A Weekend in Amsterdam

Day 1

Ferry to Calais and on to our hotel in the Netherlands, where we stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2 – Amsterdam including canal cruise
We visit lively Amsterdam, the city of canals, bicycles and cafés. Included in our day here is a wonderful canal cruise; the best way to see this unique city. We also have time to explore at leisure, with the chance to find a restaurant for dinner. There are plenty of atmospheric lanes and quarters to uncover or famous museums to visit including the Anne Frank Museum, a thoughtful exhibition of the famous war-diarist’s life.

Day 3 – Marken & Volendam
We head first to the charming seaside village of Marken, a former island set on a peninsula. Marken is unique, not just for its preservation of many of the island’s traditions, but also for its characteristic houses built on stilts and knolls.

We then visit the fishing village of Volendam, with its bustling harbour and traditional Dutch costumes giving us a flavour of Holland’s vibrant past. Later, there’s time to enjoy dinner in a restaurant of our choice before returning to the hotel (not included).

Day 4
Travel back to Calais for our return ferry home.

Often referred to as the “Venice of the North” because of its beautiful canals that criss-cross the city, Amsterdam offers visitors an attractive mix of charming architecture, history, culture, and pavement cafés. Why not take a trip to Amsterdam and enjoy the laid back atmosphere?

Amsterdam’s delightful architecture can be seen across the city but particularly in the canal district which dates from the 17^th century, with a number of different boat tours available to take you around the many pretty tree-lined canals.

Sitting pretty to the north of Amsterdam, the charming fishing village of Volendam is a delight to explore. Founded in the 14^th century, its vistas inspired famous painters such as Renoir and Picasso, and it is now one of the most popular places to see in the Netherlands.

No visit is complete without a trip to one of the photography shops to try on traditional costumes and get your photo taken! Or you can find out more about Volendam’s history in the fascinating museums and enjoy a stroll around the picturesque harbour, set against colourful timber houses and filled with historic Dutch ships. If you fancy trying some local delicacies, there are plenty of options, from kibbeling (deep-fired cod) and smoked eel to raw herring!

Enjoy the quiet charm of Marken, a scenic fishing village on north Holland’s Markermeer Lake, close to the town of Volendam. Marken’s highlights include its pretty harbour and old-fashioned timber houses built on Werven, raised stakes that protected them from flood damage. Though the area no longer floods, this traditional method of constructing buildings is still practiced and on display today, giving the village a distinctive look.

Visitors can also take in the village’s famous fixture, the Paard van Marken lighthouse with its signature white walls and red hood. Despite being nearly 200 years old, the lighthouse is still in operation, and has become a popular photo destination.

Other highlights include the Wooden shoe factory which offers a glimpse into how the renowned Dutch clogs were made from a block of wood, and the Marken Museum which features exhibits dedicated to the area’s historical traditions.