Arnhem, Amsterdam and the Hansa Towns of Old Holland

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to Holland for four nights.

We spend the morning in nearby Arnhem. See the famous bridge and relax by the river in one of the many charming cafes.

Later, we head to Uncover the Netherlands’ fascinating past at this excellent open air museum, learning all about the country’s many customs and traditions. Here, we’ll discover historical houses, mills and farmhouses, depicting the lives of those who lived through the Netherlands’ times of great change throughout the 19th century, the country’s industrial revolution, the First and Second World Wars, and into modern times. With many interesting exhibits to discover, this is sure to make for an exciting excursion!

Enjoy our included full-day excursion, exploring some of the old Hansa Towns. The goal of the Hanseatic League, which was founded when Amsterdam was still a tiny settlement, was to expand commerce and spread knowledge. Dutch cities like Kampen and Hattem were members of this league, and this chapter in their history is still clearly visible in the many 14th and 15th-century monuments. Most of these are found by the water’s edge, as waterways represented crucial transport routes, and possess a rich history and unique façades. In other words, when in Holland, a visit to at least one Hansa town is almost compulsory!

We head first to Hattem, heritage town of the Veluwe and home to centuries-old monuments, narrow streets and alleyways lined with characteristic buildings. Continue to Kampen, famous for its Cog Wharf with its fishermen’s cottages and medieval centre. This Hanseatic town has over 500 monuments, including the Church of St. Nicholas, the Gothic house, the town gates and a replica of the Medieval merchant ship De Kamper Hanze Kogge.

Today we visit Holland’s cosmopolitan capital city of Amsterdam on our included excursion. As Holland’s capital city, Amsterdam is guaranteed to be a fantastic place to visit during our break. The city is famous for its expansive canal system and many bridged islands, for which it’s earned the name ‘Venice of the North’. This vibrant city will be a highlight on our holiday, as it is absolutely packed with things to do. The Museum Square, or ‘Museumplein’, is home to some of the most significant museums in the city, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum. All three are well worth touring in our spare time in the city, and there’s also the Anne Frank House and the Civic Guards Gallery, as well as many other exhibits and sights.

Return home.