Cheap Vacations to Holland
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Oh, the water!
The Netherlands, despite its small size, has all the advantages of the world's large nations. It's a generous, broad-minded and cultured country of peaceful canals and blossoming fields. Its windmills, cheeses, marinated fish, wooden shoes and blue and white porcelain are no secret to anyone. Still, at every crossroads, it offers surprising touches to vacation lovers.
Overview
The west of the Netherlands constitutes an urban region called Randstad Holland that includes the cities of Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, The Hague, Delft, Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Utrecht and Hilversum.
Amsterdam, the cultural capital of the country, is the most frequently visited city in the Netherlands. This radiant and sometimes mildly rowdy city abounds in activities of all kinds. The city centre includes the Dam square, with its neoclassical Royal Palace dating from the 17th century. This serves as a popular place to rendezvous and the starting point of many organized tours. A boat ride on the canals is highly recommended as an introduction to the marine and architectural landscapes of Amsterdam. Strolling the city streets will also lead you to cultural Meccas such as the Rijksmuseum, the Rembrandt-Huis Museum (the restored studio and residence of the painter from 1638 to 1658), the Vincent Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, devoted to modern art, and the tragically famous house of Anne Frank. The former Heineken brewery is also open to visitors to demonstrate the secrets of producing this world-renowned beer.
The pretty city of Delft is renowned for its magnificent blue and white porcelain. Not far from it, the Keukenhof gardens are a must-see, both for professional horticulturalists and amateur green thumbs. In spring, they turn into a veritable paradise. The elegant Renaissance city of Haarlem is outstanding for its expanses of flowers in contrasting colours. The Hague is the governmental seat of the constitutional monarchy headed by Queen Beatrix l since 1980. The International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the Academy of International Law are also located here. Located to the northeast of Rotterdam, the world's largest port, is the small town of Gouda. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, and it is the site of a spectacular cheese market. Also, there's the charming city of Utrecht, located in the tiny province of the same name. In addition to giving its name to a famous treaty, the city has preserved some lovely surroundings that are great for quiet strolls and relaxation.
Where on earth
This northern European "low country" of 15 million inhabitants is bordered by Belgium to the south, by the North Sea to the west and north and by Germany to the east. The Netherlands, with an area of 41,582 km² (15,980 sq mi), of which some 7,400 km² (2,844 sq mi) are covered by water, is a constitutional monarchy divided into 12 provinces.
