Posts Tagged ‘netherlands’
Our Eurostar Journeys
Thinking of travelling to France, Belgium, Germany or Netherlands? Eurostar’s high-speed trains are a great way to explore many of the European cities including Paris, Brussels, Lille and Amsterdam, with many connecting services available to even more destinations such us Bruges, Disneyland Paris, Cologne, Bordeaux, Lyon and Nice.
Our team all love Eurostar for hassle-free, comfortable and quick journeys. We asked them about their latest short breaks with Eurostar and here’s what they said:
Taking the Eurostar from St Pancras in London to Gare du Nord in Paris was a real adventure, especially as we live up in Edinburgh. The stress-free travel with fewer lines and procedures than your average airport and clearing the French border in London were real novelties and made the journey feel so much slicker. We travelled in one of the Eurostar Plus carriages, offering a bigger seat and at seat dining. The light meal was fresh and tasty, and the accompanying wine was a treat too. Next time we travel we will have a look at upgrading to Eurostar Premier, where you have access to the business class lounge with complimentary snacks and drinks and a relaxed atmosphere – the perfect start to the trip. You also get priority security, check-in and immigration to smooth your way through the station. On the train you have full fine dining meal service and upgraded drink options. All in all, it’s the best way to get to the continent if you are based close enough to London but we will very much have it as our number one choice even from Edinburgh.
Gareth, Sales Manager
A day trip to Lille is so convenient on the Eurostar. In less than 90 minutes we were in the heart of this charming city and having already completed the border checks prior to departure, we headed straight out of the station ready to explore.
Lille has some amazing architecture and it’s very easy to get around on foot. We spent a few hours wandering around the many picturesque squares and streets filled with shops, cafes and restaurants, dipping in and out to sample some of the local produce. After a lot of walking, we were ready to sit and watch the world go by whilst sampling a Flemish beer or two before heading back to the station for an early evening train back to London. If you haven’t eaten enough great food in Lille there are always options to buy snacks on-board at the Eurostar Café.
All in all, it was a really great way to discover a new city.
Diane, Product & Short Break Specialist
The amazing thing about the Eurostar is how easy it is to incorporate two cities in one trip! I had travelled down from Edinburgh to London and spent a night in London, before making my way to Paris on the Eurostar. I loved how little time it took as it was less than 2 and a half hours, and I was in Paris! I opted for Eurostar Plus which allowed me to have the most relaxing journey with a light meal and drinks included – it was definitely worth paying that little bit extra for. I highly recommend visiting Paris in spring as the tourist attractions are less busy, the flowers are beautiful in full bloom and the temperate weather is perfect for strolls along the Seine and city’s parks and gardens. I spent my few days there rambling through the different districts, cruising down the River Siene and enjoying a Croque Monsieur or two! I have no doubt in my mind I will be back in Paris again soon via the Eurostar!
Amy, Short Break Specialist
To find out more about our trips or request a tailored Eurostar quote, call our team on 0131 243 8098 or email [email protected]. Read our Eurostar feature on our website here.
Spring into Amsterdam!
Amsterdam has a unique charm at any time of year, but it really comes into its own during the spring months. Experience the wonderful canals of Amsterdam and vibrant flower markets which colour the entire city!
Amsterdam is an exciting destination brimming with culture, world-class museums and historical gems. On a typical spring day in Amsterdam, tables and chairs appear on the pavements and squares, and the sun glistens off the canals, whilst market stalls overflow with an array of colourful blooms. What’s amazing about this city is that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an intimate boutique hotel such as the Hotel Estherea or a peaceful, family friendly one like the Owl Hotel. This is also true for what’s on offer in Amsterdam – continue reading to find out what you can do in this beautiful city this spring!
Blooming Lovely
From 21 March to 12 May, the Keukenhof Gardens are in full bloom, with 800 varieties of tulips covering over 32 hectares and various themed gardens and sculptures, it’s a sight you can’t miss. Just 30-minutes from Amsterdam, tours to the gardens depart several times each day from the city centre. Our tour package to visit the bulb fields can be added onto any Amsterdam package which includes return transfers and some free time to roam around – a day well spent in Spring!
Cruising Around
No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a canal cruise where you can truly see local life unfold before you and the fragrance from the springtime flowers trace your journey. Explore this lively city from another perspective and relax as you cruise the UNESCO canal district of merchant’s houses, fascinating façades and historic landmarks.
Quintessentially Dutch
The best way to experience the beauty of spring is to get out into the countryside! Visit some of the Netherland’s most charming villages on the Marken, Volendam & Windmills tour, including the windmill village of Zaanse Schans and perhaps try some Dutch cheese in Volendam. Alternatively visit the miniature town of Madurodam and the famous pottery town of Delft as part of the Grand Holland tour.
Relaxing Outdoors
For relaxing days in Amsterdam take a visit to the magical Vondelpark made up of vast, lush greenery, ponds, footbridges and winding footpaths. On a warm spring day, the park evokes a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll, or how about cycling through on a hired bike like the locals? Your love for Amsterdam will surely blossom with so much to see and do, especially in the springtime.
To find out more about Amsterdam or any of our other 60 destinations call our City Break Specialists on 0131 243 8098 or request a tailor-made itinerary online.
