Try Tram, Boat or Bus in Amsterdam

Getting around in Amsterdam: Don’t be afraid to try trams, buses and/or canal boats. All are simple to find, inexpensive and easy to master. To explore the countryside, rent a car. Avis offers a peppy mid-size Opel for about $400 U.S. a week. Most car rental agencies have branches at Schiphol Airport and in Amsterdam.

Where to stay: In Amsterdam, the Hotel Okura, 175 Ferdinand Bolstraat, is far enough out of town to be quiet and as close as the canal boat bus that pulls up to its pier. Rates: $200 per night double. Or experience the charm of the 17th Century at the Pulitzer Hotel, 315-333 Prinsengracht; $150. In Zwolle, the Grand Hotel Wientjes is at Stationsweg 7; $100. In Eernewoude, the Baron Hotel Princenhof at P. Miedemaweg 15; $70. In Blokzijl, the Kaatje bij de Sluis, Brouwerstraat 20-8356 DV; $100. In Beetsterswaag, the Hotel Lauswolt, Van Harinxmaweg 10 92244 ZN; $175.

A special view of Friesland: Visit all or part of the Aldfaers Erf Route, the “old ways route”; a booklet about it is available from the Netherlands Board of Tourism offices throughout the country. In towns such as Exmorra there are well-lighted museums devoted to 19th-Century farm life, and a grocery store cum school. In Allingawier, there is a well-preserved farm home with a kitchen where visitors can watch young cooks make drabblekoekji , a famous Frisian cookie.

For more information: Contact the Netherlands Board of Tourism, 90 New Montgomery St., Suite 305, San Francisco 94105, (213) 678-8802 or (415) 543-6772.