Vincent’s Homeland and Amsterdam – NEW TOUR
-
Amsterdam, Netherlands
-
Het Noordbrabants Museum, Den Bosch ©VisitBrabant
-
St John's Cathedral, Den Bosch ©VisitBrabant
Vincent Willem van Gogh was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. In just over a decade he created approximately 2,100 artworks, most of them in the last two years of his life. This tour takes on a journey around the Dutch countryside that he loved and to places dedicated to his work including his birth house in Zundert, his family church in Etten-Leur and the famous Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam.
Based in the city of ’s Hertogenbosch (also known as Den Bosch) which has a rich history exemplified by its extraordinary museums and the authentic shops, bars and restaurants. The Market square ,on which our hotel in city centre of Den Bosch is situated, hosts a bustling market three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. If you get time to explore it is also worth visiting Saint John’s Cathedral.
We have put together two itinerary options – one travelling via the short sea ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and the other travelling on the leisurely overnight cruise ferry from Hull (with alternative sailings from Newcastle or Harwich). En-suite cabin accommodation is included on the overnight ferry option and the ship has many facilities onboard including lounges, bars, eateries and restaurants, some even have entertainment. We can also arrange meals on board if required (breakfast and dinner packages). Sailings are operated by P&O Ferries (Hull/Rotterdam), DFDS Seaways (Newcastle/Amsterdam) and Stena Line (Harwich/Hook van Holland).
Dates
Dates throughout 2024 & 2025 on request
Day 1
Travel to Holland
Dover/Calais option
Take the short sea ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and continue to Holland and your hotel in Den Bosch for the next 4 nights.
Overnight ferry option (Hull/Rotterdam)
Travel to Hull and embark on the ferry mid-afternoon for the overnight crossing to Rotterdam. Enjoy many of the on-board facilities before retiring to your ensuite cabin.
Day 2
Vincent van Gogh’s homeland
Dover/Calais option
Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour of Den Bosch old town. Afterwards, enjoy some free time and lunch and if time allows, the option to take a canal cruise.
In the afternoon drive to Zundert to visit Van Gogh’s birth house, a house of memory and experience. It is a living art centre on the birthplace of one of the most famous artists in history. Not a classic museum, but an active world of experience
Continue to Etten-Leur to visit the Van Gogh family church, where his father was the vicar and where Vincent made the final decision to become an artist. This was a turning point in his life in 1881 and where he started his artistic career. During the seven years that his family lived here, he regularly visited the Reformed Church. In a permanent exhibition in the Van Gogh Church, you can see and hear the story of the importance of Vincent’s time in Etten-Leur. This captivating story is told with a timeline, informative wall panels, showcases, statues, colourful windows and a beautiful animation. And what makes it all even more worthwhile: there is always a guide present in the church who can answer your questions.
Overnight ferry option (Hull/Rotterdam)
Drive to Zundert to visit Van Gogh’s birth house, a house of memory and experience. It is a living art centre on the birthplace of one of the most famous artists in history. Not a classic museum, but an active world of experience
Continue to Etten-Leur to visit the Van Gogh family church, where his father was the vicar and where Vincent made the final decision to become an artist. This was a turning point in his life in 1881 and where he started his artistic career. During the seven years that his family lived here, he regularly visited the Reformed Church. In a permanent exhibition in the Van Gogh Church, you can see and hear the story of the importance of Vincent’s time in Etten-Leur. This captivating story is told with a timeline, informative wall panels, showcases, statues, colourful windows and a beautiful animation. And what makes it all even more worthwhile: there is always a guide present in the church who can answer your questions.
Continue to Den Bosch and meet up with a local guide for a walking tour of the old town with an option to take a canal cruise. Check into the hotel for the next 2 nights. Evening at leisure.
Day 3
Van Gogh Village, Watermill lunch and Art Gallery
Dover/Calais option
Drive to the Van Gogh Village in Neunen where Vincent resided and worked for a short period of his life. Visit the museum and enjoy a guided village walk. Vincent van Gogh’s period in Nuenen was of significant importance and greatly influenced what he painted in France. The fascinating stories about his life in Nuenen and his quest for light, colour and perspective resulted in his first masterpiece, and these are a central theme of the museum. Nuenen is an ‘outdoor museum’ with many buildings and landscapes which have a direct relationship with the artist. He produced a quarter of his total works here, including his first masterpiece The Potato Eaters!
