Holland

Comment by Eric and Sue on July 23, 2008 at 5:59pm

Though we can't book an Untour to Holland at this time, we will be taking a transatlantic cruise in April 2009 ( a longstanding dream) ending in Amsterdam on May 9, 2009. We have booked 4 nights at a B and B in Amsterdam following the cruise. We know this will be at the end of the tulip season, but hoping some have been in Amsterdam during this time--we will be staying near the Opera House, and the Amsterdam Hermitage Museum. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

Comment by Norm and Barbara Graca on August 13, 2008 at 4:17pm

We are looking forward to our Untour to Holland next Spring. Can anyone share with us their favorite experience in Holland? What are the traditional foods?
Thank you for any advice you can share.

Comment by Deborah and Donald Wise on September 14, 2008 at 4:00pm

This is a very late answer to Norm and Barbara and Sue and Eric. We left on an Alaska cruise August 14 so we are just now settling back into normal life. I'll start with the traditional foods. Dutch pancakes are probably the most well known. They are large, very thin pancakes that can be either sweet or savory. Sandwiches are wonderful in Holland and a traditional Indonesian rice table should be enjoyed. In your materials that you will receive from Untours are more food suggestions and restaurant suggestions. Also, on the ground floor of the apartment building is a bulletin board where people place business cards and menus from favorite restaurants.

One of our favorite things to do was the "Leiden Walks". If there is not a copy in your apartment one can be purchased at the VVV (tourist office). We enjoyed the trains and visiting small towns.

As far as Amsterdam goes, the Olde Kirke (old church) is a muse see, the burial place of Rembrandt and his wife although his bones are no longer there. I would suggest the boat tour in Leiden as opposed to Amsterdam if you are there. Anne Frank house is very moving and, of course, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.

Our trip log is posted on this website if you are interested. Please send us a message if you have any specific questions. Enjoy! We loved our time there.

Comment by J Shaw on July 14, 2009 at 6:47pm

As one who lived in Holland for a brief period I find one of the even better ways to "do Holland" is with a motor launch. You simply start off down the canals (the things aren't fast so you can't get into too much trouble). In most areas you aren't permitted to go fast enough to make a wake as it washes up into peoples' back yards -- so slow is the name of the game.

It requires no special skill other than a couple of hours tutoring from the experts, and no special license. If you're already driving a pickup or an SUV and are able-bodied enough to ride a bike around the country you can handle a motor barge. They're like a motorhome on the water with kitchen, sleeping berths, sitting area and open deck for lounging...just a lot slower. So "hectic" is precluded. At night, you pull over in a safe spot, tie up, take a bike and ride into town for groceries and/or dinner. Then come back and watch the ducks, cows and other boats go by.

For an idea of how it's done, I've got some pic's. in a Flickr slideshow from our last trip (just overlook the Keukenhof Gardens photos unless you're into flowers).

The cost is comparable to staying in a mid-class hotel, but since you usually cook for yourself there are some savings. On the other hand, there's the cost of diesel fuel, rental bikes, post-trip cleaning and linen charge, etc.

One of the places we rented from is here, but there are many others and most have info. in English. They'll send you a catalog if you ask online.

Comment by Phil on October 20, 2010 at 1:24pm

We were in the Vermeer apartment in September. Leiden is a gem. All the amenities without the urban frenzy of Amsterdam. Here are some pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/driverphil/Leiden?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij27P...

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