This country of tulips, windmills and bicycles stretches out over a predominantly flat landscape of reclaimed land. Sophisticated urban centres and sleepy rural towns are contained within the expansive vistas broken here and there by canals, castle walls and dikes. Europe’s most densely populated region is located within an area of the Netherlands called the Randstad. This urban hub is spread in a circle from Amsterdam, and includes The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht and the smaller towns of Haarlem, Leiden and Delft. The metropolitan centres buzz with the activity of seasonal festivals, cultural activities, vibrant art scenes and excellent pubs and restaurants.

The cultural heritage that flavours much of Dutch life can be traced back through time. During the 1600s the Netherlands dominated the world both economically and culturally. The Dutch East India Company established trading links with the East and West Indies bringing back an abundance of merchandise and cultural influences. The Golden Age reached its zenith in the artworks of the Dutch Masters - Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Jan Vermeer. Today their paintings hang from the walls of the cities’ numerous museums and galleries.

Most people travelling to the Netherlands head for the unique experience of its capital city, Amsterdam. The other parts are largely unaffected by tourism, particularly the areas outside the Randstad. The southern parts of the country are transformed by undulating landscapes of shifting sands and heath moors, best experienced within the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Still south, tucked between the German and Belgian borders, lies the historical city of Maastricht.

Since the collapse of Napoleon's empire in 1814, the Netherlands has taken a neutral stance throughout most of the world’s conflicts, including the First World War in which it took no part. In spite of this independent stance it still suffered severely in World War II during the Nazi invasion of 1940. Its neutral political position, combined with its tradition of liberalism and tolerance has made the Netherlands the logical choice for the establishment of the International Court of Justice, which is situated in The Hague.

AMSTERDAM:
Picturesque canals form a girdle around the oldest parts of Amsterdam and encompass the city’s notorious Red Light District. Here tourists stroll over ancient bridges and down the narrow lanes where the aroma of cannabis pervades the air, and at night the streets are lit up by the crimson glow of windows from which prostitutes beckon passers-by. However the city’s attractions extend well beyond these hedonistic activities to include some of Europe's finest sights and museums. This charming and compact city is easily explored on foot, by bike or aboard a canal-boat tour that follows a circular route, stopping at the many attractions along the way.

Amsterdam’s Dam Square is a good starting point for an orientation tour around the city. Here one finds the Royal Palace and the main shopping streets extending beyond it (Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk). Beyond this are the bustling Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein quarters where street performers and tourists jostle for space. Locals gather here to enjoy the theatre, cinema or any one of the many popular late nightclubs and bars. A ten-minute walk from Leidseplein takes visitors to the Museum Quarter (Museumplein), a conglomeration of Amsterdam’s finest museums. Another area of interest is the Jordaan quarter. Built in 1612, it has become a popular district for students and young professionals. The infamous Red Light District (De Wallen) is located to the left of the Dam Square bordered by the canals Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal. Pijp is an exciting area from which to explore the cultural diversity within the city and to quaff local brew from one of the many pubs perched on the street corners.

Anne Frank House
This museum is dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank whose famous diary, recorded over a two-year period, describes the experiences of a Jewish teenager during World War II. Part of the house was used as a hiding place by the Franks and others to escape Nazi persecution. The families were later discovered and sent to their deaths in the concentration camps. Otto Frank was the only survivor. The original diary is on display as part of the permanent exhibition. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits that focus on related issues.

Address: Prinsengracht 267 (Westerkerk); Telephone: (020) 556 7100; Website: www.annefrank.nl, Transport: Tram 13 or 17; or bus 21, 170, 171 or 172 from Central Station to Westermarkt; Opening time: Daily 9am to 7pm; and 9am to 9pm (1 April to 31 August). Note that the queues can be long; Admission: €7.50 (adults); €3.50 (children aged 10 to 17)


Van Gogh Museum
The museum houses a permanent display of several hundred of the artist's paintings and drawings. The collection is organised according to three criterion. The first of these is the work of Vincent van Gogh, which is divided into five notable periods. Then there is the display of work of other artists including those of his friends and contemporaries. The third section is the showcase of the museum's history recording its progress with a feature on the development of the new wing designed by Japanese architect, Kisho Kurokawa, built to house the temporary exhibitions.

