By ship and steam train through North Holland (3L)
A picturesque journey across the IJsselmeer to the most beautiful parts of North Holland
- 3 nights bed and breakfast in a top 4* hotel, e.g. in Hilversum/Amersfoort/Lelystad
- City tour in Amsterdam
- City walk in Alkmaar and visit to the cheese market
- Visit to a cheese dairy and clog maker
- Full-day guided tour to Hoorn, Medemblik and Enkhuizen
- Steam train ride from Hoorn to Medemblik*
- Boat trip from Medemblik to Enkhuizen*
* Note: The boat and steam train journeys are only possible from April to the end of September.
The land between the North Sea and the IJsselmeer is characterised by picturesque fishing villages, canals, windmills and old trading towns. Cities such as Alkmaar, Hoorn and Enkhuizen became rich and famous through trade, especially during the days of the East India Company. The rich history of Alkmaar is reflected in its 400 listed buildings in the old town, including many cozy cafés and restaurants. The region between Egmond aan Zee and Bergen aan Zee boasts miles of sandy beaches and beautiful dune landscapes.
MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
Alkmaar and its cheese market and beer museum – Hoorn on the IJsselmeer and its picturesque harbour – Medemblik and Radboud Castle – Enkhuizen’s impressive historic buildings and the Zuiderzee Museum – the once rich city of Haarlem and its magnificent buildings
Discover Amsterdam on a guided city tour taking in the Central Station (IJmeer side), Java-eiland, the Muiderpoort city gate, the Waterlooplein flea market, the Stopera, which houses the city hall and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet, the Amstel, the Heineken brewery, the museum district and the beautiful south of Amsterdam. Then drive on to the hotel for check in.
Alkmaar is known for its picturesque old town and its famous cheese market (Fridays, and also Tuesday evenings in July and August). During a guided city walk discover the charming shopping streets and beautiful squares of the city before heading to the cheese market on the Waagplein. The colourful hustle and bustle of the cheese merchants transports you back in time. Visit a cheese dairy and clog maker in the afternoon.
In the morning, first enjoy a stroll through Hoorn. Hoorn was a particularly important port for the Dutch East India Company VOC. Then take a steam train to Medemblik on the IJsselmeer. From there, travel by ship to Enkhuizen, one of the most famous harbour towns on the IJsselmeer. Visit the Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen before returning to the hotel.
Take a walk through the old Hanseatic city of Deventer on the journey home. We’d be delighted to help organise a guided city walk for you.