In the Footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh Tour

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most famous post-Impressionist painters. His work was famously under appreciated during his lifetime but today are the prize possessions of museums around the world. Vincent Van Gogh was born in the Brabant region of the Netherlands, the son of a pastor. His works are scattered around the globe but Brabant is where his roots are, and where his first masterpiece ‘The Potato Eaters’ was produced. This tour will explore the life and works in the company of Dr Peter Higginson. See the house where he was born, his art class school, the parsonage and churches where his father worked, and of course some of his most famous works at both the Kroller-Muller Museum and Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Eurostar from London St. Pancras to the Netherlands
This morning travel by Eurostar to Amsterdam where you will then transfer by coach to the pretty town of s’Hertogenbosch, also known as Den Bosch, and check into the Golden Tulip Central Hotel. In the evening there will be a welcome reception followed by a talk by Dr Peter Higginson - 'The Emerging Artist in Holland' and a private three-course dinner with wine.

Day 2: Zundert and Etten-Leur
Today transfer by coach to Zundert the birthplace of Vincent Van Gogh. The day will start with a guided tour of the area taking in the Vincent Van Gogh Huis, his birthplace, now an arts centre, the Theo and Vincent Van Gogh monument as well as the Protestant church that his father preached at. This will introduce you to the early life of Van Gogh and his upbringing. From here travel to the small town of Etten-Leur, where there will be time for lunch (not included) before a walking tour including the Van Gogh Church. It was in Etten-Leur that Van Gogh decided he was going to become a painter. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. In the evening there will be a second talk by Dr Peter Higginson - 'Van Gogh taking on avant garde' - before a private three-course dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Nuenen and s’Hertogenbosch
This morning travel to the pretty village of Nuenen, also known as Van Gogh Village. With a guided walking tour hear stories about Van Gogh and the years he spent living in Nuenen and see some of the fourteen locations that have been immortalised in his sketches and paintings. Lunch will be at the Restaurant Opwetten Watermill, which Van Gogh sketched and painted many times. From here travel back to s’Hertogenbosch to visit the Het Noordbrabants Museum for a free flow visit of its Van Gogh exhibition and its other galleries. Return to the hotel where your evening will be at leisure.

Day 4 Kroller- Muller Museum
Today travel by coach to the Kroller-Muller Museum which is set in the beautiful Hage Veluwe National Park. The museum which houses the second biggest collection of Van Gogh work is set within its own sculpture park. There will be time to explore both the art inside and outside the museum. Lunch will be included in the park restaurant. Afternoon guided tour of the Jachthuis Sint Hubertus, the former residence of the Kröller-Müllers, and one of the most iconic buildings in the Netherlands. Return to s’Hertogenbosch late afternoon. The evening will be at leisure.

Day 5: Amsterdam and return Eurostar to London St. Pancras
Depart s’Hertogenbosch for Amsterdam where you will explore the Van Gogh Museum. Take in some of his masterpieces, letters and sketches. Your time in Brabant, exploring his early life will give you a deeper context and understanding of his works. There will be free time for lunch (not included) before heading to Amsterdam Central Station to catch the Eurostar back to London St. Pancras.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Return Eurostar from St Pancras to Amsterdam
• Four nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Golden Tulip Hotel, 's‑Hertogenbosch, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception and first night dinner with wine at the hotel
• Second night dinner at the hotel
• Two talks by Dr Peter Higginson
• Two lunches
• Full coach touring itinerary including entrance fees and transfers as detailed
• Dr Peter Higginson throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement 
• Holiday insurance 
• Standard Premier upgrade on Eurostar. On the Eurostar this constitutes upgraded seating and light meal with complimentary drink
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities.

PLEASE NOTE: As with most trains, passengers are responsible for carrying baggage onto and off the train. Baggage can be stored on overhead shelves or at the entrance to the carriages.Trollies are available at St Pancras and Brussels, but bags do need to be carried on to the platform.

Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery service called thebaggageman, where your suitcase can be picked up from your home before departure and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore removing the worry about carrying your cases onto and off the trains. Please click here for more information and we have arranged a 10% discount exclusive to Travel Editions clients off the thebaggageman service. Tel: 01844 264890

HOTEL

Golden Tulip Hotel, s’Hertogenbosch.

The Golden Tulip Central Hotel is located next to the medieval market square of s’Hertogenbosch. It offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and fitness centre. Rooms feature all the regular amenities including tea/coffee making facilities, phone, television, safe and wifi.

Hotel Website