And from my private balcony on the AmaKristina, a glass of wine in my left hand and a camera in my right, I thought to myself that surely the most elegant way to explore the arcs and bends of this region was a Rhine river cruise.

Basel

The cruise debuted in Basel, Switzerland’s third city and best known for its thriving art scene. But really it’s the delightfully colourful old town that completely steals the show.

Jetlag is ever so unforgiving, though; a compact-sized city like Basel is the ideal place to get leisurely acquainted with this yet unfamiliar time zone.

Alsace

Our captain Jan smoothly takes us to Alsace early in the morning as I get ready for the excursion to Riquewihr.

The storybook village is regularly named one of the prettiest in France and it isn’t hard to see why; time seems to have stopped about 400 years ago here, judging by the plentiful ochre-coloured timber houses that miraculously survived both world wars.

Not one to miss out on a wine opportunity, I venture into an inviting little shop large enough for just two or three customers at a time and purchase local specialties. Namely, a crisp, mineral Riesling and a bubbly Crémant d’Alsace. I also find myself inexplicably pulled towards all things edible even though lunch is merely an hour away; fortunately for my taste buds, I know better than to avoid baked goods while visiting France.

Nearby Strasbourg does not disappoint either; it’s bigger in size and much livelier than other quaint villages of Alsace. The city centre as well as the historic Petite France area are quite pleasant and the reddish, almost blush-hued cathedral is simply too stunning for words to describe accurately.

It’s easy to get lost in the details of the ever-changing governing authority in Alsace. Indeed, the strategic region at the foot of the Vosges mountain range was consistently disputed between France and Alsace until World War II. But the abundance of layers only make the visit all the more captivating!

Germany

The Rhine is progressively getting narrower and infinitely more dramatic as we ride further into the Wachau valley. The vertiginous banks are dotted with more castles than any other river valley in the world.

Our cruise director, Dragan Reljic, live commented the whole afternoon journey. Tales of princesses and kings and knights and star-crossed lovers… undoubtedly the most entertaining portion of the cruise.

We docking in picture-perfect Rüdesheim the next morning, part of Germany’s enticing Romantic Rhine. Onwards to the sunny southern slopes and numerous terraced vineyards during a leisurely gondola ride atop Rittersaal where a viewpoint of the Rhine River awaits. And it does not disappoint — from here, the entire winemaking village (famous for its acclaimed Riesling and Pinot noir) is visible. As is the Niederwalddenkmal, a soaring and intricately carved monument inaugurated in 1883 to represent the union of all German states.

And while you’re there, make sure to experience Rüdesheimer coffee especially on a chilly spring evenings. It’s basically Germany’s answer to Irish coffee! The potent digestif consists of a healthy dose of coffee and an even healthier dose of locally distilled brandy, topped with chocolate flakes and whipped cream for good measure.

Lastly on the Germany itinerary of the Rhine river cruise is striking Cologne.

Conversely, Cologne doesn’t boast a lengthy list of museums and attractions aside from its Old Town. Coupled with its most notable sight is the 13th century Gothic Cathedral, Germany’s most visited landmark and the world’s tallest twin-spired church at 157 metres tall. However, Cologne is the perfect place to pamper oneself with retail therapy thanks to inviting pedestrian shopping streets. I opted for a cheeky ice cream halt by the colourful Fischmarkt.

Amsterdam

Alas, the cruise draws to a close as our captain Jan docked in beautiful Amsterdam for our ultimate stopover. I welcome this final stop with equal parts enthusiasm and melancholy. Although I’m excited to revisit the attractive canals, I’m saddened to bid farewell to my newfound friends.

Getting purposefully lost in Amsterdam is a treat I did not dare interrupt until my feet could no longer carry me. Possibilities are endless in Amsterdam:

The Rijksmuseum!
The Keukenhof gardens!
The Anne Frank House!
The Van Gogh Museum!

Why book a Rhine river cruise?

Over the course of eight wonderful days, the AmaKristina travelled 1,233 kilometres upstream the mighty Rhine River. Passed through 12 locks. Docked in 4 different countries. Cruised by not just one but 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites, encompassing 2000 years of history.

