Vincent Van Gogh, Delft & The Royal Christmas Fair

Itinerary

Vincent van Gogh, Delft & The Royal Christmas Fair

Step into the world of Vincent van Gogh this festive season, with a holiday designed around seeing something truly special. At the heart of the tour is a visit to the Kröller-Müller Museum, set within the wide-open landscapes of the Hoge Veluwe National Park, where a rare exhibition brings together all 88 paintings from the museum’s van Gogh collection in one place. Beyond the gallery walls, we travel through varied Dutch scenery and spend time in Arnhem, Delft and The Hague, where historic streets and a traditional Christmas market add a seasonal feel. With scenic journeys, well-paced excursions and free time built in to explore, this is an easy-going festive break that combines art and the pleasure of seeing something new.

Vincent van Gogh, Delft & The Royal Christmas Fair

Ferry to Calais and onward to our hotel in the Netherlands, where we stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Vincent van Gogh, Delft & The Royal Christmas Fair

We leave the hotel mid-morning and head into the Hoge Veluwe National Park, a protected landscape of woodland, heath and dunes, known for its wildlife and open scenery. Our visit includes time at the Kröller-Müller Museum, set within the park. This features a rare Vincent van Gogh exhibition, showcasing all 88 paintings from the museum’s private collection. It houses one of the largest collections of Vincent van Gogh's works, including masterpieces such as Sunflowers, The Bedroom and Café Terrace at Night. The museum's sculpture garden is equally captivating, featuring pieces by prominent sculptors like Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore, all beautifully integrated into the natural surroundings.

Afterwards, we stop at the Park Pavilion visitor centre, where lunch is at leisure. Don't miss the visitor centre and shop and the Museonder museum, beneath the park. Or, why not take a gentle ride on one of the park’s free white bikes along the flat, signposted cycle paths?

In the afternoon, we continue to Arnhem for free time. There is plenty to see, including the John Frost Bridge, linked to Operation Market Garden during the Battle of Arnhem, the free Airborne Museum at the Bridge, or explore parts of the city’s historic walking route. Dinner is at leisure before we return to the hotel.

Vincent van Gogh, Delft & The Royal Christmas Fair

After a relaxed breakfast, we travel to Delft, arriving late morning at the Royal Delft Museum. A self-guided audio tour introduces the history of Delftware and the techniques behind this famous blue-and-white pottery. We then head into the town centre for lunch at your leisure and enjoy Delft’s canals, market square and shops.

Later, we travel to The Hague, where we have free time to visit the Royal Christmas Fair, held along the Lange Voorhout near the Binnenhof. Festive stalls line this historic avenue, selling gifts, decorations and seasonal food and drink. If you wish to explore further, the Mauritshuis is nearby and can be visited at your own expense, home to masterpieces by Dutch Old Masters, including Vermeer and Rembrandt. Dinner is at leisure before we return to the hotel in the early evening.

Vincent van Gogh, Delft & The Royal Christmas Fair

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head back to Calais for our return journey home.

Vincent van Gogh, Delft & The Royal Christmas Fair

• Return coach travel & ferry crossings
• 3 nights at the Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant de Klepperman, Hoevelaken (JG4 rating) with breakfast
• Excursions to Hoge Veluwe National Park, Kröller-Müller Museum (includes Vincent van Gogh Exhibition) , Arnhem, Delft, Royal Delft Museum, The Hague & the Royal Christmas Fair
• Audio-guided tour of Royal Delft Museum

Vincent van Gogh, Delft & The Royal Christmas Fair

• 3 nights at the Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant de Klepperman, Hoevelaken (JG4 rating) with breakfast
• Excursions to Hoge Veluwe National Park, Kröller-Müller Museum (includes Vincent van Gogh Exhibition) , Arnhem, Delft, Royal Delft Museum, The Hague & the Royal Christmas Fair
• Audio-guided tour of Royal Delft Museum

Accommodation

Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant de Klepperman, Hoevelaken, Netherlands JG4

Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant de Klepperman in Hoevelaken features a welcoming restaurant, a cozy bar and a wellness area complete with a sauna and steam room. Additionally, guests can take advantage of the modern fitness centre and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. All rooms are en-suite and include a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities as well as a mini fridge.

Hotel Rating

Accommodation in our JG4 category is of an even higher standard, typically offering a wide range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are designed to make your stay the most comfortable possible and the staff provide a service that reflects the detail and quality. You can also expect higher standards of food and beverages.