A city break in in Zaandam Amsterdam - Part One

Craig spends a few days in the Netherlands visiting Amsterdam and saying in the Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam Hotel.

After getting bored with the usual two weeks on a sunbed in baking heat we decided it was time to get a bit more cultured and take some city breaks. With Budapest, Marrakesh, Reykjavik and Prague under our belts we decided it was time to visit Amsterdam.

I'll cover the trip in two posts as I simply have too much to tell you in one post, and I'd hate to bore you!

We all know about the drug culture and the red light districts, and I am sure that these two things have resulted in some couples deciding to give Amsterdam a miss. All I will say about this is that it's there if you want it, but it's so easily avoided and while we didn't go out of our way to make sure we didn't engage with these pursuits, we didn't see or here a single example of either. So be confident that if either of these things is offensive to you that it's not what Amsterdam is all about.

A city break in Reykjavik

Craig of That Dapper Chap shares his experience of Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city and offers his top tips for a successful stay.

If you want to see the Northern lights, sip hot chocolate in a quaint cafe while you watch the snow tumble silently from the sky, and dip your toes on the hot springs of the Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik might just be the place for you.

Some friends and I recently spent five days in this beautiful city, we sampled the local delicacies, shopped in the pretty boutiques and marvelled at the chocolate box architecture. Here, I not only share what I wore on my most recent city break, but I'll also give you all the hints and tips that you'll need when you travel to Iceland's capital city.

Pretty buildings line the streets of Iceland's capital city

About Reykjavik

With a population of only 203,000, Reykjavik is one of the worlds smallest capital cities, and is a great choice for a bustle free break. No crowds, no jostling in the street, just a relaxed and friendly atmosphere greets you, and you can be there in around three hours from London.

Penhaligon's Fragrances

Craig of That Dapper Chap introduces us to the latest fragrances from Penhaligon's, both inspired by the the mysteries of Egypt.

Penhaligons

Founded by Mr William Penhaligon in 1870, Penhaligons London have a long established heritage, so much so that they hold not, one but two Royal Warrants. So, if their fragrances are good enough to for the British Royal Family, they're certainly good enough for That Dapper Chap!

The two fragrances that I'm going to share with you today are the Alizarin Eau De Parfum and the
Oud De Nil Eau de Parfum. Two very different fragrances, they are both directly inspired by the history and atmosphere of one of the most mysterious lands in all the world: Egypt.

One of the most iconic symbols of Egypt and a must see for any true traveller

The Mr Porter Men's Travel Grooming Box

Craig of That Dapper Chap tries out the Mr Porter mens grooming box and gives us five top tips for looking good on your travels

For summer 2016 Mr Porter are offering us a great travel grooming box to keep you fresh on that cultural foodie city break or those two weeks in the sun. Having just returned from Marrakech I want to share some tips for staying well groomed and presentable for those holiday pictures.

But first let me introduce you to the contents of the box. Costing £75.00 you're getting a huge amount of products, all from leading brands such as LAB Series, Clinique, Bumble & Bumble and Tom Ford among others.

The unopened Mr porter gift box. What delights await?

A city break in Marrakech

Craig of That Dapper Chap takes us on a city break to Marrakech wearing Burton Menswear

Bored of the standard two weeks in the sun, we decided last year to take more city breaks, indulge ourselves in cultural differences, and sample traditional living in some very different places. With Budapest and Prague under our belts we went further afield and landed in Marrakesh in 100 degree heat.