Featuring Amsterdam City Centre Houseboat.

For short stay rentals this charming, beautiful, light and complete house boat right in the city centre of Amsterdam. The boat hosts 2 persons and is situated in a typical Dutch (newly build) barge.  Living on this boat is a joy, and you will feel at home. It is also very private; you will have the boat all for yourself. Inside you find one big open space (except for the bathroom!). The main room and sleeping room is divided by a large closet. The bed is 1,6 meters wide and 2,0 meters long. There is an open kitchen fully equipped. The former steering cabin is a nice place to chill, while looking over the canal. I have tried to keep the interior style modern.

Houseboat Bedroom

EQUIPMENT

The boat is equipped with: digital TV, fast internet WIFI, a kitchen with water cooker, espresso machine, microwave grill, oven and fridge. Towels and bed linen is new and clean. A central heating system will keep you warm.
There is also plenty of space to sit outside on the top of the boat. 

Inside the boat showing kitchen and entrance.

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

The boat is situated in a small and friendly canal in the well-known Jordaan district, THE place to live and stroll around in Amsterdam. Just across the corner starts the bustling Jordaan! This convenient location in the Jordaan area is known for its typical canals, historic buildings, markets and relaxed friendly atmosphere. You are right in the area with a Hugh variety of trendy bars, restaurants, shops and boutiques. The boat is within minutes walking distance from the Anne Frank House, the Noorderkerk and the picturesque shopping area 'The Nine Streets' or the 'haarlemmer dijk'. the beautiful and trendy Westerpark, a city park for sports activities, jogging, bars, restaurants, social and music events, and a cinema.

Canal View

Public transportation. The Central Station (comfortable connection with the Airport) 15 min walk. Nearest public transport station 100 meter. Bike rentals around the corner. And biking is a nice way to explore the city! Nearest supermarkets and wonderful food stores are just around the corner.

Click here to book this Amsterdam City Centre Houseboat!

Amazing Amsterdam

City Centre Retreat

10). Florence for Valentines 2014

Florence has always been a favorite destination for lovers.

To experience an unforgettable Valentine's Day there is no end to the romantic panoramas of Florence where you can enjoy the evening with a stroll among musicians and street artists who render the city even more characteristic and lively.

To conclude City Centre Retreat's top ten valentine weekend breaks we have compiled a list of our top 10 romantic things to do in Florence:

10.  Attend a concert, exhibit, or festival at the Stazione Leopolda, Florence’s first train station which has now become an outdoor event center.

9.  Picnic at the Parco delle Cascine after visiting the local market (open Sunday and Tuesday mornings).
8.  Spend an evening at the Libreria Café La Cite, where nightly events include everything from artist exhibitions to Tango nights.
7.  Spend a day bike riding from Florence to the Tuscan countryside, and past “romantic olive groves, vineyards, medieval castles and hillside villas.”  The ride can be done with a tour group, which includes a wine tasting at the end of the day. Or rent bikes separately to make the same trip.

9). Madrid gets into our top Valentine destination.

Madrid is a city of passion, art, and music. It is an excellent European city to visit for Valentine's Day! In Madrid, people eat late in the evening, so start your Valentine's with tapas-a small snack that accompanies your drink at a bar. The local custom is to move from bar to bar, sampling tapas and socializing. For dinner, some authentic Madrid dishes to try include garlic soup, tripe, and sea bass a la maril eñ a. This city is the capital of Flamenco! Treat your date to an unforgettable Flamenco show, an art of dance and music, at a Madrid theater or Flamenco club. 

Published by City Centre Retreat

8). Sarlat for Valentines Weekend.

The Medieval Historical heart of Sarlat, surrounded by Shops, Restaurants, Cafes, Markets, art galleries and the Cathederal of St Sacredos. While the numerous ruins and mysterious grottoes discovered in this magnificent region indicate the presence of man ever since prehistory, the birth of Sarlat goes back to the arrival of the Vikings towards the year 850. Traveling through Dordogne on their frightening drakkars (longships), these Norman barbarians spread such widespread terror that the inhabitants sought refuge by moving inland. Published by City Centre Retreat.

Stay in the Carberet holilday apartment this valentines weekend for as little as 320euros foer 3 nights! Read more here

Discover the five-star ‘Cabaret’ apartment for 4 people (70 square meters), situated on the second floor of a 17th century building at 9, cour des Fontaines in one of the most attractive parts of the medieval town.

This comfortable and elegantly decorated apartment, perfect for a family or two couples, has two separate bedrooms each with its own bathroom. The 5-star apartment comprises;
• a fully-equipped and elegant kitchen with breakfast bar,
• a spacious living-room with comfortable armchairs and sofa,
• a separate dining-area,
• a bedroom with four-poster bed, desk, adjoining bathroom and W.C.
• a second bedroom decorated in purple tones, with two single beds which can be put together on request and an adjoining marble-clad bathroom with W.C.
• a separate W.C.

Free unlimited Wifi access, satellite TV and DVD. Gas central heating. Washing/drying machine. Dishwasher. The thick walls ensure that the house stays cool in the summer.

