Real-world learning in a city of innovation
Rotterdam is a vibrant city where classroom concepts are brought to life through real-world examples. From Europe’s largest port and innovative sustainable projects to modern architecture and global business, the city offers something for everyone.
Students can explore topics including geography, science, business, engineering, culture and sustainability through engaging, hands-on experiences. With plenty of opportunities to see how people, technology and the environment work together, Rotterdam is an inspiring destination that brings learning to life.
Trip Highlights
The Euromast
Enjoy fantastic views over the city.
Kinderdijk
Discover the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
De Kuip Stadium Tour
Get inspired whilst exploring the iconic home of Feyenoord.
Gouda Cheese Experience
Uncover the story behind the Netherlands’ iconic cheese.
Itinerary suggestion
1 Depart school in your coach
2 Channel crossing to Calais
3 Travel to Rotterdam – journey time from Calais approx. 5 hours
4 Check in at accommodation
5 Evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Visit the Euromast
3 Boat tour of the harbour
4 De Kuip Stadium Tour
5 Evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Gouda Cheese Experience
3 Syrup Waffle Factory visit
4 Afternoon at Kinderdijk
5 Evening meal – Option to have dinner at Markthal Indoor Market
1 Breakfast
2 Travel to Amsterdam
3 Canal cruise
4 The Anne Frank House or Van Gogh Museum
5 Evening meal – Option to have dinner on the Pancake Boat
1 Breakfast
2 Check out from accommodation
3 Travel to Calais
4 Channel crossing to Dover
5 Travel back to school
Recommended excursions
Gouda Cheese Experience
Discover the story behind the Netherlands’ world-famous cheese. Combining tradition, craftsmanship and interactive exhibits, this experience offers an insight into the history and production of Gouda cheese, making it an enjoyable visit for all ages.
Markthal Indoor Market
Located in the heart of Rotterdam, the Markthal is a lively indoor market filled with fresh produce, international food stalls and local Dutch specialities. Set beneath a striking horseshoe-shaped building, it’s a great place to sample different cuisines, soak up the atmosphere and admire the colourful artwork that covers the market’s impressive ceiling.
Euromast
Discover the city with breathtaking views from the top of the Euromast. The Rise of Rotterdam is the new immersive experience on the ground floor and is part of Colourful Rotterdam; here, you quite literally step into the story of the city. In two immersive rooms, you’ll experience how Rotterdam became what it is today: from water and mud to a colourful metropolis.
Harbour Boat Tour
Experience Rotterdam at its most authentic: raw, robust and full of industrial charm on a harbour tour. The port is the largest in Europe, and a place of constant growth and innovation. It is the beating heart of the region, full of life and movement. Step aboard and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of the Port of Rotterdam – an experience that will open your eyes to the unparalleled energy of this unique city.
Kinderdijk
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinderdijk is symbolic of the Netherlands. The authentic windmills located here combine to tell a unique tale of water, land and workmanship. The Dutch have managed to hold back the water for more than 750 years. At Kinderdijk, you can learn how they have managed to live below sea level for centuries. You can take a boat trip and sail past huge windmills, meet the millers, and have a look around inside the windmills.
World Horti Centre
This visit offers a broad overview of Dutch horticulture: how a greenhouse works, which basic techniques are used, as well as how technology has changed the sector. It also provides an extensive focus on the World Horti Centre concept: its structure, purpose, and the collaboration between entrepreneurs, educational institutions, research organisations and government.
Stichting Tomatoworld
Discover the future of greenhouse farming at Tomatoworld. Visitors from all over the world can gain a unique insight into the high-tech innovations that are transforming this sector. Be inspired by pioneering technologies and complete your visit with a tour of the field lab. Tomatoworld offers an unparalleled experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Pancake Boat
Cruise along the Maas River and take in the stunning views of Rotterdam’s skyline while enjoying traditional Dutch pancakes. Relax in a casual atmosphere and enjoy unlimited freshly baked pancakes – choose from bacon, apple, or plain varieties.
Syrup Waffle Factory
Uncover the history of the Kamphuisen syrup waffle and see the baking process up close. Watch expert bakers in action, peer into the heart of the oven, and learn how these delicious waffles are still made today. To finish, enjoy a freshly baked syrup waffle straight from the oven.
