Friesland in the Netherlands

Discover the charming cities of Groningen and Leeuwarden and experience the original nature of the Wadden Sea on the island of Schiermonnikoog. Look forward to picturesque canals, wide beaches, maritime nature, and unique island experiences, as well as a visit to the seal station at the new Wadden Sea Museum.

Day 1 | Arrival in the Province of Groningen

Departure in the morning and travel to the Dutch province of Groningen. You will check into your hotel in Paterswolde, about 10 km south of Groningen. After check-in, there is still time for a walk by the lake or to relax in the hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 2 | Groningen and Canal Tour

In the morning, you will explore Groningen on a city tour. The vibrant university city combines historical buildings with modern architecture and a typical Dutch atmosphere. Around the Grote Markt and the Vismarkt, magnificent buildings, cozy squares, and small alleys are lined up, while the numerous canals shape the cityscape. The historic center invites you to stroll and linger with its cafés, shops, and individual boutiques. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to get to know Groningen from a different perspective on a small canal tour (optional, for an additional fee). Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is free for your own activities.

Day 3 | Excursion to Schiermonnikoog Island

Today, a special highlight of your trip awaits you: Schiermonnikoog Island. From Lauwersoog, you will take the ferry to the car-free North Sea island. There, your tour guide will welcome you and accompany you by island bus to the small main town. During a walk, you will learn fascinating facts about life on the island and its ever-changing landscape, shaped anew by wind and tides. A special tip is the optional, tide-dependent trip with the Eilander Balgexpres to the eastern part of the island. Here, you will experience the unique landscape of the Wadden Sea up close. Afterwards, there will still be time to enjoy the fresh sea air and the special island ambiance. Return by ferry in the late afternoon.

Day 4 | Leeuwarden & Wadden Sea Museum

In the morning, you will travel to Leeuwarden, the capital of the Dutch province of Friesland. During a city tour, you will discover the charming old town with its historic buildings, picturesque squares, canals, and green spaces. The city's landmark is the leaning Oldehove, an unfinished church tower from the 16th century. The Grote Kerk, the Stadhuis, and the richly decorated city scales also shape the cityscape. After an individual lunch break, continue to Lauwersoog. Another highlight awaits you at the WEC – Werelderfgoedcentrum Waddenzee, which opened in April 2025. The modern Wadden Sea Museum provides insights into the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Wadden Sea and its unique flora and fauna. A seal station is also part of the center. In the afternoon, there will still be time to enjoy the coast, feel the fresh sea air, and gaze over the Wadden Sea before returning to the hotel.

Day 5 | Giethoorn and Return Journey

On the way, you will make a stop in Giethoorn. You will have time for an individual lunch break and the opportunity to explore the idyllic water village with its canals, small bridges, and thatched-roof houses on a walk. Then, you will begin your journey home.

• Travel by modern coach
• 4x overnight stays including breakfast buffet at the Fletcher Family Hotel Paterswolde in Paterswolde
• 1x dinner at the hotel as a 3-course menu or buffet
• City tour in Groningen
• Island tour Schiermonnikoog
• Shuttle bus from Schiermonnikoog ferry terminal to the village and back
• City tour in Leeuwarden
• Entry to the Wadden Sea Museum WEC,
  Lauwersoog
• Tourist tax
• Continuous BOHR travel accompaniment

You should try this: At the "Pannekoekschip", a historic sailing ship in the city center of Groningen, you can enjoy a delicious pancake.

The comfortable Fletcher Family Hotel Paterswolde is idyllically located in the greenery by the Paterswoldsemeer, south of Groningen. The hotel is barrier-free and features cozy rooms with a bathtub or shower, toilet, hairdryer, TV, telephone, radio, air conditioning, safe, and Wi-Fi. The hotel restaurant offers the opportunity to end the evening with a meal; additionally, the bar and terrace invite you to linger. For relaxation, there is an indoor pool, a sauna, a steam bath, and a fitness room. The beautiful surroundings invite you to take walks and enjoy your stay.