February 2024


The stena line port in the Hook of Holland is located on the Dutch west coast, an easy drive from Rotterdam


(30 km), The Hague (20 km) and Amsterdam (85 km).


seven million flowers blooming in a wash of colours and shapes. Snap a pic for your social of this sight and you’ll be getting plenty of likes! Children will enjoy participating in treasure hunts, visiting the petting zoo or taking on a hedge maze.


The Netherlands has been voted the happiest place for kids, so it’s ideal for a family holiday and is easy to navigate with kids in tow. Pack up the car, leave the city and discover Zaanse Schans. Located north of Amsterdam, this preserved area offers an insight into the Netherland’s industrial history and is simply picturesque with its traditional houses and sweeping windmills. Fun for all ages, explore the Zaanse Schans open air museum, whilst the Zaanse Schans is open all year, most of the windmills are only open for visitors from April to October. If you’re looking for a back-to-nature experience, go to the National Park Zuid- Kennemerland in Haarlem and enjoy some wildlife spotting. Watch Highland cattle, Konik horses, Fallow deer and European bison roam free.


With its bustling energy and majestic landscapes, Amsterdam is a city rammed with experiences. Whether it’s by foot, on water or on wheels, an adventure in Amsterdam is just a sail away.


This is Rotterdam!


EXPERIENCE Rotterdam the Rotterdam way and enjoy a fast- paced, action-filled adventure packed with culture, shopping, and miles of greenery to explore. If you’re a fan of architecture Rotterdam


then spectacular sights


Markthal is a building


has combined luxury residential with commercial. Built


in a


horseshoe configuration, with apartments on the top, the inside of the b u i l d i n g houses markets, restaurants,


and


Tijdtrap (an exhibition of archaeological finds from medieval Rotterdam). Looking for


bright yellow cubed homes tilted at a


has to


Rotterdam’s that


some behold,


so fire up your camera and be prepared to be blown away.


45-degree angle. The houses were created asymmetrically to resemble a forest with each rooftop representing a treetop. Have fun on a Splashtour and discover Rotterdam both on land and in the water! One minute you will be driving through the streets and the next, you’ll be in the water and sailing amongst other


ships


on the Meuse. This unique tourist experience takes up to sixty minutes and sights include the Erasmus bridge, Euromast, and The Cube Houses.


city


After some of Rotterdam’s inner was


destroyed


an awesome sight? Then check out The Cube Houses which


are literally


during WWII, it was rebuilt in the years that followed. There are, however, still some reminders of the old Rotterdam to discover. Saint Lawrence’s Church has the largest church organ in Holland and can be visited from Tuesday to Friday. Standing as a historical icon, The Schielandshuis Museum is the last remaining 17th-century building.


Built between 1914


and 1920, Rotterdam’s City Hall is a stunning building. Discover


the historical canal buildings of Delfshaven, sample jenver (Dutch gin), and go see De Delft which is a replica of an 18th- century warship. There’s plenty to occupy all ages in Rotterdam. Travel around the world in a day when you visit the Rotterdam Zoo Blijdorp before having a ball in the outside playgrounds. Find out what happens when the zoo doors are closed and book Blijdorp by Night where you’ll enjoy a meal and a guided tour of the zoo at nightfall. For football fans, check out De Kuip which is the home ground of Feyenoord (one of Holland’s top football clubs). Tours are available and include an interactive experience about the history of the club and even an opportunity to walk through the players’ tunnel. Round off the tour and stay for a match and soak up the atmosphere for yourself! At 185 metres, The Euromast is one of the highest towers in Holland and once


you reach the top, there’s an amazing view. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, there are also opportunities to abseil or cable glide down the building. From


the convenience of


street food to haute cuisine, Rotterdam caters for all palates, and what better way to discover the tastes of the city than with a culinary tour? Known for its nightlife, Rotterdam has quite a popular dance scene that attracts people from all over, whether it’s underground or rooftop, there’s a dancefloor to suit everyone!


