Excursions & Daytrips
Excursions in the Netherlands
Please see this page for excursions and day trips in the Netherlands. We will be coordinating one official SCECR excursion on Wednesday June 20, 2018. The other excursions serve as ideas that you may embark upon individually while in the Netherlands.
Official SCECR Excursion – Port of Rotterdam & Maeslantkering (Storm Surge Barrier)
On Wednesday June 20th, 2018 there will be an official half-day SCECR excursion to the Port of Rotterdam and the Maeslantkering. This unique guided trip allows unprecedented access to this mega harbor, including access to areas that are otherwise closed off.
In addition, this trip will also include a visit to the Maeslantkering. This is one of the largest moving structures on Earth and acts as a storm surge barrier. It closes if Rotterdam and the Netherlands are threatened by floods. It is approximately the size of two Eiffel Tower’s.
Please note that registration for this trip is required and that there is a participation fee. A registration link and exact details of the excursion will be provided soon.
Information:
- Date: Wednesday June 20, 2018
- Time: 10:00 – 15:00
- Registration Fee: €56,00 (includes guided tour, transport and lunch)
- Minimum number of participants: 20*
*A minimum number of participants is required for this excursion to occur. In the event that bookings do not reach the minimum number of participants, the registration fee will be refunded.
Alternative Day Trips & Excursions
UNESCO World Heritage Site – Kinderdijk
Discover the splendid 19 windmills of Kinderdijk and see how the Dutch have been controlling the waters for over 1000 years! In the beautiful wetlands just outside Rotterdam, you will find the windmills of Kinderdijk. 19 unique windmills, built around 1740, stand here as part of a larger water management system to prevent floods. Today, they symbolize Dutch water management and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997!
- Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:30
- Costs: €8,00 (€7,00 Online)
- Tickets / Registration:
- Online: https://www.kinderdijk.com/
- Entrance: Tickets are also available at the entrance to Kinderdijk
- Transport: The best way to get to the Kinderdijk Windmills is to take the Waterbus. Set sail on Waterbus Line 202 (next to the Erasmus Bridge), and relax as you enjoy your 30-minute boat trip to Kinderdijk. The Waterbus stops right in front of the Kinderdijk.
- Transport Costs:
- Tickets on Board: Waterbus tickets are available for purchase from the steward. Cash only (no cards)! A return trip will costs €8,00.
- OV Card: You can also pay using the OV Card. Please see the section Travel Information.
- Additional Info: https://www.waterbus.nl/en/about-the-waterbus
| Rotterdam Erasmus Bridge -> Kinderdijk | Kinderdijk -> Rotterdam Erasmus Bridge | ||
| Departure | Arrival | Departure | Arrival |
| 08:35 | 09:05 | ||
| 10:35 | 11:05 | 10:03 | 10:33 |
| 12:35 | 13:05 | 12:03 | 12:33 |
| 14:35 | 15:05 | 14:03 | 14:33 |
| 16:35 | 17:05 | 16:03 | 16:33 |
Giethoorn – The Venice of the North
This mostly car-free village in the northeastern part of the Netherlands is known for it’s boat-filled waterways, footpaths, bicycle trails and centuries-old thatched-roof houses. Many consider it one of the most beautiful villages in the Netherlands. The best way to explore Giethoorn and the myriad of canals is by joining a canal cruise or hiring a small electric boat (very little skill required). The village also contains various restaurants and museums to visit.
- Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:00
- Costs: Free to visit, but there are fees for the optional canal cruises and boat rental
- Transport:
- Public Transport: Giethoorn is a great day trip from Rotterdam, with about 2,5 hours of riding in a train and on a bus. To make the trek for a day trip to Giethoorn, you will need to travel by train from Rotterdam Central Station to the city of Steenwijk. Then take Bus 70 to the Dominee Hylkemaweg stop in Giethoorn. You will then see a restaurant across the street with various canal cruise companies waiting to take you to the village. Please use 9292.nl to calculate the best route from Rotterdam to Giethoorn.
- Car Rental: Giethoorn can also easily be reached by car. Various car rental organizations are located close by the SCECR hotels. These include SIXT in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel and Budget and AVIS across the street from the Marriott Hotel.
- Transport Costs:
- Tickets on Board: You can pay for public transport using the OV Card (+/- €60,00 return) . Please see the section Travel Information.
- Additional Info: https://www.giethoorn.com/en/
City Sightseeing Rotterdam – Hop on Hop off Bus
Hop onboard of the world renowned red City Sightseeing buses and experience panoramic views of the architectural capital of the Netherlands, the only Dutch city with a real skyline. With 7 conveniently located stops, City Sightseeing will take you to all of the essential sights where you can hop on and off and explore the city at your own pace (rain or shine)!
- Running Times: 10:00 – 17:00 (every hour)
- Duration: 1 hour
- Starting Location: Rotterdam Central Station – Conradstraat bus station (marked with red flags containing the Citysightseeing Logo)
- €18,00
- Tickets / Registration: