Netherlands Open Air Museum - Castle Doorwerth - Pyramid of Austerlitz - Utrecht

Route: Amsterdam - Netherlands Open Air Museum - Castle Doorwerth - Pyramid of Austerlitz - Utrecht - Amsterdam
Duration: 9 h
Our first stop we will make at the Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem  where features eighty historic houses, farms and windmills. The museum has been designed to create a highly realistic impression of daily life for the average Dutchman over the past few centuries. The Netherlands Open Air Museum has a great line-up of pictures, clothing, toys and many other objects from the past. But remember: this isn’t an ordinary museum. The wheelwright, blacksmith, fisherman, miller and many farmers are waiting for you and they can use an extra hand. So prepare to do some honest labor before you get a chance to taste some of the traditional Dutch foods and drinks. Next we will stop  at the castle Doorwerth is one of the oldest castles in Holland, boasting a history that stretches back as far as the 12th century.  Since 1280, the castle has grown to become a picturesque complex of buildings with a ward and an outer ward. The rich history of the castle, of more than seven centuries, boasts glorious periods as well as darker ones. Nowadays, Doorwerth Castle shines in all its 17th century glory, including a gatehouse, coach house and stables. The vegetable garden is managed so beautifully that you’d expect it to still supply the lord’s kitchens with vegetables and flowers. Inside, you can marvel at the richly decorated period rooms and imagine yourself to be living at the castle. In the armour room, children can try on a chain mail suit.  Aslo one of the oldest trees in Holland is also located on the Castle Doorwerth grounds. The trunk of the Robinia (acacia) tree has a circumference of seven meters (almost 23 feet), and was planted around the year 1600. Next stop will be at the Pyramid of Austerlitz which was built by Napoleon’s soldiers in 1804. During the French rule General Marmont set up an army training camp in the center of the Netherlands in 1804. To honor the victories of his close friend Napoleon Bonaparte and to keep his bored soldiers occupied, Marmomt had his 18,000 soldiers build a sand and earth monument inspired by the Pyramids of Giza. Construction took only 27 days. It was named Mont Marmont. When Louis Bonaparte became the new monarch of the Kingdom of Holland in 1806, the pyramid was renamed the Pyramid of Austerlitz, despite protests from General Marmont. It was named after the Battle of Austerlitz (1805) which is widely regarded as the greatest victory ever achieved by Napoleon Bonaparte. Climb atop the pyramid and see how flat the Netherlands actually is. Next we will visit to city Utrecht, with Dutch canals, historic buildings, and cozy Dutch alleys. Enjoy the old Utrecht and discover the most beautiful places of this city. With the Dom Church always visible as the central point, you can safely wander around the medieval streets and along the Dutch canals. Walk through the oldest street of Utrecht along outstanding shops or visit one of the many restaurants and cafes. The city is bustling every day of activities, cheerful people, and a warm vibe. Utrecht surprises every day! During the visit you will see the Buurkerk (Neighbour Church), the Maartensbrug (Martin’s Bridge), the Domtoren (Dom Tower), the Domplein (Cathedral Square), the Domkerk (Dom Church/St Martin’s Cathedral), the Pandhof Garden, the Paushuize (Papal House), the Nieuwegracht (New Canal), the Oudegracht (Old Canal). After free time we will return to Amsterdam.
Price: Per person