Visit the most famous icons of Rotterdam in one neat and compact tour. A guide will take you to see and go into the city’s top architecture.  You will be allowed onto floors of buildings otherwise off limits,  visit Rotterdam Zuid  and Noord and learn about the city from the year 1300 to now and how the city has been built from the ground up.

In De Rotterdam (OMA, 2013) you will zoom up to 105 metres in one of the fastest elevators of Europe, where you will enter a no-public floor with an amazing 360 degree view of the city. This view is followed by a spectacular ride by water taxi on the beautiful river Maas, a short walk along the Oude Haven (the old port) and the cube houses.  In the Markthal the guide will tell you all about the fabulous construction and colourful ceiling, you will be treated to a ‘Meet & Taste’ at one of the market stalls. You will visit Rotterdam  Centraal and be given access to the beautiful 'Timmerhuis' (OMA, 2015).

As you walk the tour you will be shown hidden pearls of the city and see famous buildings such as  the Groothandelsgebouw,  Lijnbaan, the monumental City Hall and the Cube Houses (Piet Blom). A quick visit to the new 'Museum Rotterdam' is  included where scale models show the moving story of the city.  A very compete tour!

Ending: Schielandshuis.

Midst the busy traffic on water with inland vessels, oil tankers etc. we will experience a very nice and informative cruise by Spido, a well known harbour cruise company, in one of the world leading seaports. We will adore Rotterdams impressive skyline with iconic buildings followed by a unique view off shipyards, docks and we will witness its hyper modern transshipment of thousands of containers. Towards the end of the cruise we will pass steamship 'The Rotterdam' former flagship of the 'Holland America lijn'.

After disembarking we will walk accompanied by a guide through the outdoor part of the Maritime Museum towards the monumental 'Schielandhuis' where we will visit 'Rotterdam Discovery' and enjoy a lovely lunch. A guide will answer all our questions about Rotterdams past, present and future.

Ending: Schielandshuis

Visit the typical Dutch town Delft, located along the Schie between Rotterdam and The Hague, where the world famous Delfts Blue is originated. We will start this day at Royal Delft “the Royal Porcelein Fles” the last remaining of the 32 factories located in Delft in the 17th century. you will see the traditional and centuries old painting of the 'Delfs Blue', as well as the full history and manufacturing proces of the famous pottery.

Next we will walk with our guide to the historical center of Delft where the beautiful canals are proof of the trading past of this 13th century town. After lunch there is some free time before busses leave back to Rotterdam

A possibility would be to visit the 'Nieuwe Kerk' where Willem van Oranje and our departed Royals are buried.

Ending: Willemsplein

The connection between our Royal family and The Hague has existed for more then 400 years. During this tour we will stroll, accompanied by a guide , through the rich Royal history of the city. We will pass the palace Noordeinde, its magnificent garden in the Inner city, the Royal stables and many historic monuments. After palace Kneuterdijk we will walk towards the Binnenhof, which has been the political center of the Netherlands for many centuries.

The Ridderzaal was built in the 13th century and has been renovated and extended with beautiful monumental outbuildings. Located next to the Binnenhof is the Mauritshuis. This is a compact but famous Museum where you will find the work of world famous Dutch masters from the golden age like Vermeers 'Meisje met de parel'. We are very lucky to have the opportunity to visit this museum in this special 'Rembrandt' year, many museums will be celebrating his work as he passed away 350 years ago. We will find a unique exhibition of his work in the Mauritshuis with extensive explanations. Also his 'Anatomische les van dr Nicolaes Tulp' is part of the collection. We also will enjoy a lovely lunch in the Mauritshuis.

Ending: Willemsplein

This exclusive field-trip is carefully put together for the guests of this edition of Inner Wheel European Rally. This excursion will bring you into the dynamic Rotterdam neighbourhood ‘Afrikaanderwijk’ and give you a glimpse 'behind the scenes'. There are remarkable things going on in Afrikaanderwijk, all based on the belief in collaboration, in strength from within, in the value of investing in inhabitants en entrepeneurs to make a change. In the belief to move to connect, and also, to connect to move.

