A magical tour of the Netherlands’ most atmospheric cities during winter to discover its traditions, festivals and charm at the most joyful time of year – Christmas. Based in the Hague, we enjoy delicious tastings of famous local Gouda cheese and syrup waffles and take part in the Royal Christmas Fair.
Gouda City Hall
The Hague
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Gouda by Candlelight
Today we enjoy Gouda by Candlelight, one of the oldest light festivals in the Netherlands. In the afternoon, the festival features a variety of activities throughout the town including a Winter Fair, concerts, shows, performances at the Gouda Theatre, museums and through the streets. In the evening, 1,500 candles are lit behind the windows of the historic Town Hall, along with thousands more in the windows of buildings throughout the city centre. The highlight is the lighting of the Christmas tree, which takes place between 7pm and 8pm.
Day 3 Gouda Cheese Experience & The Syrup Waffle Experience & Gouda
We have a mouth-watering day ahead of us. This morning, we embark on an interactive journey through the history of cheese and discover what makes the Gouda Cheese Experience truly unique and giving it a delicious taste. We follow this with a visit to the Syrup Waffle Factory to learn more about the origin of the Kamphuisen syrup waffle and see the syrup waffle bakers at work in the factory before enjoying an oven-fresh Kamphuisen syrup waffle. We then have free time to explore the beautiful medieval city of Gouda with its scenic canals, courtyards and iconic cheese markets.
Day 4 The Royal Christmas Fair, The Hague
Today we visit the city of The Hague, known as the centre of the Dutch government as well as the Royal Family. It is also the setting for the Netherlands most beautiful Christmas event, the Royal Christmas Fair. The city plays host to dozens of Christmas houses, thousands of lights, atmospheric fires, mulled wine, choirs and musical performances.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we begin our journey home.
Hotel
Carlton Beach Hotel
Scheveningen, The Hague
Wake up in this 4 star beachfront hotel and admire the stunning views of the sea and golden sand dunes! All 183 modern, spacious bedrooms are equipped with a balcony, hairdryer, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel’s informal brunch restaurant is bright and spacious and provides wonderful ocean views while the Smuggler’s Bar & Grill is open in the evenings for a relaxed evening drink. The hotel also offers a seasonal beach club with a barbecue terrace, an indoor swimming pool, steam bath, saunas and a gym.
BarLeisure FacilitiesLiftParking Off Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
The Hague Marriott Hotel
Den Hague
Centrally positioned, the modern Hague Marriott Hotel offers luxurious accommodation with modern and stylish public areas including the Great Room with floor to ceiling windows and a bar offering a wide range of drinks & snacks. The 306 rooms feature air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, a sitting area, coffee & tea making facilities and a hairdryer. A delicious buffet breakfast with hot and cold options is served daily in the Gallery Breakfast Room.
LiftNewParking Off Site & Chargeable
Pricing
Carlton Beach Hotel
Based on a Thursday arrivals
3 Nights Half Board
1 Night Bed & Breakfast
The Hague Marriott Hotel
Based on a Thursday arrival
4 Nights Bed and Breakfast
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Inclusions
- Gouda by Candlelight
- Lunch in a local restaurant
- Entrance to the Gouda Cheese Experience
- Entrance to The Syrup Waffle Experience
- The Royal Christmas Fair, The Hague
