Category: Uncategorized

New hotel openings
It is exciting to see that new hotels focus on quality and identity, which reflects the vibrant atmosphere of the city. The first Kimpton De Witt Hotel in Europe with a laid-back cosmopolitan atmosphere. Hyatt Regency Amsterdam focusses on environment uplifting the botanic and university area. And watch out for more. The deluxe Pestana Amsterdam will open in October, Vondel hotels is opening shortly two new boutique hotels and fingers crossed for the SOHO house Amsterdam. Discover Delft
World famous for Dutch pottery and the city of painter Vermeer. Delft has the charm of the 17th century mixed with contemporary art and design. A great place for lunch or high tea is the secluded garden of Royal Delft with beautiful arcades in various Neo-classic styles. After a visit to Royal Delft you will always check the trade mark of Joost Thooft (see picture) to assure you have a original hand painted piece of pottery. Definitely a place to put on your bucket list. Shine bright like a diamond
What better place to learn about the trade, the art and craftsmanship of the Dutch diamond polishers than Amsterdam. A tradition of more than 175 years. Be amazed and learn how the 4 C’s (carat, clarity, cut and color) determine the value of these precious stones, and the effect when a diamond is set in jewelry. Fascinating. Let me arrange a behind the scenes visit for you and so you can learn how to polish a shining diamond yourself. Hope to see or hear from you soon, with warm greetings from Holland,
René Buyink,
Your personal travel concierge

After many years in the travel business with my previous company ITBholland, I have now started my new and personal boutique agency for tailor-made arrangements with a special touch: The Dutchman. Dedication and a personal approach. A perfect match with travel agents who are looking for experienced and inspired local travel arrangements.

25 Years later, I decided it was time to change and follow my heart to provide hands on, personal and tailor-made travel arrangements in The Netherlands. The Dutchman reflects my passion and experience to be your local partner and matchmaker. To me travel is all about real experiences, having fun, connecting with people and learning from each other.

As a travel concierge, I love to share my own impressions and recommendations, which will give you and your clients an honest insider view of the services we offer. On my website: www.thedutchman.travel you will find these reviews under ‘To speak‘.

I look forward renewing our relationship and collaborate with you on creating experiences that enchant your clients and make them feel special.

René Buyink,
Your personal travel concierge
getintouch@thedutchman.travel

Intercontinental Amstel Hotel >>>

Mes Amis wine restaurant >>>

Royal Leerdam Crystal >>>

Keukenhof
World’s largest flower garden where approximately seven million flower bulbs are planted annually. The garden will be open from March 22 till May 13 in 2018 and the theme will be ‘Romance’. Tip: combine your visit to the Keukenhof gardens with an open boat tour through the fields or let us arrange for a biking & pick-nick tour. The Dutchman speaks… >>>

Inner courtyards
Surprising and charming are these inner yards with little houses which can be found in historic cities like Haarlem, Leiden and Amsterdam. Many are hidden behind a closed gate and still active living communities.

Appelthern Gardens
Looking for gardening ideas? With over 200 different model gardens, this is the place to keep up with the latest gardening trends and developments. For example, the Living Garden, which brings together all aspects of sustainable and living gardens in a transparent fashion.

Aalsmeer auction
Flora Holland flower auction in Aalsmeer near Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, is the largest floral market in the world and a fine study in logistics. Get up early and see how around 20 million flowers are traded and transported at astonishing speed crisscross through the world’s largest covered market. On weekdays only.

Floriade world expo 2022
The World Expo Floriade Amsterdam Almere will open its doors in the spring of 2022. Almere’s urban development plan is based on the Garden City Model: different city districts with green and blue belts in between, used for recreation areas, nature zones and agriculture. The focus will be on solutions to urgent and global urbanization issues, related to food, energy, water and health.