Address: Paulus Potterstraat 7; Telephone: (020) 570 5200; Website: www.vangoghmuseum.nl, Transport: Tram 2 or 5 from Central Station; Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm, Fridays 10am to 10pm; Admission: €9 (adults), €2.50 (children aged 13 to 17)


The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum was opened in 1885 and is best known for its collection of 17th century Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. The most notable of these is Rembrandt's masterpiece, the Night Watch. The museum contains thousands of other paintings and artefacts in its Asiatic collection, Print Room, Dutch History and Applied Arts sections. A visit to the museum should include a trip into its delightful garden adorned with bright flowers, fountains, sculptures and summerhouses. Nestled within the garden is a collection depicting five centuries of Dutch architecture. It is advisable to consult a map or purchase a CD audio tour for an orientation to the extensive collection.

Address: Jan Luijkenstraat 1; Telephone: (020) 674 700; Website: www.rijksmuseum.nl, Transport: Tram 2 or 5 from Central Station to Hobbemastraat; Opening time: Daily 9am to 6pm. Closed 1 January; Admission: €9 (adults), under 19s are free


Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art
The museum closely traces the development in art of the second half of the 20th century, showcasing the most impressive collections of modern art in Amsterdam. The permanent exhibition focuses on De Stijl, Cobra, Nouveau Realisme, Pop Art, Colorfield Painting, Zero and Minimalist Art while temporary exhibitions on design and applied art are housed in the new wing.

Address: Post CS building, Oosterdokskade 5 (temporary location until 2008); Telephone: (020) 573 2911; Website: www.stedelijk.nl, Transport: A few minutes walk from Central Station following the signs 'Route Oosterdok'; Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm, Thursdays until 9pm. Closed 1 January; Admission: €8 (adults), €4 (children 7-16), family pass €20


Rembrandt House
This museum provides an insight into the life and times of the famous painter. Rembrandt lived here between 1639 and 1658 at the height of his career. The museum presents a permanent collection of Rembrandt’s work, a reconstructed 17th century studio together with temporary exhibitions and a collection of paintings done by his teacher, Pieter Latman, and those of Rembrandt’s pupils.

Address: Jodenbreestraat 4; Telephone: (020) 520 0400; Website: www.rembrandthuis.nl, Transport: Five-minute walk from Central Station; Opening time: Daily 10am to 5pm (open from 1pm on Sundays and public holidays). Closed 1 January; Admission: €7 (adults), €1.50 (children)


Amsterdam Historisch Museum
Housed in a former orphanage, The Historical Museum explores Amsterdam's development from a small medieval settlement along the river into a thriving modern city. The museum's galleries showcase the progress of each century, with particular emphasis given to Holland's Golden Age. The museum provides a showpiece of Dutch Master paintings, archaeological discoveries, gold, silver, glass and earthenware and other artefacts. The museum fee covers entry to the Civic Guards Gallery. This is a glass-roofed gallery stretching between Kalverstraat and the Begijnhof, lined with portraits of Amsterdam's Civic Guards dating back to the 17th century.

Address: Kalverstraat 92; Telephone: (020) 523 1822; Website: www.ahm.nl, Transport: 10-minute walk from Central Station; tram 1, 2, 5 to Spui, or tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24 and 25 to Rokin; Opening time: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Closed 1 January, 30 April, 25 December; Admission: €6 (adults), €3 (children aged 6 to 16)


Red Light District (De Wallen)
A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without a stroll around the notorious Red Light District. The atmosphere can be chaotic with throngs of tourists jostling for space alongside city slickers, pimps and drug dealers. The prostitutes of De Wallen are part of a legal and regulated industry that includes compulsory health checks and taxable income. Prostitution is by no means the only attraction of the area. The district's architecture comprises a scenic mix that dates back to the Middle Ages. Areas to explore include Waterlooplein, Zeedijk and Nieuwmarkt Square. Waterlooplein is the location of the modern City Hall and Muziek Theatre. The square was created in 1880 from two canals that were filled and then allocated to Jewish traders who used to ply their wares on its pavements. Nieuwmarkt Square was also once home to a thriving Jewish community, mainly Portuguese Jews who had fled from persecution during the Spanish Inquisition. The cultural diversity of this area extends to Zeedijk Street, which is often referred to as Chinatown. The street runs from the Saint Olof Chapel to De Waag.


Our Dear Lord in the Attic (Museum Amstelkring)
This concealed Catholic church (the combined top floors of a 17th century canal house) is a reminder of the Alteration period in Holland. Protestantism was declared the official religion and churches like this one relied on clandestine activity for their survival. The building's lower floors became a museum in 1888 housing a collection of church artefacts and paintings. It is located to the edge of the Red Light District.

Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40; Telephone: (0)20 624 6604; Website: www.museumamstelkring.nl, Transport: A seven-minute walk from Central Station; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm (open from 1pm on Sundays and public holidays). Closed 1 January and 30 April; Admission: €7 (adults), €1 (children 5-18), €5 (students)

The Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum)
A trip to this museum provides a fascinating insight into the activities of the Dutch Resistance Movement during World War II. Displays of false documents, weaponry and other equipment provide testimony to the bravery and innovation of its members.

Address: Plantage.Kerklaan, 61; Telephone: (0)20 620 2535; Website: www.verzetsmuseum.org, Transport: Tram 9 and Circle tram 20A from Central Station; Opening time: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday, Sunday, Monday and public holidays 12pm to 5pm; Admission: €5 (adults), €2.75 (children aged 7 to 15)

The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)
Although the Royal Palace is the official Royal residence it is mainly used for functions as the family reside in The Hague. The building dates back to 1648 and was originally designed for use as Amsterdam's city hall. King Louis Napoleon however had other plans. In 1808 he turned the city hall into a palace. A large collection of furniture from this period adorns its interiors. Guided tours are offered to visitors (these need to be booked two weeks in advance).

Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, Dam Square; Telephone: (0)20 620 4060; Website: www.koninklijkhuis.nl; Transport: 10-minute walk from Central Station, or any tram leaving from Central Station; Opening time: 12.30pm to 5pm; closed Mondays and Fridays (November, January and February). Guided tours can be booked on (020) 624 8698 ; Admission: €4.50/€6.50 with audio tour (adults), €3.60 (children)


Maastricht
Maastricht is the oldest city in the Netherlands, peacefully perching on the banks of the Maas River. It is also one of the sunnier spots, located at Holland's southernmost point, squeezed in between the Belgium and German borders. Ancient fortifications provide pleasant walking routes and some of these can be explored on the city's western outskirts. The Bonnefantenmuseum traces the city's historical roots, and makes for a good introduction to one's visit. Another must-see is the Basilica of Saint Servatius. It is a medieval cruciform basilica with a significant collection of religious artefacts as well as the burial place of Holland's first bishop. In the old centre of Maastricht is a selection of shops and department stores. Here one can also savour the fine food that Maastricht has developed a reputation for. A selection of wines from nearby vineyards can be savoured with the cuisine that has been influenced by the distinctive tastes of its neighbours. Maastricht is located 133 miles (215km) from Amsterdam.

Website: www.vvvmaastricht.nl


International Court of Justice

The Peace Palace was so named to import its significance as a place of arbitration for the maintenance and promotion of world peace. Situated in The Hague, the building houses the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration and The Hague Academy of International Law. It was here (in 1946) that the first session of the International Court of Justice was held. Four guided tours are conducted daily. The Hague is located approximately 35 miles (57km) from Amsterdam.

Address: Carnegieplein 2; Telephone: (0)70 302 4242; Website: www.vredespaleis.nl, Transport: Tram 10 from Hague Central to Vredespaleis stop


Waterland Neeltje Jans
Enjoy a whole day with marine animals, eperience fantastic attractions and see and learn about the world famous Delta Works at this spectacular water park. Attractions include the storm surge barrier, Delta Expo, a waterslide and water playground, whale world exibition and a hurricane simulator.

Address: Eiland Neeltje Jans, Faelweg 5; Telephone: (0)111 655655; Website: www.neeltjejans.nl; Transport: Bus 133; Opening time: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (2 January to 6 February and 7 November to 31 December), daily 10am to 5pm (7 February to 22 March), daily 10am to 5.30pm (23 March to 6 November); Admission: €14 (summer), €9.50 (winter)


Royal Delftware Factory
The white and blue decorative pottery, the trademark of Royal Delftware, was influenced by Chinese porcelain brought back from the east by the tradesmen of the Dutch East India Company. The Royal Delftware Factory (Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles) is the only remaining earthenware factory in Delft and dates back to the 17th century. Visitors to the factory can see painting demonstrations, attend painting workshops or visit the factory's museum and showroom. Delft is 30 miles (47km) south of Amsterdam, near The Hague.

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Time:
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).


Electricity:
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin round European-style plugs are used.


