Art & Design Trips to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known for its heavy-hitters of art history – Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh – and with its relaxed atmosphere, elegant canal houses and charming views it offers the right mix of educational value and broad appeal to make a truly inspirational school trip.
The city’s institutions have undergone major refurbishments that bring its Golden Age and modernist treasures to the masses in a way that does not disappoint. The Rijksmuseum alone delivers an unparalleled journey through 800 years of Dutch art and history, while the The Stedelijk Museum is Amsterdam's go-to institution for modern and contemporary art. Whether it is art or architecture, photography or product design there is something to visit in Amsterdam guaranteed to fascinate your students wherever they stand on the design spectrum.
Curriculum Topics Key Stage 4 & 5
- Art, Craft and Design
- Graphic Communication
- Textile Design
- Three Dimensional Design
- Photography
Prices start from£449pp
Popular itinerary
Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes.
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check in to UK airport for flight | Arrive Amsterdam, transfer to your accommodation, visit Rembrandt's House | Take a Canal Cruise and evening meal |
| 2 | Visit to the Rijksmuseum | Visit to the Van Gogh Museum | Meal in a local restaurant |
| 3 | Visit Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art | Transfer to airport for return flight | Arrive in the UK |
- 1
- 2
- 3
| Morning | Check in to UK airport for flight |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | Arrive Amsterdam, transfer to your accommodation, visit Rembrandt's House |
| Evening | Take a Canal Cruise and evening meal |
| Morning | Visit to the Rijksmuseum |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | Visit to the Van Gogh Museum |
| Evening | Meal in a local restaurant |
| Morning | Visit Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | Transfer to airport for return flight |
| Evening | Arrive in the UK |
Price Shown includes
- Return coach travel
- 3 nights B&B accommodation
- Bespoke itinerary planning service
- Free Place Ratios
- Live Trip Tracking
- Online trip organiser & Travel App
- 24/7 support whilst you are away
Places to Stay
Amsterdam
Reasons to Visit
Rijksmuseum
This is the largest museum in the Netherlands. There is a large selection of paintings from the 15th century, until around 1850, as well as decorative and oriental arts. If you only have limited time, head for the Dutch Masters on the 2nd floor, including Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’.
Plan a visit before June 2024 and experience the Frans Hals exhibition. Frans Hall was one of the most decisive painters of the 17th century, his idiosyncratic loose painting style was inspirational. Plan an inspiring visit to Rijksmuseum and see his masterpeices on display.
Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art
The best collection of modern art in Amsterdam. Alongside the permanent displays, the regularly changing temporary exhibitions tend to focus on particular trends or specific artists and works. Highlights include paintings by Monet, Cezanne, Picasso, Matisse, Kirchner, Chagall and the Dutch De Stijl group.
Amsterdam Canal Cruise
An essential component of any trip to Amsterdam, a boat cruise along the canal can be arranged for you.
Rembrandt House Museum
About 250 of Rembrandt’s etchings are on display in this 3-storey house (built 1606), where he lived for almost 20 years. The only paintings here are by Rembrandt’s teacher, Pieter Lastman and those painters who worked under Rembrandt in his studio.
Efteling World of Wonders
The most popular tourist attraction in the Netherlands and one of the leading theme parks in Europe. The attractions are themed around ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.
MOCO Museum
The Moco Museum (Modern Contemporary) aims to reach out to a wide, international audience in Amsterdam by featuring works created by the ‘rock stars’ of the art world, such as Banksy. The Moco Museum is located on Museumplein and is sandwiched by the renowned Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
H'ART Museum
Formerly the Hermitage Museum, this collection in Amsterdam displays rotating selections of works and artefacts from the Hermitage collection in Russia. These include paintings, graphic works, sculptures, applied art and archaeological discoveries. H'ART Museum also has a special children’s section and regularly holds workshops focused on fun and creativity.
ARCAM Amsterdam Centre for Architecture
The information centre has a large collection of architectural books, magazines, brochures, maps and newspaper clippings. Both their reference materials and staff can provide a wealth of information on architecture and urban planning as well as providing visitors with tips on interesting buildings and construction sites in Amsterdam. The information point covers the highlights of Amsterdam’s architectural history as well as the most recent projects.
FOAM Photography Museum
The museum has a varied programme of exhibitions including famous photographers as well as young or undiscovered talent. Large-scale exhibitions alternate with small, quickly changing shows. They also organise a dynamic programme of lectures, discussions, guided tours, photography workshops and special events.
Kröller-Müller Museum
This museum houses one of the most important collections of modern art in the world. The collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures, including a large display of Van Gogh, was formerly the property of the Kröller-Müller family, who also owned the large nature reserve around the museum, which now hosts the famous sculpture park.
Street Art Walking Tour
A knowledgeable local guide will take you out to the notorious H-Buurt by subway to visit 14 amazing murals, painted over the last three years Many of the artists have previously been involved in the transformation of the infamous favelas in Brazil, and now they have beautified the Amsterdam H-Buurt. The H-Buurt is an up and coming neighbourhood of Amsterdam, it’s an area tourists and even Amsterdammers rarely visit.
Royal Palace Amsterdam
In the middle of the capital stands the Royal Palace Amsterdam. Originally built as the city hall in 17th century, renowned sculptors were brought to Amsterdam and famous painters such as Rembrandt contributed to the interior. The building now serves as King Willem-Alexander's official reception palace.
Willet-Holthuysen Museum
Owned by the Willet-Holthuysen family this 17th century mansion was left to the city on the condition that it be preserved and opened as a museum. The house is lavishly decorated and furnished in the fashion of the time and contains many rare objets d’art; glassware, silver, fine china and paintings.
Walibi Holland Theme Park
This theme park enjoys a reputation as Europe’s top spot for rollercoasters. There are more than 50 attractions and shows.
Amsterdam Dungeon
Bringing 500 years of dark history to life in one terrifying experience, The Amsterdam Dungeon takes visitors on a virtual journey through its gruesome past. On arrival, the sight of skeletons and the sounds of dark, Gregorian chanting makes for an eerie welcoming to the horrors of medieval Amsterdam.
Royal Coster Diamond Factory and Museum
During your tour you will learn why Queen Victoria, Empress Sisi and King Rama V of Siam not only trusted them with their diamonds but took the time to travel all the way to Amsterdam to witness with their own eyes how they crafted the most sparkling diamond jewellery. The tour also demonstrates how the diamonds are cut and polished and the museum has excellent interactive exhibits with a 5 - 10 minute introductory video presentation.
Van Gogh Museum
Over 200 paintings and 500 drawings by Van Gogh are housed here, as part of the permanent collection as well as a selection of his Japanese prints and a good selection of work by his contemporaries, such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Gauguin and Monet.
We Make Trip Planning Easy
- Day to day support and advice from our team of travel experts
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- Market-leading trip organiser portal, My Tour Manager
- Free Resources and templates to help launch your trip
- Email reminders to keep you on track
- Free and completely personalised Travel App to access your information on the go
- Locate My Trip designed to provide reassurance to parents and teachers
- Risk Assessment advice so you can make an informed decision on every tour component
- Teacher Inspection Visits
What You Say
An excellent trip tailored carefully to our needs. The Leys School
The trip was amazing. The students loved it and enjoyed everything that was organised...and I can't thank you, Sharon and your company enough for making it so much easier to organise. Ark Burlington Danes Academy
Absolutely fantastic. Hit every spot for both pupils and staff. St Columbas RC High School
Rembrandt House was first class and well worth a visit. Stanwell School
All staff at EST have been warm, professional and very quick to respond to queries. When planning a school trip this is of vital importance and your staff continue to impress with their positivity and customer service. Banchory Academy
Excellent hotel, very helpful. The breakfast was amazing, as it covered all dietary requirements. None of the students complained about being hungry or lack of food. We were very impressed. Chichester High School