Delta expo
Learn more about this technological master project, a surge barrier to safeguard the land from flooding, with minimal environmental consequences. An interesting expo with a video presentation and visit to the sluice gates by boat, bike or on foot. Steam pumping station
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is built on reclaimed land (polder). It is interesting to visit one of the preserved reservoir pumping stations (1852), and learn more about (ground) water management and see the impressive machinery from the old days. Diamond industry
What better place to learn about the trade, art and craftsmanship of the diamond industry than Amsterdam. A tradition for more than 175 years. Be amazed how the 4 C’s determine the value of these precious stones. For more info watch my vlog The Dutchman speaks >>>

Castle de Haar
This Gothic fairy-tale castle (built from 1892 till 1912) has everything you expect from a castle: towers, turrets, moats, gates and suspension bridges. The castle’s interior is luxuriously decorated with a large but incoherent collection of valuable antiques from all over the world.

Palace Het Loo
A visit to Palace Het Loo is a journey through 3 centuries of the Dutch Royal family. Built in 1686 and used by the royals as a summer retreat. You can spend the day in the stunning gardens and visit the beautifully furnished quarters inside the palace.

Muiderslot
Located 20 minutes from Amsterdam in a quaint little town. Built around 1285 by the Count of Holland, Floris V and inhabited by the poet P.C. Hooft during the golden age. Take the “Knight tour”, climb 83 steps and dress up as a knight or a princess in one of the rooms. Great for a family visit. You can even take a boat tour from Amsterdam.

Castle Middachten
A striking manor house, located in the western part of the country, close to Arnhem. The castle is a national monument and is part of the top 100 Dutch heritage sites. Privately owned, best to visit on a Sunday in July & August. Visits on other dates are on reques).

Interested to overnight in a castle?

Castles to stay >>>

Zaanse Schans
Step back into Dutch history in this scenic village with 35 houses, windmills, barns and museums that date back to the 18^th and 19^th century style. Located just 20 north of Amsterdam. During the 17th century, more than 600 windmills were constructed in the area around the Zaanse Schans, creating the first industrial zone. The windmills were used, among others, to grind spices, produce paint, saw wood, and make oil. A number of these windmills still exist and can still be visited today.

Watch my vlog The Dutchman speaks >>>

Thorn
Also known as The White Village and as the smallest independent state in the Holy Roman Empire in the 12^th century. Thorn is no less extraordinary today and has developed into a charming Dutch village with cobbled alleyways, small courtyards, and the beautiful Gothic church. The town is notable for its characteristic, whitewashed brick houses, providing a contrast to the dark bricks typical of much Dutch architecture, and lending the town a fresh, unique feel. Edam
Famous for its cheese covered in red or yellow wax, Edam is full of history, charm, great hotels, and ambience. This adorable village is just 30 minutes from Amsterdam. In July and august plan to visit Edam on a Wednesday morning, to see the cheeses being weighed and traded by Edamers in traditional garb. Although Edam is known today for cheese, it was once an industrious shipyard and port. That’s why, in the 17th century, the town’s specialty became one of the most popular cheeses in the world. Sailors took wheels of Edam on their voyages — the cheese doesn’t spoil easily and could be traded for spices and other riches of the East. Broek in waterland
This charming village is characterized by its flat grass plains intersected by rivers, canals and dikes. The town is a picturesque and tranquil village with cobbled stone streets, lined with typical Dutch houses painted in quaint pastel colors centered around the charming village church which dates back to the 17th century. The town also features a large lake, which is the perfect spot for picnicking in summer and ice skating in winter. Giethoorn
An idyllic little Dutch village, Giethoorn has often been termed the Venice of the Netherlands for its myriad of canals and small bridges. There are no roads in the old quarter of the village and all travel and transportation is carried out on the water. Giethoorn differs from Venice however in its innate peacefulness; around every corner are charming thatched-roof cottages, small, well-tended gardens and lush greenery. Visitors can take a boat out onto the canals and explore the nooks and crannies of this unique village, or wander the footpaths and the bridges, stopping at one of the village’s many cosy cafés. For more info, watch my vlog The Dutchman speaks >>> Naarden
A stunning example of a star fort, Naarden is known all over as one of the best preserved fortified towns in Europe. Star forts grew in popularity over the 15th century as a highly efficient form of defence, and are visually striking forms of architecture. The St Vitus Church, a 14th century basilica, lies at the heart of the town, while the old town hall is a wonderful example of a traditional Dutch building, with intricate brickwork, charming green shutters and a peaked roof. Kinderdijk
The largest concentration of Dutch windmills can be found near the village of Kinderdijk (“Children’s dike”). Windmills were used around 1740 to drain the excess water from the polders, which are situated below sea-levels. 19 Windmills have been preserved and deserve their status as UNESCO World Heritage. Picturesque and quintessentially Dutch. Oudewater
A charming old town, founded in 1265, with medieval houses lining the canals. A village known for the museum de Waag (Witches Weighouse). In the past, each city had its own weigh house, where people could have their merchandise weighed before it was sold. However, a few centuries ago, these scales were also used to weigh people who were accused of practicing witchcraft. It was believed that witches weighed next to nothing. Visit Oudewater and get a certificate saying your weight is in proportion to your height. Veluwe
The Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands, consisting of heathlands, sand dunes, and woodlands. The Kröller-Müller Museum with it large collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh is located within the park. Bicycles are available for free to cycle through nature, as much of the area is inaccessible by car. My personal review: The Dutchman speaks >>> Nuenen
Where van Gogh created his first masterpiece. At the age of 30 Vincent van Gogh lived here with his parents in the vicarage of the Dutch Reformed Church. In Nuenen he would complete close to 200 paintings, numerous drawings, sketches, and watercolors; in total about 1/4 of all of his works. Enjoy a guided tour along the 20 sites where he lived and worked and combine with a visit to the “Vincentre” and the nearby village of Zundert, where he was born. More on The Dutchman speaks >>>

Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam)
The famous national museum of art on the museum square in Amsterdam with more than 8.000 objects on display, including famous paintings such as The Night Watch (Rembrandt), Portrait of a Young Couple (Frans Hals) and The Milkmaid (Johannes Vermeer). A must see! Van Gogh Museum (Amsterdam)
Established in 1973 and features the largest collection of Van Gogh’s drawings and paintings in the entire world. The museum provides opportunities to track the artist’s development and compare his paintings to works by other artists from the 19th century – those who inspired him and those who drew inspiration from him. Rembrandt house (Amsterdam)
Get a glimpse into the daily life of Rembrandt in Amsterdam. Visit the studio where the artist lived and worked. Unique is the permanent collection of Rembrandt etchings, but also the opportunity of a private diner in the old kitchen or enjoy a painting workshop. Hermitage Museum Amsterdam
In this former almshouse, treasures on loan from the Hermitage Palace in St Petersburg are shown in different themed exhibitions. Also, check out the long refectory with its organ and the 18^th century cellar kitchen. Anne Frank House (Amsterdam)
An amazing historical museum showcasing Anne Frank’s life, the secret annex, and an exhibition on discrimination and persecution. Be aware that from 9 AM to 3:30 PM the museum is only open to visitors with an online ticket for a specific timeslot. From 3:30 PM until closing time you can visit the Anne Frank House by buying a ticket at the museum entrance. Van Loon Museum (Amsterdam)
A peek indoors at the home of an Amsterdam patrician family. There are other 17^th century canal-house mansion museums in town, but this is my favourite, as it somehow retains the atmosphere of an (admittedly extremely grand) family home with a beautiful formal garden and a coach house. Moco Museum (Amsterdam)
The Moco Museum, in full Modern Contemporary Museum Amsterdam, is a private initiative to highlight modern and contemporary art in Amsterdam. Opened in April 2016 and located on the Museum square in Villa Alsberg, an impressive mansion from 1904. The museum focusses on the iconic names in the international art world led by the new Warhol of street art: Banksy and more. The Dutchman speaks >>> Kröller Müller Museum (Otterlo)
Founded by art collector Helene Kröller-Müller, featuring an extensive collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, Fernand Leger, George Seurat, Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondriaan and surrounded by an outdoor sculpture garden. Great to combine with the St Hubertus Hunting lodge designed by Berlage. The Dutchman speaks >>> Frans Hals Museum (Haarlem)
Housed in a charming old men’s almshouse in the city of Haarlem. The paintings in the Frans Hals Museum create a clear impression of living conditions at that time during the Golden Age. Frans Hals had an extraordinary painting style with powerful bold brush strokes. For more info, watch my vlog about Haarlem and the Frans Hals Museum: The Dutchman speaks >>> Mauritshuis (The Hague)
This museum in The Hague owns a large number of unique Golden Age paintings. In addition to Vermeer’s ever popular ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’, the renovated Mauritshuis shows works by Rembrandt, Paulus Potter, Jan Steen, Frans Hals, Breughel and Rubens.

