Gouda by Candlelight & The Royal Christmas Fair 2027

Duration

5 Days

Departure Dates

9th December 2027

Prices from

£1,049 Per person

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Discover the magic of a Dutch Christmas on this delightful festive break combining seasonal traditions, charming historic cities, and some of the Netherlands' most famous culinary delights. Experience the spectacular Gouda by Candlelight, stroll through the sparkling Royal Christmas Fair, savour world-famous Gouda cheese, and indulge in a freshly baked stroopwafel. Immerse yourself in the fantastically festive atmosphere of Christmas in the Netherlands!

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The Hague, Peace Palace ©Digikhmer, Dreamstime

5 DAYS FROM £1,049

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DEPARTS

Thursday 9 December 2027

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Experience the magical Gouda by Candlelight, one of the Netherlands’ most cherished Christmas traditions
Explore the wooden chalets of the beautiful Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague
Sample one of the world’s most famous cheeses at the Gouda Cheese Experience
Indulge in a much-loved Dutch treat, the delicious stroopwafel
Soak in the festive atmosphere of Gouda, Utrecht, and The Hague
Stay in an elegant, beachfront hotel with excellent leisure facilities

Also included in your Tour Fare:

4 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 3 evening meals and 1 lunch
Services of experienced Tour Manager

DAY 1

Travelling by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Rotterdam, then onwards to The Hague and our hotel for four nights, the Carlton Beach Hotel, where we check in and enjoy our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

This morning, we enjoy free time to explore Scheveningen, perhaps stroll along the seafront or relax in the hotel's leisure facilities before we travel by rail to the historic city of Gouda, world-famous for its cheese and picture-postcard market square. Here, we enjoy our lunch together accompanied by a tasting of the region's renowned cheeses before having time at leisure to soak up the magical atmosphere of Gouda by Candlelight. One of the Netherlands' most cherished Christmas traditions, the city centre is transformed as thousands of candles and festive lights illuminate the streets with seasonal activities, entertainment, storytelling, and holiday cheer. Browse the Christmas market, indulge in festive food and drink, and admire the magnificent Gothic Town Hall before the highlight of the event - the ceremonial lighting of the city's Christmas tree creating an unforgettable festive spectacle.

B, L

DAY 3

Today, we visit the charming city of Utrecht whose medieval centre is threaded with canals and dominated by the magnificent Dom Tower, and we enjoy free time to explore the atmospheric streets, browse the independent shops, or relax in one of the many unique canal-side cafés. This afternoon, we return to Gouda for a deliciously Dutch experience at the Gouda Cheese Experience where we will discover the history, traditions, and craftmanship behind one of the world's most famous cheese including tastings, of course! Afterwards, we visit the Siroopwafel Factory to learn the story behind this much-loved Dutch treat and watch the bakers at work before savouring a freshly baked, warm syrup waffle straight from the oven. On our return to the hotel, we enjoy our evening meal together.

B, D

DAY 4

After breakfast this morning, we will discover The Hague, a city of grand boulevards, royal palaces, and sandy beaches and we enjoy a day at leisure to explore the city's excellent museums and galleries, stroll along the beautiful coastlines, and indulge in the rich culinary traditions. We are also treated to one of the Netherlands' most beautiful Christmas markets, the Royal Christmas Fair, set in the heart of The Hague and featuring charming wooden chalets, festive food and drink, sparkling lights, musical performances, and seasonal entertainment. After our magically festive day, we retrace our steps to the hotel in time for our final evening meal together.

B, D

DAY 5

We bid farewell to The Hague and to the Netherlands, returning by rail to Rotterdam, where we will join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

HOTEL

Carlton Beach Hotel, The Hague

Beautifully located on the beach with wonderful sea views, the elegant Carlton Beach Hotel offers a stylish restaurant serving seasonal dishes, a relaxing cocktail bar, and fantastic leisure facilities including a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and fitness centre. The modern bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, a minibar, and tea/coffee making facilities.

FARES

From London St Pancras International:
Standard Class rail travel to/from the Netherlands, including Eurostar Standard	£1,169
Upgrade to Eurostar Plus	£150
First Class rail travel to/from the Netherlands, including Eurostar Plus	£1,369
Join & Leave at The Hague	£1,049
Single Traveller Supplement	£195
Deposit	£150

4 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 3 evening meals and 1 lunch

Eurostar and rail travel to and from the Netherlands in the class of your choice

All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed

Services of experienced Tour Manager

Important – Please select the number of passengers before proceeding to ‘Book Now’

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Carlton Beach Hotel, The Hague

Visit Gouda

Gouda by Candlelight

Visit Utrecht

Gouda Cheese Experience

Siroopwafel Factory

Visit The Hague

Royal Christmas Fair

Gouda by Candlelight ©Gouda bij Kaarslicht

Gouda at Christmas ©AdobeStock

Utrecht ©Topdeq, Dreamstime

Gouda Cheese Experience ©Gouda Cheese

Royal Christmas Fair ©Royal Christmas Fair

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