Travel to Holland with Stena Line's Harwich - Hook of Holland route in spring and explore the enchanting, world renowned Dutch countryside, peaceful canals, quirky windmills and millions of Dutch flowers in bloom.
The useful travel itinerary below will help you experience all the beauty of Holland in spring. Best of all, they are a convenient and short drive from the Hook of Holland port.
From Hook of Holland - to Rotterdam
Km: 32 Time: 22 mins
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
Tel: 00 31 10 441 9400
http://www.boijmans.rotterdam.nl
Once you drive off the ferry at Hook of Holland, make your first journey to Rotterdam, only a 22 minute drive from the Hook of Holland port. Here, you can begin your Dutch floral journey by exploring the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. You'll find some still life by artists including Balthazar, in a wide collection spanning all eras of Dutch and European art.
For more information on the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, visit www.boijmans.nl/en/ or phone 00 31 10 441 9400.
Following your expedition to Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, satisfy your taste buds at Café Gallery Abrikoos with tasty local delicacies. Café Gallery Abrikoos is located on 51 Aelbrechtskolk.
Make the most of your stay in Rotterdam and check in to Hotel Central - an inviting hotel with original features - so you can prepare for a lovely evening and a fresh start in the morning. The hotel is located at 12 Kruiskade.
From Rotterdam - to Lisse - land of the Keukenhof gardens
Km: 50 Time: 45-50 mins
The beautiful Keukenhof park
Tel: 00 31 252 465 555
Opening times: 19 March - 21 May 2009; 08:30-19:30.
http://www.keukenhof.nl/
Drive from Rotterdam to Lisse for 50 minutes and find yourself immersed in Dutch tulips. To get to Keukenhof from Rotterdam, take the A4 to Deg Hagg - Amsterdam. Turn off the A4 at exit 4 and follow the signs 'N207-Lisse'. The signposts in the area will take you on to the Keukenhof, Holland's flower park.
Entry to the Keukenhof Park will cost Euro 13,50 for adults, Euro 6,50 for children (4-11) and Euro 13,00 for adults over 65. Parking is available and this will be an extra cost of Euro 6.
During your time at the Keukenhof pre-book a table at the terrace restaurant and enjoy the magnificent views of Holland in bloom filled with beautiful tulips of different shades whilst satisfying your palette with delights including grilled salmon with potato garnishing, mixed vegetables and crudité salad and fresh Dutch strawberries with whipped cream.
For more information, you can visit http://www.keukenhof.nl or phone 00 31 252 465 555.
After your day at the Keukenhof Park, drive back on the A4 to the city of Leiden home to the country's oldest university and check in to the Hotel de Doelen, a classic hotel with some canal side rooms.
Parking in Leiden can be found at the Haagweg parking lot for Euro 7 outside the city centre from which a free shuttle service takes you into the city centre.
From Leiden - to the Aalsmeer flower auction
Km: 40 Time: 35 mins
The wonderful Aalsmeer flower auction
Tel: 00 31 297 39 21 85
www.aalsmeer.com
After visitng Keukenhof and enjoying a peaceful stay in Leiden, drive north of Leiden to the town of Aalsmeer, which hosts the largest flower auction and is only a stone's throw away from Amsterdam. Aalsmeer is set in Europe's largest commercial complex covering an astonishing one million square.
The Aalsmeer Flower Auction is open Monday to Friday, between 7.30am and 11am.
Here are a couple of handy hints: The best time to visit is between 7:30am and 9am. Also, Monday is the busiest day and Thursday is the quietest.
Parking is available free of charge. Once you arrive you need to head for parking bay B23 on the roof. 
