This country of tulips, windmills and bicycles stretches out over a predominantly flat landscape of reclaimed land. Sophisticated urban centres and sleepy rural towns are contained within the expansive vistas broken here and there by canals, castle walls and dikes. Europe’s most densely populated region is located within an area of the Netherlands called the Randstad. This urban hub is spread in a circle from Amsterdam, and includes The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht and the smaller towns of Haarlem, Leiden and Delft. The metropolitan centres buzz with the activity of seasonal festivals, cultural activities, vibrant art scenes and excellent pubs and restaurants.
The cultural heritage that flavours much of Dutch life can be traced back through time. During the 1600s the Netherlands dominated the world both economically and culturally. The Dutch East India Company established trading links with the East and West Indies bringing back an abundance of merchandise and cultural influences. The Golden Age reached its zenith in the artworks of the Dutch Masters - Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Jan Vermeer. Today their paintings hang from the walls of the cities’ numerous museums and galleries. Most people travelling to the Netherlands head for the unique experience of its capital city, Amsterdam. The other parts are largely unaffected by tourism, particularly the areas outside the Randstad. The southern parts of the country are transformed by undulating landscapes of shifting sands and heath moors, best experienced within the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Still south, tucked between the German and Belgian borders, lies the historical city of Maastricht. Since the collapse of Napoleon's empire in 1814, the Netherlands has taken a neutral stance throughout most of the world’s conflicts, including the First World War in which it took no part. In spite of this independent stance it still suffered severely in World War II during the Nazi invasion of 1940. Its neutral political position, combined with its tradition of liberalism and tolerance has made the Netherlands the logical choice for the establishment of the International Court of Justice, which is situated in The Hague.

Essentials:
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin round European-style plugs are used.

Language: Dutch is the official language. English is widely spoken. Fries (as well as Dutch) is spoken by the people of Friesland province.

Communications: TThe international access code for the Netherlands is +31. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City codes are also required. Five local mobile phone operators have the Netherlands extremely well covered with GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Internet cafes are widely available.

Climate in Holland
The Netherlands has a fairly temperate climate, very similar to England; temperatures are variable and rain occurs throughout the year. Despite the hoards of tourists the best time to visit is over the summer, or in spring when the flowers are in bloom - the tulips come out in May.

Car Rental
If you like to drive and stay at hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, that is fine. We offer a choice of 5
companies offering budget vehicles, new vehicles and mini-buse. If you tell us your requirements we will happy prepare a quotation for you. See details: Holland / Netherlands Car Hire

Motorhome - RV - Campervan - Camper
For flexibility, freedom and value for money it is really hard to beat Motorhome, RV, Campervan or Motorcaravan hire or rental. Our friendly and experienced team are here to assist and provide valuable free advice, plus the most competitive quotes. We offer the widest selection and we have a best value and best price guarantee.
See details: Holland / Netherlands Campervan Hire

Canal Barge - River Cruise
You can also travel by boat. As the largest global canal boat wholesaler, we offer you a choice of 3 self skipper companies: Amadeus Waterways River Cruise , Peter Deilmann, Luftner, Canal and Company. European Waterways and Viking River Cruising, river cruising is lots of fun. No license is required and boats are available for 2-12 passengers. It really is a terrific bonding time for families or just a great time for a group of friends. The Luxury Ships or boats are very comfortable and most boats have en-suites and comfortable cabins. BBQ's , fishing rods and outdoor deck furniture complete the picture.
For details, Holland / Netherlands River Cruises - Canalboat Hire

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry requirements for Americans: United States passport holders do not require a visa for travel to the Netherlands, but proof of sufficient funds is needed. Visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days in a half-year period. Passports must be valid for three months after the intended length of stay.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British passport holders endorsed British Citizen, British Subject, British Overseas Territories Citizen, or European Community do not require a visa for travel to the Netherlands. Other passport holders do not require a visa for a maximum of 90 days in a half-year period. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport (must be valid at least three months after period of intended stay). No visa is required, but proof of sufficient funds is needed. Visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days in a half-year period.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a valid passport (must be valid for at least three months after period of intended stay). No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half-year period. Also required are sufficient funds to cover stay, onward or return tickets and all documents necessary for next destination.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a passport valid for at least three months after intended period of stay, and a Schengen visa.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. A visa is not required.

Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport (must be valid at least three months after period of intended stay). No visa is required for stays of a maximum of 90 days in a half-year period, but proof of sufficient funds is needed.

Passport/Visa Note: The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that, in principal, allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

AMSTERDAM
Lively, lascivious Amsterdam has a unique atmosphere that belies the caricature of the dour Dutch.

Radiating out from the Dam Square, the historic centre of the city is ringed by quaint canals and cobbled streets, thronged with bicycles, tourists, house-boats, students, and street performers. The city wears two faces: on one it smiles and beckons hedonistic youth with its notorious Red Light District and liberal view of marijuana use, while on the other it offers some of Europe's finest museums and art galleries.

For the tourist the joy of Amsterdam is its compactness. The old part of town is a pleasure to explore on foot, strolling across ancient bridges and down narrow lanes past gabled houses, dropping in to browse in inviting souvenir boutiques crammed with blue and white Delft china and wooden clogs. Pavement cafes and cosy bars offer rest and refreshment. An alternative is to take a circular canal-boat cruise and see the city from the water, peering in on the lives of the locals who live on house-boats lining the waterways.

At night even the most conservative visitor is drawn by the lively atmosphere of the infamous Red Light District, known as De Wallen, which is bounded by the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudeziujds Achterburgwal canals near the Dam Square. Here prostitutes display their charms in brightly lit shop windows and touts encourage passers-by to view raunchy floor-shows. The best nightclubs, bars, and the theatres and cinemas are mainly to be found in the bustling Leidesplein and Rembrandtplein

ATTRACTIONS IN AMSTERDAM
Anne Frank House
This museum is dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank whose famous diary, recorded over a two-year period, describes the experiences of a Jewish teenager during World War II. Part of the house was used as a hiding place by the Franks and others to escape Nazi persecution. The families were later discovered and sent to their deaths in the concentration camps. Otto Frank was the only survivor. The original diary is on display as part of the permanent exhibition. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits that focus on related issues.

Address: Prinsengracht 267 (Westerkerk); Telephone: (020) 556 7105; Website: www.annefrank.nl; Transport: Tram 13 or 17; or bus 21, 170, 171 or 172 from Central Station to Westermarkt; Opening time: Daily 9am to 7pm; and 9am to 9pm (15 March to 14 September). Note that the queues can be long; Admission: €7.50 (adults); €3.50 (children aged 10 to 17)

Van Gogh Museum
The museum houses a permanent display of several hundred of the artist's paintings and drawings. The collection is organised according to three criteria. The first of these is the work of Vincent van Gogh, which is divided into five notable periods. Then there is the display of work of other artists including those of his friends and contemporaries. The third section is the showcase of the museum's history recording its progress with a feature on the development of the new wing designed by Japanese architect, Kisho Kurokawa, built to house the temporary exhibitions.

Address: Paulus Potterstraat 7; Telephone: (020) 570 5200; E-mail: info@vangoghmuseum.nl; Website: www.vangoghmuseum.nl; Transport: Tram 2 or 5 from Central Station; Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm, Fridays 10am to 10pm; Admission: €10 (adults), €2.50 (children aged 13 to 17)

The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum was opened in 1885 and is best known for its collection of 17th century Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. The most notable of these is Rembrandt's masterpiece, the Night Watch. The museum contains thousands of other paintings and artefacts in its Asiatic collection, Print Room, Dutch History and Applied Arts sections. A visit to the museum should include a trip into its delightful garden adorned with bright flowers, fountains, sculptures and summerhouses. Nestled within the garden is a collection depicting five centuries of Dutch architecture. It is advisable to consult a map or purchase a CD audio tour for an orientation to the extensive collection.

Address: Jan Luijkenstraat 1; Telephone: (020) 674 7000; Website: www.rijksmuseum.nl; Transport: Tram 2 or 5 from Central Station to Hobbemastraat; Opening time: Daily 9am to 6pm (closing at 10pm on Fridays). Closed 1 January; Admission: €10 (adults), under 18s are free

Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art
The museum closely traces the development in art of the second half of the 20th century, showcasing the most impressive collections of modern art in Amsterdam. The permanent exhibition focuses on De Stijl, Cobra, Nouveau Realisme, Pop Art, Colorfield Painting, Zero and Minimalist Art while temporary exhibitions on design and applied art are housed in the new wing. The museum at Paulus Potterstraat is currently closed until 2008.