Language:
Dutch is the official language. English is widely spoken. Fries (as well as Dutch) is spoken by the people of Friesland province.


Health:
There are no health risks associated with travel to The Netherlands and no inoculations are required. It is safe to drink tap water. The standard of health care in The Netherlands is very high, but the necessary health insurance provisions must be made before travelling. A reciprocal agreement exists with other EU countries, which entitles nationals to free emergency medical treatment. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is necessary for this purpose.


Tipping:
Service charges are included in hotel rates, restaurant bills and taxi fares. Tips for good service are always appreciated but not necessary. It is customary to tip taxi drivers and waiters 10%.

Safety:
Travel in Holland is fairly safe. Travellers should however always exercise caution in empty streets at night and be aware of pickpockets, particularly in central Amsterdam. There is a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and visitors should be vigilant in public places and tourist sites, particularly since extra security measures have been set up around the country in response to concerns about a possible terrorist attack.

Customs:
n Holland, the use of soft drugs is allowed, and even sold at 'coffee shops'. This policy exists to prevent the marginalisation of soft drug users thereby exposing them to more harmful drugs. However the trafficking in hard or soft drugs outside licensed premises is illegal. From 1 January 2005 everybody from the age of 14 is required to show a valid identity document to law enforcement officers on request.

Communications:
The international access code for the Netherlands is +31. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City codes are also required. Five local mobile phone operators have the Netherlands extremely well covered with GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Internet cafes are widely available.

Airports: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Location: The airport is nine miles (15km) southwest of Amsterdam. It is 36 miles (57km) from The Hague and 46 miles (73km) from Rotterdam. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October). Contacts: Toll-free: +800 72447465, or from the Netherlands: 0900 72447465 (premium rate). Transfer to the city: The quickest and easiest way to travel into the city (or anywhere else in the Netherlands) from Schiphol is by train. The station is directly below the airport. Ticket machines and offices are near the platforms at Schiphol Plaza. There are also night trains running hourly to Amsterdam Centraal Station and other Dutch cities. Private and shared taxis are also available as well as the Schiphol Travel Taxi which is a national taxi service. These can be booked in advance on the airport website. Travellers heading for hotels can make use of the Connexxion airport hotel shuttle service, leaving the airport from the front of Arrivals hall 2 every 20 minutes and serving 55 hotels in and around Amsterdam. The airport is also well-served by local bus services.

Facilities: Facilities include banks, ATMs, bureau de change, a post office, conference and business services, duty-free shops, a medical centre and pharmacy. Shower facilities and saunas are located at the terminal hotel. The airport has several restaurants and bars and even an art gallery and a casino. Disabled facilities are available, those with special needs can contact the airport on: +31 (0) 20 3161417. Parking: Schiphol has numerous long and short-term parking facilities, also catering for VIP valet parking and a luxury car park (credit card payment only). Parking can be reserved in advance on the airport website. Website: www.schiphol.nl

Rotterdam Airport (RTM)

Location: The airport is located five miles (8km) north of Rotterdam. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +31 (0)10 446 3444. Transfer to the city: Bus 33 runs between the airport and Rotterdam Central Station, taking about 20 minutes, from where trains can be taken to all destinations. Taxis can be found outside the arrivals hall; the fare to central Rotterdam will be around €23, and the fare to The Hague around €45.

Facilities: Facilities include airline lounges, bureau de change, ATMs, a post office, restaurants and bars, duty free shops, facilities for disabled, and child facilities. Parking: The airport has three parking areas, two long-term and one short-term (directly in front of the terminal). Parking must be paid for at automatic machines before collecting your vehicle. Website: www.rotterdam-airport.nl

Currency:
Money: Single European currency, or Euro (€), is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Foreign currency or travellers cheques can be changed at banks, post offices or bureaux de change. Banks are closed on weekends. ATMs are widely distributed and most are open 24 hours a day.

Visa & Passport Requirements:
Entry requirements for Americans: United States passport holders do not require a visa for travel to the Netherlands. Passports must be valid for three months after the intended length of stay.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British passport holders do not require a visa for travel to the Netherlands. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport (must be valid at least 3 months after period of intended stay). No visa is required.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after period of intended stay). No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half-year period.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a passport valid for at least three months after intended period of stay, and a Schengen visa.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport (must be valid at least 3 months after period of intended stay). No visa is required.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. A visa is not required.

Passport/Visa Note: The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that, in principal, allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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