• Zuiderzeemuseum - This exhibition offers insights into the lives of both past and present inhabitants of the Zuiderzee region. They share stories about their daily routines, occupations, attire, homes, and leisure activities. Learn about their traditions, celebrations, and their ongoing struggle against the water, including the construction of the enclosing dyke that transformed everything. The Zuiderzee Museum boasts the largest collection of ships in the Netherlands. Iron ships are docked in the outdoor museum’s harbor, while the most significant wooden ships are housed in the Schepenhal. Through audiovisual presentations, visitors are transported back 100 years to the Zuiderzee, once a wild open sea teeming with fish, saltwater, and turbulent waves, where around 1900, two thousand fishing boats sailed daily. Experience the resilience of a fishing boat during storms and the journey of an ice floe with scratching irons across the frozen Zuiderzee to and from Urk.
• Afsluitdijk - History of the Afsluitdijk
  The Afsluitdijk stretches 32 km in length:

Ideas to close off the Zuiderzee emerged as early as the 17th century due to frequent dike breaches, but they gained traction only by the late 19th century. In 1891, young engineer Cornelis Lely developed the initial plans for the Afsluitdijk. As Minister of Water Management in 1913, he ensured the project was included in the cabinet’s agenda.

However, these plans were postponed. During World War I, food shortages in the Netherlands heightened the need for self-sufficiency, prioritizing the creation of agricultural land. Unfortunately, in 1916, a catastrophic flood, later known as the Flood Disaster of 1916, struck the Zuiderzee area, resulting in fatalities, injuries, thousands of displaced people, and significant economic damage.

• Afsluitdijk - The adoption of Lely’s Zuiderzee Act in 1918 led to the Zuiderzee Works, which dramatically altered the Netherlands’ landscape. The Afsluitdijk became an unparalleled hydraulic engineering feat, showcasing the Netherlands’ capabilities to the world.

The Zuiderzee Works Service was established, and by 1920, work commenced to seal off the Zuiderzee. On 28 May 1932, the final gap, the Vlieter, was closed, marking the transformation of the Zuiderzee into the IJsselmeer. A year later, the dike, now the A7 motorway, was opened to traffic.

• Giethoorn - Discover the charming and picturesque locations in the Netherlands: Giethoorn, the Dutch Venice village.
  Relish the tranquility and natural beauty of this idyllic village. Enjoy a guided boat tour lasting 1 hour under the linden trees, admire the characteristic wooden bridges, and the historic farmhouses.
  Visitors can also opt to navigate a small boat independently. If you wish to steer the boat yourself, please inform your driver to make the necessary arrangements. After the canal cruise, enjoy a delightful lunch at one of the town’s lovely restaurants or take a leisurely stroll through the charming Giethoorn village.
• Giethoorn - Opportunity to wander through the historic town and explore this remarkable Dutch Venice village.
• Giethoorn - Opportunity to enjoy a delightful lunch in Giethoorn.

• Wifi and Bottled water
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Canal cruise underneath the linden trees, admire the typical wooden bridges and the old farmhouses.
• Professional driver/host
• All fees and/or taxes
• Transport by a private air-conditioned Mercedes sedan/minivan

• Tip (optional)
• Professional guide

Discover the fascinating history of the Dutch enclosing dyke and explore the Zuiderzee Museum, home to the Netherlands’ largest collection of ships. These vessels, which once navigated the former Zuiderzee, are now displayed at the Museum. The iron ships are docked at the Outdoor Museum’s harbor, while the most significant wooden ships are housed in the Ships’ Hall.

Afterwards, travel over the enclosing dyke to reach Giethoorn. Giethoorn is renowned as the most romantic town in the Netherlands. Situated in Overijssel, in the eastern part of the country, it is enveloped by nature and water. The village is so water-rich that cars are absent, and many homes are accessible only by boat, which is the primary mode of transport for Giethoorn’s residents.

Enjoy a guided canal cruise beneath the linden trees, marvel at the charming wooden bridges, and admire the historic farmhouses. There is an opportunity to steer a boat independently, and you can also enjoy a delightful lunch.

• We provide 24/7 services and to confirm bookings or for questions please contact us during our opening times from Monday - Friday from 09:00 AM till 05:00 PM CET. Saturday and Sunday our office is closed.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.