AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Leaving Amsterdam we drive to the historic city of Delft, famous for its Delft Blue pottery. Old shadowy canals, monuments and museums make Delft one of the most characteristic Old Dutch cities.

Leaving Amsterdam we drive to the historic city of Delft, famous for its Delft Blue pottery. Old shadowy canals, monuments and museums make Delft one of the most characteristic Old Dutch cities. We shall stop to walk around the Market Square with the Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), built in 1430, where the Royal Family is buried. Opposite of the church we will see the Town Hall which dates back to the 15th century. Only the tower, however, remained after a bad fire in 1618. The Town Hall was restored shortly after the fire, giving it a 17th century look – with beautiful leaded windows and half shutters. Weighing houses and other historical buildings give a good impression of this typical Dutch city, where the painter Vermeer once lived. We then continue by coach to the Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles pottery. Although it is not exactly clear when works began production of multicoloured (or polychrome) earthenware, factories appeared in Amsterdam, Haarlem and Middelburg during the second half of the 16th century and it was not until the end of the 16th century that the first pottery was made in Delft. From then on the number of factories increased, largely because tradesmen from the Dutch East India Company brought back Chinese porcelain from the East, and this type of porcelain – with its blue decorations on a white background – became very popular amongst the Dutch. Soon, Dutch potters started to imitate the technique. The Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles is the only remaining earthenware factory of the 32, which were established in Delft during the 17th century. After a tour of the Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles factory, we will return to our ship in Amsterdam, with a drive of approximately one hour. This tour involves walking of approximately two hours in Delft and three quarters of an hour at the Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles factory. Cobblestone streets and steps are likely to be encountered. Please note that the Church visit is dependent on no religious services taking place, and may be closed without prior notice. For reference, driving time to Delft is approximately 75 minutes. A bottle of mineral water will be supplied to each participant.