Holland, Amsterdam and Friesland

The water is a way of life in Holland, a nation born of the sea and the rivers that flow across its pastoral flat lands. An Amsterdam canal cruise past slowly turning windmills, fields of colorful tulips, quaint villages and cosmopolitan cities ushers you into a realm unique in boating. It’s a place to explore at your leisure, inviting you to ease into an unhurried journey like no other.

Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the largest city in Holland, waiting for you with all of its treasures, its monuments, and its history. Take a moment to visit this unique and eclectic city.

Edam
Edam is known worldwide thanks to the cheese of the same name which is produced here. Don’t miss the cheese market on Wednesday morning!

Lisse
Lisse is known as Holland’s most prominent flower-growing area. The amazing view of the surrounding flowered fields is enjoyed best in spring. From March to May a ‘tulipare flewring’ takes place at the famous Keukenhof, one of the largest flower gardens in the world. Lisse’s wonderful castle is open throughout the year.

Ultrecht
Utrecht is Holland’s fourth biggest city, the old town has many attractions. Its famous medieval church, St. Martin’s Cathedral is half of its former self as a result of the hurricane of 1674, but is worth seeing. Canals, lined with terraces and wonderful greenery, give the city its charm, making it a lovely place to stop for a walk.

Gouda
Famous thanks to the cheese of the same name, Gouda hosts a traditional cheese market every Thursday morning. The town also has a rich history and boasts one of the oldest city halls of the country. The Saint John Church, famous for its stained glass windows is also a must-see.

Sneek
Sneek is a dynamic city, it has interesting architecture, especially the great gate of the waterport and the city hall, which is built in a rococo style. Do not miss the Roman Catholic Church, which is a national monument.

Weather:
The Netherlands has a temperate maritime (or oceanic) climate. This type of climate usually provides mild winters and cool summers. Precipitation, such as rain is common throughout the year, meaning that there is really no dry season.

The weather in the Netherlands varies by season, although autumn and spring are quite similar in terms of rainfall and temperature. The average spring temperature in the Netherlands is 9.5 °C. The Dutch summer is usually warm, but not too hot. The average temperature in the Netherlands is 17 °C in summer, 10.6 °C in autumn, and 3.4 °C in winter.

General:
The official language is Dutch.

A valid passport or valid identity card is required to enter the Netherlands.

Banking:
The currency of the Netherlands is the euro.

Internet:
Internet access is simple, the European tariffs apply in the country.