Holland has a lot to offer to a visitor. This small country is simply stuffed with places of interest and if you decide to visit it you should drop in to Rotterdam. The very beauty and charm of this city starts with its port. Every year, the Port of Rotterdam receives more than 30,000 sea-going vessels and around 130,000 boats plying the inland rivers and waterways. Rotterdam has excellent connections to the hinterland: rivers, roads, pipelines and, increasingly, the railway.
The port in Rotterdam is the largest in the world and, due to its geographical position, the gateway to Europe. And, however, surprising it may sound, one of the most important ports of the world offers you a wide range of recreational and leisure activities. Everybody can find here something especial for his or her taste - age makes no difference. Both the young and the old will enjoy forthcoming events, excursions and you'll get charmed by the diversity of port in Rotterdam and discover surprising nature reserves of the place.
If you think that Rotterdam port is purely an industrial complex, then you are wrong. Among the docks, terminals, cranes and factories, there are beautiful spots of nature and wildlife that are worth seeing. In fact, the port in Rotterdam has a large number of nature reserves and recreation areas. You'll be amazed to see green grass and wild animals neighbouring with the modern achievements of humankind.
The best way to acquaint yourself with the port is to take a boat tour. On board of a boat you'll be able to enjoy the unforgettable views of Rotterdam's skyline and to experience the variety of the port. The best-known operator of port cruises is perhaps Spido - it offers you day trips and longer cruises, special packages and private hire. You can take its 75-minute tour of the port at any time of year, or in the summer join a fantastic all-day outing.
You can also choose motor-sloop cruises. Despite the name these vessels are equipped to a very high standard, including soft cushions, sound system and saloon with toilet and galley. A five-hour journey through Rotterdam port and its surroundings will become a pure pleasure for you. Another option is to take historic and scenic tours on board of a city water bus.
If this all is not for you, then you have a chance to hire a boat. You shouldn't forget that port in Rotterdam possesses a large fleet of vessels, of all shapes and sizes. The range of ships you can choose from is really impressive: starting from real historic steamers and three-masted clippers to modern canal cruisers. You can enter real sloop races as well.
In case you get hungry - do not let that feeling prevent you from observing the surroundings. You can visit on-water restaurants where you'll be provided with both meals and drinks from different countries and a cruise around the marvelous spots of port in Rotterdam and the city itself.
Besides from cruises there is a large selection of possible excursions: by boat, luxury bus, and scooter or on foot, there is always an excursion to be found that will satisfy your interests and desires. The fact is that there is a great deal to be discovered in Mainport, Rotterdam - from Industrial Tourism to the picturesque little harbour buildings and cafes. Striking old buildings, modern architecture and impressive bridges give Rotterdam its own distinctive identity.