Amsterdam: City of bikes EUROPE text REDISCOVERED
the world’s largest collection of the renowned painter’s work, and also chronicles his life with special exhibits. There are museums for every walk of life, from the Houseboat Museum, the Coffee and Tea Museum and the Amsterdam Tattoo Museum, to the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, and even the Museum of Bags and Purses.
ARCHITECTURE
Amsterdam boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse architecture in Europe. The canal houses, for example, were built during the 17th
century and
One of Amsterdam’s other most-visited sites is the Anne Frank House, where she and her family lived in hiding for more than two years during World War Two, and where Anne wrote her diary. Though the attic rooms are now empty, it is a sombre experience to walk through the rooms that represent a piece of history. Visited by more than a million people each year, the Anne Frank House is a must-see.
If museums don’t peak your interest, there are countless other options for you to explore around the city. The Royal Palace, found in the centre of Amsterdam, is now used for special events and receptions, but is also open to the public for tours. The floating flower market has been in operation since 1862, and is a great opportunity for you to peruse the colourful floral displays. You can also visit a diamond factory like Gassan Diamonds or Coster Diamonds to view the work that goes into diamond cutting. The Red Light District is known around the world, and is another popular tourist area. There are guided walking tours available that will tell you all about what the oldest (and most controversial) part of the city has to offer. For a more family-friendly experience, visit Rembrandt Hoeve. Only ten minutes from the centre of Amsterdam, this is a clog and cheese making farm that dates back to the 15th
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YLW.KELOWNA.CA 2 Expedia CruiseShipCenters
October 12, 2012 will mark the inaugural sailing of Celebrity Cruises’ Reflection from Amsterdam to ports in Belgium, France, and Spain. At 126,000 tons she will be 4,000 tons larger than her Solstice Class sisters and will feature an additional deck, as well as a number of new venues. Te Lawn Club Grill specialty restaurant will be the first outdoor interactive grill venue at sea. Michael’s Club, a Celebrity mainstay, is being transformed from an elegant social club into a craft beer bar featuring new décor, a noteworthy selection of whiskeys and scotches, plus more than fifty international hand-crafted beers. And, rather appropriately, Celebrity’s newest ship offers its guests Te Hideway, a quiet lounge intended for reading, relaxing, and reflection!
State-of-the-art engineering, design, and luxury are noble objectives for any cruise line. For the long ships of Viking River Cruises, they are striking realities. With hotel-style beds, 26-inch flat panel TVs and a veranda and French balcony in every suite, life on board one of these intimate river vessels is an experience of understated elegance and uncompromised comfort. Consider the popular itineraries of Viking Idun. Do “Te Danube Waltz” in Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia. Take in the “Tulips and Windmills” of Amsterdam and Antwerp. Or book Idun’s “Grand European Tour” from Amsterdam, city of canals, to Budapest, city of caves and spas.
are identifiable by their striking gables, large windows, and double entrances. For the true history buff, one must-see is the Oude Kerk (the Old Church). The oldest surviving city monument sits in the heart of the Red Light District. Built on top of a cemetery, the Church is known for its floor made of gravestones, and is home to the largest wooden medieval vault in Europe. If you time your trip well, you may be lucky enough to experience one of the orchestral or choir concerts hosted there; the Church has impressive acoustics! Throughout the city, there is modern architecture developing amongst the facades of historical buildings, offering something for everyone.
AMSTERDAM METROPOLITAN AREA
On April 12, 2012, cruise enthusiasts will have another option in their portfolio when AmaWaterways’ AmaCerto sails for the first time. Inspired by classical ocean yachts, this 164-passenger European riverboat will feature an al fresco café shielded by a protective glass windbreaker and two tapas and wine venues, as well as a Chef’s Table Restaurant with a different tasting menu each evening. Te launch of AmaCerto will celebrate the 10th anniversary of AmaWaterways and is certo (certain, in Italian) to establish new industry standards.
If you have more than a couple of days in the Netherlands and you are wanting to venture outside Amsterdam, you will find a plethora of opportunities to explore, just a train ride away. You can go to the Dutch Countryside and see the best of days gone by as you tour the working windmills of the Zaanse Schans, or walk the charming fishing village of Volendam.
Keukenhof is 32 hectares of seven million (yes, I said million) flower bulbs planted by hand. Opening on March 22, 2012 for the new season, it is the largest bulb flower park in the world.
Castles are always intriguing to visit. Muiderslot Castle is no exception. One of the most important fortresses of Amsterdam, it was part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
DID YOU KNOW? Amsterdam has more bikes than inhabitants; 784,000 people and 1 million bikes!
When you land at Schiphol Airport (AMS), you are 4 metres below sea level.
EUROPE EXUDES HISTORY. ITS RICHNESS RESIDES IN 500-YEAR OLD HOUSES AND THOUSAND- YEAR OLD STREETS, AND HOVERS BETWEEN STATELY COLUMNS WHERE ARISTOTLE AND JULIUS CAESAR ONCE ROAMED. IT IS A PLACE OF DELIGHTFUL DIVERSITY, WHERE “OLD” AND “ANCIENT” ARE THE PROUD TRADEMARKS OF A CONTINENT THAT BEGS TO BE CONSTANTLY REDISCOVERED.
Whether visiting on business or for pleasure, Amsterdam is sure to please. Between the history, architecture, food, museums, and scenery, it is almost impossible to leave this beautiful city without a smile on your face. So pack your bags, grab some Euros, and go Dutch!
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www.westjet.com www.iamsterdam.com/en/ www.holland.com www.amsterdam.info www.oudekerk.nl/infoeng.htm www.canal.nl/en/ www.floatingdutchman.nl/en/
EUROPE
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