The post An enchanting Rhine river cruise, from Basel to Amsterdam appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Unfortunately, it was overcast and drizzly when I arrived in this so-called “Venice of the Netherlands” on a cold, overcast April day; but the enchantment I felt as I strolled along the narrow canals vastly made up for the mildly inconvenient weather conditions.

Why you should plan a day trip to Giethoorn

So, this is actually a village without roads? That is correct. But how could this be?

Back in the 18th century, Giethoorn was a settlement of peat harvesters. Peat cutting naturally forced the creation of lakes, ponds, and with a bit of imagination and rudimentary urban planning, canals. Residents built farmhouses on the islands created in the process and moved around in punts and on foot—and very much still do so to this day, with the added option of bicycles, using one of the 176 wooden bridges.

Nowadays, the village is pretty much intact, with little signs of modern civilisation. There is plenty to do in the area to keep yourself busy for a day, be it walking a heritage route, renting a bike, hopping on a canal cruise (€6 to €12 per tour per person; no need to book far in advance, there are plenty of walk-in options) dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant or simply admiring the view from one of the many waterfront cafés.

How to get to Giethoorn and when to go

When

Although I’m sure Giethoorn is gorgeous year-round, as with the rest of Holland I would recommend visiting mid-spring when the flowers are in full bloom.

How

I drove to Giethoorn from Amsterdam, where I hired a car for the day. I wanted to be at liberty with my schedule that day with the option of stopping in tulip fields along the way as I visited in April. Once you are there, park in the nearby car park outside the village and then you can easily book a boat tour.

I wouldn’t recommend going independently by rail or bus from Amsterdam as it would be an unnecessarily lengthy journey (roughly three hours one-way).

If you can’t be bothered to drive, there are a number of guided tours departing from central Amsterdam stopping in Giethoorn throughout the year:

• Giethoorn day trip from Amsterdam including boat tour
• Small-group Giethoorn day trip from Amsterdam
• Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans windmills small-group day trip from Amsterdam

Hotels in Giethoorn

• Hotel Giethoorn
• Giethoorn Lodge
• Gieters Mooist
• De Aardigeyt
• Farmhouse Lodge Giethoorn
• Bed-on-a-Boat

The post Giethoorn – the Dutch village entirely made out of canals appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

The history of tulips in the Netherlands

Tulipomania is not new. It’s been a Dutch tradition since the 17th century, when horticulture and botanical arts were in full swing. But did you know it was originally imported from Turkey? The very first tulip in Holland is said to have seen the light of day at the Leiden Hortus Botanicus in 1593 according to the bible of biodiversity, Kruydtboeck.

At that time, a single bulb sold for an amount equivalent to ten times the annual salary of a craftsman; as a result, botanical gardens were regularly pillaged. The first speculative bulb (!) frenzy launched the flower trade throughout Europe, in addition to inspiring a generation of Flemish painters.

Geo-climatic conditions in the Netherlands are notoriously suitable for this. The tenacious bulbs endure the cool nights of northern Europe and benefit from natural irrigation because the amusingly named Netherlands are mostly below sea level.

Likewise, the Dutch monarchy gives the Canadian government 10,000 bulbs each year at the Ottawa Tulip Festival. Queen Juliana and her family fled to Canada in the early days of the Second World War and Princess Margriet was born here.

Keukenhof Gardens

Plant lovers, amateur photographers or curious botanists: in any case, a visit to the largest flower garden in the world is a must. I have personally been there three times and each time, it’s a guaranteed delight!

To be clear, there are 800 varieties of tulips in seven million bulbs replanted each year on some 32 hectares. Hyacinths, roses, irises, orchids, daffodils, carnations, tulips and other flowers in all the colors of the rainbow grace the green plains of Keukenhof.

For a few euros, the gardens provide bicycles for visitors; a gentle sporting expedition on two wheels (need we remind you that the Netherlands has an extremely flat terrain?) punctuated by emblematic wooden mills and fields of tulips.

Elsewhere in the country

Bollenstreek

Firstly, the bucolic region of Bollenstreek, between Leiden and Haarlem, passing by Keukenhof and the Lisse area, is the epicenter of this lucrative industry. I was able to wander around in peace, admiring here and there the fuchsia, yellow, purple and scarlet blooms spread out as far as the eye could see.

No need for geographical coordinates to find them. To clarify, they are impossible to miss!

