Day 1
Arrival
Ferry to Calais and then on to our hotel in Rotterdam.
Day 2
The Hague
We make our way to The Hague, known as ‘Den Haag’, the capital city of the South Holland province of the Netherlands and the greenest city in Europe. A captivating mix of styles throughout the ages, with architecture from the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as contemporary features, the city boasts an array of spectacular sites to behold. Highlights include the 13th-century Binnenhof, a Gothic castle once used as residency for the counts of Holland and now a meeting place for the Dutch parliament, and the tree-lined square Lange Voorhoute, perfect for a stroll. We are treated to a guided tour before free time to explore the monuments, parks and beaches and stop for lunch in one of the many eateries.
Day 3
Royal Delft Museum & Gouda Cheese
The beautiful, intricate design of Delft Blue, a traditional Dutch style of pottery, originates from the Royal Deft Factory Museum and has been hand-made here since the 15th century. On our visit, we walk through the old factory, discover the extensive collections of historical and modern porcelain pieces and learn more about the master painters and intriguing tales behind these designs.
We then visit Gouda, famous for its delicious Gouda cheese, made using traditional methods dating back to the Middle Ages, in polders around the city. We partake in a unique interactive experience through the cheese-making process, as we explore the ‘Milky Way’ and try our hand at turning cheese, followed by some cheese tasting.
Day 4
Amsterdam & Canal Cruise
We take the day to enjoy the storybook scenery of Amsterdam, a picturesque blend of modernity and comfort, a city famous for its canals, bicycles and cafés but with so much more to discover. We enjoy a guided tour and find out more about the iconic sites.
The historical city centre is a network of canals and bridges, referred to as ‘Grachtengordel’, best translated as ‘canal belt’. The stunning architecture is even more remarkable when viewed from the water and we take the opportunity to enjoy a cruise and see many highlights of the city, including the Westerkerk Church, Skinny Bridge, Nine Streets, and the beautiful 17th-century canal houses dotted on either side.
There are plenty of charming spots to stop for some lunch, from traditional snack bars to unique restaurants and then we have free leisure time in the city. Explore atmospheric lanes and quarters or museums, such as the Anne Frank Museum, a thoughtful exhibition of the famous war diarist’s life.
Day 5
Return Home
After breakfast, we journey to Calais for our return ferry home.