Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for the Netherlands
Rotterdam: A Maritime Metropolis
Discover the 'Gateway to Europe'
Discover the enormous effect that shipping and Maritime life has on the daily lives of the people of Rotterdam. On this tour you will go on a journey through the maritime past and present of the Europe’s biggest and the World’s leading port.
The city of Rotterdam has been officially in existence since 1328, Willem III granted “city rights” for the town that had been growing around a dam in the river Rotte. Initially Rotterdam was just a small, quiet fishing harbour in a bend in the Rotte but when Rotterdam embraced the industrial revolution of the 19th century, the city boomed. Steam power and mechanisation boosted the capacity of the port enormously and today, boasts an array of innovative urban and maritime architecture. Known for it’s innovation and culture, see the cityscape by taking a sightseeing cruise taking you past some of the best architecture and monuments of the city, as well taking in history of the port. As well as this, experience this history by visiting the Maritime Museum then experience the future by visiting the up and coming Maritime district, playing host to an incredible port pavilion and waterside terrace with many restaurants and cafes boasting a relaxing atmosphere. Also, you will see the Keringhuis, the internationally renowned movable flood barrier, keeping the Netherlands safe and a feat of engineering to be experienced.
Discover all of this and more on this fantastic break to an incredible city. For more tours to the Netherlands, click here.
Why not travel to Rotterdam by Eurostar? enquire for more details on the sustainable ways to reach Rotterdam, as well as Brussels and Amsterdam. All amazing cities that are easily accessible from London on the Eurostar. For more details check out our Europe by train section on our website.
Dates
Dates throughout 2023
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Cruise from Hull
Arrive in Hull and we board our cruise ship for our overnight sailing to Rotterdam. Whilst on board perhaps enjoy dinner in The Kitchen or The Brasserie restaurants. After dinner, relax in one of the bars on board.
Day 2
Maritime Museum, & The Keringhuis
Upon arrival in Rotterdam, see where the port of Rotterdam began and visit historic ships and special guest ships that are moored at the Maritime Museum. Here, Smell the diesel fumes, experience the cramped working conditions, feel the wind through your hair and feel the swell of the Maas beneath. It all takes you back in time to the beginning of the 20th century, when the port of Rotterdam was still in the centre of the city. Afterwards, we will visit the Keringhuis, the information centre for flood risk management in Zuid-Holland and the impressive Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier. The Delta Works construction is unique and therefore receives a lot of international attention. The Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier is the last part of the Delta Works. It is the largest movable flood barrier in the world. This impressive construction can’t be described in words, only experienced!
Day 3
Spido Cruise & SS Rotterdam
Spido sails the whole year round from the foot of the Erasmus Bridge, offering day tours and theme cruises on the water. Spido is one of Rotterdam’s biggest attractions. Founded in 1919 as a water transport service, the company reinvented itself after the Second World War as a cruise operator. Today it is a five-ship fleet offering a variety of tours. The Port of Rotterdam tour (75 minutes) sails year-round and gives passengers a short but powerful impression of Rotterdam’s container ports. The route also passes sights like the Hotel New York, the Euromast, and the SS Rotterdam.
Then, get up close and see the SS Rotterdam and visit to the Steamship Rotterdam, the biggest ocean-going steamer ever built in the Netherlands. As the former flagship of the Holland-America Line, this cruise liner has sailed many of the world’s seas since 1959. The ship is now moored permanently in the Maashaven in Rotterdam, by Katendrecht. The ship’s history is palpable at every turn once you come aboard. The 1950s interior and the many artworks were restored to the closest possible approximation of their former glory between 2005- 2008.
Day 4
Rotterdam at leisure
Today, discover Rotterdam’s innovative side, landside. Known for as the architecture city of Holland that stimulates innovation. Its skyline is always changing and there are many things to do amid Rotterdam’s skyscrapers. So enjoy some free time to have a shopping spree, enjoy some excellent food, or visit a range of many more of the museums and attractions in and around the city centre. Perhaps, visit the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) in Rotterdam are one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Or see the sights from above, by visiting one of the highest towers in Holland: the Euromast. Architect Maaskant designed the tower at Floriade Expo too. Visitors can take an elevator up and enjoy the spectacular view. Then head to the Port for your evening sailing back to the UK.
Day 5
Return to UK
Arrive in Hull early morning and continue your journey home.
Suggested hotels
Hilton Rotterdam ****
Set across the street from both a tram stop and Stadhuis metro station, this upscale hotel is also 2.3 km from the Cube House, a museum in a 1970s residential complex. The rooms mix classic and modern decor, and feature Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded rooms come with Nespresso machines, and free breakfast and snacks served in an executive lounge. Some suites add separate living rooms.
Dining options include French and Indonesian eateries, as well as a modern restaurant decorated with street art. There’s also a fitness room and terrace bar.
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5 days | |
Dates throughout 2023 | From £245.00 per person |
Alternative dates are available on request