Noordoostpolder and Flevoland

Secondly, an interesting option to see tulips in the Netherlands is Flevoland. On the opposite side of the A6 freeway is the Noordoostpolder lake area, which also has many flower beds. And unlike the Bollenstreek area, which borders the airspace of Schiphol airport and is therefore off limits to tourists, this part of the Netherlands is accessible from the air in a helicopter, small plane or even a hot air balloon. In fact, several departures are offered from the Lelystad airport center.

Aalsmeer

Finally, Royal Flora Holland in Aalsmeer welcomes the world’s largest flower auction with 20 million sales each day, worth more than three billion euros annually. This auction is open to anyone willing to get up at the crack of dawn to attend this dynamic show!

And Amsterdam?

Amsterdam in spring is a sight for sore eyes. Indeed, every canal adorns pretty floral displays, as are the restaurant terraces and botanical gardens.

True gardeners should make a mandatory stop at the Bloemenmarkt market, on the edge of the Singel Canal, east of Koningsplein. Its 15 floating stalls are a reminder of when the capital was served daily by barge. Flowers, bulbs (sealed and ready for export) and horticultural accessories from the wonderful world of botany have been traded there since 1862.

Tulips in the Netherlands: useful travel tips

Go on a guided day trip

• Keukenhof, tulips fields & Delft day trip from Amsterdam
• Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans guided day tour with Amsterdam canal cruise
• Day trip to Keukenhof Gardens from Amsterdam
• Keukenhof’s tulips and windmills small-group tour from Amsterdam with lunch
• Private day trip to Keukenhof & tulip fields with a local

Rent a car

However, I preferred to rent a car to discover these colourful pastures at my own pace. An ode to spring of some 270 kilometers! After only a few minutes of driving towards the coast, I could already see the coveted streaks on the horizon.

The best time to see tulips

Tulip season runs from the end of March until mid May, but the flowers are usually at their best halfway through April. Consequently, it would be advisable to plan your trip roughly in mid-April.

The post Blooming Holland: a short guide to tulips in the Netherlands appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

I have to state right away that besides being the largest flower garden in the world, Keukenhof is also a photographer’s idea of paradise. With its 32 hectares of flowers encompassing every colour of the rainbow and its meticulously laid out arrangements, Keukenhof will turn anyone into a flower person – all you’ve got to do is pick your favourite among the 800 varieties. No biggie.

Rain or shine, the gardens are definitely a must-do day trip from Amsterdam in the spring. After all, aren’t tulips so quintessentially Dutch?

The tulips of Keukenhof Gardens

The Keukenhof Gardens – also known as the Gardens of Europe – first opened in 1949 in an effort to publicise Holland’s growing tulip industry (see what I did there?). And it worked! The Netherlands are now the world’s largest exporter of flowers, and Keukenhof went on to become one of the top attractions in the country with more than 7 million bulbs in bloom every year.

But if you think Keukenhof is only about tulips, you would be wrong. The iconic bloom certainly is the main draw of this show but there are many more flowers and plants to admire on site (like daffodils, carnations, hyacinths, lilies, orchids, roses, and irises), including a lush English garden and a surprising Japanese garden.

The technicolour displays and aromas are almost overwhelming at times – how can a single set of eyes observe everything?

How to visit Keukenhof Gardens

• The gardens are located in Lisse, one hour south of Amsterdam.
• You can either get there with a shuttle bus from Amsterdam (and skip-the-line entry ticket) or by public transit.
• They are open from March 24 to May 16, 2016.
• The best time to visit Keukenhof Gardens is mid-April; I visited the day before the gardens closed and while the displays were still absolutely beautiful (as demonstrated above), many flowers were wilted and tired.
• Plan between 2 and 3 hours to visit the gardens, the greenhouses, and the shops, more if you plan on photographing every single flower (like I did).
• Photography: you will want to have a good selection of lenses for your day trip. I had a wide angle (to capture the essence and vastness of the gardens) as well as a prime 25mm lens, which allowed me to get really good close-up shots of the flowers and their many intricate details.
• Don’t worry about lunch; there’s a fairly-priced and delicious restaurant on site.

