Ceramics in Holland

From tile-painting traditions to ceramic studios, this tour traces the evolution of Dutch ceramics through the places that shaped it – from the heart of Delft to the galleries of Amsterdam.

Walk the historic streets of Delft, take part in a workshop at Royal Delft, and explore the creative spaces of the European Ceramic Work Centre. Then visit the Rijksmuseum and the Boijmans Depot to discover how clay continues to inspire both heritage and innovation

Day 1: Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Rotterdam, then coach to Delft. Welcome drink, talk from Maddie, and dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Guided walking tour of the Delft Ceramic Route and Old Town including a visit to the Museum Paul Tetar Van Elven, home of the painter, teacher and passionate collector of art, Delftware and Oriental porcelain. This afternoon visit the Royal Delft Museum, the factory museum for Delft Blue pottery. View the royal collection and take part in a workshop to paint your own tile. Evening talk from Maddie.

Day 3: Morning visit to the European Ceramic Work Centre, located in a historic building which was once the largest leather factory in Europe. Artists and designers from around the world experiment with ceramics here, and a guided tour offers the chance to see the creation of unique artworks. Later, visit the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility in Rotterdam to view the ceramic collection and artwork at this unique museum.

Day 4: Visit the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam to view the ceramic collection. Afternoon at leisure to explore the city.

Day 5: Morning free in Delft before transfer to Rotterdam for the Eurostar back to London.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the walking involved and standing for viewing at attractions. Day 2 is all on foot with a walking tour of Delft and walking to Royal Delft. There is no coach transfer back to the hotel in the afternoon. 

INCLUDED

• Return Eurostar from St Pancras to Rotterdam
• Three nights' bed and breakfast at the three-star Hampshire Delft Centre, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room 
• Two dinners
• Two lectures by Dr Maddie Hewitson
• Airport transfers, tours and entrance fees 
• Dr Maddie Hewitson and tour manager throughout 

NOT INCLUDED

• Double room for sole use supplement £272
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

Hampshire Delft Centre

Hampshire Hotel Delft Centre is a welcoming, family-owned 3-star hotel that blends modern comfort with rich local heritage—perfect for travellers seeking a culturally immersive stay. Situated just behind Delft’s iconic Nieuwe Kerk and a short stroll from the historic Markt square, the hotel offers an ideal base for exploring the city’s artistic and architectural treasures. Each of the 92 rooms is uniquely themed around musical genres, providing a distinctive and engaging atmosphere. Guests can enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and Smart TVs, ensuring a comfortable and connected stay. The on-site Restaurant Swing serves Dutch-French cuisine, complemented by live piano music, enhancing the dining experience. With its central location, attentive service, and cultural charm, Hampshire Hotel Delft Centre offers an enriching retreat for discerning travellers.

Hampshire Delft Centre Website

YOUR LECTURER

Dr Maddie Hewitson
Madeline Hewitson is a research associate in the History of Art department at the University of York where she also completed her PhD. Maddie specialises in British art post-1850 and has contributed to a number of British art exhibitions at museums such as the Hepworth Wakefield, York Art Gallery and Nunnington Hall. She is an active researcher in addition to lecturing and teaching across the UK, as well as leading the Travel Editions’ 20^th Century Art in Yorkshire tours for the past 7 years.

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