The formal country name 'Nederland,' meaning the 'lowlands,' indicates that about half of the area is below sea level. Reclamation of land from the sea through dikes has continued through recent times. Its location at the coast of the North Sea and its long history of international trade have forged links with countries worldwide from as early as 1600, resulting in an international, diverse and tolerant society welcoming all visitors warmly.
|
Volendam is a traditional fishing and farming village located on the shore of the IJsselmeer. The old harbor, colorful houses, locals wearing costumes, and popular Dutch wooden shoes are great for holiday pictures.
|
The Amsterdam Museum Quarter is home to some of the world’s most important art exhibitions. The Rijksmuseum has a wide variety of artifacts that reflect more than 800 years of Dutch and global history, the Stedelijk Museum modern and contemporary art and design. The Van Gogh Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world, housing the most extensive collection of works by Vincent van Gogh.
|
Lined with beautiful 17th and 18th-century houses and crossed by hundreds of bridges, the canals are a gorgeous sight and a focal point for Amsterdammers and visitors alike. A canal ride offers a unique window into the city's history and the lifestyle of its residents.
€ 20
|
For more than 400 years, Amsterdam is the City of Diamonds. The city has been a significant diamond center since Sephardic Jews introduced the diamond cutting industry in the later 16th century. Today, there are still several diamond factories in Amsterdam where one can see fantastic jewelry and handicrafts being made.
|
A network of charming canals, stunning waterfronts and architecture, lush green parks, museums, history, fantastic food, and a great nightlife make Amsterdam an excellent place for everybody’s taste.
|
The museum dedicated to keeping Anne Frank's story alive uses modern media to provide educational background information about Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. The young Jewish girl's diary is on display. The actual hiding place of the family is accessible and a place of reflection.
|
The Netherlands has a rich cheese-making history. We witness how it is traditionally made during the visit to a cheese farm and learn about the ingredients and herbs that create various flavors from farm to farm.
|
Indo-Dutch Rijsttafel is a relic from Dutch colonization over what is now Indonesia (1602-1942). It is a Dutch invention and a great way to try a medley of dishes from all over the so-called Spice Islands.
|
Volendam and Zaanse Schans excursion
An excursion to the Dutch countryside will lead to a good understanding of traditional Dutch architecture, culture, and history. Once, around 600 windmills were constructed on the banks of the river Zaan now, a few of them are forming the open-air Museum Zaanse Schans, and visitors can learn about the ins-and-outs of milling. Workshops of traditional dutch handicrafts like weaving, clog making are adding to the experience, plus a stop at the fishing village of Volendam, its harbor and colorful houses will complete the taste of Dutch the picture.
€ 30
|