Amsterdam
Undoubtedly the Netherlands’ most famous attraction, Amsterdam. A place of contrasts, a contemporary, laid back city filled with unique and historical sites, bicycle-happy locals, and cheery flower markets. The famous 17th century canals have been labelled a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their historical importance and beauty. Other architectural landmarks, such as the Gothic-inspired Rijksmuseum, or the city’s many impressive medieval churches, add to Amsterdam’s beautiful cityscape and secure its place as one of the country’s most remarkable cities. Rotterdam
Once a mere 13th century fishing village, Rotterdam is the Netherlands most modern city today. The popular Delfshaven district is where the pilgrims launched sail from in 1620, the Erasmus Bridge is highly unique and imposing. Visit the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, where artworks on display span from the Middle Ages to modern times, including masterpieces by Dali, Van Gogh, Bosch and Rembrandt. Rotterdam is home to many fine examples of modern architecture, much of it inspired by the city’s waterside setting as well as a response to the devastation of WWII. Truly unique is The Markthal, where apartments are draped over the food market in a horseshoe configuration. The Markthal has about 100 fresh food stands, nearly 15 food shops and various restaurants. Look up to enjoy the massive artwork sprawling across the ceiling: the ‘Horn of Plenty’. Thanks to this grand span of art, the Markthal has been referred to as the Dutch version of the Sistine Chapel. The Hague
The political, administrative and legal capital of the Netherlands. Known as the Royal City by the Sea. Best known for the contemporary art exhibits at the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag and the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, The Hague is arguably one of the most extraordinary places to visit. Other attractions in The Hague include the miniature city, Madurodam and a 360-degree panoramic view of the Scheveningen Sea in the 19th century at Panorama Mesdag. On request, private tours can be organized in the beautiful hall of Knights in the political Binnenhof buildings and the International court of Justice. Maastricht
Nestled near the Belgian and German borders, lively, extremely likeable and known as the oldest city in The Netherlands. Maastricht has excellent cultural attractions, a vibrant, university-town spirit, interesting galleries and shops and a wonderful café culture. Visit the Romanesque Basilica of St. Servatius and the St. Pietersberg Caves. The Margraten US Military Cemetery is located just outside the city, here over 8000 American service members died and were buried during World War. The internationally renowned TEFAF fine Art Fair is taking place in March every year and is highlight for many art collectors.

Watch my vlog on The Dutchman speaks >>>

Utrecht
Utrecht’s beautiful Old Town (most of which must be visited on foot) is full of charm. While exploring, you’re likely to encounter antique shops, medieval churches and picturesque canals. Utrecht is incredibly ancient; in fact, it was founded as a Roman fortress almost 2000 years ago! Today it is well known for its universities and its terrific variety of cultural offerings. Architecture and museum enthusiasts should not miss the Dom Tower, the Rietveld Schroder House, and the Museum Speelklok, which boasts a vast collection of striking clocks, music boxes, and self-playing musical instruments. Haarlem
Located about 20 km west of Amsterdam, on the banks of the River Spaarne, the city with the highest concentration of museums in the Netherlands. Enjoy shopping and admire the stunning architecture and museums along the Grote Markt city center. Popular museums in Haarlem include the oldest museum in the country, the Teylers Museum, which specializes in natural history, art, and science exhibits, and not to be missed, to the Franz Hals Museum where many Dutch masters’ works rest. Haarlem is also the home of the Annual Bloemencorso Parade in April each year.

