A Romantic Rendezvous: Aanchal's Thrillophilia Review of Trip to the Netherlands
In the tales of long-distance love, "Travel Plans" are the bridges that unite hearts. Having exhausted ourselves of outings that mostly involved movie nights and dates in local cafes, we decided to travel to an international destination for a change.
My heart pumped with excitement. I had always dreamt of exploring the picturesque canals and the historic architecture. We opened our laptops and dived into the world of travel blogs and breathtaking Instagram photos. “Check out this one!” he exclaimed, pointing towards a photo of the famous windmills at Zaanse Schans. “We've got to see it in person!”
The Netherlands was calling us, and we couldn’t wait to answer - all thanks to Thrillophilia.
Sailing Through Amsterdam
“I can’t believe how beautiful everything is!” I exclaimed as we snapped pictures while walking along the canals of Amsterdam.
My partner nodded in agreement, his eyes wide with wonder as we explored cute artisan shops on our way. We even stopped at a local café for lunch where I tried a delicious herring sandwich, while my partner opted for a fresh salad.
"We're still in a cafe, but in Amsterdam..crazy how traveling can make the same things feel better," my partner remarked.
“This feels like the best way to kick start our journey!” I replied.
Early in the evening, we decided to head out for a canal cruise to explore Amsterdam from a different perspective. Floating along the scenic canals, while watching the sun go down, was an experience I still feel unable to put into words. I could feel the gentle breeze brush against us, as we glided past historic buildings and beautiful bridges. The commentary by our guide on the boat added an extra layer of depth to our understanding of the city’s rich history.
Our first day in Amsterdam left us wanting more adventures ahead. It was the perfect start to our journey, filled with beautiful sights, delicious food, and unforgettable moments together.
Chasing Dutch Dreams
It was then time for us to venture beyond Amsterdam to explore Zaanse Schans and Volendam. We boarded a train in the morning, and within a few minutes, we got to see the iconic windmills and wooden houses of Zaanse Schans. One of the things that I loved the most was visiting the cheese shops, where we tried sampling different types of rich and creamy cheese.
“You have to give this a try!” My partner urged me to try Gouda, and I couldn’t resist.
Later, we continued to the fishing village of Volendam. Walking along the waterfront, we took in the lovely atmosphere that was so peaceful that it was almost hypnotizing. Had we stayed there a bit longer, our chances of coming back home would have turned super slim. After a leisurely afternoon in Voldendam, we returned to Amsterdam, to explore the NDSM Wharf. This area was in striking contrast to the city’s historic heritage, as it was filled with abstract street art and a creative ambiance.
After the canal cruise, we enjoyed our dinner at a local restaurant popular for its Dutch pancakes. I ordered a classic pancake with apple and cinnamon, while my partner went for the savory version with cheese and ham.
Through History, Castles, and Dutch Delights
Our final destination for the trip was Utrecht, which was another short train journey away. I liked how Thrillophilia had crafted an itinerary that allowed us to explore the top regions without having to rush.
As we got off the train, we were welcomed by the charming streets and historic buildings of Utrecht. “Look at that! The Dom Tower is huge!” I said, pointing towards the towering landmark. We spent the morning exploring the city center, wandering along the canals, and marveling at the wharves lined with cafes.
In the afternoon, we also took a short bus ride to Castle de Haar, which according to our guide was the biggest castle in the Netherlands. The castle's historic architecture and lush green gardens were a sight to behold. “This place feels like a fairy tale!” my partner exclaimed as we took a still along the scenic gardens.
After a long day of exploration, we returned to Utrecht for dinner. We realized that we were not yet done with trying the regional food and found ourselves a cozy local restaurant for dinner.
“This stamppot is delicious!” I said, enjoying the hearty flavors. It was the perfect way to recharge after a busy day.
On our final day, we headed back to Amsterdam, where we explored the Anne Frank House. It was a memorable experience that left a lasting impression on both of us. What followed was something without which a trip wouldn't have been complete - shopping! We strolled through the Nine Streets area for some last-minute shopping, cherishing every moment of our incredible trip.
From exploring the canals of Amsterdam to trying local delicacies and exploring charming towns like Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Utrecht - every moment was beautiful in the Netherlands. With a thoughtfully crafted itinerary by Thrillophilia, our trip was a perfect balance of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Read More: Thrillophilia Netherlands Reviews