About this experience
Fishing village, a huge port, and the 'city of the future', rising from the ashes of World War II - that's Rotterdam! You will see a transport bridge in the shape of a swan and houses resembling toy yellow cubes and pencils. Walk around the 'cubic' district and taste local delicacies at the ultra-modern market!
What to expect
Erasmus of Rotterdam and 'cubic' houses
You will visit the last haven of pilgrims on the way to America - the Church of Saint Lawrence - and learn about the influence of Erasmus of Rotterdam, a great son of the Netherlands, on the world religion. You will also uncover the significance of the legendary inscription on the university named after him, take a stroll through the 'cubic' house complex, and peek into one of its apartments.
Trade past and present of the city
Walking along the old port, you will find out why Rotterdam is called the 'water gates of Europe', what goods sailed to its first docks in the 13-14th centuries, and how the country's water logistics system works today. You will also discover what the house with giant pipes on the facade hides and admire one of the most expensive and beautiful bridges in Europe - the 'Swan', which stands on a single pylon and proudly rises above the turbulent waters of the Maas River.
Rotterdam from the inside
The Alley of Memory and Sorrow of World War II will remind you of our common tragedy with Rotterdam. The building of the City Hall, preserved after the bombing of 1940, will impress you with its unusual sculptural facade decoration. Besides history and architecture, you will learn a lot about the modern life of the 'kingdom of tulips': how the education system is built here, what things cost, what the king's hobby is, and what unusual animals can be found in the zoo.
Tasty Rotterdam
To conclude, you will visit the luxurious Markthal market and taste over 20 types of real Dutch cheese, marinated herring 'matjes', eel, fish snack 'kibbeling', and other delights of local cuisine!
