Holland Holidays 2012

Amsterdam

Amsterdam, famous the world over for it’s liberal attitudes is a truly unique city. With it’s party atmosphere, picturesque canals and world class museums, there’s something here to suit most tastes. If you are interested in Amsterdam breaks 2012, we have our own dedicated guide to the city.

My first venture to Amsterdam was a family holiday in 1990. I still look back fondly on that holiday. We stayed at the Hotel Kooyk just round the corner from one of the main tourist hotspots, the Leidseplein, which is a medium sized square filled with street performers, portrait artists and inebriated tourists. At the time we still only had four channels at home, and I remember being fascinated by the multi-channel options available. Our hotel room over looked the Singel Gracht (canal) and it was a pleasant holiday.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam, being a port city, was practically raised to the ground during World War II. As such, most of the city is made up of meodern concrete like structures which makes it a starkly different city to visit from quaint and beautiful Amsterdam. It is of particular note to students of Architecture and is a popular destination for their field trips due to the city planning. It's quite a dwon to earth city and it's relationship with Amsterdam reminds me somewhat of the sometimes feisty relationship between earthy Glasgow and picturesque Edinburgh.

The Hague

The Hague, as some people think, is not actually the capital of The Netherlands. That honour falls to Amsterdam. It is, however, the seat of Government and has an ultra modern parliamnet building which is worth a visit. Scheveningen, a district of The Hague, is a pleasant seaside resort and also holds a particular place in Dutch history. Apparently the DUtch would ask a suspected spy to pronounce the name. It is said that only a true Dutchman can pronounce it properly!