Day 1: London to Amsterdam
We depart St Pancras International on the morning Eurostar to Brussels, and transfer to the high-speed Thalys, which travels across the Dutch border to Amsterdam. We walk to our home for the next four nights, the 3* Hotel Ibis Amsterdam Centre.
Day 2: Exploring the city
This morning we enjoy a walking tour of Amsterdam’s must-see sights. Our guide tells us of the city’s history and traditions as we explore the major landmarks and enjoy a cruise through the canals which lace the centre of the city. This is the ideal vantage point to view the imposing 18th century merchant’s houses lining the waterways, interspersed with picturesque bridges, and admire the lovely architecture. On the first five departures we also take a coach trip to the incredible Keukenhof Gardens in the afternoon where flowers of every hue sway in the breeze as far as the eye can see. Water features cascade through colourful displays of blooms and themed gardens delight the crowds. (B,D)
Day 3: A day at leisure
Today is at leisure to explore this incredible city. The Rijksmuseum, which houses a magnificent collection of works from the Dutch Golden Age, is well worth a visit, as is the fascinating Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum, one of the most innovative galleries of modern art in the world. Why not take a stroll around the Begijnhof, a charming hidden courtyard surrounded by old houses which is reached through a vaulted passageway? The dwellings were once occupied by devout celibate Béguine nuns and are still home to single women. (B)
Day 4: Historic Holland
We set out by coach today for Medemblik, a delightful harbour town, where we join the historic steam train which carries us through beautiful countryside to the picturesque village of Hoorn. The village is well known for its Steam Train Museum, which houses a unique collection of Dutch locomotives and rolling stock. Here you have time to explore and pick up some lunch, before we move on to Volendam, renowned for its old fishing boats and the traditional clothing still worn by some residents. This village has preserved its character for six centuries, and the small houses, together with the picturesque canals and drawbridges, add to its charm. Our final port of call before returning to Amsterdam is Zaanse Schans, a fascinating open air museum depicting Dutch life in the 17th and 18th centuries. The original houses, historic shipyard, clog-making demonstrations and authentic windmills all evoke a bygone era, and give a fascinating insight into how people lived hundreds of years ago. We enjoy dinner in the hotel tonight. (B,D)
Day 5: Homeward bound
We depart Amsterdam after breakfast by train, heading to Brussels where we change to the Eurostar bound for St Pancras International. (B)
Your hotel
The recently refurbished 3* Hotel Ibis Amsterdam Centre is situated by the main train station, minutes from the sights and Dam Square. The whole hotel is climate-controlled, and has a restaurant and bar.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
back to top
