Travel

The Netherlands is connected to the rest of Europe by an excellent network of motorways. Driving is on the right. Speed limits are 120kph (75mph) on motorways, 80kph (50mph) on major roads and 50kph (30mph) in towns. Children under 12 years should not travel in the front seat. The minimum driving age in The Netherlands is 18 years. An International Driving Permit is not required, as long as the driver holds a valid foreign driving licence. Green Card is advisable but not compulsory.

The Royal Dutch Touring Club, ANWB (tel: +31 88 269 2222; www.anwb.nl ), patrols major roads 24 hours a day, with qualified mechanics equipped to handle routine repairs.

Amsterdam is a busy port city and one of the top 10 most important cruise ship harbours in Europe. Amsterdam's business ports are run by Haven Amsterdam (tel: +31 20 523 4600; www.amsterdamports.nl ). Information on cruise ship services is available from Amsterdamcruise (tel: +31 20 702 6080; www.amsterdamcruise.com ).

Cross-channel ferries are run by StenaLine (tel: +31 174 315 811; www.stenaline.co.uk ), which operates a rail/fast-ferry service from London (Liverpool Street) to Amsterdam (Centraal Station), via Harwich and the Hook of Holland. There are two services daily, one in the morning and one in the evening.