Netherlands
Incomparable Amsterdam
Tuesday, November 20th, 2012
Amsterdam – capital city of the cheese and wooden clog country. Also home to other DEE-LICIOUS food and let’s not forget – windmills!
More »
Amsterdam by train from London
Monday, June 11th, 2012
Amsterdam is a city built around its people, in fact the tourist board slogan is I AMsterdam. It doesn’t have an Eiffel Tower, an Empire State Building or a Shard to capture people’s attention (it may be thankful of the latter). What it does have is a free spirit, an undying pride in its civil liberties; a great heritage and community, all of which combine to provide an atmosphere that make it one of the most unique cities of the world. When you throw in the gloriously woven canals that surround the city centre, the unashamed yet surprisingly tasteful red light district and almost endless list of bars, restaurants and cafés that line the streets it makes it a great city to visit also.
More »
Taking the train to Amsterdam
Monday, October 3rd, 2011
I can’t think of a better place to start any trip than London St Pancras. Since its redevelopment in 2007 It has not only become one of the most iconic railways stations around the world but is also one of the most impressive buildings in London and well worth a visit even if you weren’t catching a train like I was.
More »
Amsterdam, Cologne and Luxembourg via the Mosel Valley
Monday, August 15th, 2011
I had a hectic schedule for this trip, beginning with a 7:30 Eurostar from London and a follow on Thalys at 11:50 to Amsterdam. The Thalys train shortens the journey to Amsterdam by an hour and in my experience it is certainly worth the additional cost. Not only do you arrive in Amsterdam faster, but the train is very comfortable. The cost of an upgrade to first is also very affordable, and comes with lounge access (after signing up for a free membership) and a meal.
More »
Utrecht, Holland’s Best Kept Secret
Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010
Just five easy walking minutes from the central Utrecht train station is the NH hotel, a mid budget hotel of the understated comfy type the Dutch do so well, with a high quality of service, very friendly staff and the higher floors of this unassuming tower block offering unparalleled views across this jewel of a secret destination for the discerning traveller, this is a logical choice for a rail traveller.
More »
Amsterdam and Berlin
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
With the advent of high speed rail travel, visiting Germany’s famous capital Berlin by train is an increasingly popular option, and one Matt and I were keen to explore. Before this however, we decided to take the opportunity to try out the new high speed rail links to the Netherlands, with Brussels to Amsterdam in particular having been reduced to a 1 hour 53 minute journey at the start of 2010.
More »