The post The most colourful day trip from Amsterdam: Keukenhof Gardens appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

And out of all European countries, that reality is especially true in the Netherlands, which, at just 41,543 km², are 240 times smaller than Canada. Crossing the entire country can be done in less than half a day! Setting up base in Amsterdam and going on a few day trips is a wise and sensible idea, allowing you to see as much of the Netherlands as possible without missing out on the capital’s legendary nightlife. Trains are inexpensive and frequent, or, if you are athletic, do as the Dutch do and hop on a bike and explore.

Here are five Amsterdam day trips idea, all accessible by train using a Eurail pass – and each with their own set of reasons to turn the tables on the capital for a day.

Delft

Visiting Delft is kind of like setting foot in a postcard. Canals, cobblestone streets, bicycles, cheese and gabled roofs all await, for the ultimate “Netherlands in a nutshell” experience. The town is charming beyond words, and its compact size make it easy to hit all the main sights in a matter of hours. If you only had time for one day trip from Amsterdam, this is the one you should pick.

• Delft, The Hague and Madurodam Half-Day Trip from Amsterdam
• Delft Pottery Factory Tour Including Pottery Souvenir
• Private Walking Tour: Delft’s Royal History and Pottery

The Hague

Although its seaside location could indicate a laid-back, party vibe, reality couldn’t be further from the truth: The Hague is actually nicknamed the “judicial capital of the world” because of the many international courts and headquarters located in the city – not to mention, the seat of the Dutch government. The Hague is the place where foreign influences mingle with Dutch traditions, where skyscrapers act as the perfect backdrop for the iconic gabled facades. Truly one of the best cultural day trips from Amsterdam.

• Delft, The Hague and Madurodam Half-Day Trip from Amsterdam
• Surfing Introduction Lesson in The Hague
• Food Walking Tour of The Hague
• Private Tour: The Hague Walking Tour Including Hall of Knights Dutch Parliament

Rotterdam

If you’ve had enough of traditional Dutch architecture, head to Rotterdam right away. The Netherland’s second city was bombed flat during WWII, which gave way to a blank canvas for the city’s reconstruction. Today Rotterdam boasts some of the most daring buildings in the world (including the acclaimed tilted houses of the Overblaak Development), with a unique architectural aesthetic. This progressive city knows what’s what; this is where trends are set. Should you decide to stay overnight, consider Suite Hotel Pincoff, located in a former customs building located on the trendy left bank.

• Highlight Biking Tour in Rotterdam
• Small-Group Day Trip to Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague from Amsterdam Including Spido Boat Tour
• Private Tour: Rotterdam Walking Tour Including Harbor Cruise

Utrecht

The student capital of the Netherlands just so happen to be one of the most walkable cities in the country. Inexpensive dining and drinking joints are plentiful and would be a great fit for budget-strapped travellers. The view from the Dom Tower is quite spectacular – a well-deserved reward, considering there are 497 steps to climb to get to the top!

Haarlem

Haarlem definitely one of the easiest day trips from Amsterdam, mostly because of its location, but also because of the many wonderful things to do in the city. Haarlem is home to cobblestone streets, historic buildings, grand churches and a friendly atmosphere, which is a welcome relief from the hustle of the capital. The De Hallen Gallery will please visual arts aficionados, while an al fresco wine glass on one of Grote Markt’s numerous patios is a must.

• Dutch Typical Food Walking Tour in Haarlem
• 2 Hour Private Walking Tour of Haarlem

Day trips from Amsterdam: additional options

• Small Group Tour to UNESCO World Heritage Kinderdijk and The Hague including Mauritshuis from Amsterdam
• Skip the Line: Keukenhof Gardens Tour and Tulip Farm Visit from Amsterdam
• Brussels Day Trip from Amsterdam
• Bruges Day Trip from Amsterdam Including Walking Tour
• Giethoorn Day Trip from Amsterdam
• Holland in One Day Sightseeing Tour
• Dutch Windmills and Countryside Day Trip from Amsterdam Including Cheese Tasting in Edam

The post 5 easy and fascinating day trips from Amsterdam appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

But I could not walk out. I am way too proud to chicken out on things like that.

My biking day trip from Amsterdam

The sun is shining brightly as I make my way to the rendezvous point in central Amsterdam. And it’s just as well – I’m about to embark an exciting cycling journey in and around the capital, and the inexperienced cyclist that I am is hoping to have all odds are in her favour. To be completely honest, I am equal parts excited and terrified to ride a bike in what seems to be a rather aggressive and fast-paced bike city. Amsterdam cyclists don’t mess about.