7). London for Valentines Day

London - By City Centre Retreat.
London is for lovers on Valentine's Day. The city has the ideal mix of cool, quirky, sweet and spectacular. For the most romantic of nights, enjoy a Georgian inspired banquet, hosted in the grand entrance hall of the British LIbrary. Gliding past the capital's best-loved landmarks, Bateaux London's dining cruises are a unique way to experience the city. Lunch, afternoon-tea and dinner, plus exclusive hire and private dining are available. Or maybe try Clos Maggiore, a cosy Covent Garden restaurant which was named Most Romantic Restaurant in London by Hardens Restaurant Guide 2013. After all that’s done, perhaps try the London Philharmonic Orchestra, for an evening of Valentine’s Day Classics including Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.2 and Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture. Created by the blog at CCR.

6). Amsterdam Today's top 10 holiday destinations for Valentines

Amsterdam For Valentines with City Centre Retreat.

Amsterdam is one of thoese romantic cities in the world, where a special treat given on Valentine's Day is an opportunity not to be missed. Take a boat cruise, cosy up for dinner, get married for a day or just stroll through the old cobblestoned streets on 14 February. Make like Cinderella and Prince Charming and take a horse & carriage ride around the old cobblestone streets of Amsterdam to your dining destination. Check out our other top 10 destinations on our blog here.

Rosemaries Retreat - Available for 3 nights over valentines weekend for 340euros.

This beautiful accommodation was newly refurbished in November 2013 and has been completely fully furnished and fitted with everything you need to facilitate your stay. The apartment is 70m2 and comfortably sleeps up to 4 people with a king size bed and 2 good sized single beds.

The modern kitchen is fully equipped with fridge, freezer, dishwasher, crockery, washing machine and dryer, and all the other essentials. The large bathroom comes with a big bath, high pressured shower, 2 sinks and toilet and is gorgeous. There is a 42in flat screen cable TV with sound system in the relaxed living area which has two large couches that convert into 2 comfortable single beds. When these bed are in use we will set out all the clean and fresh linen and extra towels required for the 4 guests.

Top tips for a good sleep!

What makes a good sleep?

By James Evans

Let’s be honest, most of us love sleeping, that feeling of allowing your poor over worked brain to just clear itself and for your tense body to finally relax.

I myself have spent many long hours of my entire life studying this subject and now I see myself as qualified as any a candidate for expressing valid views on what makes a good sleep.

Here are my 8 essential tips for an awesome fantastic sleep!

5). Lisbon Trip for Valentines

Today's number 5 of our top 10 locations for a city break. 

Couples looking for a special trip this Valentine’s Day should also consider Lisbon. They’ll find that walking around the city’s old quarters, and especially in the town of Sintra nearby, will be just as romantic as those other classic European destinations, but with the advantage that it’s so much cheaper.
With City Centre Retreat

4). Krakow - Valentines Holiday

CITY CENTRE RETREAT

Consider a trip to Krokow this valentines day for a weekend getaway break. 

Valentine’s Day wasn’t always acknowledged in Poland, but this international holiday is readily recognized in Krakow, which needs no excuse to host events and performances. Look for special Valentine’s Day concerts in the center, including operatic performances and symphony music.

If you take your time, breaking up strolls along historic streets with stops in cafes, sightseeing can be a romantic Valentine’s break activity in itself. Old Town Krakow is so thick with history, its structures and thoroughfares so steeped in legend, that viewing them when you’re in the city is a must. Additionally, even if the day is cold, a blue sky behind St. Mary’s Church or Wawel Castle offers the opportunity for beautiful photo memories.

Krakow Accommodation - Click here

This holiday accommodation  costs only €140 for a 3 night stay at this apartment over valentines weekend - Izaaka

The apartment of high standard is located in a traditional town house. The flat is on the ground floor at the back of the main building, which guarantees peaceful relaxation. Its windows overlook a small yard.

The unit consists of a living room with a kitchenette where two double convertible sofas have been placed. From the living room you enter the bedroom with two single beds which can be joined and serve as a comfortable matrimonial bed. On the walls there are small portraits depicting Polish Jews, which introduce the atmosphere of old Kazimierz.

Several steps from the flat you can find Szeroka street - the heart of the Jewish quarter - with numerous pubs, restaurants and art galleries. The life goes on alomst 24 h here. Nearby, there is also the beginning of the sightseeing route of the city highlights, including the Old Synagogue(Szeroka street), situated within a walking distance from the flat. In the immediate vicinity there is also a popular shopping mall - Galeria Kazimierz.

