Amsterdam Cruises

Written by Jeff Heath

Amsterdam is probably one of the most free-spirited cities in the entire world. This is a place where anything is possible. Amsterdam is the main port city in the western Netherlands. Over 50 miles of canals run through the city creating over 90 islands that are connected by hundreds of bridges. For years, Amsterdam has been a haven for beatniks, poets, and other various artists. The city has become very popular with travelers who are looking for something different and unique in their vacation. Everyday cruise ships can be seen entering and leaving the harbor with throngs of vacationers on board. Amsterdam is a stop for many cruise lines along with other fascinating European cities. To experience Amsterdam, Cannes, Venice, Lisbon and other exotic places, book a European Canals in Amsterdam

Vacation Cruise today!

A City in Love with the Arts

Amsterdam is absolutely exploding with museums. The Van Gogh Museum pays tribute to the wildly eccentric artist whose genius was not widely recognized until well after his death. Art lover or not, there is something here for everyone. Van Gogh's unprecedented style and wonderful use of color has made him one of the world's most celebrated artists. Another must see for art enthusiasts while in Amsterdam is Rembrandt's House. His home holds a wide and varied collection of his works. It is easy for even the untrained eye to follow his progression as an artist. Afterwards head over to Westerkerk, the resting-place of Rembrandt's body. Amsterdam is a city that truly appreciates the arts. The city also home to The Rijks Museum. This museum has everything from paintings belonging Windmill on the Outskirts of Amsterdam

to the Golden Age to wonderful miniature doll's houses that are beautifully furnished. The city is also an architect's dream come true. Structures such as the Old Church, the New Church and the Royal Palace are not to be missed. A more sobering place to visit is The Anne Frank House. There are very few people in the world who are unaware of the little Jewish girl who kept a diary while her family was in hiding from the Nazis. This home stands as a testament to one of the most horrifying times in human history and a reminder to the world of what was occurring in Europe in the first half of the twentieth century.

Holland's Famous Tulips

If time is limited while in Amsterdam, vacationers may want to opt for a guided tour Tulip Fields in Amsterdam

in order to see that city's main highlights. Types of tours include canal, ferry, walking and tram. Tourists can even rent their own peddle-boat and meander through the canals themselves. Holland is widely famous for its beautiful tulips. April is the best time of year to admire the explosion of color that comes with the blooming of these flowers. Visit the Bloemenmarkt, a floating flower market, to take home some of these gorgeous flowers. It is a shame that the oldest and perhaps most beautiful part of the city has been plagued with a bad reputation throughout the rest of the world. The Red Light District is home to many wonderful shops, cafes, coffeehouses and museums. A trip to Amsterdam is not complete without a stroll through this area. For beer lovers, the Heineken Brewery is the place to go. Here, visitors will see and taste for themselves why Heineken is one of the most well loved brews. Vondelpark is the perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful day. This 120-acre park has splendid fields, a rose garden, tennis courts and roller-skating areas. On most days all types of performers from acrobats to musicians put on wildly entertaining shows. In the center of the park stands a sculpture donated by the great artist, Pablo Picasso.