Skip to Main Content
Historic architecture and houseboats line a tranquil canal in the Netherlands during a vibrant sunset over Holland’s Low Lands.
whole ship icon
Netherlands

The Old Masters: Art Treasures of Holland by River

Program No. 19504RJ
Start Enrolling
Program
At a Glance
Duration
11 days
Program Begins
Amsterdam
Program Concludes
Amsterdam
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
22 ( 9B, 4L, 9D )
Activity Level
From
6,999
Voyage through the provinces of North and South Holland on a private barge and discover the landscapes that inspired Old Masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, Flinck, Hals and Bol. In museums, professional art experts introduce the great artists of the Low Lands, while field trips explore churches, medieval towns and Holland’s oldest earthenware factory.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Together with an art historian, stroll the Rijksmuseum learning about the Dutch masters and other legendary works of art.
  • Admire the extensive Vincent van Gogh collection at the Kröller-Müller Museum.
  • Enjoy lectures by art historians before marveling at the works of Vermeer, Rembrandt and others.
General Notes
While you are walking or taken by bus to the various sites outlined in the program’s itinerary, the barge makes its way to the next port, and meets you there at the end of the day. (No barging during the night.)
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Kees Grandia was born and raised in the city of Rotterdam. He received a teaching certificate in Dutch and English at the teachers training college in Delft and studied history at the University of Leiden and the University of Texas in Austin. In 1999, he returned to education at the Albeda College as a teacher of Dutch to immigrants. Kees currently works as an educational manager with Albeda College in Rotterdam. He enjoys a game of tennis, loves opera, and is interested in American politics.
Jan Vijftigschild is a certified leader with an M.A. from the Academy for Teachers in Art. Before working in marketing and public relations, Jan taught art at the university level. Combining his experience, he became an informer in the field of natural stone for 10 years. Eventually, he returned to school and received his English Language Certificate Academic Level. Having returned to teaching, he lectures about art and water issues in the Netherlands on ships with visitors coming to the Netherlands.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Learn About Activity Levels
Walking up to 2 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over uneven and cobblestone terrain in city centers. Program will require approximately 14 miles of walking over 9 days. Barge does not have an elevator onboard, cabins are located on lower deck. Embark/disembark barge via small ramp. This program is not suitable for wheelchairs, walkers or scooters. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

An illustration of a hand using a pen to check off the final item on a clipboard checklist
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

An illustration of an elderly man sitting at a computer with a pair of binoculars beside him
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

An illustration of an elderly woman holding a piggy bank, with the Eiffel Tower in the background
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it