DISCOVER HOLLAND

The world in a nutshell

Holland is relatively small, astonishing varied and getting around in the country is very easy. The fact that virtually every Dutch person speaks English and that Afrikaans-speaking people can easily understand Dutch, makes travelling also very easy for South Africans. The large variety of tourist attractions in the Netherlands means there is always something to do for a wonderful day out.

Amsterdam is as popular as ever with its seventeenth century canals, patrician houses, cosy cafes and relaxed atmosphere. It is one of Europe's great cities; a cosmopolitan centre with a fine way of life, a rich culture and its own style of humour. Once you have visited the city you will never forget its charms. We can guarantee that you will be swept off your feet by what is on offer: the magical wonders of a city that is treasured by its residents.

The Hague is known as the Royal Capital, as it is the residence of the Royal family. Located in the veritable heart of the country, Utrecht with its unique museums and Gothic Dom church tower certainly deserves special attention. The historic towns of Gouda, Dortrecht, Haarlem, Schiedam, Leiden and Delft welcome you for a short or longer stay. Each of these 17th-century mercantile cities has its own history, canals, courtyards and traditional crafts.

Where ever you go in Holland you will see flowers and plants - all year around. Not only the famous tulips and not only in Amsterdam. Hundreds of glorious gardens create a colourful atmosphere all over the country. And there are just as many ways of enjoying Dutch blooms. The lovely landscaped gardens at Keukenhof is a good starting place and at Aalsmeer one can visit the world's largest flower auction.

1. AMSTERDAM CITY PACKAGES

Included:

* 3 days / 2 nights at selected hotel
* Daily breakfast
* Return transfers from Airport - Hotel - Airport
* Panoramic City tour including a boat ride

Please contact (012) 460 8382 for newest rates

2. EXCURSIONS FROM AMSTERDAM

2.1 Panoramic city tour
Departure: Winter, daily at 14:30; Summer, daily at 10:00 and 14:30
Duration: 2 ½ hours by bus and 3 ½ hours by bus and boat

Through this expansive tour you will get to know Amsterdam very well.
You will see by luxury coach the old and new parts of this beautiful city with it many historical buildings and interesting sights, like the Royal Palace, the National Monument, the Skinny Bridge, the Albert Cuyp Market and the beautiful houses along the canals. We will also visit a windmill on the river Amstel and a stop will be made at a diamond factory.

2.2 Marken, Volendam and Windmills
Departure: Winter, daily at 10:00; Summer, daily at 10:00 and14:30
Duration: 4 ½ hours

This tour shows the typical Dutch countryside with its polders, canals and windmills. We will travel towards the Zaanse Schans, a well-known windmill village, where we will visit a local shoemaker. Then we continue to the fishing villages of Volendam and Marken on the coast of the former Zuidersee, now called Ijsselmeer, with its pretty wooden houses and locals wearing their traditional colourful dress. We will also stop at one of the cheese farms, where cheese is still made in the traditional way.

2.3 Delft, The Hague and Madurodam / Scheveningen
Departure: Summer, daily at 14:30
Duration: 5 hours

This tour shows the beautiful province in the south of Holland. In Delft we will visit a Delft pottery; in The Hague we will see its Houses of Parliament and then we will visit the miniature town of Madurodam OR the seaside resort of Scheveningen.

2.4 Alkmaar, Cheesemarket and Windmills
Departure: Every Friday at 09:45 from around Apr - Sep
Duration: 4 ½ hours

We will visit the world's biggest flower auction in Aalsmeer, some cheese markets and a windmill.

2.5 Grand Holland Tour, including Madurodam
Departure: Winter, Every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00
Summer, Every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00
Duration: 8 hours

This tour shows the beautiful province in the south of Holland. On Sundays a visit will be made to a wood shoemaker. We will visit the world's biggest flower auction in Aalsmeer. Afterwards we will continue to Delft, where we will visit a Delft pottery; Rotterdam, the largest harbor in the world, The Hague with its Houses of Parliament; the miniature town of Madurodam and the seaside resort of Scheveningen.

