Festive Holland Afloat
A tour of The Netherlands most magical Christmas celebrations while accommodated onboard the iconic 1950s trans-Atlantic liner "SS Rotterdam"
A tour of The Netherlands most magical Christmas celebrations while accommodated onboard the iconic 1950s trans-Atlantic liner "SS Rotterdam"
A tour of the Netherlands most magical festive celebrations. The enchanting “Gouda by Candlelight” is one of the oldest light festivals in Europe. “The Royal Christmas Fair” at The Hague is one of the country’s most beautiful Christmas events. You will discover the country’s traditions and charm at this most joyful time of year. To make it that bit more special we have arranged accommodation aboard the famed trans-Atlantic liner SS Rotterdam, now a floating hotel restored to her former 1950s glory while updated to offer the expected modern comforts and facilities.
ITINERARY
Thursday - Early morning departure from Dorset via channel crossing to Calais and on to Holland. Arrive SS Rotterdam early evening and after embarking enjoy dinner. Later there is time to explore "La Grande Dame" with her innovative design features - she remains a symbol of the golden age of ocean travel.
Friday - Morning at leisure in Rotterdam. Lunch is provided onboard at 12: 30. Leave the ship at 13:30 to Gouda, setting for the atmospheric event "Gouda by Candlelight". There are winter fairs, cheese-tasting, waffles, music and shows and at 19:00 over 1,500 candles are lit in the Town Hall with many more in surrounding buildings. There are plenty of opportunities to source your own dinner in the town this evening. Leave at 20:30 to drive back to the ship with a late return.
Saturday - Morning at leisure in Rotterdam. Early afternoon drive to The Hague, seat of the Dutch Government and Royal family. It is the setting for the Netherlands most beautiful Christmas event, "The Royal Christmas Fair". The city plays host to Christmas stalls, thousands of lights, atmospheric fires, mulled wine and musical performances. Leave at 6pm to return to ship with a late dinner arranged.
Sunday - After breakfast we shall head back to Calais for early afternoon channel crossing to Dover and drive back to Dorset arriving early evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
SS ROTTERDAM
The former flagship of the prestigious Holland-America Line, launched in 1958 and now permanently moored in Rotterdam Harbour as a floating 4 Star hotel, museum and events venue. Completely restored to her former glory, the Superior cabins are themed in 1950s style and breathe history and comfort. All feature a porthole, bathroom with shower, hairdryer, climate control, TV, fridge, tea tray, safe and free wifi. Meals are enjoyed in the spectacular Lido Restaurant which provides a hot & cold breakfast buffet and a 3 course evening dinner with choices. There are glamourous bars and lounges in which to relax and socialise. You can even book a guided tour of the ships bridge and engine rooms. A lift serves all decks.
4 Days // £675.00 Per Person SRS £220.00
Holiday Highlights: All coach travel, Return channel crossings, 3 nights Superior cabin accommodation, Half board meals (lunch replaces dinner on Friday).
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Littlemoor Road Finches | Littlemoor Road, The Finches bus stop |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | Southlands Road bus stop on Buxton Road, Weymouth (former St Nicholas Church) |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
