Rotterdam & Kinderdijk - Wake up in historic Rotterdam, the Netherlands’ second largest metropolis, situated where the Rhine flows into the North Sea. Known as the ‘Gateway to Europe’, Rotterdam is the largest European cargo port and has been a conduit for trade since the 14th century. Unsurprisingly, its logistical significance made it a target for bombing during the Second World War and its old town was destroyed, with only the Church of Saint Lawrence left standing. During the following decades, Rotterdam was reconstructed with typical Dutch optimism and engineering expertise and now boasts an abundance of innovative and imaginative architecture. This morning, we embark on a guided walk to explore some of the sights of this captivating city, including the Cube Houses, arched Markthal (market hall), and the maritime museum. The vibrant yellow Cube Houses, known locally as Kubuswoningen, are another architectural masterpiece. Built on stilts and tilted at bizarre angles, they were designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the 1970s and remain an iconic part of the city to this day. Located under a 40-metre-tall arch, the Markthal's ceiling is covered in a large mural. “Cornucopia”, by artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam, shows massively enlarged images of food products alongside flowers and insects, referencing Dutch still-life paintings from the 17th century. It's over 11,000 square meters in size. The Maritime Museum is one of the largest and most prominent maritime collections in the world. It includes one million objects from Dutch naval history from the end of the 15th century to today. You could choose to stay to explore either of these further with a little time at leisure before heading back to the ship. During lunch on board, you can enjoy a kaleidoscope of views through the restaurant’s panoramic windows as we leave Rotterdam’s skyline behind. A significant part of the Netherlands lies up to 22 feet below sea level, but an intricate network of dykes and polders, the Netherland’s unique drainage systems, has kept the seawater at bay and allowed land reclamation. At the very heart of this fascinating reclaimed region is Kinderdijk, our next port of call. Here, you can witness a truly iconic polder scene – a series of 19 authentic windmills lining the canal banks, set against a starkly beautiful backdrop of pancake-flat marshland. Windmills are symbolic of Dutch history and the never-ending battle with the sea, and visiting these beautifully preserved structures is like stepping back in time. So impressive in fact, that the windmills have held UNESCO World Heritage status for over 220 years. Later we return to the cruise ship, where the chef has prepared a sumptuous dinner, featuring some of their signature dishes - a truly memorable experience.
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