Reservations

Luxury Travel

Reservations

Luxury Travel

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Van Gogh and the other Holland

When you think of Holland your mind might automatically be drawn to images of windmills in undulating fields, the quaint canals of Amsterdam, and impressive European architecture in the Hague and Rotterdam. Away from its metropolitan areas however there’s another Holland to be explored. This other Holland features incredible artistic attractions, stunning countryside, rich history and culture and has had an outsized cultural influence on Europe as a whole. We’ve put together a fantastic three day itinerary to explore this incredible country with a few options focused on culture, but with so much to do know that our travel experts can help you tailor your trip to your exact requirements.

Day 1

It’d be impossible to discuss the artistic legacy of Holland without a mention of the incredible Vincent Van Gogh. Van Gogh was born in 1853 in Zundert in the Netherlands, and many of his artistic works can be viewed at the The Kröller-Müller Museum. Admirers of Van Goghs post-impressionist style will love this museum, which features the second largest collection of his works in the world along with incredible paintings by Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso and Piet Mondriaan. Those who are into sculpture can also view works by Barbara Hepworth, Jean Dubuffet, and Marta Pan in the outdoor scultupre garden while architectural enthusiasts can enjoy architerctural exhibitions in the main museum as well.

The museum is in the gorgeous Veluwe region which is one of Hollands most beautiful and includes rolling forests, ample cycle and walking trails, a rich variety of local wildlife, the Hanseatic Towns of Harderwijk, Elburg and Hattem and so much more!

While taking a break during your museum visit you’ll find plenty of green spaces to explore on the expansive grounds and to sit down to have a picnic. You’ll spend your first night at a nearby hotel in Arnhem where you can explore historic sites from the Battle of the Bridges including John Frost Bridge which was named after a British soldier.

Day 2

On day 2, your cultural exploration of Holland continues with visits to the Musée Lalique and the Castle het Niljenhuis. The Musée Lalique celebrates the life and work of famed glassmaker Rene Lalique who was an influential artist who played a big role in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements and is based in the town of Doesburg. The museum features his work and is a great place to spend a few hours discovering his unique style and mastery of technique.

After your visit to the museum and a brief stop for lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants and cafes in the town, your next stop is the Castle het Niljenhuis. This superb manor house dates back to 1382 and features a number of gorgeous gardens, while the house boasts a varied collection of international art. While on the grounds you can also explore a sculture garden which features eccentric and abstract styles from a number of different artists, totalling 75 different sculptures. The sculpture garden forms one part of the Museum de Fundatie, the main part of which you will visit on your final day tomorrow. End your stay in a hotel in nearby Zwolle.

Day 3

Your third and final day will be based in the city of Zwolle, where you’ll have the chance to explore the fantastic Fundatie Museum, before having the rest of the day to explore before returning home. Before you even enter the Fundatie Museum you’re sure to be struck by its unique design which features an artisitic glass dome on its roof. The museum has a collection of modern art including fantastic exhibitions which include a range of different styles. It feautures paintings by Chagall, Mondrian and Van Gogh. The perfect place to spend a few hours and leave feeling culturally enriched.

The rest of your day can be spent at leisure exploring Zwolle at your leisure with the whole city traversable by bike. Here you’ll find a well preserved medieval Hanseatic city centre, interesting museums, gorgeous canals and plenty of places to eat and relax.

Feeling inspired? Book your next getaway now. Get in touch with our travel experts to book your 2023 Holland escape!

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