ISAL presents DISCOVER AMSTERDAM 2016:
Mesmerising Zaanse Schans and Awe-inspiring Amsterdam On Saturday, 08 OCTOBER 2016

Starting out as a quintessential fishing village in the 13th century, the journey of Amsterdam to become one of the world’s leading centers for commerce and culture is nothing but spectacular. The city has been home for various renowned people including Anne Frank, Vincent van Gogh, many culturally significant museums, historical sights, world’s oldest stock exchange and much more. Get lost in the maze of 17th-century canals which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
​However, your travel through Amsterdam will not be complete without visiting the fabulous traditional Dutch countryside and windmills. Zaanse Schans,  an 18th-century picturesque windmill village on the banks of River Zaan, packs your visit with its typical Dutch green-timbered houses and warehouses. Here you can visit working windmills, bakery museum, clogs workshop, and cheese factory. Zaanse Schans is a most visited attraction from Amsterdam.

Tentative Schedule:

​On Saturday, 08 OCTOBER 2016
 
Departure from Leuven
07:00 Hrs : Parking Bodart, Veilingweg,Leuven (map)
07:10 Hrs : Diestsepoort, Leuven station (map)
 
10:00 Hrs : Estimated arrival time at Zaanse Schans
12:00 Hrs : Departure to Amsterdam
12:30 Hrs : Arrival in Amsterdam
13:30 Hrs : Walking tour of Inner Amsterdam city by Professional guide.
16:30 Hrs : The tour ends
(You may also skip the guided tour partly or fully if you have your own plans)
16:30 Hrs : Free time to explore, map and more information will be provided
 
20:30 Hrs : Estimated departure from Amsterdam
23:30 Hrs : Estimated arrival in Leuven (Parking Bodart and Diestsepoort)
 
Prices: 
Student                      : 33 Euro
Non-student              : 37 Euro
Kids (upto 12 yrs)      : 27 Euro
 
Price includes:
Return trip by bus from Leuven, Walking guided tour of inner Amsterdam city by professional guides, light snacks on the bus, map, and more information will be provided on the bus.

Visit Information:

​Our trip begins at Zaanse Schans. We will be halting there for about 2 hours. You are free to explore the place at your own pace. Some of the activities that we recommend are

  • Visit some of the oldest working windmills, some dating back to 18th century.
  • Take a stroll into the wooden shoe workshop and museum to experience a part of Dutch history.
  • You may attend a professional demonstration of cheese making at the cheese farm De Catherina Hoeve for free with an opportunity to taste the final products.
  • There are various museums, first Albert Heijn grocery store that was opened in Zaanse Schans and much more
                                               
Do not miss some great photos of the beautiful countryside with the iconic windmills in the backdrop. To find more please visit the official website.
 
We then start and arrive in Amsterdam, approximately, at half past noon. After about an hour of lunch break we re-group for a walking guided tour by some of the most popular professional guides in all of Europe.

  • The walking guided tour in “Amsterdam's Most Popular District” will take your through some of the main sights and historic part of Amsterdam. You will be introduced to the most important monuments and be given a great overview of the city. The tour includes the following sights: The Old Church • The Red Light District • The Jewish Quarter • Royal Palace • The Jordaan District • The Anne Frank House • The Begijnhof Covent • Masterpiece of Dutch Art • The Wildest Bridge and Narrowest House • The Dutch East India company.

  • With an expert guide, you’ll experience the history of this city. On this tour, you’ll hear the stories you’d never hear otherwise. The tour gives you a perfect introduction to this city. After the tour, you are free to explore the city also known as “Venice of the North” due to its many picturesque canals. Check out here to plan your evening

  • After the tour, there will be many attractions that you may like to visit, such as the Anne Frank house, Van Gough Museum, Madame Tussaud and much more. Other top activities includes Canal tour, visit “I Amsterdam” sign, explore Red light district, night life, bars, café, food and much more. 
 
It has been a long day and I’m sure your body will be aching to get back in bed. All is well that ends well. With a lot of beautiful memories in mind and pictures in camera, around 20:30h, we start heading back to home-sweet-home.
 
Come join us this Fall, one of the best times, to experience the cozy cafes, quiet streets and peaceful canals of Amsterdam. Do not miss the opportunity to discover the real Amsterdam and its neighborhood with ISAL. You’re sure to be delighted on the visit! We are looking forward to welcoming you. : ) 
For more information and  queries write us:
Email: leuvenisal@gmail.com