Welcome to Holland! Home to windmills, cheese, canals, tulips, bikes, and drugs. I know, it sounded so nice for a minute there and then I had to spoil it... Or did I? Let's face it, with over 4.5 million international visitors annually, do you really think they all go just to see a windmill and pick a tulip? But we'll get back to that after.
Canada and the Netherlands have a rich history after Canada's role in the liberation of the Netherlands during the Second World War. The impact of this is still felt today and has created a mutual respect between two nations as more than 250000 Canadians are welcomed every year by the outgoing and friendly Dutch people.
If you want to experience Holland and all it has to offer, there are plenty of options available whether it be taking a local bike tour in the countryside, a River Cruise, or booking a fully escorted tour. The Netherlands has plenty to offer in the way of scenery and charm in cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, across the scenic countryside, and along the canals and waterways.
The number one destination in The Netherlands is Amsterdam. This vibrant city is packed with attractions and museums such as Anne Frank house, the Van Gogh museum, the Rembrandt museum and the Rijksmuseum as well as other famous landmarks and hotspots. Take a cruise on their extensive canal system in the day followed by a tour of the Heineken Brewery before taking in an evening walking tour of the famous Red Light District. End the day with a night of dancing in one of their many lively clubs or stop by a "coffee shop" where a wide variety of cannabis is on the menu. Before you get bent out of shape thinking you'll be transported back to Haight and Ashbury during the '60s with Cheech & Chong, it's not like that at all. Maybe it's the charm of the city, maybe it's the friendly locals but for some reason it just works here. The sale and use of soft drugs is legal in Amsterdam but it is controlled and there are rules to keep it from getting out of hand. Just remember to leave it all behind when you head to the airport. If a slower pace is more of your style then rent a bike and take your time cycling through the streets and exploring by yourself. Bikes are the main mode of transportation and are available to rent everywhere.
With so much to see and do, you'll need more than a day to see it all. Many of the Hotels in Amsterdam are established in historical buildings with stunning architecture and all the charm you would expect to find in Amsterdam. You are sure to find excellent accommodations within any budget. Everything from B&Bs to 5 star luxury hotels are all located within a stone's throw to the main attractions. After exploring Amsterdam, head off into the country asthma and allergy clinic discover other famous landmarks such as the Delft Pottery Factory, The Hague and the famous bulb fields in the South of Holland and the extraordinary flower park of Keukenhof.
Holland and neighboring countries Belgium and Luxemburg are connected by a series of rivers and waterways. Taking a River Cruise is a scenic and relaxing way to explore these three countries with meals, excursions, and accommodation included in one package. For an even more in-depth tour, an escorted or guided coach tour can reach towns, villages, and landmarks that can only be seen by land. Whatever means of transportation you decide on, a visit to The Netherlands is an experience that shouldn't be passed up by anyone looking to tour throughout Europe.