48 | SAIL AWAY TO.... THE NETHERLANDS
www.nitravelnews.com
February 2024
It’s easy to get to The Netherlands by ferry - take the car and sail from Belfast to Liverpool or Dublin to Holyhead, enjoy an overnight in the heart of England (or drive straight across) before hopping on the ferry in Harwich which will take you to Hook of Holland.
a dutch adventure
FAMOUS for its art, canals and sunflowers, Holland has so much to offer when you pay a visit. A relatively small country, you can enjoy exploring bustling cities packed with delicious food and culture or you can take a step into nature and discover breathtaking landscapes, all within a two- hour travel distance.
Holland is bursting with art and has some of the largest art museums in the world. Whatever art style you enjoy, whether it’s classical or contemporary, Holland is rich in it. See some of Vincent van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Van Gogh Museum and learn about the artist whose legacy has gone on to inspire generations. The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam is the principal national museum and displays the art and history of Holland from the Middle Ages to the present day. Among the exhibits, check out the wonder of Rembrandt van Rijn’s ‘Night Watch’ and Johannes Vermeer’s ‘The Milkmaid’. Top Tip: Buy your ticket online ahead of your visit so you don’t have to spend time queueing and can spend more of it admiring the art!
discover some of the breathtaking national parks that Holland has to offer. Made up of sand dunes, Dunes of Loon and Drunen National Park is the largest sand drift in Western Europe and is home to various species of wildlife and plants that flourish in its unique environment. Interact with the local residents of Meinweg National Park which is home to more than 100 types of birds, lizards, deer and butterflies of every colour. For those looking for something a bit more fast paced, try your hand at kitesurfing in Terschelling or sailing in Friesland. And with a flat landscape and short distances, what better way to explore Holland than on two wheels. Bike hiring facilities are available throughout the country. Located not far from Rotterdam and Dordrecht (Holland’s oldest city), discover the majestic windmills of Kinderdijk and see for yourself how the Dutch have controlled
Explore the world of one of Europe’s most famous writers and discover the Anne Frank Museum where her inspirational story is told through photos, videos and original items from that period. Take a break from the museums and invest in a spot of shopping whether it’s in the bright lights of Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Arnhem which have fashion stores that suit all tastes and - most importantly - budgets! Most shops in Arnhem are open every first Sunday of the month. Pop along to the Modekwartier (also known as the fashion district) and discover a treasure trove of shops packed with fashion and accessories. Have a fairytale adventure in Efteling Amusement Park. Perfect for all ages, this fairytale-themed park has been welcoming visitors to its ‘World of Wonders’ since 1952 and has since evolved into a modern theme park. For
the food lovers, every city offers
fantastic restaurants and dining experiences with a wealth of delicious flavours to sample. Located in The Hague, Callas is a Michelin- starred restaurant that serves outstanding food. If you’re on the go, try out croquettes from a vending machine! Yes, that’s right, pop into any Febo which is a fast-food franchise and treat yourself to a hot snack from a vending machine! Oh, and you just have to try Oliebollen, which are literally ‘oil balls’ deep fried sweet dumplings containing fruit and dusted in powdered sugar. Delish! If you want to take it down a notch,
Explore the bright lights of
Amsterdam! WHETHER you’re looking for a city experience with friends or a family holiday, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Packed with world famous art, delicious food and drink, and plenty of activities, Amsterdam is waiting to be discovered. If you’re an art and history lover, then you will easily lose track of time whilst visiting Amsterdam. the
Riijksmuseum and immerse yourself
Explore in
the water for over 1000 years. It’s a true sight to behold!
Book a trip to Holland today and see for yourself, the history, culture and eclectic city and rural experiences that it has to offer.
more than eight centuries of Dutch and international history. It’s home to world- famous pieces such as ‘The Night Watch’ by Rembrandt and ‘The Milkmaid’ by Johannes Vermeer. If you like your art a bit different, there are three dollhouses to gaze at in wonder. Dating back to the 17th century, these houses weren’t children’s toys but were in fact an extravagant hobby for the wealthy. Decorated with glass, silver, china and fitted with textile furnishings, they were made exactly to scale. Interesting fact for book lovers - one of the dollhouses on display inspired Jessie Burton’s 2014 award-winning book
‘The Miniaturist’.
Once you’ve finished inside the museum, step outside and take in the stunning and colourful gardens with installations and exhibitions scattered throughout. Stand and gaze in wonder at masterpieces including ‘The Bedroom’ and ‘Sunflowers’ in the Van Gogh Museum and read about his legacy and how it has inspired future generations. Travel through time and learn the history of one of the world’s most inspirational girls with a trip to The Anne Frank House. Her story is told through photographs and film along with her checkered diary and some of her original writing. Top Tip: If you’re interested in attending The Anne Frank’s House, tickets can only be bought
online and should be purchased in advance. Feel like a true Amsterdammer, and hop on a bike to enjoy one of the city’s many cycle routes. Add a bit adventure to your bike trip and take the ferry to Noord before travelling to the Waterland village where you’ll find breathtaking views of the windmills. With its many canals and beaches,
there’s no shortage of water activities in Amsterdam. If you fancy some SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) you can rent boards from Canal SUP in Oudwest. What better way to explore the city than with a new perspective away from the crowds? Choose from a huge range of boat adventures, whether it’s along the canals in the city or further afield. Enjoy the stunning countryside on a boat trip on the River Amstel, or if you prefer urban boat trips check out the winding River Spaare in Haarlem. There’s a plethora of bars and restaurants to discover in
Amsterdam. If you like to wine and dine in the sun, then a terrace setting is perfect for you. Popular terraces to try are Waterkant, Hannekes Boom and De Tulp which is family friendly. And how about dining like an Amsterdammer? Try a Herring sandwich called Broodje Herring, Rijsttafel which is a variety of rice dishes with smaller side dishes, or treat yourself to deep fried balls filled with meat and coated in breadcrumbs called Bitterballen. Visit Keukenhof Gardens and see over
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