Check out our other top 10 locations here

3). A Romantic Valentine Break Barcelona

Barcelona with City Centre Retreat

Move over Paris – Barcelona with its beaches, panoramic views, picturesque parks and world-class architecture is moving in on your crown to be Europe’s most romantic city! Barcelona has some beautiful and quiet spots that are just perfect to celebrate this day with a different twist. Barcelona is one of Europe's top mini-break destinations. It is the perfect size to visit for a long weekend. If you are coming to the city for a romantic break with your partner you will find a lot of things to do and see. The rambling streets, copious plazas and various options for good views make it a perfect setting if you're in the mood for love. Whether taking somebody on a fist date to remember or on a silver wedding anniversary, there is something here to suit your needs. Check out some apartments in Barcelona here

2). A Valentine Holiday Break in Rome

Rome for Valentines Day

Today City Centre Retreat have ranked Rome in our top 10 holiday destinations for Valetines day. What better place is there to spend Valentine’s Day than Rome – a city who literally gives its name to the word “romance”? Okay, I’m not really going to go into the etymology here, but I’m sure there’s got to be some kind of connection there.  Plus, and perhaps more relevantly, St. Valentine himself, the martyred saint whose feast day we commemorate with chalky heart-shaped candies, boxes of sweets, and a dozen long-stemmed roses presented over a candle-lit dinner of rare steak, truffled risotto, and a dense, dark chocolate torte (sorry, got a little carried away there), is buried here in Rome up on the Via Flaminia. And, although no known celebrations of Valentine’s Day as a festival of love are recorded prior to Chaucer’s 14th Century poem “Parliament of Foules”, and St. Valentine’s connection to the day is quite a bit less than vague at best, Rome still seems like a pretty sweet place to get your romance on. And so, for all you romantics out there, the city is tossing plenty of lovely options at you to celebrate the day of love. Check out our blog for other details here.


LIVIA - Rome vacation apartment.  Only €420 for 3 nights over the valentines weekend!!!!
Beautiful charming suite at the third floor of a modern and high-class building in the very central Via Nazionale. Elegantly decorated, it is furnished with style and taste. This elegant suite is composed of a spacious bright entrance with minibar corner, a large bathroom with two sinks and colour therapy shower and a magnificent double bedroom with four-poster king size bed and a 42" TV. sink. It also has air conditioning, WiFi, central heating, double glazed windows, high tech lighting system, all this for your maximum comfort, to make your stay in Rome really special! Giulia, Flavia, Livia and Elisa apartments are located in the same building, one above the other, together they can accommodate families or groups of friends up to 21 people. Click here for more information.

1). Valentines Holiday Tuscanny

City Centre Retreat have compiledc their top 10 holiday locations for valentines day. Here is one suggestions, the other 9 will be coming each day over the next 9 days.

1). Tuscanny

This this years number 1 spot to spend Valentines day goes to the amazing Tuscany! With its beautiful cities, ancient villages and beautiful scenery of the countryside, it is the ideal place to celebrate Valentine's Day, taking advantage of the fact that this year Valentine's Day is a Thursday: perfect, then, for a long weekend of fun with your partner.

You will be spoiled for choice to decide where to spend Valentine's Day in Tuscany. Florence, with its bridges over the Arno that offer deliciously romantic glimpses, is the most classic destination, but other cities in the region, such as Pisa, Siena and Lucca, are able to give the same sweet atmosphere, not to mention, of course, the many towns and medieval villages located in or along the Maremma Etruscan Coast.

20 reasons to drop everything and go to Spain!

1.) Mediterranean Paradise

Spain's long, sandy Atlantic beaches and cozy Mediterranean coves are rightly famous throughout Europe. That most get over 300 days of sun a year doesn't hurt either. 

Greece Holiday Information

city centre retreat

Greece Holiday Accommodation

There is something magical about Greece. It’s the alluring combination of the magnificent archaeological sites that vividly recall Greece’s rich past and the magnetism of more than 1400 islands harbouring breathtaking beaches that guarantee you a deep tan while soaking up a chilled-out vibe. It’s a combination that makes for guilt-free travel – a slice of history served alongside a healthy slice of hedonism – and that makes Greece one of the most popular destinations on the planet.

Last Minute Deal - Cheap Holiday Accommodation

Rijks Museum Retreat Apartment Deal - Click here for other offers

This apartment has some great prices for January and February. It is located on the third and fourth floors and is approximately 90m2. You do not need to share with anyone (apart from the front door), the place will be yours completely. The apartment also has a roof terrace and a separate balcony for those lovely summer days. 

Click the image to find out more or just go to this link : http://citycentreretreat.com/rijksretreat.html

AMSTERDAM INFORMATION

CITYCENTRERETREAT.COM

Amsterdam Introduction

Amsterdam’s always been a liberal place, ever since the Golden Age, when it led European art and trade. Centuries later, in the 1960s, it again led the pack – this time in the principles of tolerance, with broad-minded views on drugs and same-sex relationships taking centre
stage. Today the cannabis coffeeshops and the Red Light District are still the city’s top drawcards, even if that can sometimes wear thin for the locals.

Introducing London

London's Call

It’s a trick not every city can pull off and yet London has been excelling at the same game for almost a thousand years. Immigrants, the city’s life blood, continue to pour in, providing London with a constantly self-renewing source of energy and dynamism, while the increasingly
confident Mayor of London continues to give a much needed local focus to solving the city’s problems, something he’s been doing with not inconsiderable success.
The British capital is now in its post Olympics period although if you speak with any local, everything is still to play for and the city has rarely felt so exciting and full of reasons to visit. Whether it’s the history, art, fashion, music, food or nightlife that attracts you here (or a heady mixture of all the above), it’s hard to imagine you’ll come away feeling cheated.