Europe’s flattest country

Often called Holland, The Netherlands is a country located in Northern Europe bordered by Belgium, Germany and the North Sea. The capital city, Amsterdam is a popular tourist destination and with a vibrant nightlife it attracts crowds of young people every year. Learn more about the Dutch Golden Age on a tour of the numerous city museums and exhibitions. Visitors can stroll through the streets, sail along the canals or take a tram; the flat terrain makes it ideal for cycling with most of the urban population preferring to get around by bicycle. Choose from over 20 large nature parks - spend an afternoon relaxing at the Utrechtse Heuvelrug or Oosterschelde National Park or enjoy a snack of Uitsmijter spek en kaas in a street-side café bar. The Netherlands is famed for its Dutch Masters; marvel over original works by Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer and Jacob van Ruysdael and pick up a print to take home.

Why Go?
Come to the Netherlands to discover that there is more to the Dutch culture than windmills and clogs. Tour the art galleries for original paintings by Van Gogh and Rembrandt and sail along the canals to see examples of Classical and Functionalist architecture then unwind with a beer in a terraced café.

When to Go?
The Netherlands has a maritime climate influenced by the North Sea. Summer months are generally quite bright and cool with mild conditions during the winter. Rain is common throughout the seasons so travellers are advised to bring waterproof clothing. Snowfall can occur in January and February with frost and ice freezing parts of the canal. Carnivals in July make this a popular time to visit; Amsterdam is busy all year long.

How to get there?
The Netherlands is served by several international airports including Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM), Eindhoven Airport (EIN) and Maastricht Achen Airport (MST). Direct flights from the UK arrive into all four airports and Schiphol is the busiest for international air traffic. easyJet operates services from Bristol, Belfast, London, Liverpool and Edinburgh daily; the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Must see
Travel to The Netherlands and enjoy a laid-back trip; while away a day in the cafés and enjoy Koffie verkeerd with cake. Take a train out to the city of Utrecht and climb The Dom Tower - the tallest church in The Netherlands - for spectacular views over the flat landscape. Browse the stores and boutiques of Rotterdam and explore the coastal town of Noordwijk. A night out in Amsterdam is a highlight of any trip to Holland; the energetic club scene and lively bars ensure you’ll be kept going until the early hours.