Spring in Holand- 2 Leiden

Leiden is a historic city located in the province of South Holland, Netherlands. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, prestigious university, and picturesque canals. 

Leiden has a long history that dates back to Roman times. It gained prominence in the 17th century when it became a center of scientific and intellectual excellence. The city played a significant role in the Dutch Golden Age and was home to many renowned scholars, including Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn and René Descartes.

Established in 1575, Leiden University is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. It is highly regarded and has a strong reputation for its research and academic programs. The university has produced several notable alumni and scholars, making Leiden a prominent center for education and research.

Leiden is often called "Little Amsterdam" due to its picturesque canals and beautiful historic architecture. The city's layout features a network of canals lined with historic buildings, charming bridges, and tree-lined streets. The historic center is well-preserved and offers a delightful setting for leisurely walks and exploration.

Spring in Holland- 1 Schiphol Airport and Schiphol Plaza

Schiphol Plaza is a central area located within Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. It is easily accessible to travelers, whether arriving or departing by air, train, car, or public transportation. It houses the Schiphol train station, where you can catch trains to Amsterdam city center, other Dutch cities, and international destinations. Travelers can find a host of essential services and amenities at Schiphol Plaza. These include currency exchange offices, ATMs, post offices, luggage storage facilities, information desks, and travel agencies. Additionally, there are facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, baby care rooms, and shower facilities.

Spring in Holland

Spring in Holland is a vibrant and colorful season, thanks in large part to the famous tulips. The Netherlands is renowned worldwide for its tulip fields and is often associated with these beautiful flowers typically running from late March to early May. During this time, millions of tulips bloom, painting the landscapes with a stunning array of colors.

Keukenhof Gardens is one of the most popular places to experience the beauty of tulips.

The countryside of Holland transforms into a patchwork of vibrant colors during spring, as tulip fields come to life. These fields can be found throughout the country.

Holland celebrates the tulip season with various festivals and events. For example, the Tulip Festival in Amsterdam takes place in April.

The Netherlands is not only known for its tulip fields but also for its tulip trade. The country has a long history of tulip cultivation and export, dating back to the 17th century. Dutch tulips are highly prized for their quality and diversity, and the country remains one of the largest exporters of tulip bulbs worldwide.

Tulips come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. There are single-colored tulips, as well as multi-colored ones with intricate patterns. The most famous tulip variety associated with Holland is the "Dutch tulip," which is known for its vibrant, solid colors.

I had been contemplating a visit to Holland for quite some time, particularly after being captivated by a documentary showcasing the enchanting Keukenhof Gardens a couple of years ago. This spring, my long-awaited dream became a reality.

Allow me to take you through my delightful 8-day journey, exploring the picturesque landscapes and experiencing the rich culture of this beautiful country.

16 days in Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg

 This year, I made the momentous decision to visit Keukenhof Gardens and witness the renowned tulips in full bloom, immersing myself in the beauty of springtime in Holland. As I embarked on my trip preparations, my friends in Holland enthusiastically recommended that I explore Antwerp and Bruges, two exceptionally picturesque cities located nearby in Belgium. Intrigued by their suggestions, I conducted some thorough online research and discovered that Luxembourg also held its own allure.

And so, my 16-day journey unfolded, taking me to five captivating destinations in Holland, two enchanting cities in Belgium, and culminating in the charming capital of Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

37 Valleta, Malta -Central Bank and Upper Barrakka Gardens

Returning to the harbor, we embarked on a walk that led us to a hilltop where the Central Bank of Malta and the Upper Barrakka Gardens are situated. Perched there, we were treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Harbor and the Three Cities. The tiered design of the gardens afforded us an exceptional vantage point, allowing us to appreciate the harbor, its historical fortifications, and the picturesque surroundings.

One notable highlight of the Upper Barrakka Gardens is the renowned traditional cannon firing ceremony, held daily at noon and 4 p.m. This centuries-old tradition, dating back to the era of the Knights of St. John, showcases the ceremonial firing of cannons. Regrettably, due to time constraints, we were unable to witness this captivating spectacle firsthand. Nevertheless, our ascent and descent of the hill presented us with numerous opportunities to capture stunning photographs along the way.

36 Valleta, Malta- See Malta on a taxi ride

While visiting four of the sites we have explored so far, I had the opportunity to capture some photos of Valletta, Malta through the window of a taxi. Enjoy!