Holland a small country with great possibilities
Tulips, windmills, clogs and cheese. These are the first things associated with Holland. The Dutch are proud of their country and believe that it also has lots more to offer you. Enjoy a visit to the picturesque villages of Volendam (with its fishing port), Alkmaar (with the cheese market), or the Zaanse Schans. And how about punting in Giethoorn, shopping in the fashionable shopping streets of The Hague or experiencing the southern hospitality and culinary delights of Maastricht. And Amsterdam and Rotterdam are not to be missed, of course.
Amsterdam, the capital city of Holland, has many facets. You will have heard of the romantic canals, the thriving nightlife, and, of course, the innumerable bicycles. The city offers vibrant shopping streets and markets, old quarters with galleries and boutiques, historical monuments and over 40 museums, including the world-famous Rijksmuseum with Rembrandt's 'Night Watch'. In the evenings why not visit one of the city's many nightclubs, or try your luck during a glamorous evening at the casino. There is never a dull moment in Amsterdam.
Rotterdam offers a different perspective: not only is it the world's largest port, but, according to the locals, it is also the most beautiful city in Holland. Rotterdam offers a multitude of shops, restaurants and café 's, and is famous for its architectural highlights.
The Hague and her two seaside resorts Scheveningen and Kijkduin are perfect for any length of stay. Home to the Dutch royal family and government and famous for its International Palace of Justice. The Hague offers a wide variety of attractions, a historic city center and all kinds of entertainment including unique restaurants, theatres and museums such as the Mauritshuis. You also find many shops, located in historical buildings, a site for shoppers and history lovers alike.
Temperature: Summers are lovely with an average temperature of 21°C, but be sure to pack a lightweight raincoat along with your shorts and beachwear – an unexpected shower cannot be ruled out. Winter winds can be cold and you should certainly wrap up well in January and February. The average temperature in these months hovers just above 2°C .
Time zones: Holland is in the Central European Time Zone, one hour ahead of GMT.
Language: Dutch is the national language. However, English is spoken by almost everyone. In addition, many Dutch people speak German and French.
Customs formalities: we advice to travel with a valid passport
Currency:Euro
Electricity: The voltage in Holland is 220 volts. Hotels may have a 110-volt or 120-volt outlet for shavers, but you are advised to bring a power converter and an adapter for two-prong, round-prong plugs.
Opening hours
Shops: Mon-Fri 8:30/9:00 am - 5:30/6:00 pm, Sat 8:30/9:00 - 4:00/5:00 pm. Most cities have late-night shopping on Thursdays or Fridays. In the major cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam and in tourist resorts many shops are open at night and on Sundays.
Banks: Mon-Fri 9:00am - 4:00/5:00pm; sometimes also on late night shopping nights and on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays.
Transport to/from Amsterdam (Schiphol Airport)
Bus:
Buses operate between Schiphol Airport and many Amsterdam suburbs. To get to the center of Amsterdam, it’s much easier to take the train.
Taxi: From Schiphol Airport there are two types of taxi services:
Schiphol Travel Taxi > a national taxi service for everyone travelling to and from Schiphol. A taxi van will collect you from any address in the Netherlands at a time agreed with you. There is no need for you to change en route or lug any luggage around. It is possible that you may have to stop off and collect other passengers on your way to Schiphol. Naturally, this will not extend the journey time agreed with you. Schiphol Travel Taxi will take you back to the agreed address upon your return or at the end of your visit to Schiphol. This service costs 19 euro one way (34 euro return). Discounts apply.
Private Taxi > there are plenty of taxis just outside the Terminal. These taxis are considerably more expensive than the Schiphol Airport Taxi.
Train:
Travelling to/from Schiphol Airport by train is not only fast but also very convenient. You will arrive under the central hall of the Terminal, nearby the check-in desks. The trip takes less than 20 minutes and costs around 3,50 euro per person one way (second class).
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