The Netherlands, or the land of flowers, is one of those places where life is good. People are simply happy and live peacefully in their serene and quiet cities, as calm as the waters that cross them.
During a stay in Holland must see the cities governed and shaped by water, where canals intersect and intermingle in a sumptuous maze.
Amsterdam, the capital city is called “The Venice of the North”, the numerous canals, picturesque streets, museums and various curiosities give it a sweet and captivating atmosphere. The omnipresence of water gives the city its essence as its philosophy: taking time.
A truly romantic capital and destination cherished by millions, Amsterdam has so much to offer: its museums, its culture, its neighbourhoods. But above all its atmosphere that, more than anything else, allows its visitors to contemplate and which no single word or image can depict. It is a destination where everyone comes together without fear of displaying any traits that differ from the so called “norm”.
It is during a cruise on the Rhine or the Ijsselmeer that you will visit this striking capital, before continuing your journey in the Netherlands amongst the tulips. You will discover "The Flat Country" from the waters that define it and you will venture to Volendam, a charming fishing village at the edge of the Ijsselmeer where the inhabitants are still sometimes dressed in traditional costumes.
You will also see Rotterdam, the "Port of Europe" with its spectacular dimensions and which is constantly buzzing with life.
You will visit a cheese factory to discover the making of the famous Dutch round cheese: Gouda. A visit to Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum, will introduce you to how the famous Dutch wooden clogs are made and their history dating back to the year 1200!
AMSTERDAM - UTRECHT - DORDRECHT - GHENT - Bruges - ANTWERP - ROTTERDAM - Delft - The Hague - AMSTERDAM
The vast expanse of Dutch and Belgian grasslands becomes a palette of colorful flowers in the spring. Join us as we navigate the canals alongside quintessential windmills—conjuring Vermeer and Van Gogh and indulging in Gouda and speculaas while enjoying music from one end of these northern plains to the other. These two countries have deep melodic heritages, so take advantage of this moment to (re)discover their composers and works, including the Sonata by Franck—one of the most prestigious Belgian composers—and the one by the Russian artist Myaskovsky. Delight in creations by Hasselmans, Vieuxtemps, and Lekeu—three additional Belgian composers—as well as the virtuoso Rachmaninoff. And who can forget Die tote Stadt, the fascinating opera by Korngold that takes place in Bruges?
Alain Duault
