The Grand European Tour with Viking River Cruises

by Toccara & SamAustria, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, River Cruising, SlovakiaPosted on 22 comments

Viking River Cruises offers a wide variety of cruise options in Europe, Asia, Russia, and Eygpt with tours ranging anywhere from 7 to 23 days. Because Europe has an abundance of rivers with countless small towns, there are a plethora of itinerary options including everything from exploring the heart of Germany to relaxing in the …

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Why We Did Not Love Amsterdam – It Just Didn’t Do It For Us

by Toccara & SamNetherlandsPosted on 28 comments

Prior to our visit, we heard from numerous people that Amsterdam was the place to be, so we made certain to make it a stop during our brief tour of the Netherlands. To be honest, we wish we hadn’t. Amsterdam for us wasn’t as amazing as everyone made it out to be. Here are the many reasons why we …

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When It’s Ok to Drink Beer in Church

by Toccara & SamNetherlands, Try Local FoodPosted on 0 comments

Throughout our travels around the world, we have visited our fair share of breweries, all unique in their own way. What makes Jopenkerk in Haarlem (Netherlands) so distinctive is its setting in a beautifully restored church. (Jopen = the name of the beer brand; Kerk = church in Dutch)  Beer enthusiast or not, it’d be hard for anyone …

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Haarlem: A Nice Alternative to Amsterdam

by Toccara & SamNetherlands, Small Town AdventuresPosted on 14 comments

When visiting the Netherlands, most people feel that they have to make a stop in Amsterdam. However, we’re here to introduce to you a great alternative to the often wild and crazy most populous city in the Netherlands! With one-fifth the population and located just a 30 minute drive (or 15 minute train ride) from Amsterdam …

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St Bavokerk (Haarlem, Netherlands)

by Toccara & SamNetherlandsPosted on 0 comments

Located in the Grote Markt (central market square) of Haarlem is the gothic-style church Grote Kerk, better known as St Bavokerk. (This is not to be confused with the St. Bavo Cathedral, which is a Roman Catholic church located elsewhere in Old Town Haarlem.)  Originally built as a Catholic church in the 14th/15th centuries, it became the cathedral of …

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B&B Hotel Malts Review

by Toccara & SamNetherlands, ReviewPosted on 0 comments

Planning a trip to Haarlem?! Check out our (printable) destination guide for information on transportation, best time to visit, recommended activities, annual events, Haarlem facts, and money saving tips! B&B Hotel Malts is a newly-renovated 14-room bed and breakfast located in the heart of the medieval city of Haarlem in the Netherlands. The hotel is …

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