Frisian impressions
Friesland – let the land by the sea enchant you!
- 3 nights bed and breakfast in the lovely 4* Hotel De Bonte Wever with indoor and outdoor pools
- 3 dinners at the hotel
- Beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee and tea at the hotel all inclusive
- City walk in Groningen
- Full-day guided tour to the Frisian Lake District
- Full-day guided tour to the highlights of Leeuwarden, Franeker and Harlingen
Did you know that Friesland is the only province in the Netherlands with its own official language? But that’s not the only reason why this province is exceptional. Its canals, monuments and shopping streets make the capital Leeuwarden one of Holland’s best-kept secrets. The Wadden Sea and the Frisian or Wadden Islands are among the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The Frisian Lake District around Sneek is a wonderful place for water sport enthusiasts and nature lovers. The Wouda pumping station in Lemmer is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the only steam-powered pumping station in the world.
MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
Leeuwarden – Sneek – Heerenveen – Harlingen – Wadden Sea and Wadden Islands – Terpen route near the Wadden Sea – De Alde Feanen National Park – Sneek water gate
On a city tour, explore Groningen, the capital of the province of the same name in the north of Holland. Visit the most important sights, including the famous Martini Tower, the picturesque ›Hofjes‹ and the historic warehouses along the canal. After the tour, transfer to the hotel for check in.
After breakfast, join a tour guide on an excursion through the Frisian Lake District. The tour passes through Lemmer, a popular seaside resort, to Sloten. Surrounded by city walls, Sloten is one of the smallest Frisian towns, with around 800 inhabitants. On a walk along the canals, explore the historic fortified town with its winding alleyways, listed patrician houses and the old corn mill on a bastion of the city wall. The next stop is the idyllic Hindeloopen, a picture-perfect Frisian town, with quaint wooden bridges and small alleyways. During the visit, discover the historic captain’s houses, unique painting crafts and the charming harbour and old wooden lockkeeper’s house.
Today’s excursion is to Leeuwarden, Franeker and Harlingen. Together with a tour guide, the first stop is Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland. As part of the guided tour, explore the charming old town with its pretty canals and alleyways, and visit the historic Oldehove tower, one of the city’s landmarks. The former university town of Franeker is the next destination on the tour. The town is best known for its annual tournament of the Frisian ball sport ›Kaatsen‹, or Frisian handball. But the historic town centre, with its many listed buildings and the oldest functioning planetarium, the Eise Eisinga, also ensure a visit to the town is a highlight. Finally, the tour takes you to the port city of Harlingen. In addition to being the only seaport in Friesland, its atmospheric centre with idyllic canals and historic warehouses is especially charming. Harlingen is also an important link to the Wadden Islands of Vlieland and Terschelling.
On your journey home, we recommend a visit to Fort Bourtange, a historic fortress from the 18th century. In addition to its various buildings for officers, discover sights from past centuries, including the bastions, the soldiers’ dwellings, the guardhouses and the picturesque market square. Various museums and exhibitions impressively explain the history of the fortress – an eventful journey through the past (additional costs apply).