At this point, I’m really just leaving it all to chance and hoping for the best.

I shakily hop on my bright green bike (aptly nicknamed Kermit by the rental shop) and make my way towards the Skinny Bridge along with our little group, well aware that I am an extremely visible tourist among a crowd of experienced cyclists – kind of like the newbie trying to blend in with the cool kids, but failing miserably. My guide for the day, Vinnie, explains that the Skinny Bridge was supposedly built as per the request of two crippled old girlfriends that lived on either side of the Amstel River, but whose poor physical condition did not allow for them to walk to the closest bridge to hang out together.

Fact or fiction? It’s hard to tell, but either way, it’s nice to know more of Amsterdam’s numerous stories.

The second stretch of the trip is vastly different than the first; we are no longer in the city, having substituted the stressful streets of Amsterdam for the peaceful and deserted riverbanks of its outskirts. The stately De Riekermolen windmill suddenly peaks through the dense woodlands on my right – needless to say, I didn’t need to be told to stop twice, as my guide starts to explain the history of these Dutch icons. It’s a very photogenic spot and I’m glad that it’s not on the main tourist track.

Just a few bike spins later, our group arrives at the main destination and I am ready for what has been promised to me: COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF CHEESE.

Jacob, the cheese monger at Rembrandt Hoeve, is utterly hilarious. He refers to every girl in the group as a “happy (insert nationality here) woman”, because we were all smiling and laughing at his jokes. Definitely the merriest Dutch person I’d ever met! The tour is much more interactive that I had imagined; we are encouraged to ask questions (Jacob speaks several languages) and to help ourselves to a second helping of cheese. We learn that there’s an easy way to tell Dutch cheeses apart: those bearing an oval-shaped label are transformed and mass-produced while those with a hexagonal-shaped label are handmade by professional mongers. Jacob takes us to the back of the factory where his clog shop is located.

He beams with pride as he tells us that there are only three official clog makers left in Holland, including himself. Very few people purchase clogs nowadays, neither plain ones for gardening (their conventional use) nor ornate ones for traditional Dutch weddings. Nevertheless, Jacob’s highly efficient carving machine allows him to make clogs in three minutes, as opposed to the several hours he once needed to make everything by hand.

This whole experience could have been a horrific tourist trap; instead, I got to meet one of the Netherlands’ funniest residents, hang out with veals, eat delicious fresh cheese and enjoy the countryside.

After a small picnic on the farm grounds (complete with cheese I had just bought from the farm’s shop), I step on my bike for the last stretch of the tour. Our group leaves the tranquil banks of the Amstel River to ride through the equally scenic wetlands of Amsterdamse Bos on our way back to the bike shop.

Amsterdam cycling tour: a good idea or not?

As you can probably tell by now, I am not the most active person ever. I’ve always been terrible at sports and therefore terrified of anything that involves any kind of physical skill. But this tour is easy peasy. As long as you can ride a bike, there really is nothing to worry about. While Amsterdam as such presents certain challenges, the countryside is relaxed and relatively deserted. Cars are used to sharing the road with cyclists.

• The tour roughly lasts four hours and covers 25 kilometres at a relatively slow pace.
• The Netherlands are the flattest country on the planet; the biggest challenge on this tour was to cross the capital’s many low bridges. That’s how easy the tour is.
• Don’t forget to pack water, sunscreen and a small lunch.

The post Bikes, windmills and clogs: the Netherlands in a nutshell appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Because I usually prefer to tick off a handful of landmarks off my proverbial bucket list and then set off to discover the city’s cool, more authentic neighborhoods, hopping on a canal cruise was of course never part of my master plan in Amsterdam. Not that there’s anything wrong with it – it’s just not something I would normally do (mostly because I’m cheap and dislike paying for attractions).

Amsterdam was the 7th city on my grand Northern Europe Eurail trip, and at that point I had been battling the flu for a few days. I didn’t have it in me to explore the city on my own two feet, but I couldn’t bare the idea of sleeping it off in my hotel room. What a waste that would have been! The cruise was exactly what I needed. And bonus points for the very entertaining guide on board!

