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EEmboldened by centuries of living with water, the Dutch have tamed and befriended it with the use of windmills, dikes and canals. This small, densely populated country is flat, yet never dull, as the constantly changing play of light between water and sky inspired not only the great 17th century masters but will please you as well. This Walk begins in the partly-sandy, lesser-populated eastern part of the country, where the landscape was formed by the Scandinavian glaciers during the Quaternary Era. We end in the vicinity of Amsterdam, where the delta of the great rivers were formed by the Dutch into what it is today: a unique combination of tradition and innovation. Our Walk Leader and garden architect Alessandro will share his knowledge of gardens as we visit several delightful gardens, while Ron van Dijk will introduce you to the Dutch society.
We meet in the morning in Amsterdam, then head south-west to the Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe. It is one of the world’s largest flower gardens, covering an area of 80 acres, where approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted annually. It is widely known for its tulips, and also features other flowers such as hyacinths, daffodils, lilies and irises. In the afternoon we’ll transfer to our hotel in Deventer an historic, old Hanseatic town. Welcome dinner this evening at our hotel.
Deventer, Pillows Luxury Boutique Hotel Aan De IJssel
We’ll get an early start to walk in the Achterhoek, an area known for bucolic open spaces, forests, farms, manor houses and estates. One of the grandest, De Wiersse, will open it’s gardens especially for us. After lunch we’re return to Deventer and gather for a guided walk of the historic town center before dinner at a local restaurant specialzing in seasonal specialties of the region.
Deventer, Pillows Luxury Boutique Hotel Aan De IJssel
A short transfer takes us to the renowned Kröller-Müller Museum, set in the marvelous Hoge Veluwe National Park. Surrounded by a 25-acre sculpture park, this museum treasure houses a vast Van Gogh collection and other important works. After a visit and lunch, we’ll walk further into the National Park with its beech and pine trees, heaths, and dunes. Cycling in the park is a national pastime, if you want to give it a try.
Brummen, Kasteel Engelenburg
A short transfer takes us to Velp, a distinguished town, and then embark on a wonderful walk through woods and moors, and even take on a hill or two in the glorious Dutch countryside. We’ll stop for lunch at Carolinahoeve, an agrarian enclave built in 1765, now a favorite lunch place offering a variety of delicious sandwiches, salads and desserts. Before returning to our hotel, stop to visit the gardens of 17th century, Kasteel Middachten, one of the Top 100 Dutch Heritage sites.
Brummen, Kasteel Engelenburg
Today we explore Holland’s WWII history, in Oosterbeek, which saw fierce fighting during Operation Market Garden, portrayed in the film, “A Bridge Too Far”. Our day begins at Kasteel Doorwerth, a medieval castle situated on the Rhine River. Our forest walk affords great views over the river and the plain. Insight into the battle of Arnhem can be gained at Hartenstein Villa, which now houses the Airborne Museum. After lunch we board our private boat and follow the beautiful and winding Vecht to our hotel. Dinner tonight is at a nearby Michelin-starred restaurant.
Nieuwersluis, Flora Batava
As we explore the wild and calm beauty of Loosdrecht Lakes and its surroundings, today’s picturesque trail is edged by canals, spanned by bridges, and lakes which arose from old peat bogs. Admire the 17th and 18th century summer residences built by wealthy Amsterdam merchants. In Loenen, a small town with flowered houses, we will visit the working windmill De Hoop. This evening, gather at the restaurant of our hotel for a delicious farewell dinner.
Nieuwersluis, Flora Batava
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (and train station) or to your hotel in Amsterdam.
Favourite aspects: The walk through Deventer with the town historian. Learning a little about lowland water problems. Our short boat ride on the fifth day. Also the visit to the restored wind mill guided by a retired volunteer.
I really enjoyed learning about the Netherlands, the walks, the museum, the food, the people, all of it.
I loved this first adventure with Wayfaring Walks. Ron and Alessandro were wonderful/amazing in organizing logistics. Who would ever be disappointed with a midmorning snack of 4-5 fresh fruit/nut options as well as at least 4 fresh fruit drink options…nuts as well, relaxed and wonderful communal dinners, staying in historic hotels, seeing and hearing about the tragic/amazing history of the region.
Seeing different aspects of the countryside was wonderful…flat fields, castles, estates, amazing huge gardens, history…food :)…eating in a Michelin-starred restaurant…wow!
Everyday felt like a more wonderful adventure with great hosts.
Just a fabulous experience with two amusing, informed, authentic and extraordinarily well organized guides. They worked beautifully together and were sensitive to our every need and desire. Also great drivers!