2.6 Antwerp and Brussels
Departure: Winter, Every Saturday at 10:00 Summer, Every Tuesday and Saturday at 10:00
Duration: 11 hours

We will visit Antwerp first, where we will stop at the Market Square and the Cathedral. Then on to Brussels for an extended city tour, which will include the Royal Palace, the EC Headquarters, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and, of course, the famous "Mannekin Pis". We will also be visiting a lace factory. Before departing back to Holland there will be time for shopping and a stroll.

2.7 Ghent & Bruges
Departure: Summer, Every Wednesday at 10:00
Duration: 12½ hours

In Ghent, we will visit the St Bavo's Cathedral, home to the world famous "Mystic Lamb" of the Flemish Primitives Van Eyck. During the city tour you will see the Belfry, St Nicholas Church and the Earl's Castle. We proceed through the Flemish countryside to Bruges where we will visit the "Lake of Love" and the beguinage. During your walking you will discover Our Lady Church (with a statue by Michelangelo), the Market Square with the Belfry and the Holy Blood Chapel.

2.8 Canal cruise
Departure: Winter, daily every 30 minutes Summer, daily every 15 minutes
Duration: 1 hour

This tour takes you through the Amsterdam canals. Alongside these canals you can see the 17th century merchant houses with their beautiful fronts, churches, and 16th and 17th century warehouses. We will also pass through the Old Harbor.

2.9 Candlelight cruise
Departure: Winter: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 20:30; Summer, Daily at 20:30
Duration: 2 hours

This romantic evening cruise through Old Amsterdam is a memorable experience. Passengers can relax in glass-enclosed comfort while savoring wine and cheese. Soft music wafts though the candle lit launch as it glides through the sparkling city.

2.10 Unique Dinner Cruise
Departure: Winter, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 19:30; Summer, Daily at 19:30
Duration: 2.5 hours

On board of a luxury glass domed boat a cruise along the illuminated canals will be combined with a wonderful 5 course dinner. This price includes unlimited drinks, wine and beer.

2.11 Sunday morning drive
Departure: Summer, Every Sunday at 10:00 (starting 23 May)
Duration: 4 hours

The bus passes the banks of the Ijsselmeer to Naarden. This old fortified city has been beautifully preserved. You will then pass through the "Gooi" area, over dikes and through polders and then along the river Vecht, renowned for the stunning 17th and 18th century houses on its banks. Through the lakes of Loosdrecht (including a stop for coffee) back to Amsterdam.

2.12 Flowerfields and Keukenhof
Departure: Summer, Daily at 10:00 and 14:30 (from 25 Mar - 20 May)

Duration: Half day: 4½ hours
Full day: 9 hours

Holland is flower country, and Keukenhof proves it with flowering bulb fields with 6 million tulips, narcissuses and other bulbs. In addition to the bulbs, the ancient trees and lovely ponds and fountains provide colourful ingredients of Keukenhof. You can book your excursion with or without transport.

2.13 Walking tour: "Dark" Amsterdam
Departure: Winter, Wednesday and Saturday at 20:00 Summer, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 20:00
Duration: 2 hours

A tour through "Dark" Amsterdam can be rather illuminating because of the visit to the famous Red Light District.
The excursion starts at a prostitute information center, where we will offer you a drink. A former prostitute will explain the system and you will be able to ask all the questions you may have. The visit to "Wallen" - the Red Light District - is perhaps the most interesting part of this tour. There you can see for yourself the oldest profession in the world.
The tour continues passing monuments and through old streets, one of which is the infamous Zeedijk, once one of the most dangerous streets where sailors looked for local amusement. Nowadays, however, you can find lively pubs and restaurants, instead of the former shady bars.
We guarantee your safety during this excursion and a reliable and trustworthy guide will accompany you.

2.14 Canal Bus Day Pass: Canal Cruise Hop On Hop Off
Starting from 1 April

2.15 City Tour: Merken, Volendam & The Windmills
Depature: Daily, 10h00
Duration: 7 hours

This is a combination of 2.1 and 2.2

Please contact (012) 460 8382 for rates, or e-mail: info3@duto.co.za