The secret of the upcoming Afrikaanderwijk lies in Coöperation Afrikaanderwijk . The founder will explain about the desire, the challenges, and the successes. After the presentation you will visit several projects and entrepeneurs in Afrikaanderwijk, like the ‘sowing studio’ where the talented dressmakers are gathered in a professional setting, run by Gaultier.

Other gems in Afrikaanderwijk are Rotterdamse Confiture, Café-bar Pretoria and Sateman. You will also understand how coöperation succeeded in challenging the municipality, they won the right to take over the cleaning tasks of the Market (on Wednesdays and Saturdays – so you can experience it for yourself). With this ‘move’ now inhabitants from the Afrikaanderwijk gained jobs and pride in their own neighbourhood, the market area is much cleaner aswell! ;)

This field-trip will take you by watertaxi to Afrikaanderwijk, in which you will stroll around criss-cross, including a presentation and several ‘meet & greets’. You will pass 'Rotterdamse Munt' where mint and other herbs are grown, and take peek in the famous Skateland. At the end of the tour the guide will call the watertaxi (own expense, €5-7) to bring you back to Zalmhuis or to the city center, or show you how to walk to the Erasmusbridge on your way to your hotel. Come along, immerse, see initiatives with impact and get inspired!

This video will show you Dutch prime minister Rutte visiting Afrikaanderwijk.

And this video will give you a great impression of the secret of Feijenoord – the zone in Rotterdam the Afrikaanderwijk is part of.

A symposium around the theme 'Move to Connect'. Looking for answers on the the position of Inner Wheel is in this day and age of individual freedom, of aversion towards collectives and authorities. Why an European Rally in these times of increasing Euro-sceptisism, Brexit and nationalism fed by fear off loss of identity? Trends almost in contradiction with our shared Inner Wheels values of friendship, personal service and international understanding.

• Is there one Europe, do we share one identity? And if we do have one identity how can we retain it, and still allow immigrants to enter?
• How do we connect without losing our beloved freedom and individuality
• What is the function and role of international networks like Inner Wheel. Do they stimulate social cohesion or on the contrary lead to segregation.

During our symposium we would like to hear, learn and talk about how we can use our valuable Inner Wheel network towards building an inclusive international community.

Speakers form diverse organisations eg the European Parlement, University of Amsterdam and NGO-s will share their expertise with us

After the Symposium, it is possible to do an additional activity. Click here for information:

View additional fieldtrip

The ‘Schielandshuis’ is thé starting point of the European Rally and for a visit to the city of Rotterdam. It is one of the few preserved historical buildings in Rotterdam, dating from 1665, and miraculously saved from the heavy bombing of the city during World War II. A building worth visiting. But there is more. It houses a:

Brasserie

Within the Brasserie you will find the registration desk of our European Rally. It is the place to meet old and new friends, and share a drink or a bite.

Secret garden

Relax and have a moment of rest from the busy and noisy city, in this beautiful city garden while chatting with your Inner Wheel Friends

Rotterdam Tourist Information

The building also houses the official Rotterdam Tourist Information centre, where skilled employees will give you all the information and tips needed for an interesting visit of Rotterdam and its region.

Free exhibition Rotterdam Discovery

Start your weekend with a visit to the free exihibition ‘Rotterdam Discovery’. It will take you on a journey of discovery through the city – a journey through the past, present and future. Allow yourself to be surprised, get inspired, and experience the thrill of Rotterdam!

There will be a secondary opportunity to register saturday from 9:00 to 12:00

The ‘Schielandshuis’ is thé starting point of the European Rally and for a visit to the city of Rotterdam. It is one of the few preserved historical buildings in Rotterdam, dating from 1665, and miraculously saved from the heavy bombing of the city during World War II. A building worth visiting. But there is more. It houses a:

Brasserie

Within the Brasserie you will find the registration desk of our European Rally. It is the place to meet old and new friends, and share a drink or a bite.

Secret garden

Relax and have a moment of rest from the busy and noisy city, in this beautiful city garden while chatting with your Inner Wheel Friends

Rotterdam Tourist Information

The building also houses the official Rotterdam Tourist Information centre, where skilled employees will give you all the information and tips needed for an interesting visit of Rotterdam and its region.

