Around Zuid-Holland

The fortified town of Willemstad spoils its visitors with a special combination of historical and culinary hospitality with numerous nice restaurants. Particularly interesting in terms of cultural history: the Mauritshuis, the Koepelkerk, the old town hall and the fortifications surrounding the city. And challenging through the rugged landscape, for example around the Hollandsch Diep. The marina provides a perfect base for your cruise.

We take a trip to the old trading town of Dordrecht. Steep gables, canals, moats and beautifully restored medieval buildings amidst a lively bustle characterise this city, which flourished long before Amsterdam and was a hub of trade. And you can still see it! Dordrecht is perhaps one of the country's best-kept secrets. Where else would you find a city on an island full of culture, vibrant festivals, rugged nature and a rich past that you can still experience everywhere in the historic inner city.

There is much to see and do in Gouda. The city is, of course, particularly famous for its cheese. The Gouda Cheese Market has existed since 1198. Before cheese and other goods were sold on the market, they first had to be weighed. This happened in the Waag, and today the Waag is a museum where we can learn all about the history of the Gouda Cheese Market. Apart from the Waag, other historical highlights include the Town Hall and the Sint-Janskerk, hidden treasures in the Gouda Museum, more facts about cheese in the Gouda Cheese Experience and sweets in the syrup waffle factory. These are places not to be missed when visiting Gouda.

Leiden Also called the City of Discoveries, Leiden is the Netherlands' oldest university town. And still this city is home to many students. But also home to monumental buildings, courtyards, beautiful museums and much, much more! A one-day visit is actually too short, but there is so much more wonderful things to discover in this great province!

Historically, Delft owes its great reputation to the relationship with Johannes Vermeer, who painted his world-famous Milkmaid here. But of course also thanks to the Delft Blue ceramics and the Royal Family. Walking along canals, churches, mansions and courtyards, the past comes alive. This university town also offers guided tours of its canals, museums and markets. And after a nice walk through the city, you can enjoy one of the many cosy cafés or restaurants.

What is not to be found in Rotterdam?! This well know place is not often visited by boaters, and that's a shame! A visit to this vribrant city is more than worth it. Close to the old Veerhaven, you can tie up in marina het Boerengat. After just a short walk you can not only enjoy a drink on one of the many terraces at the Oude Haven, but also watch the many traditional flatbottemed sailing barges that call this harbour home. On the adjoining traditional shipyard the boats are not only being maintained but also restored. This way they help kepping the nautical heritage of Rotterdam more than alive. Looking for some more "activity"? Then maybe visiting the Veerhaven in the old "Scheepvaartkwartier", or the maritime quarter, is certainly a treat. The fantastic historic floating harbourmasters office is certainly not to be missed. And many of the fantastic old building in this lively neighbourhood are home to cafes, bars, restaurants and other great places! Terraces will be overflowing until late at night during summer and are awaiting your visit!

Marina Hellevoetsluis is a beautifully situated marina with spacious berths. When you enter the marina at the lighthouse, we can see the berths behind the swing bridge. The marina is located in the Hellevoetsluis fortress. So you and your ship are right in the middle of the busy centre, where many events are organised in the summer. There is more than enough to experience if you want to stay an extra day.The Hellevoetsluis site is centrally located in DELTA.

Already in the Middle Ages, the village of Middelharnis and the surrounding polders were secured with combined forces from the sea and was a base for fishermen for many centuries. Nowadays a cosy village with several shops, restaurants and terraces. On the southern bank of the Haringvliet we pass several bird breeding areas. Here, the "apparent flood" of the river has prevailed again for many years, and these areas offer nature lovers a beautiful view.