Netherlands

Types of trips: Educational, Politics, Sight-seeing, Cycling, Culture and History, Golfing, Hiking, City tours

Best known for: Tulips, Clogs, Cycling, Windmills, Canals and Dykes, Old Dutch Masters, Delftware

Why Go?: Only a ferries ride away the Netherlands (otherwise referred to Holland) is a beautifully scenic country with a diverse range of things to do and see. With a stunning modern architecture and unique opportunities, it's a great place for pupils to learn about a country that usually less is known about when compared to other European countries.

Fact File

Population: 17,000,000

Capital: Amsterdam

Language(s): Dutch, Frisian

Ties to the UK?: Popular holiday destination

Landscape: A country that is famed for its flat landscape although there are some mountains. Rivers, lakes, beaches and coastlines

Climate/Seasons: Maritime climate infunced by the North and Atlantic sea, cool summers, moderate winters

When to Go: Although Holland enjoys a peak of tourism in the summer months if you travel between September and June you'll find travel, hotels and restaurants to be cheaper and there will be less crowds.

Reasons to Visit: Beautiful scenery, something a little bit different; especially if you venture outside of the cities. 

How to Get There: Although flights are frequent and relatively cheap there are very good ferry connections meaning a coach may be the better option for larger groups of students.

Places to Go: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrcht, Tulip Fields, Anne Frank Museum

Famous People: Vincent van Gogh, Tiesto, Anne Frank, Famke Jansesen, Adam Curry

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Much reclaimed from sea, much below sea level. Expanses of very flat land

History: WWII

Architecture: Reitveld Schroder House, Amsterdam Town Hall, Muiderslot

Culture: Luxor, Theater Tuschinski,  

Sport: Football, Field Hockey, Volleyball

Events: Flower parades, Cheese markets, Sinterklaas, Christmas markets

Watch Out For: Don't walk on cycle paths in Amsterdam

Medical Issues: No mandatory vaccinations required

Watch this video about visiting the Netherlands!