I love the Netherlands. My grandmother was Dutch and had a big family. Most years, we would travel over on the ferry and spend time with them. I still remember counting my guilders at the age of six and going round the corner in the Hague on my own to buy 'patat friet met mayonnaise'.
The currency may have changed, but many things remain. I still crave 'bitterballen' and on a recent trip as part of our Netherlands in Springtime tour, I managed to satiate that need.
Travelling by train from London St Pancras to the Netherlands with a dedicated tour manager is a breeze. The seamless Eurostar through France and Belgium and onward to Rotterdam, is a quick and comfortable way to start a holiday.
You know you are getting closer to the lowlands as the landscape changes, and you see the fields dotted with the odd windmill.
Not only did I take a trip down memory lane on this trip, but I also experienced it afresh, as all our customers do - the Netherlands at its colourful springtime best.
Celebrated crafts and culture in Delft
The tour's first highlight comes in historic Delft. I came here as a boy with my mum as she went to buy the famed Delft blue pottery from the Royal Delft porcelain factory.
The city's canals and impressive gothic towers provide a charming backdrop for strolls. Art lovers can also find inspiration in the birthplace of Johannes Vermeer, with free time to soak up the atmosphere and perhaps a visit to a museum or café.
I managed to squeeze in a small Heineken and a sharing bowl of bitterballen - a Dutch meat-based snack - served with a little pot of mustard. I went to a lovely square called the Beestenmarkt, which is surrounded by lots of cafés and a great space to watch the world go buy. If bitterballen isn't your thing, why not go for a coffee and Poffertjes - a typical Dutch treat of little fluffy pancakes.
Keukenhof Gardens: A Symphony of Colour
Known as the 'Garden of Europe', Keukenhof bursts into life each spring. Visitors are treated to elaborate displays featuring more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. The iconic bulb fields, in full bloom, framed unforgettable photographs as we wandered along beautifully landscaped paths and marvelled at the seasonal flower shows.
Open only from the end of March to the beginning of May each year, the gardens offer a fleeting but unforgettable showcase of colour and creativity. I had seen plenty of photos of Keukenhof, but the scent of the flowers was even more impressive, a highlight you can only experience as you're walking amongst it.
Uncovering historic Utrecht
The fourth largest city in the Netherlands, Utrecht is the perfect base for our four-night stay. It's historic but quieter than Amsterdam, offering our customers a great place to explore and easy access to other fantastic locations.
Utrecht is one of the oldest and most charming cities in the country and is celebrated for its canals and centuries-old architecture. The medieval city centre features beautiful tree-lined canals with unique wharves and vaulted cellars, now hosting bustling cafés and restaurants.
Iconic landmarks like the Dom Tower - the tallest church tower in the Netherlands - and a wealth of museums, including the Railway Museum and Centraal Museum, reflect Utrecht's rich cultural history.
World-famous sights in Amsterdam
The capital of the Netherlands is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city famed for its distinctive canal network, historic architecture and world-class museums.
The city's heart is marked by picturesque canals lined with tall, gabled houses, creating an unforgettable backdrop for walks and boat tours through the UNESCO-listed Canal Belt.
Amsterdam unfolds through a guided tour as an expert local guide shows us around the city. On the tour, we view Dam Square, one of the most famous landmarks of the city, the Begijnhof, home to a cluster of medieval houses, and the popular 'skinny bridge' over the River Amstel. There's free time after the tour to explore as you wish and you could visit one of the world-class art galleries or experience the emotive Anne Frank's house (booking in advance is advised) or, as I did, enjoy a quiet walk along one of the canals, admiring the gabled houses before stopping for food and drink overlooking this quintessentially Dutch scene.
How to discover Netherlands in Springtime
Rob travelled on our Netherlands in Springtime tour, from our Discoveries collection.
We offer a wide variety of tours that showcase this beautiful country at its most spectacular time. Enjoy our Classic six-day Keukenhof Tulips, Canals & Amsterdam in Springtime tour or set sail on a luxury Springtime Tulips & Keukenhof Gardens cruise.
Discover our full range of Netherlands tours here