Free exhibition Rotterdam Discovery

Start your weekend with a visit to the free exihibition ‘Rotterdam Discovery’. It will take you on a journey of discovery through the city – a journey through the past, present and future. Allow yourself to be surprised, get inspired, and experience the thrill of Rotterdam!

There will be a secondary opportunity to register saturday from 9:00 to 12:00

What better way to connect to Rotterdam, to connect with old and new friends, than by sailing the Rotterdam waterways. The opening ceremony and first evening of the European Rally will be held on De Majesteit, Europe’s largest paddle steamer. From this 93-year old piece of industrial heritage you will be able to enjoy the remarkable skyline of Rotterdam, while dinner is served in one of its monumental saloons.

Enjoy sailing, relaxing, taking a breath of fresh air and admiring the splendid views of the Rotterdam skyline, but above all enjoy connecting with Inner Wheel friends from all over Europe.

The Laurenskerk, or Church of St. Lawrence, originally arose on the banks of the River Rotte and its location can truly be called the very birthplace of Rotterdam. Built between 1449 and 1525, it the only relic in Rotterdam from the middle ages. In the Laurenskerk past, present and future go hand in hand. Its atmospheric grandeur symbolises the historical strength of Inner Wheel, enabling the special encounter between old and new friends and celebrating a shared future. Join us in this celebration of Inner Wheel friendship, move to connect and be part of it.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour in a beautiful classic renovated tram that dates from the 1930s. The one hour ride will take you along the touristic hot spots and attractions in the centre of Rotterdam. After the tour finishes there will be a farewell lunch at the Royal Maas Yacht Club, one of the oldest yacht vlubs in the Netherlands. Lunch will be served in its elegant Jugendstil clubhouse, an important example of modern architecture. Don’t miss this last chance to connect to Rotterdam and Inner Wheel. The lunch is at Veerdam 1, Rotterdam.

The ‘Schielandshuis’ is thé starting point of the European Rally and for a visit to the city of Rotterdam. It is one of the few preserved historical buildings in Rotterdam, dating from 1665, and miraculously saved from the heavy bombing of the city during World War II. A building worth visiting. But there is more. It houses a:

Brasserie

Within the Brasserie you will find the registration desk of our European Rally. It is the place to meet old and new friends, and share a drink or a bite.

Secret garden

Relax and have a moment of rest from the busy and noisy city, in this beautiful city garden while chatting with your Inner Wheel Friends

Rotterdam Tourist Information

The building also houses the official Rotterdam Tourist Information centre, where skilled employees will give you all the information and tips needed for an interesting visit of Rotterdam and its region.

Free exhibition Rotterdam Discovery

Start your weekend with a visit to the free exihibition ‘Rotterdam Discovery’. It will take you on a journey of discovery through the city – a journey through the past, present and future. Allow yourself to be surprised, get inspired, and experience the thrill of Rotterdam!

There will be a secondary opportunity to register saturday from 9:00 to 12:00

We will take a stroll to coffee bar “Heilige Boontjes”. Heilige Boontjes is a project of a former police officer, a social worker and a coffee expert. They offer young ex-prisoners through a learn/work program the opportunity return to a regular working environment.We will taste their delicious coffee and visit the coffee roasting factory.

Next we will walk with a tourguide towards the beautiful old traditional shipping area. It is a lovely area where a watertaxi will be waiting for us. The watertaxi will take us to Katendrecht, a peninsula with an illustrious past. Katendrecht used to be Chinatown, a place where in the past you would find sailors and hookers, but today is a vibrant part of the city with a raw edge. We will see, feel and hear the dynamic and hip Katendrecht. Lunch will be served in a charming place called 'storyplace Belvedere', Art, culture and personal stories meet and connect. They serve a unique and traditional lunch; Rotterdammers love to prepare their favorite dishes and share their family history while cooking.

the last visit of the afternoon will be a very special and popular social bakery, you will be surprised with the wonderful goods they bake.

Ending: Leuvehaven

Payment

Registration fee per person: € 35,00

Cancellation

Cancellation before July 1st 2019, 50% of payment will be reimbursed, Cancellation after July 1st 2019, no refund will be made.

Insurance

It is recommended that each participant should have a personal insurance policy. The organizing Committee of the European Rally cannot be responsible in case of accidents, illness, loss or theft….