12 Feb 2025
My guide, Hanna, who resides with her family in Haarlem, is extremely knowledgeable about the history of the Low Countries as well history of Western Art (she is by formal education an art historian). I truly enjoyed meeting her and conversing with her on many such topics. The small city of Haarlem is delightful; the Medieval cathedral of St. Bavo inclusively is well worth a visit. Enjoyed this city so much that I returned alone a few days later; relatedly would recommend not visiting on Sundays (St. Bavo’s then is closed, as well an excellent coffee shop — name, Ax Specialty Coffee; also, the city is more crowded said day). A short train ride from Haarlem is the North Sea coast (e.g., Zandvoort aan Zee), which is well worth a visit during the Winter months alone to witness the hardy Nederlanders (with their also hardy canines) by their Sea. Snurk Travel is a very professional company. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED