The Netherlands is renowned for its historic cities, its bulbfields, windmills and waterways, and its artistic heritage. These and many other aspects of this country can be enjoyed on an escorted rail tour of the Netherlands with Great Rail Journeys.
The Netherlands possesses one of the most modern, comfortable and efficient railway networks in Europe and its continuing expansion ensures that visitors can get to virtually any destination in the country by rail.
Guests on our Netherlands rail holidays travel on the high-speed international Eurostar, the Netherlands' own excellent rail network and, depending upon the tour, an authentic steam locomotive on a heritage railway to provide a complete rail experience. Trains aside, you may also visit the Netherlands' remarkable Keukenhof flower gardens, the famous Royal Delft porcelain factory, historic Amsterdam and many other places of interest.
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Whichever escorted rail tour of the Netherlands you choose, Great Rail Journeys guarantees that it provides a selection of the country's best cultural and historical experiences and attractions whilst offering remarkable value for money.
The price of each of our Netherlands train holidays includes every rail fare and any other transport costs, a varied programme of excursions and activities, excellent accommodation and a selection of meals.
Guests on our Netherlands rail tours are placed in the capable hands of our friendly and experienced Tour Manager. They are on hand whenever needed to provide assistance, advice and information to help guests have the most rewarding, relaxing and enjoyable time in the Netherlands.
Good accommodation is fundamental to a good holiday and so we hand-pick our hotels to ensure that they are conveniently-located and offer high standards of comfort, hospitality and services as well as good value. Family-run hotels are generally our preference for the warm welcome, personal service and informal atmosphere they provide.
The Netherlands takes its name from its flat geography; translated it means 'low country'. Bordered by Belgium to the south and Germany to the east, this small but densely-populated country has historical associations with agriculture and with pottery that can be traced back to around 5000BC. Today the country is still renowned for both and is the world's second-largest exporter of agricultural products behind the USA.
The Netherlands' temperate maritime climate isn't given to extremes of temperature; summers are warm and winters are mild and whilst rainfall is relatively evenly spread throughout the year it is most common in late summer during July and August. Spring is a beautiful time to visit; vast fields of daffodils bloom in April, followed by multi-coloured tulips in May.
Although relatively small the Netherlands has made a significant impact upon world culture. Iconic symbols such as windmills, tulips and wooden clogs are indelibly associated with the country which has also produced some of world's greatest artists including Van Gogh, Mondrian, Hals, Vermeer and Rembrandt. These and others are celebrated in Amsterdam's extensive collection of museums and art galleries.
Some would argue that the Netherlands doesn't possess an identifiable cuisine of its own simply because the Dutch enjoy all food. Others will insist that the national diet consists of little more than bread, cheese, herring and chips with mayonnaise. If the Netherlands does have its own cuisine it seems to be based upon simplicity; stews, seafood and roast meats with vegetables are all popular.
Thanks to the Dutch predilection for public transport rail travel through the Netherlands, especially the western regions, is like travelling on a metro service. Trains run up to twelve times an hour on major routes and there are even hourly night trains.
28/05/2020 · By Sukie Chapman
It’s unsurprising that a river over five million years old should have a somewhat colourful history, and the Rhine doesn’t disappoint. A nation already famous for its dark yet irresistible fairytales, compiled by the Brothers Grimm, Germany’s dense forests and snaking valleys provide the perfect backdrop to a cornucopia of myths and legends that visitors still thrill to hear about today.
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21/05/2020 · By Sukie Chapman
There’s a reason why summer travel is historically so popular and that’s the weather. As an island nation with no guarantee of sun, it’s fantastic we have so many destinations to choose from that ensure we get our fill of vitamin D.
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14/05/2020 · By Katie Shaw
Built on a myriad of canals interwoven with a labyrinth of atmospheric, narrow streets, Amsterdam is truly a delight to visit.
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13/05/2019 · By Lesley Bellew
Great Rail Journeys’ inaugural Five-Star Tulips cruise got off to a great start on Amadeus Silver II river cruise ship.
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