Watch my vlog on The Dutchman speaks >>>

Leeuwarden
The capital of the province of Friesland is a beautiful old town and is also chosen as European Capital of Culture for 2018!  A mixture of shopping areas, cultural highlights and an exciting nightlife. Leeuwarden boasts over 600 monuments! You will find the St. Boniface Church, one of the most important neo-Gothic buildings of The Netherlands, but also the modern architecture in Leeuwarden is very appealing. Shopaholics must visit De Kleine Kerkstraat, which is one of the most charming shopping streets in the Netherlands. Delft
Known for its links with the great Dutch painter Vermeer, Delft is an astonishingly picturesque town worthy of its artistic heritage. An unspoiled town with Renaissance Style City Hall on the Markt Square and traditional Holland canals, architecture, and vibe. De Porceleyne Fles – manufacturer of Royal Dutch Delftware – was established in 1653 and is the last remaining maker of this world-famous pottery. This superb attraction provides a fascinating look at the history and production process of Blue Delftware.

Watch my vlog on The Dutchman speaks >>>

Leiden
A quintessentially-Dutch town, located between Amsterdam and The Hague. Home to lovely canals, traditional brick 16^th and 17^th century homes and the oldest university in the country. Leiden’s most famous son is none other than Rembrandt himself, who was born there in 1606. Another interesting fact about this city is that it once housed some of the very first English settlers in America: the Pilgrims. The Hortus Botanicus offers sprawling botanical gardens and the world’s oldest academical observatory. Gouda
In addition to the delicious, cow-milk-based, yellow cheese that has been traded at Gouda’s cheese markets since the Middle Ages, the city of Gouda is also known for its fantastic architecture. Be sure to see the gothic Stadhuis, the oldest town hall in The Netherlands, which dates to the 15th century and the Sint Janskerk. This church, which was built during the 15th and 16th centuries, is famed for its truly magnificent, 16th-century stained-glass windows. On Thursday morning during summertime the cheese market takes place. It’s pretty fun to watch the local farmers sell their bright orange wheels of cheese.  Speaking of food, the Gouda stroopwafel are a real treat.

Millions of flowers and the work of hundreds of volunteers make this most amazing flower parade in the world possible. On Saturday April 22^nd, about 20 enormous floats and 30 cars richly decorated with flowers drive along a 42-kilometer route from Noordwijk to Haarlem.

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Historic features, luxurious décor and modern facilities are combined at Hotel Le Dixseptième, in the center of Brussels. It is only 240 meters from Grand Place in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed area. The elegant air-conditioned rooms at Le Dixseptième each include a 32” flat-screen TV and a minibar. Some of the rooms are situated in a modern wing of the hotel. Guests can make use of free Wi-Fi during their stay.

The Magritte Museum is 500 meters from Le Dixseptième. Brussels Central Railway Station is less than a 5-minute walk away. Le Dixseptième features many grand public areas including a bar with armchairs and a fireplace. There is also an intimate garden courtyard.

The Steigenberger Wiltcher’s is in the suburb of Ixelles and lies a mile to the south of the Grand Place, so it is not right in the center. But much of what visitors want to see – such as the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, the Musical Instruments Museum, the Horta Museum and the Cathedral – are within easy reach on foot, and certainly by tram or taxi.

The Avenue Louise is a busy street, but the hotel is set well back from it, and calm reigns within. Outdoor terraces overlook a large public shopping-court from an upper level.

Its five-star ranking delivers all that one might expect: the professionalism of its staff, 24-hour room service, restaurants and bars and a fully equipped fitness room, and direct access to the adjoining Aspria spa, which has an infinity-style swimming pool, sauna, steam bath and fitness facilities.

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The architecture and welcoming atmosphere of the Hotel Amigo, together with its privileged position right in the heart of Brussels, places it firmly in the great tradition of the hotel industry.

Just one step from the famous Grand Place, the red brick façade of the hotel built in Spanish Renaissance style, fits perfectly into the architectural past and present of its surroundings.

Hotel Amigo’s 154 rooms and 19 suites have been completely refurbished by Olga Polizzi in a contemporary style. All of the bedrooms and suites are extremely comfortable with modern furniture and soft natural hues enhanced with touches of red, blue and green. Good-sized bathrooms contain mosaic details in red or green to match their marble vanity tops, and figures of Hergé’s characters Tintin, Snowy the dog and Captain Haddock enliven the walls with a touch of humor.