- Explore
- My Favorites
- My Specials
- Advice
- Best honeymoon destinations
- Best time of year to visit Tahiti
- Best time of year to visit Fiji
- Best time of year to visit the Cook Islands
- Best time of year to visit St. Lucia
- Best time of year to visit Vietnam
- Best time of year to visit Thailand
- Best time of year to visit Bali
- Best time of year to visit New Zealand
- Best time of year to visit Australia
- Best time of year to visit the Seychelles
- Best time of year to visit the Maldives
- Best Jamaica all-inclusive resorts
- Best Fiji all-inclusive resorts
- Overwater bungalows
- Detailed visa requirements by country
- Weddings
- Best Resorts
- Specials
- Ask an Expert
|
Haarlem 'Hofjes' Are Lovely Small GardensExplore > Netherlands > Amsterdam > Haarlem 'Hofjes' Are Lovely Small Gardens
OverviewExcursion in Haarlem with stops at Frans Hals museum, hofjes and the town square, Grote Markt. Haarlem has the perfect combination of culture, history, and food... but it's also known as "The City of Jazz, Flowers, and Sports"! This tour includes: - Round trip transportation from the cruise ship pier - Private vehicle with English speaking driver/guide - Harlem - St. Bavo Gothic Cathedral - Grote Market - Frans Hals museum - Hofjes Get whisked away off the beaten path to picturesque Haarlem, just 20 minutes outside of Amsterdam! The 900 year old town is simply adorable with its beautiful medieval houses and gorgeous St. Bavo Gothic cathedral… where you'll gasp as soon as you walk in and see the enormous organ! It can't be missed- standing at nearly 100 feet tall, with 25 huge wooden carved figures, 5,068 pipes and played by famous composers like Handel and Mozart. Outside the church we'll explore the central market square "Grote Markt", which sells all kinds of gorgeous flowers, multi-colored textiles and a must-taste molasses treat called "stroopwafels". We will also visit the internationally famous Frans Hals museum which boasts an impressive collection of art from the Dutch Golden Age. It's worth the trip just to stop in at the museum gift shop filled with an elegant collection of postcards, art books, glassware, jewelry, and of course- souvenirs! You're sure to discover the magic of Haarlem on this excursion with your lovely guide. Next you will go a tour of a medieval "hofje", which is Dutch for 'courtyard' or 'small garden'. Hofjes are very interesting places with their U-shaped architecture, front entrance gate and beautiful central gardens. Hofjes are lined with almshouses that historically provided housing for poor elderly people (mostly women) as a form of social security. In turn, the people that lived there were expected to follow strict rules of caring for the property. Additional time for exploring in the downtown area and shopping will be incorporated. Special Note: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. This is a walking tour. Additional Fees: 7.50 Euro entrance fee for the museum. Additional fees: 10 Euros entrance fee for the museum, 2.5 Euros for St. Bavo cathedral. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as this is a walking tour. Days offered: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Departures:
|
|||
