such as that told by Anne Frank, seeing works by artist Van Gogh and much more! Here is what not to miss when you visit.
Canals of Amsterdam ©MDHarding
A to Z Blog - Holland
How to Reach Holland
Holland today is known as The Netherlands, is easy to reach from the UK and many cities throughout Europe. Today the ferry is as popular today as it was back in the day to visit. The P&O ferry sails overnight from Hull to Rotterdam and also from Newcastle to Amsterdam with DFDS with ample room on-board to enjoy the bar, shop, cinema, and more.
As Autumn creeps in why not enjoy the last of the Summer Fiesta with a mini-cruise to Holland? Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a mini cruise for as little as £44! Only available till 10th September.
For a 4 person mini-cruise travel for £125 instead of £59pp available till the end of September.
If you have limited travel time why not take one of the short flights available with airlines such as low-cost budget airline EasyJet or with Amsterdam's local airline KLM.
Flying High With KLM ©MDHarding
Where to Stay
There are some really cool places to stay from up-cycled storage containers, boat hotels or even a historic private tower.
Check out these Top 10 Best Unique Hotels in Amsterdam.
City Break Options
Amsterdam is a great city to explore with many inexpensive city break options. Why not choose a combined accommodation and Flight option to give you the best value.
What to See and Do
Holland is famous for its clogs (wooden shoes), cheese and of course Tulips! So what better place to start than with a visit to Rembrandt Hoeve Cheesefarm and Clog Factory. After a morning visit, time for lunch and possibly a light refreshment?
Clogs of Amsterdam ©MDHarding
Specialty Food & Drink
One of my favourite sweet treats is the Stroopwafel. The Stroopwafel delicacy dates back to 1784, when a baker from the town of Gouda baked a waffle using old crumbs, spices and filled it with syrup. Today you can get to try the fresh Stroopwafel on the streets of Amsterdam or buy the delightful souvenir tin to take home for friends and family.
Here are the top 22 Things Everyone Needs To Eat In Amsterdam.
Did you know you can also visit Heineken Experience? There is also Amstel which is also owned by Heineken.
With over 50 craft beers and ale, you might like to go on a Brews & Tales Craft Beer Tour.
Nature Lovers
If you love flowers and nature you might like to visit the largest Tulip garden at Keukenhof,
the Botanical Garden (Hortus Botanicus), the small Tulip Museum and the FloraHolland flower auction in Aalsmeer.
To make the most of your stay why not take a Flower Tour.
Did you know you can buy fresh Tulips at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport which are boxed and ready for you to enjoy at home?
If visiting in spring don't miss the annual Tulip Festival!
Amsterdam Flower Growers ©MDHarding
Getting Around
Amsterdam is an easy city to get around either by walking, tram or bicycle. Did you know that there is also another great way to see the city with the City Sightseeing Hop on Hop Off Bus?
For my readers, I have a special code available until the 31st December 2018 -
There are lots of city passes to make the most of your visit including museums, boat trips and discounts! The most popular is the Amsterdam CityPass as this includes fast track to either the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum. There is also a 1 hour canal cruise, return airport transfer and more included. You can also sort out everything online without having to collect anything on arrival and there is no time limit on the pass. So you can relax and enjoy this fantastic city.
I hope you have enjoyed reading. If yes, don't forget to share!
As always, I would love to hear from you if you have any comments/questions. You can email me at enquiries@MDHardingTravelPhotography.com
Until next time...Happy Travels:) x