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

This is one of the unique perspectives that only canal cruises offer: the Seven Bridges point. It’s the only spot in the whole city where you can see seven bridges line up behind the other in the distance. Sure, you sort of need a magnifying glass to actually see the said bridges, but still. Pretty awesome.

One of the biggest problems with the canals is what goes in and on it – on purpose or by accident. Up until a few years ago, there were no railings around the canal, meaning that anything with a set of wheels could simply roll into the canal overnight and disappear in the dark waters forever. Incidentally, over 75,000 bikes are found in the canals of Amsterdam every year! Insurance companies eventually decided that enough was enough, and that they were no longer going to pay for incidents involving canals. This had to be about money right? Because Netherlands.

Speaking of dirt… Rumor has it that the Heineken brewery uses canal water for its beer production – but only for international client! Locals can drink regular, pollution-free Heineken. Urban legend, I hope?

Another interesting fact that I learned during the canal cruise was about Anne Frank’s House – did you know that the renovations were made possible because Steven Spielberg donated the profits generated by The Schindler’s List to the museum? The Anne Frank House Museum is one of the most interesting, oddly fascinating and moving museums I have ever visited.

This is the legendary bicycle-park near Amsterdam Centraal station – more than 10,000 bikes park there daily, and it’s not even close to what the real demand is. Our guide estimated that around 15,000 more spaces would be necessary to accommodate everybody, in this section of the city only. Amsterdam does not kid with its bikes – more than just a lethal danger to lunatic tourists, they’re an intrinsic part of the city’s identity, just as the canals.

[disclaim]Disclaimer: I was a guest of Visit Amsterdam & Eurail.com – but I genuinely enjoyed my canal cruise (it really does offer gorgeous scenery, and also I’m very lazy).[/disclaim]

[wpgmza id=”60″]

The post Amsterdam Canal Cruise – Not As Touristy As It Sounds appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Quite frankly, it doesn’t really get more scenic and picturesque than this in the Netherlands. Kinderdijk (pronounced kin-der-dike – you’re welcome). It starts with a relatively calm boat ride through the maze of canals/rivers outside Rotterdam and then, bam, the largest concentration of windmills in the country are right in front of you.

All that’s missing are wooden clogs and brightly coloured tulip fields and you’ve got the complete Dutch stereotype.

The historic windmills network -comprising 19 different windmills- date back to 1740 and have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997; to this day, it remains one of the most visited landmarks in all of the Netherlands. Understandably, if I may say so myself. The area truly makes for an excellent half-day trip outside of Rotterdam and really is a must-see.

Kinderdijk Windmills – A Few Photos

Kinderijk Windmills – Good To Know

• The Waterbus to Kinderdijk leaves from the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam – take Route 1, get off at Ridderkerk and wait for Route 3 to Kinderdijk.

• The Kinderdijk pier is about 1 kilometre from the windmills.

• It takes around 45 minutes from and to Rotterdam, granted there are no delays.

• It costs around 5 euros each way.

• There is no charge to enter the “windmills site” – you can wander around freely.

• In the summer months, you can either visit on foot, rent a bike or take a boat tour in the canal.

[disclaim]Disclaimer: I travelled to Kinderdijk as a guest of Eurail.com. As always, all opinions are my own.[/disclaim]

[wpgmza id=”69″]

The post Welcome To The Iconic Kinderdijk Windmills appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

This is exactly what you’ll get in Delft. All these features, when presented together, make the ultimate Dutch town, the one we imagine, the one we read about and the one we want to see. Away from the hustle of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Quite the Dutch paradise, if you ask me.

Delft canals

It couldn’t be quintessential without canals, right?

And in Delft, when it rains, it pours. There are SO many cute, quaint canals around the city, that it was quite a challenge to only pick a handful of photos. Much more tranquil and clean that those of the capital, and therefore even more picturesque.

The charming town squares

It doesn’t get prettier than this! Although the main square is quite impressive with the city hall and the cathedral, my favorite one of all was Beestenmarkt, which was covered in orange leaves, and slowly putting on its winter coat. It’s surrounded by quirky shops, bars, and restaurants, and would make for a great shelter on a rainy day. Or on the opposite, the perfect place to enjoy the last warm rays of sun of the season.

