Travel To Netherland

The Netherlands, is a lively mix of tradition, in the form of windmills and tulips, and fast-paced modern European life.

The Dutch are an affable race, with a good sense of humour and a keen sense of how to enjoy themselves, whether it be relaxing in the countryside or partying hard in the big cities. Despite their country's puritan past, they are known for tolerance, or at least turning a blind eye.

Known as being

largely flat (much of the country lies below sea level, and another great swathe is made up of 'polder', or land reclaimed from the sea), The Netherlands is an ideal destination for those who enjoy pursuits like cycling or walking without over-exerting themselves. But it is a cultured land as well, as the seemingly endless list of great Dutch artists testifies. The Netherlands' roots in the arts stem from the 17th century, the so-called 'Golden Age', which placed this tiny but rich country at the forefront of European culture.

The Dutch are enthusiastic Europeans, and the European Union is the main focus of Dutch foreign policy. Their country is full of interest, heritage and fun for the visitor.

Food and Drink in Netherlands

'Typical' Dutch food tends to be wholesome and hearty, rather than elegant. Large towns, however, have a wide range of restaurants specialising in international dish

es. Indonesian cuisine, a spicy legacy of Dutch colonisation in the East Indies, is particularly good in the Netherlands.

Regional specialities:

• A Dutch breakfast usually consists of fresh bread, cheese, cooked meats and sausage, butter and hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles), jam or honey and often a boiled egg. Lunch is generally similar.

• Broodjes (sandwiches) are a common daytime snack, served in the ubiquitous sandwich bars - broodjeswinkels.

• Poffertjes (pancakes) served with butter and sugar are a teatime favourite.

• Matjes (salted herring) is widely available from street stalls, and smoked eel is another seafood speciality.

• Holland is famous for its cheeses, among them the Gouda, Edam and Leiden varieties, also obtainable with flavourings such as caraway seed and cumin.Tipping:All hotels and restaurants include 15% service and VAT. It is customary to leave small change when paying a bill.

Hotels in Netherlands

Hotels:

The Netherlands has a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels in the big cities to modern motels along motorways and holiday villages in the

countryside.

Grading: The Netherlands Board of Tourism issues a shield to all approved hotels by which they can be recognised. Hotels are also graded according to the Benelux system, in which the standard is indicated by a row of stars from the highest (5-star plus) to the minimum (1-star).

Source: http://www.worldtravelguide.net