Welcome to the Rotterdam FamTrip on Friday, 11th September 2026

Rotterdam  – Modern city shaped by water

Welcome to Rotterdam, a city shaped by water, hard work and constant change.

Rotterdam is a diverse and international port city, connected to the world for centuries. What once drove the city’s growth still defines its character today. After heavy destruction during the Second World War, Rotterdam chose to build forward instead of rebuilding the past. This choice is still clearly visible across the city.

Water is part of daily life in Rotterdam. The River Maas connects neighbourhoods, harbours and people, and many of the city’s main areas are located along its waterfronts. Exploring Rotterdam by boat, waterbus or watertaxi is not just a way to travel, it is a way to experience the city. From historic areas like Delfshaven to iconic views from the Euromast, and from the windmills of Kinderdijk to the lively quays around Fenix, Rotterdam reveals itself through its strong connection with water. This also makes it easy to combine city experiences with nearby UNESCO sites such as Kinderdijk within one programme.

The city is known for innovation and experimentation. New ideas take shape in the city itself, not behind closed doors. Sustainable food production and the creative reuse of industrial buildings show how Rotterdam works on practical solutions to challenges such as climate change and limited space. Locations such as the Floating Farm and Stadshaven Brouwerij offer direct insight into this forward‑thinking approach.

Rotterdam is compact, well organised and encourages conscious and sustainable travel. You can easily explore the city on foot, by bike or by public transport. Sustainable hotels, local food initiatives and circular projects are part of everyday life, for residents and visitors alike. The Rotterdam City Card supports this way of travelling by offering discounts to attractions and access to unlimited public transport, helping visitors explore the city in a conscious and efficient way.

Rotterdam is not polished or staged. It is open, direct and real. A city where water management and modern urban life come together, and where culture, leisure and creativity play a key role. From contemporary cultural institutions such as the Kunsthal and Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen to a wide and diverse range of distinctive attractions and experiences, Rotterdam offers far more than a traditional city break.

We look forward to welcoming you to Rotterdam and supporting you in creating memorable programmes.

Rotterdam Partners & NBTC-Team

Choose from two FamTrips

FamTrip 1:

Where Water Meets Innovation

This group starts the day with breakfast at the Euromast, overlooking Rotterdam and the River Nieuwe Maas. From there, the programme continues by (electric) boat with iKapitein to the historic harbour of Delfshaven, where Rotterdam’s maritime past is still clearly visible.

After a short transfer with Snelle Vliet, the programme focuses on Rotterdam’s waterfront and the transformation of former port areas. Visits to the Floating Farm and Stadshaven Brouwerij offer insight into sustainable food production, circular thinking and the reuse of industrial sites. Cultural highlights such as Remastered and time spent around Fenix show how water, innovation and city life come together. At Fenix, both groups meet for a relaxed closing drink by the water.

Throughout the day, we’ll introduce you to different sides of Rotterdam, combining well known highlights with lesser known places.

FamTrip 2:

Rotterdam in Motion

After breakfast at the hotel and a short transfer with Snelle Vliet, this Fam Trip heads out onto the water. Travelling by WaterShuttle, the group visits Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Dutch water management comes to life among the iconic windmills.

After the tour, the journey returns to Rotterdam, where the programme continues on and around the river. Splash Tours offers a playful way to explore the city, moving seamlessly from water onto the streets, while views around the ss Rotterdam highlight the scale and character of the port. The programme concludes with visits to the Nederlands Fotomuseum and Fenix, where both groups meet for a relaxed closing drink by the water.

Throughout the day, we’ll guide you through different stories of the city, combining well known icons with unexpected moments along the way.