The Dutch architecture

The small details

I noticed that Delft was a lot cozier than Rotterdam, Haarlem or other Dutch cities I visited. Perhaps it’s the many candle-lit cafés, the wood-clad bars or the blankets everywhere… but I felt like I could spend hours sitting at one of Delft’s many establishments and simply enjoy life, and indulge in some people-watching, after a bicycle ride around the city’s canal.

The beautiful streets

What I remember from my two all-too-short visits in Delft, is that at every turn, at every corner, made the town even more beautiful than I thought possible. That’s what Delft will do to you – surprise you, and entice you more than you could have imagined.

The post Delft, the quintessential Dutch town appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Because if you’ve looked at a European map, chances are you’ve either:

• Noticed how small the Netherlands are, or…
• That you just haven’t seen them at all (true story).

It’s always a weirdly fun feeling for me, a Canadian, to visit a country that’s precisely 240 times smaller than my own. The sheer idea of crossing an entire country in just a few hours is normally something I would snort at – but not in the Netherlands. If you plan on spending a fair amount of time in Rotterdam, it might be worth planning a few extra day trips. Not only because there are is a surprisingly large amount of things to see and do in such a tiny weeny country, but also because they are ALL easily accessible by rail, by car or even by bicycle if your calves can take it.

But as it turns out, mine can’t. I’m lazy like that.

So I opted to travel by rail. Again, thanks to the size of the country, traveling by train in the Netherlands is relatively cheap even with a Eurail pass when compared to other, larger countries like France or Germany, and also, incredibly easy and hassle-free. Most trains are of the fast Inter-City type, don’t require reservations and have FREE WIFI. I’m not sure what more a traveler can ask for!

Delft: 1 train ride – 15 minutes

I’ve talked quite extensively about Delft before, and I stand by what I said. If you only had one day trip to do, I strongly advise you pick Delft. The cobblestone alleys, the colorful facades, and the quaint, narrow canals are pretty much all the iconic sights of the Netherlands in a nutshell.

The Hague: 1 train ride – 20 minutes

The Netherlands’ very own seaside resort! But far from being labeled a party town, The Hague is actually dubbed the “judicial capital of the world” due to the many international courts located in the city. As opposed to Amsterdam where foreigners are most likely tourists, The Hague has a thriving expatriate community and a slight international feel, as it is the seat of many international organizations and institutions. It’s  also the seat of the Dutch government, despite not being the capital of the Netherlands. Between the business-y downtown area and the resort party-goers, it definitely makes for an original atmosphere!

Kinderdijk: 2 waterbus rides – 1 hour

Can you say corny Holland? Corny, touristy, call it what you want, but few places in the world are as charming and picturesque as Kinderdijk. The journey itself isn’t fantastic but the reward is oh so worth it.  The 19 historic windmills date back to 1740 and have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997 – and consequently, are one of the most visited landmarks in all of the Netherlands.

Amsterdam: 1 train ride – 1h15

Why the hell not? If you chose to spend more time in artsy and modern Rotterdam rather than in the capital, that doesn’t mean you should skip it altogether. Amsterdam is very busy, and sometimes quite disturbing, but also undeniably beautiful in its own chaotic, maze-like way. Whether you opt to sin in the Red Light District or visit one of the world-class museums, there options are pretty much endless here.

Gouda: 1 train ride – 20 minutes

Despite living in France, my absolute favorite cheese in the world in gouda (and I’m pretty sure I can be convicted of treason for writing that on the Interwebs). It was unthinkable for me to be so close to the town and not visit – and I’m very happy I did. Vaguely similar to Delft in terms of size and charm, it offers a wide array of shops where you can buy locally-made cheeses, available in a variety of flavors. Also, make sure to attend the hourly chimes concert at the Stadhuis in the main square.

Utrecht: 1 train ride – 1 hour

One of the Netherland’s busiest student city, Utrecht has an incredibly cool nightlife with many inexpensive dining or drinking options.  It also happens to be the country’s center of catholic religion, there are many exceptionally beautiful and ancient churches to visit. And lastly, with an exceptionally small yet fascinating city center, it’s one of the most walkable cities in the Netherlands and definitely make for a nice, laid-back day trip out of Rotterdam.

The post 6 day trips from Rotterdam you should consider appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.