Join your fellow solo travellers as we head to the Netherlands in the springtime, when the country comes alive with the colours of the tulips, the cities begin to bustle and the sun is shining. From the end of March to the beginning of May, the country is transformed into a beautiful land of colourful tulips, and the best place to see this at the Keukenhof Gardens. With over 7 million flower bulbs, the gardens blossom with vibrant colours, accompanied with art sculptures and waterways – a truly breathtaking sight.
The historic capital of Amsterdam boasts picturesque canals lined with impressive narrow red brick buildings, flower-adorned bridges and historic homes. This wondrous place is a picture-perfect destination for travellers all over the world. There are many cultural attractions, with several famous museums, an abundance of beautiful parks and pretty outdoor cafes.
On this short break, we will witness the Netherlands in full bloom.
Today we arrive into Amsterdam and transfer to the hotel, spending our first day at our leisure. The hotel is situated a short tram ride away from the centre of Amsterdam, or we can relax and get acquainted with the hotel’s facilities.
This evening, we gather for a welcome dinner and get to know our fellow travellers.
After breakfast, we take the short journey to Keukenhof Gardens, renowned for being the most beautiful spring garden in the world. Open during springtime and spread over almost 80 acres, Keukenhof Gardens is the largest flower garden in the world. We witness various themed gardens filled with spectacular flower displays and unique art instillations. Each year, during the Tulip Festival, the park is famous for the blooming of over 7 million flowers, including over 800 species of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and many other flowers.
Today we head via public transport into the heart of Amsterdam for a walking tour of this historical city. Amsterdam is famous for its canals lined by narrow houses with gabled facades, picturesque bridges and historic homes, adorned with colourful bicycles and tulip boxes. The Dutch capital is as fascinating as it is picturesque. Must-see sights include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the only floating flower market in the world. Get a little lost in the cobbled streets, or enjoy a stop-off at a ‘brown café,’ where they serve up local beers and regional cuisine.
Today we enjoy our final breakfast together before we transfer to the airport for our return flight home.
NH Amsterdam Zuid is located in Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district, a trendy neighbourhood with an array of shops, restaurants and cafes. Tram and metro links are a 10 minute stroll away giving access across the city.
The hotel has a modern style, with the option to relax in the sauna or book in for a relaxing massage. There is a fitness room and the hotel also offers bicycle rental. There is Wi Fi, a restaurant and a bar.
The hotels modern theme continues in the rooms with colourful wallpapers and modern design furniture. They have en suite bathrooms, flat screen TV and a safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transfer time from Amsterdam Airport to the hotel is roughly 15 minutes depending on transfers.
The dress code for during the day is casual. In the evening for the welcome dinner it is smart casual. Comfortable shoes for walking and sightseeing are recommended.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection to cover drivers, porters and hotel staff of €20.00. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate add on.
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
If you are travelling to the Netherlands and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
Compulsory vaccinations: None.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
Euro
Please note – There is walking involved in this tour when in Amsterdam on cobbled streets.
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