By Anita Carson
Alexandria, VA – One of my favorite destinations in Europe is the Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam and the surrounding areas. There is much to explore in Amsterdam, which is filled with narrow gabled houses, arched bridges, and houseboats. World-class museums like The Rijksmuseum (Rembrandt, Vermeer), the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk (modern art) are all in the same area. Add the Anne Frank House, the Floating Flower Market, and a scenic canal cruise, all of which make Amsterdam a near-perfect destination!
Tip: Book your museum tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist season (April to August), as some open for bookings 5-6 weeks prior with timed entry.
Amsterdam is a compact, relaxed, and bike-friendly city. It has a cosmopolitan feel with a lively mix of music, culture, and quirky neighborhoods. If you are a foodie, you’ll enjoy the many markets in Amsterdam including The Albert Cuyp Market (260 food stalls open 6 days a week) and Foodhallen, overflowing with Dutch treats, cured fish, and of course CHEESE! Cheese production in the region goes back at least to Roman times due to the wet grassy lowlands, excellent for grazing cows and a surplus of fresh milk.
Amsterdam is a great base for day trips too. Consider Keukenhof’s tulip gardens in the spring, Zaanse Schans windmills, Haarlem, Utrecht, and Leiden.
If you prefer a destination for history and politics, I highly recommend The Hague, which is the Netherlands’ seat of government, but not its capital. There are sites to visit including The Peace Palace which houses the International Court of Justice (the UN’s principal court). It’s also home to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and the International Criminal Court. You can visit The Binnenhof, the medieval complex where the Dutch parliament sits, one of the oldest political buildings still in use in Europe.
One of the best ways to visit Amsterdam and the surrounding areas is to sail on a river cruise with a 2-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Amsterdam prior to embarking the ship. Take the opportunity to enjoy a walking tour and a canal cruise, which is the best way to see Amsterdam. A river cruise has a great advantage and value as you only pack and un-pack once, your meals are included, and select excursions ashore are complimentary.
Consider a 7-day river cruise itinerary which includes Bruinisse, a small village in the province of Zeeland and part of the Delta works, then onto Ghent, Belgium, for a chocolate workshop (yum) or a Bruger excursion with the Cathedral of Our Lady, then a stop in Antwerp, “City of Diamonds.” If you prefer active tours, enjoy an Antwerp Bike Tour. This same itinerary includes a trip to the famous Kinderdijk, a UNESCO site with a private tour of the windmills, followed by a stop in Rotterdam, a small town known for its blue and white pottery (Delft) and Vermeer’s history. End your river cruise with a visit to explore the tulips at Keukenhof, the Netherlands most famous tulip and flower garden in the world.
International non-stop flights are available from Washington Dulles (IAD) roundtrip to and from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) on United and KLM airlines. The train system within the Netherlands is also excellent and affordable. You can even explore this culturally rich country by car, but keep in mind that parking in the city center is limited so it’s best to drive only in the country. The Netherlands does recommend an international driving permit for non-EU citizens.
The Netherlands is an easy country to explore at a relaxed pace, and one that’s just as satisfying whether you stay for a few weeks or sail on the river. Now is the time to book your Spring 2027 trip! For more information and planning, contact Anita Carson at Villas and Voyages at [email protected]