Address: Post CS building, Oosterdokskade 5 (temporary location until 2008); Telephone: (020) 573 2911; E-mail: info@stedelijk.nl; Website: www.stedelijk.nl; Transport: A few minutes walk from Central Station following the signs 'Route Oosterdok'; Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm. Closed 1 January; Admission: €9 (adults), €4.50 (children 7-16), family pass €22.50

Rembrandt House
This museum provides an insight into the life and times of the famous painter. Rembrandt lived here between 1639 and 1658 at the height of his career. The museum presents a permanent collection of Rembrandt’s work, a reconstructed 17th century studio together with temporary exhibitions and a collection of paintings done by his teacher, Pieter Latman, and those of Rembrandt’s pupils.

Address: Jodenbreestraat 4; Telephone: (020) 520 0400; E-mail: museum@rembrandthuis.nl; Website: www.rembrandthuis.nl; Transport: Five-minute walk from Central Station; Opening time: Daily 10am to 5pm (open from 11am on Sundays and public holidays). Closed 1 January; Admission: €7.50 (adults), €1.50 (children 6-15)

Amsterdam Historisch Museum
Housed in a former orphanage, The Historical Museum explores Amsterdam's development from a small medieval settlement along the river into a thriving modern city. The museum's galleries showcase the progress of each century, with particular emphasis given to Holland's Golden Age. The museum provides a showpiece of Dutch Master paintings, archaeological discoveries, gold, silver, glass and earthenware and other artefacts. The museum fee covers entry to the Civic Guards Gallery. This is a glass-roofed gallery stretching between Kalverstraat and the Begijnhof, lined with portraits of Amsterdam's Civic Guards dating back to the 17th century.

Address: Kalverstraat 92; Telephone: (020) 523 1822; E-mail: info@ahm.amsterdam.nl; Website: www.ahm.nl; Transport: 10-minute walk from Central Station; tram 1, 2, 5 to Spui, or tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24 and 25 to Rokin; Opening time: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Closed 1 January, 29 April, 25 December; Admission: €6 (adults), €3 (children aged 6 to 16)

Red Light District
A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without a stroll around the notorious Red Light District. The atmosphere can be chaotic with throngs of tourists jostling for space alongside city slickers, pimps and drug dealers. The prostitutes of De Wallen are part of a legal and regulated industry that includes compulsory health checks and taxable income. Prostitution is by no means the only attraction of the area. The district's architecture comprises a scenic mix that dates back to the Middle Ages. Areas to explore include Waterlooplein, Zeedijk and Nieuwmarkt Square. Waterlooplein is the location of the modern City Hall and Muziek Theatre. The square was created in 1880 from two canals that were filled and then allocated to Jewish traders who used to ply their wares on its pavements. Nieuwmarkt Square was also once home to a thriving Jewish community, mainly Portuguese Jews who had fled from persecution during the Spanish Inquisition. The cultural diversity of this area extends to Zeedijk Street, which is often referred to as Chinatown. The street runs from the Saint Olof Chapel to De Waag.

Our Dear Lord in the Attic (Museum Amstelkring)
This concealed Catholic church (the combined top floors of a 17th century canal house) is a reminder of the Alteration period in Holland. Protestantism was declared the official religion and churches like this one relied on clandestine activity for their survival. The building's lower floors became a museum in 1888 housing a collection of church artefacts and paintings. It is located to the edge of the Red Light District.

Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40; Telephone: (0)20 624 6604; E-mail: info@opsolder.nl; Website: www.museumamstelkring.nl; Transport: A seven-minute walk from Central Station; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm (open from 1pm on Sundays and public holidays). Closed 1 January and 30 April; Admission: €7 (adults), €1 (children 5-18), other concessions available

The Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum)
A trip to this museum provides a fascinating insight into the activities of the Dutch Resistance Movement during World War II. Displays of false documents, weaponry and other equipment provide testimony to the bravery and innovation of its members.

Address: Plantage Kerklaan 61; Telephone: (0)20 620 2535; E-mail: info@verzetsmuseum.org; Website: www.verzetsmuseum.org; Transport: Tram 9 and Circle tram 20A from Central Station; Opening time: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday, Sunday, Monday and public holidays 12pm to 5pm; Admission: €5.50 (adults), €3 (children 7-15)

The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)
Although the Royal Palace is the official Royal residence it is mainly used for functions as the family reside in The Hague. The building dates back to 1648 and was originally designed for use as Amsterdam's city hall. King Louis Napoleon however had other plans. In 1808 he turned the city hall into a palace. A large collection of furniture from this period adorns its interiors. Guided tours are offered to visitors (these need to be booked two weeks in advance). *The Royal Palace will be closed for renovations from 8 September 2005 until early 2008*

Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, Dam Square; Telephone: (0)20 620 4060; Website: www.koninklijkhuis.nl; Transport: 10-minute walk from Central Station, or any tram leaving from Central Station; Opening time: 12.30pm to 5pm; closed Mondays and Fridays (November, January and February). Guided tours can be booked on (020) 624 8698; Admission: €4.50/€6.50 with audio tour (adults), €3.60 (children)

CONTACTS:
Lastly and I hope you don't need it, but should you require consular help - here are the details
Netherlands Tourist Office, The Hague: +31 (0)70 3705 705 or www.holland.com
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 244 5300.
Royal Netherlands Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7590 3200.
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 237 5030.
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6220 9400.
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 425 4500.
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 3444.
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 471 6390.
United States Embassy, The Hague: +31 (0)70 310 2209.
British Embassy, The Hague: +31 (0)70 427 0427.
Canadian Embassy, The Hague: +31 (0)70 311 1600.
Australian Embassy, The Hague: +31 (0)70 310 8200.
South African Embassy, The Hague: +31 (0)70 392 4501.
Irish Embassy, The Hague: +31 (0)70 363 0993.
New Zealand Embassy, The Hague: +31 (0)70 346 9324.
Emergencies: 112

AIRPORT:
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Location: The airport is nine miles (15km) southwest of Amsterdam. It is 36 miles (57km) from The Hague and 46 miles (73km) from Rotterdam. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +31 207 940 800, or from the Netherlands: 0900 0141. Transfer to the city: The quickest and easiest way to travel into the city (or anywhere else in the Netherlands) from Schiphol is by train. The station is directly below the airport. Ticket machines and offices are near the platforms at Schiphol Plaza. There are also night trains running hourly to Amsterdam Centraal Station and other Dutch cities. Private and shared taxis are also available as well as the Schiphol Travel Taxi, which is a national taxi service. These can be booked in advance on the airport website. Travellers heading for hotels can make use of the Connexxion airport hotel shuttle service, leaving the airport from the front of Arrivals hall 2 every 20 minutes and serving 55 hotels in and around Amsterdam. The airport is also well served by local bus services. Car rental: Rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt. Renting a car is not advised for those going to central Amsterdam, as parking is very difficult. Facilities: Facilities include banks, ATMs, bureau de change, a post office, conference and business services, duty-free shops, a medical centre and pharmacy. Shower facilities and saunas are located at the terminal hotel. The airport has several restaurants and bars and even an art gallery and a casino. Disabled facilities are available, those with special needs can contact the airport on: +31 (0)20 316 1417. Parking: Schiphol has numerous long and short-term parking facilities, also catering for VIP valet parking and a luxury car park (credit card payment only). Parking can be reserved in advance on the airport website. Departure tax: None. Website: www.schiphol.nl

Rotterdam Airport (RTM)
Location: The airport is located five miles (8km) north of Rotterdam. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +31 (0)10 446 3444. Transfer to the city: Bus 33 runs between the airport and Rotterdam Central Station, taking about 20 minutes, from where trains can be taken to all destinations. Taxis can be found outside the arrivals hall; the fare to central Rotterdam will be around €23, and the fare to The Hague around €45. Car rental: Rental companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz. Facilities: Facilities include airline lounges, bureau de change, ATMs, a post office, restaurants and bars, wireless Internet access, duty free shops, facilities for disabled, and child facilities. Parking: The airport has three parking areas, two long-term and one short-term (directly in front of the terminal). Parking must be paid for at automatic machines before collecting your vehicle. Departure tax: None. Website: www.rotterdam-airport.nl