TRAVEL GUIDE: THE NETHERLANDS

Although officially called Kingdom of the Netherlands, most folks simply refer to this country as Holland. North Holland and South Holland are actually provinces within the country, and did you know that the Netherlands' Antilles and Aruba in the Caribbean are also Dutch territories? Here, in this populous land, you can eat delectable cheeses and delicious sweets like stroop waffles and Oliebollen, take in the quaint charm of tulips surrounding windmills, add to your collection of delftware, and view the diamonds of Antwerp's world-renowned diamond industry. And while Dutch is the national language, English-speaking travelers will have no difficulty getting around.

AMSTERDAM

A LESSON IN LUXURY
Sofitel Legend the Grand Amsterdam
Every guest will feel pampered with this landmark hotel's "Legendary Services," which encompass everything from butlers and carriage tours to royal breakfasts and grand boat excursions.

A TASTE OF JAPAN
Hotel Okura Amsterdam
Towering 23 stories above the winding canals of Amsterdam and just south of the city's heart, this sleek hotel offers a Zen-like atmosphere of refinement and harmony and a progressive jet lag program.

DUTCH DINING
Amsterdam Restaurant Search
Find the best dining options in Amsterdam with our Restaurant Search. Pictured: Vinkeles, a luxurious eatery in The Dylan Amsterdam hotel featuring French-inspired cuisine.

Romantic Restaurants in Amsterdam

Check out our guide to spending three days in Amsterdam

72-HOUR VACATION
Three Days in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city of contrasts. It’s where Europe comes to party, but at the same time it’s suited for quiet, contemplative walks along meandering waterways.

EXECUTIVE TRAVEL
Business Travel Guide: Amsterdam
Embrace the traditional Dutch live-and-let-live attitude, but plan ahead and find all you need to know for your stay, including top business hotels, restaurants for impressing clients and after-hours pursuits with fellow execs.

ALL ABLOOM
Keukenhof Park
Each year on the first day of spring, millions of narcissi, tulips, hyacinths and other bulb flowers bloom throughout the 600-acre Keukenhof Park near Amsterdam. The famous flower display is the site for the largest annual flower parade from Noordwijk to Haarlem.

TOP 10 HONEYMOON HOTELS
The Dylan
If you want to honeymoon in an elegant setting, here you can sleep in pristine white sheets with a single flower at the foot of your bed and a slanting roof overhead. Or if you prefer something less demure, book the peppermint candy-striped Klassbols Room.

MAASTRICHT

FULFILL YOUR ROYAL FANTASIES
Château St. Gerlach
Castles: consider them the original luxury hotels. Built as private residences, they were also often designed with accommodating guests in mind. This 15th century castle was rescued from ruins and makes you feel like royalty during your stay.

EVENTS IN HOLLAND

ROCKIN' OUT IN MAY
Pinkpop
Reputedly the world’s oldest rock festival, Pinkpop attracts over 60,000 folks each year and has drawn the likes of Pearl Jam, Elvis Costello and Bjork to perform at this three-day jam fest.

Photo credit for images at top: www.holland.com.
Visit the official website of The Netherlands.

Guides for other parts of the world

(Updated: 07/18/11 CT)

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