De Kuip Stadium Tour
Explore one of Rotterdam’s most iconic landmarks and gain a behind-the-scenes insight into the world of professional football. Discover areas usually reserved for players and staff while learning about the history, traditions and atmosphere of one of the Netherlands’ most famous clubs. Whether you’re a football fan or simply curious, this tour offers a unique glimpse into life at the stadium.
Efteling World of Wonders
Explore fairy tales, folklore and adventure at Efteling, the Netherlands’ most enchanting theme park. This fantasy-themed attraction brings classic stories and legends to life through immersive rides, magical forests and spectacular shows. From roller coasters to the charming Fairytale Forest, Efteling offers something for everyone.
Royal FloraHolland flower auction in Aalsmeer
Experience the energy of one of the world’s largest floral marketplaces at a flower auction. Watch traders bid, see millions of flowers from around 50 countries being traded each day, and take in the scale of the operation. Begin at the Visitor Centre before heading to the auction halls to see the action firsthand.
Canal Cruise Amsterdam
A cruise through Amsterdam’s canals is a pretty and peaceful way to see some of the city’s most beautiful spots. Gliding through the old centre, the view encompasses elegant merchants’ mansions, carillon-crowned churches and warehouses with their rich history from Holland’s Golden Age.
Tip: There are 65 miles of canals that meander through the city.
Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
The building where Anne Frank hid from Nazi persecution sits on the Prinsengracht canal. As well as the preservation of the hiding place and an exhibition on the life and times of Anne Frank, the museum acts as an exhibition space to highlight all forms of persecution and discrimination Photo © Konrad Glogowski.
Van Gogh Museum
The largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world is housed here, along with the works of his contemporaries, Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. A visit here helps students understand the artistic context in which his works were created and the influence they had upon others.
Tip: The permanent collection includes 200 paintings, 500 drawings and more than 700 letters.
Clara Maria Cheese Farm and Clog Factory
The Clara Maria Cheese Farm and Clog Factory is located southwest of Amsterdam in the polder. A guided tour allows students to see Gouda cheese being made in the converted barn using the milk from the farm and traditional processes. Groups enjoy a cheese tasting and a chance to see Dutch wooden clogs being made using antique machinery. An on-site souvenir shop has a variety of Dutch products available
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students can:
- Experience learning outside the classroom in another country.
- Understand how different subjects and industries connect to solve global challenges.
- Build confidence and learn to value the skills and techniques needed for personal and team success.
- Explore the relationship between people, the environment and technological progress.
- Discover, explore and have fun with fellow students and teachers.
Student outcomes
Students will:
- Visit a foreign country and experience another language and culture.
- Gain independence and self-confidence.
- Enhance critical thinking and enquiry skills through real-world experiences and observations outside the classroom.
- Develop an appreciation of how different cultures, communities and traditions contribute to a city’s identity.
- Strengthen existing friendships and make new friends.
- Further develop their personal organisational skills.
Typical accommodation
Stayokay Rotterdam
Why groups like it:
- Clean, comfortable hostel
- Located in the famous cube houses
- Staff experienced in hosting student groups of different ages and needs.
Facilities:
- Multi-bedded rooms for students with private facilities.
- Bed & Breakfast, half board and full board available.
- Free WiFi and on-site restaurant.
A&O Hostel Rotterdam City
Why groups like it:
- Excellent central location
- 24-hour reception and security
- Coach parking available
Facilities:
- Multi-bedded rooms for students with private facilities
- Flexible meal options available
- Free WiFi and on-site restaurant.
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It was a smooth process, excellent value for money and you created the bespoke trip that I was looking for! Our students all loved the floating farm, eating pancakes and waffles, and the Royal Flower Auction. They loved being able to get into Rotterdam easily in the evening, walking or by tram.
Woking College
“
The professionalism and responsiveness of the Travelbound team gave staff complete confidence throughout, making the whole experience smooth and stress-free. We would highly recommend Travelbound to any school or group looking to organise an inspiring, well-managed, and unforgettable educational trip, we will certainly be booking with them again!
Baxter College
“
The agents at Travelbound were extremely attentive and responsive. They handled every detail of the trip perfectly and were flexible with any changes we needed to make along the way. The trip was brilliant and the girls very much enjoyed it.
Woldingham School
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I have been using Travelbound for all my overseas trips since 2008. They always provide a very thorough and professional service.
New Rickstones Academy
Ready to start planning your school trip?
If you have any questions or would like to start planning your cross-curricular school trip to Rotterdam, contact our educational specialists on 01273 244572 or request a quote below, tailored to your group and learning objectives.