Lunch will taken at the Opwetten Watermill which is located on the banks of the Kleine Dommel between Nuenen and Eindhoven. During his wanderings around Nuenen, Van Gogh regularly passed the Opwetten watermill and it recurs in his works.
After lunch, return to Den Bosch and a visit of the Het Noordbrabants Museum which is dedicated to artists from across the North Brabant region including a collection of Van Gogh works, old masters and many other treasures.
Overnight ferry option (Hull/Rotterdam)
Drive to the Van Gogh Village in Neunen where Vincent resided and worked for a short period of his life. Visit the museum and enjoy a guided village walk. Vincent van Gogh’s period in Nuenen was of significant importance and greatly influenced what he painted in France. The fascinating stories about his life in Nuenen and his quest for light, colour and perspective resulted in his first masterpiece, and these are a central theme of the museum. Nuenen is an ‘outdoor museum’ with many buildings and landscapes which have a direct relationship with the artist. He produced a quarter of his total works here, including his first masterpiece The Potato Eaters!
Lunch will taken at the Opwetten Watermill which is located on the banks of the Kleine Dommel between Nuenen and Eindhoven. During his wanderings around Nuenen, Van Gogh regularly passed the Opwetten watermill and it recurs in his works.
After lunch, return to Den Bosch and a visit of the Het Noordbrabants Museum which is dedicated to artists from across the North Brabant region including a collection of Van Gogh works, old masters and many other treasures.
Day 4
Amsterdam, Canal Cruise and Van Gogh Museum
Dover/Calais option
Depart after breakfast for Amsterdam where you will visit the world famous Van Gogh museum. Here you will thoroughly learn about his life from the beginning and explore various exhibitions of his works. In the permanent collection, you can see Vincent van Gogh’s famous masterpieces, such as Sunflowers, Almond Blossom and The Potato Eaters, as well as his drawings and letters. You will discover the ideas and ambitions behind his art and follow the uninterrupted quest of an artist who was constantly trying to improve himself. This will give you a new perspective on an artist you may have thought you already knew.
After the visit, there will be a city canal cruise and some free time to explore the city before returning to Den Bosch
Overnight ferry option (Hull/Rotterdam)
Depart after breakfast for Amsterdam where you will visit the world famous Van Gogh museum. Here you will thoroughly learn about his life from the beginning and explore various exhibitions of his works. In the permanent collection, you can see Vincent van Gogh’s famous masterpieces, such as Sunflowers, Almond Blossom and The Potato Eaters, as well as his drawings and letters. You will discover the ideas and ambitions behind his art and follow the uninterrupted quest of an artist who was constantly trying to improve himself. This will give you a new perspective on an artist you may have thought you already knew.
After the visit, there will be a city canal cruise and some free time to explore the city before heading back to Rotterdam for the overnight ferry crossing to the UK, once again enjoying many of the facilities on board.
Day 5
Return to the UK
Dover/Calais option
Make the journey back to Calais for the short sea crossing to the UK, and home.
Overnight ferry option (Hull/Rotterdam)
Disembark early morning and continue homewards.
Featured hotel
Golden Tulip Central Hotel Den Bosch****
The hotel is located in the most beautiful place of ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the historic market square, the ancient heart of the city. All bedrooms offer private facilities. The picturesque “Brasserie Cé” restaurant overlooks the market square. It also features 2 bars, as well as a fitness centre which offers a unique view of St. John’s Cathedral from the top floor. Guests can start their day with a wholesome breakfast in the unique 14th-century vaulted cellar. Part of the Brasserie restaurant, Tony’s Bar offers live jazz music every 1st Friday of the month. The Moriaen Bar provides a warm atmosphere for a drink and a chat.
| Dates | Hotel | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2024 dates-Dover/Calais option |
Golden Tulip Central Hotel Den Bosch | From £529.00 per person | Price on request |
| 2025 dates-Dover/Calais option |
Golden Tulip Central Hotel Den Bosch | From £589.00 per person | Price on request |
