Amsterdam does not really need introducing – this vibrant city is seen as the capital of The Netherlands, even though Parliament sits in The Hague, which is the administrative capital.
Amsterdam is characterised by its many canals and waterways. The famous “grachten”, built in the early 1600’s are draped in a semi-circle around the former Old and New Town, which was the original Medieval Heart of the this maritime city. These canals are line with beautiful merchants houses, built in the times of Holland’s Golden Age in the 17th century.

Amsterdam has a rich architectural heritage ranging several centuries, and offers a wealth of art-museums too. Around Amsterdam are the beautiful medieval towns of Leiden, Haarlem and Delft – a must for any art-student!

Walking tour on Golden Age architecture

Explore sections of the city with a local guide and discover the history behind the facades of 17th century Amsterdam.

Canal cruise

The best way to see this city is from the water. The boats pass along all the famous sights and give a great first impression of this lovely city.

Rijksmuseum

This world famous museum is almost too vast to visit in 1 day. It contains the best collection of Dutch masterpieces, most of them dating back to Holland’s Golden Age (17th century)

Van Gogh Museum

An impressive museum with a good selection of Van Gogh’s work. The museum follows his progress as an artist through his life, and displays about 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 850 letters to his brother Theo.

Haarlem

Haarlem is one of Holland’s most attractive cities - a place of historical 17th century architecture centred around the the Main Square or Grote Markt dominated by its magnificent cathedral. 
Also of particular interest is its impressive Art Nouveau Railway station
Main Art museum : Frans Hals Museum.

Leiden

Leiden is a beautiful and historic city with many 17th-century houses. Its city centre is criss-crossed with boat-lined canals, which are bordered by red brick roads. The almost 15.000 students and 5.000 staff of the University make Leiden a very lively and entertaining place. It was also the birthplace of Rembrandt van Rijn.
ARCHITECTURE : 15th century Pieterskerk, 12th century castle mount and ruins
ART : Stedelijk Museum (local artists incl. Rembrandt)

Delft

Delft is mainly known for its famous 17th century pottery “Delfts Blue”. But the town in itself is a little gem in its own right. Life is concentrated around the market square, flanked by the “New Church” at one end and the town hall at the other. It is also home of the famous painter Vermeer (1632-1675), who lived and worked in Delft.
ARCHITECTURE: 17TH c merchant houses and city hall, 13th c Oude Kerk
ART : See the places Vermeer made famous in his paintings, Delft pottery making

Rotterdam

This major city is the Port of the Netherlands, and one of the biggest in the world. Its historic city centre was destroyed in the heavy bombings of the Second World War. It is now mainly known as a symbol of post-war economic recovery, its modern architecture, museums and as a major Port. 
ARCHITECTURE :
- Kubus-Paalwoningen (cube-shaped apartments built in the 1980’s)
- Station Blaak (modern metro station)
- Willemswerf (highest office block) 
- Architectuur Instituut
ART : Museum Boijmans-Van Beuningen (Dutch art throughout the century

Including:

• 5 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in a tourist class hotel in Amsterdam area

• Modern Touring coaches for 6 days, including all necessary excursions

• Local tour leader for 6 days

• Local guide for walking tour of Amsterdam

• Local guide for walking tour of Haarlem & Leiden

• Local guide for walking tour of Delft

• Local guide for a coach tour of Rotterdam

• Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

• Van Gog Museum, Amsterdam

• Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem

• Stedelijk Museum De Lakenhal, Leiden

• Visit to a Delft Porcelain factory

• Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam

• All GCT booking fees

• 1 free package for the group organiser

• All taxes and VAT