Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam Light Festival
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Amsterdam Light Festival - Spin Me a Yarn_Studio Vertigo - Artist Impression ©Amsterdam Light Festival
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Amsterdam Light Festival - Gate lit up - Artist Impression ©Amsterdam Light Festival
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Amsterdam Light Festival - Bloomlight - Artist Impression ©Amsterdam Light Festival
Explore Illuminated Amsterdam
From its canals to its world famous museums, Amsterdam is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe. Although an excellent short break year round, during the winter Amsterdam lights up. From the start of December until mid-January, artists from around the world illuminate the city’s architecture to create the Amsterdam Light Festival.
Amsterdam Light Festival strives to create innovative and unique works of art
The Amsterdam Light Festival strives to inspire, with a host of talented artists, designers and architects contributing to this open-air spectacle. The light installations featured are all created especially for the festival. Stroll along the canals to see them illuminated with artworks. You could also cycle among the masterpieces to fit in with the locals and have a truly Dutch experience!
During the day, Amsterdam has plenty of other art to enjoy! It is awash with museums and galleries for those with an interest in art such as the incomparable Van Gogh Museum! Or if you just wanted to see the city aglow, there are lots of other fascinating museums just waiting to be explored! Why not visit the Anne Frank’s House or the Rijksmuseum. Furthermore, engage in a Heineken experience or enjoy the sparkle of a free Gassan Diamonds tour. There’s so much variety packed into this city, it’s not surprising it’s one of the must-do European destinations.
When your feet begin to ache, sit back and relax in one of the many canal side cafes and restaurants. This is especially exciting during the light festival, as the rippling waters glisten with the reflected lights. Additionally, for one night in mid-December enjoy the Christmas Canal Parade!
Dates
December 2024 - January 2025 and December 2025 - January 2026
Suggested Itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Amsterdam
Travel to Dover for your short sea crossing and continue your journey to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, check in to your chosen hotel and, if time allows, begin exploring this fantastic city.
Day 2
Amsterdam
A full day to explore this cosmopolitan city. Enjoy an optional visit to Gassan Diamonds to have a guided tour of this famous Diamond Factory or include an orientation tour of Amsterdam with a tour guide showing you the main sights. The rest of the day is free to explore this unique city with its famous tree-lined canals and preserved 17th century gabled houses. In the evening Amsterdam comes to light with its Light Festival. Walk or sail alongside light sculptures created by leading artists and beautifully illuminated buildings and bridges.
Day 3
Amsterdam or Volendam and Cheese and Clog Factory
Have another free day in Amsterdam exploring the many museums such as Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum or Anne Franks House. Enjoy a cruise on the famous canals or take a seat in the many canal side cafes and restaurants and sample some Dutch delights. Alternatively take a trip to Volendam, a pretty Dutch fishing village north of Amsterdam, where the locals still dress in traditional costume. There are plenty of tourist shops and restaurants (try the local smoked eels!) and the possibility to take a local ferry to the nearby island of Marken. On the return a stop can be made at ‘De Simonehoeve’ to see demonstrations of cheese and clog making.
Day 4
Return to UK
Enjoy a final stroll along Amsterdam’s picturesque canals before beginning your homeward journey. Travel to Calais for the return ferry to the UK.
Suggested hotels
Holiday Inn Amsterdam Arena Towers ****
This hotel is located in the centre of Amsterdam Southeast, the most dynamic entertainment area of Amsterdam. Each room includes an LCD TV with international channels, free tea/coffee facilities and
a minibar. The private bathroom is fitted with a walk-in shower. Heineken Music Hall is 550 yards away, while Ziggo Dome is 750 yards. Amsterdam Arena and the IMAX theatre are both 650 yards. A wide variety of shops and restaurants can be found a short walk away from the property. The train and metro station is only 700 yards with direct links to Central station in 15 minutes. Schiphol Airport is a 10-minute drive away. Coach parking available for a small fee.
ibis Amsterdam Centre Stopera ***
This hotel, located in the heart of Amsterdam, is a mere 5 minute walk from Rembrandtplein Square. This is a calm area of town with good access to public transport. The rooms are equipped with safe deposit boxes, telephones, TVs, desks and bathrooms with shower and hairdryers. Enjoy an all you can eat breakfast and relax in the hotel bar in the evening.
Park Centraal Hotel, Amsterdam ****
Set in a traditional canal house with a modern annex, this upscale hotel is a 3-minute walk from the nearest tram stop and 2 km from Dam Square. Rooms and suites come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemakers, plus iPod docks and minibars. Upgraded rooms add canal and/or city views. There’s a gallery and a lounge that serve light bites and drinks, plus a refined Pan Asian restaurant with a trendy bar. Other amenities include a gym and secured parking (fees apply).
Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre ****
Overlooking the historic city centre and the river IJ, this hotel is a 2-minute walk from a tram stop, 6 km from art exhibits at the Rijksmuseum, and 7 km from the Van Gogh Museum. Rooms and suites feature free Wi-Fi, minibars, flat-screen TVs with premium channels, and tea and coffeemakers. Upgrades add Nespresso machines and city views; some have access to an executive lounge that offers free breakfast. Suites offer sitting rooms, and room service is available 24/7. Amenities include a restaurant and a bar, plus 2 saunas, a fitness room and massage services. Parking is available for a fee.
| Dates | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| December 2024 – January 2025 | Price on request | Price on request |
| December 2025-January 2026 | Price on request | Price on request |
