Coach trips to Holland
Language: Dutch
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: EST/GMT+1
Tipping: No service charge is included in Holland, 5-10% is a standard tip to leave.
The Netherlands - an Introduction
The landscape might be flat and its traditional shoe might be wooden, but that's no reason to think that Holland is dull. From Christmas markets hosted in caves and exuberant Amsterdam to its war time past and fields striped with tulip blooms, on coach trips to Holland you'll discover that this is a country of great diversity.
Various short breaks by coach to Holland are available, ranging from 3 to 5 days and covering the key highlights, with longer holidays featuring the likes of neighbouring Austria, Belgium and Germany. A series of breaks allow visitors to discover the faces of vibrant capital Amsterdam with its narrow, buzzing streets, romantic canals and high concentration of world-class museums (with over 60 the city has the highest museum density in the world), or experience Dutch charm and hospitality at its best in Rotterdam. Throughout April several trips to the Dutch Bulbfields and Keukenhof depart; this 32 hectare garden is called the 'greatest flower show on Earth' and with some seven million bulbs planted every year its jaw-dropping beauty never ceases to amaze.
Thanks to Holland's part in the failed Operation Market Garden of World War II, dedicated battlefield tours are also available encompassing Arnhem and Nijmegen. As well as visiting key points in the operation, tours feature a specialised guide covering sites of interest like the National Liberation Museum at Groesbeek, Groesbeek Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, the 1st Airborne Museum and even the place where some soldiers earned a coveted Victoria Cross. Other war orientated tours tell the story of Anne Frank and Oscar Schindler.
Every year Maastricht also comes alive thanks to its native 'waltz king' Andre Rieu, who performs concerts in his home town against the eye catching backdrop of Vrijthof Square. Come November and December, Valkenburg is another Holland hot spot, with its twinkling Christmas market in the unique underground setting of the Velvet Cave.
Weather
Thinking of travelling to Holland? Check out the average temperatures for when you plan to visit courtesy of BBC Weather
Tourist board
For further information about Holland please go to the Official Tourism Website: http://www.holland.com/uk/tourism.htm
Holland is a fabulous country to explore, here are a few ideas of the places you could visit and what you can do when you get there:
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is brilliant for that weekend away, being not too far from us in the UK we love to visit Amsterdam and experience their cultures. Amsterdam is almost a village compared to London or Paris but it doesn’t lack creativity or vibrancy! The floating city made from 165 waterways connected by 1,281 bridges really is a beautiful destination.
Keukenhof Bulb Fields
The Dutch Bulb fields of Holland are most beautiful between March and May where there really isn’t a dull colour on display. The Bulb fields have been billed the Greatest Flower Show on earth! With over 60 years of history and over 7 Million bulbs being planted as well as 25,000 bulbs to create an amazing horticultural statue of liberty! Doubt you will see this anywhere else.
Valkenburg
The Christmas markets of Valkenburg will make your Christmas extra special with their cosy Christmas market in a velvet cave. Valkenburg is considered to be the largest and oldest underground Christmas market and hosting such activities such as, the Christmas Parade, magical activities as well as the usual stalls set up. So why not join them this year for their 26th opening!
Arnhem
There is a huge selection of places to visit in Arnhem that will amuse the whole family when on holidays to Holland. If you would like to see wildlife up close without visiting them in their natural habitat, a visit to Burgers' Zoo and Safari Park which was first opened in 1913, is a must. For those who like to pay homage to fallen war heroes, visit the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, also known as the Airborne Cemetery, and is home to 1,759 graves from the Second World War. Make a point of visiting the Netherlands Open Air Museum and the Arnhem War Museum before you leave the area
Maastricht
If you're looking for the perfect city that combines your love of art with all things wonderful? You can't go wrong with Maastricht. Located in southern Holland, Maastricht boasts a wide variety of stunning historic districts all hosting wonderful restaurants providing many taste-tingling treats. The beauty of visiting Maastricht is that you can explore its entirety on foot so make plans to visit Vrijthof Square, the Caves of St Pieter and the awe-inspiring merchant houses – and that's just for starters!
Nijmegen
One of the oldest cities in Holland, Nijmegen is simply beautiful with its stunning waterfront set against the backdrop of its city centre, you cannot fail to be amazed. There's a plethora of historical and modern buildings in addition to stunning countryside beside the River Waal, all waiting to be explored by you. Discover the history of Nijmegen at the Valkhof Museum, admire the Carolingian Chapel, Grote Markt and the St Stevenskerk Courtyard.
Tips & Advice
The beauty of travelling in an escorted tour is that you'll be in the safest hands when it comes to holidaying in foreign lands. However, to help you have an enjoyable holiday in Holland, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):
Health and Travel Insurance
Before leaving to go to Holland you should ensure you have applied for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) . It is not a substitute for medical insurance, however it will allow you to access state provided medical treatment should it become necessary whilst you are away. Any treatment will be given on the same terms as the Dutch nationals. The gHIC does not cover the cost of on-going medical treatment, non-urgent medical treatment or repatriation. For that reason, it is important to ensure you have access to additional funds which can cover the cost of treatment and also adequate travel insurance. Most tours offer the chance to purchase one-trip travel insurance at the time of booking.
If you need to call for an emergency service during your trip dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are sent to a medical facility for treatment you should always contact your insurance company immediately.
Local Laws and Customs
Everybody aged 14 and up must be able to present ID upon request. British nationals can use their passport for this purpose; a photocopy will suffice in some cases, however the police may wish to see the original document.
Entry Requirements
If you are planning to visit The Netherlands, you must meet the following passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Please note: If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. These extra months do not count towards your passport validity.
Visas
You can travel to Holland for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Please note that any previous visits you have made to the Schengen countries within the last 180 days will count towards your 90-day limit.
Passport stamping
Your passport will be stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through The Netherlands as a visitor. These passport stamps are used to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area.
Any other nationality looking to visit the Netherlands must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements.