Best

Travel: Sail away with me

For an utterly unique way to see the Netherland­s, take to the waterways and enjoy a relaxing river cruise

- BEST TRAVEL WRITER SHELLEY MARSDEN

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT

Fancy indulging your sense of adventure – without roughing it? Then a river cruise, taking you right into the heart of gorgeous cities and ancient towns, could be the perfect option. This trip takes in some of Holland’s most stunning destinatio­ns, with plenty of time to explore on foot, or relax ondeck admiring the changing views. Stroll through the picturesqu­e harbour town of Hoorn, walk past the canals of cosmopolit­an Amsterdam and witness the unforgetta­ble sight of over seven million tulips in the Keukenhof, Europe’s biggest flower garden – all in one trip.

INSIDER’S GUIDE

Cruise ship MS Serenade 1 has recently been refurbishe­d with modern, inviting decor. It includes a bar and lounge, restaurant and cabins with all mod cons. The atmosphere on board is one of pure relaxation, the pace of life slowing considerab­ly as you wind your way past pretty villages. In between exploring historic towns, soaking up some culture and buying the odd souvenir, be sure to grab yourself a cocktail, bag a sun-lounger on the spacious deck and enjoy the view.

DON’T MISS

Amsterdam remains one of Europe’s most alluring capitals. If you need a break from sightseein­g, lounging around the Vondelpark, a green space in the city centre, is perfect for people-watching and, in the summer, it even hosts its own open-air theatre.

GETTING THERE Titan is offering a six-day Dutch Waterways and the Beautiful Keukenhof Gardens river cruise with prices from £1,249pp, travelling on 31 March 2018. Includes Eurotunnel or ferry crossings. STAYING THERE

A five-night trip on the MS Serenade 1 includes 14 meals, three excursions and visits, the services of an experience­d Titan tour manager and VIP doorto-door travel service. To book, visit titantrave­l.co.uk or call 0800 988 5873.

FOOD AND DRINK

On board, the restaurant’s varied menu offers both a taste of home and reflects local produce – depending on where you’re cruising. Off ship, no trip to the Netherland­s should be complete without a pint of beer, cheese-tasting and a stroopwafe­l.

Windmills, waterways, waffles… there’s a lot to love in Amsterdam…

 ??  ?? Sharon Stone got on her bike in the city
Sharon Stone got on her bike in the city
 ??  ?? Amsterdam is a great place to explore by foot, boat and bike Enjoy a visit to the historic harbour town of Hoorn
Amsterdam is a great place to explore by foot, boat and bike Enjoy a visit to the historic harbour town of Hoorn
 ??  ?? Don’t leave without trying a stroopwafe­l: a moreish caramelfil­led waffle The MS Serenade 1 allows holidaymak­ers to watch the world go by in luxury
Don’t leave without trying a stroopwafe­l: a moreish caramelfil­led waffle The MS Serenade 1 allows holidaymak­ers to watch the world go by in luxury

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