Sticking with the outdoors, visit Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum and discover fantastic gardens filled with trees, flowers, and plants. The gardens can be visited at any time of the year and there are guided tours and ecological workshops available. Kralingse Bos and Kralingse Plas is a recreational area that’s perfect for running, rowing,


sailing, cycling, and golf. Ideal for


families, pop along and enjoy the petting zoo, playground, and pancake restaurant. If you prefer to feel the sand between your toes, there’s both Rotterdam Beach and Strand Nesselande to explore. Strand Nesselande is located at the edge of the city and has clothing shops and supermarkets to browse in.


Book a trip to Rotterdam


today and see innovative and modern architecture, taste the delicious food, and learn about a city that is rich in culture and history.


A Royal adventure awaits!


THERE’S a lot more to The Hague than politics. In fact, did you know that it’s the only city with a beach on the North Sea coast? Enjoy the busy city life taking in art,


culture and designer


boutiques before hopping on a 20-minute tram journey and feeling the sea breeze of Scheveningen beach. Much like Amsterdam, The Hague is bursting with fantastic art galleries and museums. It might be a small museum, but there’s plenty to discover in the Mauritshuis including the iconic ‘Girl with the Pearl Earring’ by Johannes Vermeer. ‘Escher in the Palace’ is a permanent exhibition in the former palace of the Royal family. The exhibition is home to work by optical illusionist Maurits Cornelis Escher and as part of the museum experience, you can even create your own optical illusion! You can easily lose track of time when you pay a visit to the Kunstmuseum Den Haag, housing the world’s biggest Mondrian collection, seven period rooms, modern art by Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso, plus much more. There’s no shortage of sho p p ing


experiences in The


Hague. Pop into the Denneweg and Frederitkstraat and browse a mecca of high street and haute couture stores before rewarding yourself with an exquisite dining experience in one of The Hague’s many fabulous restaurants. Have a stroll around Hofkwartier and find a treasure trove of alleyways filled with shopping treats and delightful culinary experiences. No trip to The Hague is complete without a visit to The Peace Palace which is one of the most photographed buildings in the city. The International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration are just two of the institutions that reside in the building. You can book a guided tour and learn of its history and architecture. Top tip – Guided tours are only available on select weekends, so check in advance when planning a visit. With over 500 stalls, The Hague Market is the largest outdoor market in Europe and you can pick up food, flowers, clothes and computer goods. Like many other Dutch cities, The Hague has its own canals. Cruise along on a boat tour


or travel at your own pace by hiring your own boat. If you’re fortunate enough to visit the city in August, then you’re in for a treat as that is when the annual Jazz in the Canal festival takes place. Musicians play on waterside stages and pontoons in the canals.


One of the best things about The Hague is the convenience of experiencing both city and beach vibes in one day. A short distance from the city, travel to Scheveningen Beach and enjoy a relaxing walk along the beach and pier or try something more challenging with surfing and ziplining.


in


Discover the magic of Holland an


hour when you Madurodam, visit an interactive


theme park featuring stunning, miniature replicas of famous buildings, windmills and flower bulb fields as well as attractions to take part in. Another theme park to explore is Drievliet which offers fun for all the family with shows and attractions. Top tip – The Drievliet has irregular opening times so be sure to check opening times when planning a trip.


Round off a busy day in The Hague off with a visit to The Hague Tower.


It’s one of the


tallest buildings in the city. Treat yourself to a tipple of your choice at the Skybar (which is on the 40th floor) and savour the panoramic views of the city. The Hague is a busy hive of activity throughout the year with markets and festivals, so check out what will be happening when you’re planning your visit so you don’t miss out! It’s a city that’s rich in culture, history and breathtaking


www.nitravelnews.com


SAIL AWAY TO... FRANCE | 49


experiences. Book a trip to The Hague and look forward to outstanding art,


architecture,


sweeping landscapes and memories that will last a lifetime!


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