Business Studies School Trips to Rotterdam

Return coach travel

Channel crossings

All in-country travel

Half-board accommodation

Dinners at local restaurants

Excursion entrance fees

Travel insurance

24/7 on-trip emergency support

1 teacher place for every 10 students

Home » Trips » Business Studies School Trips to Rotterdam

Aerial view panorama of Rotterdam in the Netherlands

Rows of plant pots at FloraHolland Flower Auction

The former Tropicana ballroom at BlueCity, Rotterdam

Students on a guided tour of BlueCity, Rotterdam

Windmills next to fields of colourful tulips in Kinderdijk , Netherlands

Euroscope tower in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Business in action in Europe’s biggest port

Rotterdam is a global hub of trade, innovation, circular economy and sustainable business, making it the perfect destination for Business Studies students. Students will explore how organisations use entrepreneurship, technology and strategic thinking to drive growth and tackle real-world challenges.

Discover how businesses respond to sustainability, food security and international trade, while gaining insight into one of Europe’s largest ports and the global supply chains behind the world’s largest flower auction. This exciting trip brings key business concepts to life, providing a deeper understanding of operations, decision-making and entrepreneurship while inspiring future career ambitions.

Trip Highlights

Royal FloraHolland Flower Auction

Understand the supply chains behind the world’s largest flower auction.

BlueCity

Take a tour around the economy of tomorrow.

Portlantis

Discover Europe’s largest and busiest port.

Floating Farm

Visit this pioneering farm and learn about sustainable food production.

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 Guided tour of BlueCity

5 Evening meal – Option to have dinner at Markthal Indoor Market

1 Early breakfast

2 Visit the Royal FloraHolland flower auction in Aalsmeer

3 Afternoon at Kinderdijk

4 Evening meal

1 Breakfast

2 Visit Portlantis

3 Gouda Cheese Experience or Syrup Waffle Factory visit

4 Evening meal – Option to have dinner on the Pancake Boat

1 Breakfast

2 Check out from accommodation

3 Guided tour of the Floating Farm

4 Travel to Calais

5 Channel crossing to Dover

6 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.

75 mins

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.

90 mins

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.

75 mins

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.

Half day

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.

2 hours

Bunch of tomatoes at a tomato greenhouse

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.

2 hours

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.

75 mins

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.

45 mins

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.

90 mins

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.

Half or full day

Roof Farm Tour

Visit an innovative rooftop farm in central Rotterdam that showcases sustainable food production, urban biodiversity and smart water management. Explore how green spaces can transform cities and support a more sustainable future.

1 hour View on map

Floating Farm Tour

During the Future of Farming Tour, discover how innovation and sustainability are shaping the future of food production. Learn about the pioneering Floating Farm concept through a presentation before taking a guided tour of the floating farm itself. You’ll see sustainable farming practices in action and gain insight into new approaches to producing food in urban environments. Tip: Upgrade to the Plus Tour to round off the experience with a tasting of the dairy and cheese products.

90 mins

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.

2 hours

BlueCity Tour

Explore the former tropical swimming paradise Tropicana, now a centre for circular innovation. Tour the world’s first circularly renovated biolab and gain insight into sustainable business practices. Tip: Add an Entrepreneur Presentation for a glimpse into the new businesses that are tackling real-world challenges and shaping a more circular future.

90 mins View on map

RDM Rotterdam

Explore the future of port development on a guided tour of RDM Rotterdam. Visit the Innovation Dock, home to pioneering start-ups, and learn about cutting-edge projects through interactive exhibits. Visit the Living Labs, where education and industry come together to tackle real-world challenges. Learn how technical education is helping develop the creativity, skills and solutions needed for the future of industry.

1 hour View on map

Learning outcomes

GCSE curriculum links (Business Studies)

Supply chains and procurement: follow flowers from around 50 countries from grower to customer at Royal FloraHolland.
Globalisation: understand Rotterdam’s place in European imports and exports at Portlantis and on a harbour boat tour.
Ethical and environmental considerations: discover the circular economy at BlueCity and sustainable food production at the Floating Farm and Roof Farm.
Technology: find out how technology improves productivity in Dutch horticulture at the World Horti Center and Tomatoworld.
Enterprise: see pioneering start-ups at RDM Rotterdam’s Innovation Dock and BlueCity.
Production processes: explore traditional food production at the Gouda Cheese Experience or Syrup Waffle Factory.

A Level curriculum links (Business Studies and Economics)

Innovation and entrepreneurs: see circular innovation at BlueCity and understand start-ups at RDM Rotterdam.
Operations and supply chains: understand managing a global supply chain at ROyal FloraHolland and technology in greenhouse production.
Stakeholders: learn about how entrepreneurs, education, research and government work together at the World Horti Center.
Economics, market failure: discover externalities and how a circular economy responds to them.

Typical accommodation

Housekeeper making the bed in a hotel room

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.

“

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

“

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 arrange your next adventure?

If you have any questions or would like to book your school business studies trip to Rotterdam, please contact our educational specialists on 01273 244572 or request a quote below, tailored to your group and learning objectives.

Request a quote