GENERAL

Pancake-flat, liberal and incredibly friendly, the Netherlands is one of Europe's most captivating holiday destinations. If your idea of a holiday to The Netherlands involves rolling fields of tulips and picturesque windmills, then you'd be partly right, but this tiny nation offers far more and never lacks in surprises.

Happening Amsterdam...

Amsterdam, without a doubt the most popular destination on a holiday to The Netherlands, is a compact, cosmopolitan capital of cool, and among the most progressive 21st century cities in the world. Famed for its canals and stunning architecture, Amsterdam is a beautiful city with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that is typical of the Dutch.

One of the great cities of art, Amsterdam is home to both the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, which are regularly lauded as two of the finest galleries in the world. Amsterdam's historic network of canals - the Grachtengordel - are a must see attraction for any holiday in The Netherlands, and lazily exploring these waterways and the leafy suburbs of Jordaan provides the perfect way to see the city. Alternatively rent out a bicycle, which are everywhere in the city (unlike hills!).

Youthful and vibrant, Amsterdam is one of the party capitals of Europe and it has it all - hip jazz bars, backpacker hangouts, swanky cocktail bars, 'coffee shops', live music venues, ÃŒber-cool basement clubs and banging superclubs, this is a city that knows how to have a good time. During the summer the city plays host to many open-air events, often centred around the bustling Rembrandtsplein square.

Modern & Medieval...

Aside from the capital, other popular destinations include Rotterdam. Europe's biggest port is home to some of the most innovative and striking architecture on the continent, while world-class galleries like the Boijman Van Beuningen provide plenty of culture. When the sun goes down, Rotterdam electrified clubbing and nightlife scenes rivals the capital itself.

If Rotterdam is the Netherlands at its most modern, Maastricht is its historic hub. A beautiful medieval city of cobbled narrow streets, ancient city walls, little churches and merchant houses, Maastricht is a wonderful place to spend a short break. It offers outstanding dining, a cosmopolitan bar scene and fashionable shopping, while its cultural and arts scenes are among the most vibrant in central Europe.

If you like the sound of the Netherlands...

...take a look at holidays to Belgium here, holidays to Germany here and holidays to Luxembourg here.