The cities of the Netherlands are masterpieces of medieval architecture, combining majestic cathedrals, picturesque canals, old houses, churches, town halls and modern facilities. Vast fields of tulips are a symbol of Holland. In spring, almost the whole country is covered with a carpet of colorful flowering plants that, in contrast to the constantly gray sky, create an unsurpassed picture of this land. Another integral part of the Dutch landscape is windmills, many of which are still working.

Amsterdam is known as the city of hundreds of canals, with more than 600 bridges over them. Canals are an indispensable attribute of all the city tours. From water, you can see most of the Amsterdam sights and hundreds of picturesque bridges, feel the spirit of the city and its indescribable atmosphere. Most city tours start from the Central Station, a beautiful red brick building in the neo-Gothic style with a clock and weather vane.

Amsterdam - Canals


The city is known for its magnificent Royal Palace with a huge museum, the Monument to Freedom, Madame Tussauds Museum, and Nieuwe Kerk. This church has been repeatedly rebuilt since 1408 and is the coronation place of the Netherlands monarchs. There are a great number of churches in Amsterdam, with the city's oldest - Ude Kirk regularly hosting organ concerts. One of the most interesting buildings of the city is the House of shipbuilders, the Torture Museum and the Museum of Sex. Amsterdam is one of the largest centers of art in the world with many amazing museums at your disposal. contact your Dutch travel agent for more info.

Amsterdam


In Zaandam, lying some 20 km north of Amsterdam, be sure to visit the house of Peter I and the architectural open-air museum. To the north of Zandaam itself is the famous Alkmaar, the only city in the world, where medieval cheese fairs have been preserved till nowadays. The tourists will find interesting narrow medieval streets; admire the city's numerous canals, the cathedral of St. Lawrence, and the Gothic Town Hall.

The Hague is the seat of government, parliament and the royal court, the third largest and one of the oldest cities in the country. It is also the place where the International Court of Justice is based. The historic center of the city and the old castle Binnenhof are among the best places to visit. Nearby, there is the palace called Mauritshuis, which houses one of the best art galleries in the world – the Royal Art Gallery.

Mauritshuis, The Royal Art Gallery


Not far from the Hague, there are the world-famous seaside resort Scheveningen and the city of Delft, the birthplace of Vermeer and the famous Dutch blue porcelain. Delft is also famous for its gorgeous Renaissance Town Hall, the Sentinel Tower, and the Monastery of St. Agatha. Ask your Netherlands tour operator to organize an excursion to see these attractions.

Delft Architecture


Rotterdam is Europe's largest port and the second largest city, which amazes the guests with daring architectural solutions and business activity. The most well-preserved part of the city is Delftshaven with its narrow streets, canals, historic buildings, and windmills. The first 150ft 'skyscraper' in Europe, Het Witte Hayes, was built here in 1898. The city is also famous for its beautiful botanical gardens, the Conservatory, the Museum of Ethnography, and the wonderful Rotterdam Zoo.