Name: In-Person Cultural Arts Trip - The Neglected Netherlands
Start: 2027-04-04T18:00:00+02:00
End: 2027-05-02T18:00:00+02:00
Location: Grand Hotel Karel V

In-Person Cultural Arts Trip - The Neglected Netherlands

Join in this adventure off-the-beaten path to discover treasures of The Netherlands, outside of Amsterdam!
About this Event
Event Photos

Spend 8-13 nights of glorious springtime in the land of canals & castles, tulips & treasures, Van Gogh & Vermeer.

The National JCC Adult & Senior Alliance invites all to join us for our Cultural Arts Trip:

The Neglected Netherlands
Apr 3/4-(12/16), 2027

The “Low Lands” is an interesting country filled with quaint towns, world-class museums, fabulous cuisine, interesting history, charming architecture and more; yet most visitors spend a couple of days in Amsterdam and ignore the rest of the country. Join this unique exploration to visit wonderful cultural treasures in small towns, villages and countryside.

The Netherlands is a historically rich, artistically abundant, culinarily creative, but often overlooked European treasure. Most may go to Amsterdam for a day or two and then completely ignore the rest of the country; too bad, their loss. There are so many other gems waiting to be explored outside of Amsterdam! The “Low Lands” are filled with charming towns, rich museums, historic architecture, culinary delights, and more! Join in this fabulous exploration less-touristy highlights!

Be based in The Netherlands’ 4th largest city! Known for its charming, medieval city center, Utrecht has beautiful, tree-lined streets, verdant parks, stunning buildings, fascinating museums and more. Located in the center of the country, Utrecht is the perfect home-base for exploring elsewhere. Take several daytrips to other towns from the political capital – The Hague – in the west to a beloved park & forest toward the east, with one of the country’s most prized museums and elsewhere!

Springtime is a glorious period to take in nature’s abundance of magnificent colors, shapes and fragrances; Dutch gardens turn into fireworks of blossoms, especially with the country’s iconic tulips. And, the famous Keukenhof Gardens – open for only 8-weeks a year – is not to be missed!

In the past, The Netherlands was not known for its cuisine, however, the Dutch culinary scene has evolved into a vibrant destination for foodies. From traditional favorites of Gouda cheese, Stroopwafels (“syrup waffles”), and Pannenkoeken (“pancakes”) to Contemporary Farm-to-Table Gastronomic Tasting Meals to dishes influenced by Jewish, Turkish, Indonesian, and other cultures. Enjoy a myriad of local flavors!

Led by opera/musical theater instructor & arts maven, James Sokol, this trip promises to be a fun, interesting and delicious dive into lesser-known gems that most American travelers never visit.

This trip has sold out in past years! Spaces are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve yours soon!

For trip details & paperwork, please register through this Eventbrite page or contact James at [email protected].

Optional Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip: Unpretentious Utrecht (April 3 & 4)

Post-Trip Unseen Amsterdam (April 12-16)

Lengthen your journey with either a pre-trip and/or post-trip extension to explore more off-the-beaten-path (yes, even in Amsterdam!) sites & experiences.