Netherlands

The Old Masters: Art Treasures of Holland by River

Program No. 19504RJ
Discover the cultural heights of Holland’s Low Lands as you join experts to learn about artistic masterworks, renowned museums, historic architecture and an iconic earthenware factory.

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At a Glance

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.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
These programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking at a leisurely pace with plenty of stops through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours; uneven terrain, stairs and cobblestones are common. Embark/disembark barge via ramp. Cabins located on lower deck. Barge does not move at night and only motors during the day.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Admire the extensive Vincent van Gogh collection at the Kröller-Müller Museum.
  • Take in lectures by art historians before you marvel the works of Vermeer, Rembrandt and others.
  • Visit and learn about the fine art of Dutch pottery at the oldest surviving porcelain factory in Delft.

General Notes

While you are 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.)
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Kees Grandia
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.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Kees Grandia
Kees Grandia View biography
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.
Profile Image of Jane Choy-Thurlow
Jane E Choy-Thurlow View biography
Jane Choy-Thurlow earned a B.S. from Salem State University and an M.Ed. from Trinity College Dublin, and studied history and art history at Leiden University, the Haagse Hogeschool, and the Volks University. She is a docent at the Mauritshuis, and enjoys sharing the treasures of this museum. Jane is chair of the Mainland Europe National Association of Decorative and Fine Art Societies, and has worked for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Center of Educational Research and Innovation in Paris.
Profile Image of Jan Vijftigschild
Jan Vijftigschild View biography
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.
Profile Image of Tosca van Diest
Tosca van Diest View biography
Tosca van Diest decided at the age of 32, after years of studying languages, to apply to an art academy. She graduated in 1996 with a focus on ceramics and graphic arts. Since then, she has been working in her studio in conjunction with other occupations. In 2001, she started leading groups at the Kröller-Müller Museum where she gets to share her passion for art and introduce art to those who might not be familiar with it. Tosca speaks fluent Dutch and English.
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