EXCURSIONS: SOUTHERN WATERLINE EXCURSIONS: HISTORIC HERITAGE EXCURSIONS: WATER Gevangenpoort Bergen op Zoom Fort Henricus Willemstad Basilica Oudenbosch Historic Centre Franklin D. Roosevelt Boats Tholen Watersnoodmuseum Volkerak Sluices The fascinating story of the Southern Water Line began in 1568 with William of Orange and his battle against the Spanish oppressors, when the A popular excursion is the ‘Round Trip of Roosevelt’ in Oud-Vossemeer. The ancestors of former US presidents Theodore and Franklin Delano The North Sea Floods that hit the southwest of the Netherlands lives on in our history. When the dykes broke on 1 February 1953, more than foundations were laid for the creation of the Netherlands. In the centuries that followed, the region encountered Louis XVI of France, Napoleon Roosevelt, and Franklin’s wife Eleanor, came from here. Excursions are possible from the ship. 1800 people lost their lives. A visit to the centuries-old town of Oude-Tonge, the Watersnoodmuseum and the Volkerak Sluices will give a good and the Belgian Revolution. impression of the eternal battle against water. Excursions are possible from the ship. HALF-DAY EXCURSIONS WITH GUIDE (APPROX. 3 HOURS) FULL-DAY EXCURSION WITH GUIDE (APPROX. 6 HOURS) HALF-DAY EXCURSION (APPROX. 3 HOURS) FULL-DAY EXCURSION WITH GUIDE (APPROX. 6 HOURS) HALF-DAY EXCURSION WITH GUIDE (3 HOURS) FULL-DAY EXCURSION (APPROX. 6 HOURS) Bergen op Zoom & Heritage Dutch Water Line Highlight Tour Round Trip of Roosevelt & Tholen Van Gogh & Surroundings Holland and its Dykes 1953 • Departure to Bergen op Zoom via Fort the Roovere • Departure to Bergen op Zoom via Fort the Roovere • Departure to Oud-Vossemeer and visit to Roosevelt • Visit to the Vincent van Gogh House in Zundert, Van Gogh’s • Visit to the Watersnoodhuis in Stavenisse • Via the Volkerak Sluices to the centuries-old village • Walk through the historic centre of this centuries-old • Walk through the historic centre of the fortifi ed city of Bergen Information Centre birthplace, the small church and the cemetery where his • Via the Volkerak Sluices to the centuries-old village of Oude-Tonge fortifi ed city op Zoom • Coff ee in the Roosevelthuys, cultural village walk with a brother is buried of Oude-Tonge • Visit to the Watersnoodsmuseum in Ouwerkerk Willemstad & Heritage • Departure to the Basilica in Oudenbosch professional guide • Lunch • Dyke route across the island, walk through the historic town • Lunch • Departure to Benedensas via Fort Henricus • Lunch • Visit to the historic town of Tholen • Departure to the Basilica in Oudenbosch of Tholen • Dyke route across the island • Via Fort Sabina to Willemstad • Via Fort Sabina to Willemstad • Coff ee in the “Het Huys van Roosevelt” • Walk through the historic centre of the fortifi ed city of • Visit to the Stellendam Delta Works • Walk through the fortifi ed city of Willemstad, past the famous • Walk through the fortifi ed city of Willemstad, past the famous Bergen op Zoom Mauritshuis Mauritshuis Our Regional highlights Willemstad: ‘Most Important Fortifi ed City’ armies. The fort has been restored to its former glory. The remains Tholen: ‘Best Kept Secret’ And tangible. Vincent’s birthplace is located right here, where the De Biesbosch National Park ‘Beaver spotting’ A Seal: ‘Seal Experience’ Willemstad was named after the Founding Father of the Dutch of French trenches can still be seen along the earthen ramparts and This fortifi ed city received city rights Vincent van Gogh House now stands. This national park is a protected nature reserve and the largest Stellendam: weak and injured seals found along the coast are taken Republic, William of Orange, and is one of the most strategically canals. A highlight is the wooden Trench Bridge. in 1366 and has a rich history with a freshwater tidal area in Europe. The ‘ebbing and fl owing’ freshwater to the seal shelter. See how the seals are cared for and learn how to situated fortifi ed cities. The many listed buildings, the narrow protected cityscape. In addition to Van Gogh Church: ‘Vincent’s Homeland’ is unique in the world! But how is it possible? Go in search of a beaver feed themselves, play and swim again. Visit ‘A Seal’ Seal Shelter and streets and the lovely squares create an unique historic atmosphere. Bergen op Zoom: ‘City Walk’ dozens of historic national monuments, Etten-Leur: after attempts at turning his hand or bald eagle on foot, by bike or by boat. fi nd out all there is to know about saving people and animals. The Mauritshuis is a must-do. This centuries-old gem with its narrow streets, old squares and you will fi nd many old city walls and defences around the city centre. to art dealing, teaching and preaching, Vincent unique monuments has a rich and eventful past stretching back The Medieval street pattern is also still visible here. van Gogh moved back in with his parents in Oosterschelde National Park: ‘Freshwater & saltwater’ Slikken van Flakkee: ‘Flamingo spotting’ Mauritshuis: ‘Royal Hunting Lodge’ more than 800 years. The Markiezenhof is inextricably linked to Etten at the age of 28. This was the tipping The Oosterschelde is the largest and wettest national park in the Grevelingen: this nature reserve becomes more famous each year The current museum in Willemstad was once a stunning hunting Bergen op Zoom’s rich history. Roosevelt Information Centre: ‘Round Trip of Roosevelt’ point in his life and he started to take painting Netherlands. It is a world of tides, wind and above all water. A lot due to the fl amingos that come to nest in the early season (winter lodge and country residence. Commissioned by Prince Maurits, it Oud-Vossemeer: The ancestors of former US presidents Theodore more seriously. Visit the Van Gogh Church and of water. Excursions include walks or cycles through the stunning and spring). There are also special excursions to see the Heck cattle was built in 1623 and is a national monument of exceptional beauty. Markiezenhof: ‘Gentlemen & Marquises’ and Roosevelt Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Franklin’s wife Eleanor Information Centre to learn more. nature, or a boat ride to spot seals sunbathing on the sandbanks, or Fjord horses in this area. You can also spot beaver, seals and roe deer The building has two identical stepped gables and is a wonderful Bergen op Zoom: this former city palace of Gentlemen and Roosevelt, came from here. Oud-Vossemeer exudes the atmosphere perhaps even a porpoise. here. example of Dutch Renaissance architecture. Marquises from the 15th century is today used as a museum. The of America in the middle of the last century, when president Franklin Oudenbosch Basilica: ‘Like St Peter’s’ ornately decorated rooms, courtyards and gardens give you a good D. Roosevelt made his legendary speech on the Four Freedoms. Oudenbosch: you feel like you’re in Rome, but really you’re in Tiengemeten Nature Reserve: ‘Onto the paths, down the tracks’ Haringvliet: ‘The Tap of Europe’ Forts around Willemstad: ‘Historic Defence Line’ impression of the history of this city and region and of the nobility Oudenbosch. The Basilica was built between 1867 and 1880 and is a Experience the peace and space of this unique island near Stellendam: the Haringvliet Sluices separate the North Sea and the Fort Sabina dates from the time of Napoleon and together with Fort who resided here. Local Produce Auction: ‘Going Once, Going Twice’ small-scale copy of St Pieter’s Basilica, with a façade that resembles Willemstad, which has been ‘given back’ to nature. Beautiful walks, Haringvliet. They regulate the water level in a way that is comparable Prins Frederik, Fort Buitensluis, Fort Bovensluis and Fort De Hel was Sint-Annaland: sit on authentic benches and operate the clock to that of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. a guided bike ride or an island tour in a covered wagon are all to turning a tap on and off . That is why they are nicknamed the Tap part of the Willemstad Defence Line. The central axis is the Southern Watersnoodmuseum: ‘National Remembrance Centre’ secure a good price. Regional producers and suppliers off er a wide fantastic options. of Europe. The sluices will be opened partially in 2018. Water Line, which for many centuries formed an attractive chain of Ouwerkerk: The museum gives a powerful insight into the events variety of fresh and delicious seasonal vegetables, such as Zeeland Hortus Botanicus: ‘Meet in the Green’ fortifi ed cities, forts and entrenchments. during and after the fl oods of 1 February 1953. What happened that butterscotch, mustard and fl owers. Oudenbosch: the former abbey’s botanical gardens date back to Delta Ferries & Water Bus: ‘Sailing through the Delta’ Volkerak Sluices: ‘World Guinness Book of Records’ night? What went wrong? The museum is located in four enormous the 18th century and contain a remarkable collection of trees and Island hopping around the Haringvliet region. A These freight sluices are part of the Delta Plan and form the largest Fort the Roovere: ‘Ramparts & Forts’ concrete caissons, which have been used to seal the lowest hole in Van Gogh House: Birthplace: bushes. You can enjoy peacefully meander while enjoying the unique experience travelling in small ships and and busiest inland shipping sluice complex in Europe. Each sluice is Fort the Roovere (Halsteren) is part of the Southern Water Line. From the dyke. Zundert: Vincent van Gogh was born to a dominee in Zundert serenity and beautiful abundance of plants. discovering the Haringvliet and surroundings. A total 325 metres long and 24 metres wide. The tower off ers a great view of 1628, this water line off ered resistance against several European on 30 March 1853. Vincent’s homeland is still visible in Zundert. of ten diff erent small ferries sail in this area.