The Netherlands

The ideal destination for History tours and Art tours, the Netherlands, particularly its capital city, Amsterdam, has a wide range of excursions to suit school children of all ages, at both primary and secondary level.

With its picturesque cobbled streets and beautiful 400-year-old waterways criss-crossed by an abundance of bridges, Amsterdam is a wonderful city to explore on foot. In addition, the world-class museums on the recently developed Museumplein, and of course, Anne Frank House, have contributed to Amsterdam’s growing popularity with our Party Leaders.

Outside Amsterdam, Noordvijk has always been very popular with school groups and is a charming sea-side town which provides a very different example of life in the modern Netherlands. Conveniently located within 40 minutes’ drive of Amsterdam, this lovely resort is an excellent place for your pupils to unwind after the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Valkenurg is a similarly welcome change of pace, with a mix of pleasant and relaxing excursions, including a scenic chair-lift. There is also a splendid Christmas Market during December, an interesting alternative to those held in Germany.

Meanwhile, the Hague is rich in history, politics and culture. The home of the Peace Palace, The Girl with the Pearl Earring, and Het Binnenhof; the Dutch seat of parliament, The Hague also boasts the largest outdoor market in Europe! Why not include a day trip to this fascinating city in your itinerary?

Whatever the focus of your school trip to the Netherlands, you can be sure that your pupils will have a fantastic experience and will return with fond memories. Why not contact us today to find out more?

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for the Netherlands, including information on security and local laws in addition to passport and visa requirements, please click here.

Anne Frank House

Amsterdam’s most famous museum, the Anne Frank House, is a must for all school groups visiting the city. The museum tells the tragic history of the Jewish community who were persecuted before and during the Second World War and the story of Anne Frank and her family who hid in a secret annex behind a bookcase in an office building for two years until they were discovered and deported to Auschwitz in 1944. Sadly only Anne’s father Otto survived the war, and he decided to publish Anne’s diary, which she wrote while in hiding, describing in great detail their experiences and living conditions during the period. Today visitors to the house can learn all about Anne’s story, through a series of exhibitions and, of course, reading excerpts of her famous diary. Please click here to visit their website.

Van Gogh Museum

Boasting approximately 200 paintings and 500 drawings in its permanent exhibition alone, Amsterdam’s fantastic Van Gogh Museum houses the world’s largest collection of the artist’s works, including such masterpieces as Almond Blossom, Sunflowers and The Bedroom. The temporary exhibition focuses on Van Gogh’s contemporaries and his influence on other artists, such as Toulouse-Lautrec. The museum is open daily and can offer guided tours upon request, although most of our groups choose to have a self-guided visit and explore the museum at their own leisure. Highly recommended for schools wanting to add an art focus to their trip. Please click here to visit their website.

Rijksmuseum

Recently restored following a 10-year renovation, the Rijksmuseum is a world-class museum housing the Netherlands’ largest collection of fine art from the 15th century onwards. With masterpieces including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, it is highly recommended for students of art. This wonderful museum is open all year round and groups can enjoy discovering the museum’s many treasures with or without an English-speaking guide. Located just a few minutes’ walk from the Van Gogh Museum, school groups can easily visit both museums in half a day. Please click here to visit their website.

Amsterdam Boat Trip

A boat trip on Amsterdam’s 400-year-old waterways is the perfect way to discover some of the city’s most beautiful sights at a leisurely pace. Sit back and relax as you cruise along the city’s many canals, taking in the Westerkerk, Anne Frank House, and much, much more. Boat trips generally last an hour and an English commentary will be provided on board (either by a guide or by audio-guide). A canal boat trip is the ideal excursion to include in any school trip to Amsterdam and suitable for children of all ages.

De Efteling

Situated about 90 minutes south of Amsterdam, this wonderful theme park is highly recommended for all school trips to the Netherlands. Every Party Member is guaranteed a fun-filled day of rides, roller coasters and shows at this ever-popular excursion, which has a fairytale theme. Whether you are a daredevil or a scaredy cat, there is a ride to suit everybody! In addition, there are shops and food outlets throughout the park, as well as picnic areas where groups can eat their packed lunches. De Efteling is open all year round, even during the winter months. Please click here to visit their website.

Of course, the above excursions are only a sample. We will tailor-make your tour to engage with your exact learning requirements, and our information packs contain details of our extensive excursion package. Why not contact us now to request more information?

We work with a wide range of good standard accommodation in Amsterdam from hotels to youth centres. All of the accommodations with which we work are suitable for school trips and comply with all of our stringent Health and Safety requirements. Alternatively, for those who do not wish to stay in Amsterdam, picturesque Noordvijk is only a short 40 minute drive away, and offers groups more quiet and tranquil surroundings with its sandy beaches and open green space.

Stayokay Vondelpark

This fantastic and modern youth centre is ideally situated in Amsterdam’s beautiful Vondelpark, which is a stone’s throw from the city’s main sights. Students are accommodated in private rooms sleeping four or six children, and teachers are accommodated in twin and single rooms. All bedrooms have ensuite facilities and there is a bar and restaurant on-site, where groups take their evening meals. There is also a games room and meeting room where school groups can relax in the evenings. Please click here to visit their website.