IATM Post Tour, Rotterdam and Utrecht, 30 January - 2 February 2024

IATM POST TOUR - Defence against the water and water as defence!
We start with a visit to the Maeslantkering, a storm surge barrier built in the 1990s to protect the city of Rotterdam from flooding. Next stop is a floating farm where we hear about this new form of farming and get to taste some of their produced. Rotterdam is not only Europe’s largest seaport, but after the destruction of the city centre in WW2, it has become a hotspot for modern architecture.  Our tour of the city will end up at the famous Market Hall where you can get a bite to eat for lunch. Next stop is World Heritage Site Kinderdijk, famous for its many water pumping windmills. Normally closed this time of year, they have agreed to open especially for us! 
The last leg of our journey today is to Utrecht where we shall stay for three nights at the modern Crowne Plaza hotel in the heart of the city.
Dinner in a local restaurant this evening.
 
Wednesday 31 January - After breakfast at the hotel this morning we embark on a walking tour of this university town famous for its beautiful canals, extraordinary church tower, busy city centre and excellent museums. The afternoon and evening are free for lunch, dinner, and individual activities. Our local members will suggest museums visits and other activities.
Some of you might even want to go shopping this afternoon.
 
Thursday 1 February - First stop on today’s tour is another World Heritage site, a fort in the new Dutch Water Line, dating back to 1880. Here we learn about the ingenious Dutch way of using water and inundation as protection against enemy attacks.
After that we proceed to the idyllic city of Gorinchem. The city dates back to 1000 AD but by the 16th century, the city walls were so deteriorated that they were replaced with new fortifications and eleven bastions that still are almost completely intact. The new walls were completed in 1609. In 1673, Gorinchem became part of the old dutch Water Line. Here we will have time for lunch on your own and then local experts will take us on a walking tour.
Last stop today is the Slot Loevestein. This little castle has played an important role in Dutch history as well as been an important element in the old and the new Dutch Water Line. Strong Dutch coffee here before we head back to Utrecht.
On the last night of this Dutch experience, we start with a beer tasting on the famous Oude Gracht in Utrecht and we will have our dinner in an old city castle on the same canal.
 
Friday 2 February
Individual departures after breakfast this morning. Direct trains to Schiphol four times per hour and the journey takes about 30 minutes.