Giethoorn in Overijssel is known as the Venice of the North. The old village is car free, with canals, thatched farmhouses and 176 little bridges. What can you expect at Giethoorn? - History: Legend has it that the first settlers found many goat horns around 1230, hence the name. Peat digging created the lakes, and the ...
Utrecht is the fourth city of the Netherlands, with a medieval centre in the heart of the country. Its wharf cellars along the Oudegracht, where terraces sit right by the water, are unique. What can you expect at Utrecht? - History: Utrecht began around the year 50 as a Roman fort. It received city rights in 1122, and in ...
Volendam is a former fishing village on the Markermeer, famous for its harbour, the traditional costume with its tall lace cap and the music of the Palingsound. What can you expect at Volendam? - History: Volendam began around 1357, when Edam dug a new harbour and farmers and fishermen settled on the land left dry. Around ...
Haarlem is the capital of North Holland and a compact historic city on the Spaarne. It lies close to the dunes, Zandvoort and the bulb fields. What can you expect at Haarlem? - History: Haarlem received city rights in 1245 and withstood a seven month Spanish siege in 1572 and 1573. Frans Hals and Jacob van Ruisdael worked ...
Alkmaar is the cheese city of North Holland, with canals, almshouse courtyards and the Weigh House on the Waagplein. From late March to September the Friday morning cheese market draws visitors from all over the world. What can you expect at Alkmaar? - Sights: At the cheese market the cheese porters carry the cheeses on ...
Zandvoort is Amsterdam's nearest seaside resort, with some 9 kilometres of beach, a boulevard with sea views and a cosy village centre. You step off the train almost straight onto the beach. What can you expect at Zandvoort? - History: For centuries Zandvoort was a fishing village; it became a resort from 1828, and the ...
Leiden is a university and museum city with a historic centre full of canals and leafy quays. It is the birthplace of Rembrandt and the nearest city to Noordwijk and Katwijk. What can you expect at Leiden? - History: In 1574 the Spanish siege was lifted by breaching the dikes, an event celebrated every year on 3 October. ...
Gouda is one of those cities you fall in love with straight away. Known for its world-famous cheese, but surprisingly varied once you start exploring. From a beautiful historic centre and atmospheric canals to lively market squares and interesting museums. Gouda is compact, authentic and perfect for a day trip or a weekend ...
Rotterdam is the city of modern architecture on the Nieuwe Maas, with Europe's largest seaport. After the bombing of 1940 the centre was rebuilt, and today the city is an open air museum of bold buildings. What can you expect at Rotterdam? - History: Rotterdam grew up around a dam in the Rotte and received city rights in ...
Delft is a city with a unique character. Historic, charming and typically Dutch, yet lively and contemporary at the same time. Known for Delft Blue, Johannes Vermeer and William of Orange, but also loved for its atmospheric canals, cosy squares and compact city centre. Delft is perfect for a day trip or a relaxing weekend ...
Rotterdam is the city of modern architecture on the Nieuwe Maas, with Europe's largest seaport. After the bombing of 1940 the centre was rebuilt, and today the city is an open air museum of bold buildings. What can you expect at Rotterdam? - History: Rotterdam grew up around a dam in the Rotte and received city rights in ...
