A visit to the Dutch coast opens up the beautiful cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Delft and the Hague. Amsterdam began life as a small fishing village in the thirteenth century and this is the key to its rise as mercantile centre. The decline of Antwerp provided a commercial boost for the city and it grew rapidly from the seventeenth century as a trading centre, especially with the East Indies. Nazi occupation of the city in 1940 resulted in the loss of nearly all of its 70,000 Jews, including almost all of Anne Frank’s family.
Rotterdam shared in the mercantile success of the Dutch as a trading nation, though it never matched that of Amsterdam. It suffered particularly from German bombing during the WWII, resulting in the destruction of a third of its port facilities and the city centre. The rebuilding of the latter has attracted significant professional and tourist attention as a model of city planning.
Delft, located between Rotterdam and The Hague is noted for its tin-glazed earthenware and canals. Much of its medieval architectural splendour is still intact. Though Amsterdam is the official capital of the Netherlands, The Hague is its administrative capital and seat of government.
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Key Study Areas
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Location Click here to view map
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History Excursions
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Our best value sample itinerary from £285
4 Days to the Dutch Coast by Coach
Day 1:
Depart early from school and connect with your channel crossing. Check in to your accommodation in the afternoon. Spend the afternoon exploring the local area.
Day 2:
Visit Anne Frank’s House, walk along the canals to the Resistance Museum. Relax on a Canal Cruise.
Day 3:
Drive to Amersfoort to visit the former concentration camp site and memorial. Have fun exploring the lovely medieval town.
Day 4:
Visit the Jewish Historical Museum. Check in for your return channel crossing. Return to school.
