Amsterdam & Rotterdam, Netherlands

About the destination: Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a city that consistently enchants visitors with its captivating canals, historic architecture, and lively culture. This stunning city has something for everyone, from art enthusiasts and history aficionados to food connoisseurs and party animals. One of the most emblematic features of Amsterdam is its canal system, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on a boat tour or saunter along the canals to appreciate the scenic bridges and vibrant houseboats that line the waterways. The city also hosts many globally recognized museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, which boasts an extensive collection of Dutch art and artifacts. For those seeking some retail therapy, Amsterdam offers a plethora of options. The city's primary shopping district is centered around Dam Square, where you can find everything from luxury fashion to eccentric boutiques. When it comes to food, Amsterdam is a gastronome's dream. From traditional Dutch delicacies like stroopwafels and bitterballen to international cuisine from every corner of the world, there's something to satisfy every palate. As the sun sets, Amsterdam comes to life with a vibrant nightlife. Venture to the infamous Red Light District for a glimpse of the city's more daring offerings, or visit one of the many bars and clubs scattered throughout the city's streets. Regardless of your interests, Amsterdam is a city that's guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable experiences.

About the destination: Rotterdam may not be the most beautiful Dutch city, but it is vibrant, down-to-earth, and cosmopolitan. Stepping out of Central Station, it’s immediately clear that this is no quaint tulips-and-clogs traditional Dutch town, as the walls of gleaming silver skyscrapers and brightly colored tower blocks rise up on every side of you. After wandering around the city for a while, you will soon discover why. Instead of rebuilding its historic center, this forward-thinking port town employed an army of visionary architects to completely redesign the city after it was flattened by German bombs in May 1940. They did a great job and created a new heart for Rotterdam that is not only modern and functional but also striking and unique. But fans of cozy redbrick houses and canals needn’t worry, as Rotterdam also has plenty of architectural pockets that look ‘typically Dutch’. Although most of these are a little outside the city center, one welcome exception is the Oude Haven, Rotterdam’s oldest port, which is now a popular hangout both day and night. Sitting here, the contrast of Rotterdam couldn’t be clearer; behind the old Dutch ships anchored steadily in the historic harbor, Rotterdam’s modern architecture gleams in the sunlight. Today, Rotterdam has the third-largest harbor in the world, making it the industrial heart of the Netherlands, and with roughly 50% of its citizens claiming a non-Dutch origin, the city is a truly multicultural composition. It is famed for its festive summers, which make up for the long winter.