Maritime Vlissingen offers everything for the ultimate day out. Vlissingen is a city with a rich historical past, led by naval hero Michiel de Ruyter. Unique features can still be admired daily in Vlissingen. It is the only city in the Netherlands where the historic city center lies directly on the sea. Today, Vlissingen can rightly call itself a city with allure.
Vlissingen, bustling as the surf
Upon arrival in Vlissingen, we first visit a restaurant for coffee and a traditional Zeeland bolus. After this, the guides will take you on a tour through the life of Michiel de Ruyter. You can choose between a guided tour through the museum or a guided city walk.
Enjoy the magnificent view from the 65-meter-high observation tower, where you can see how the pilotage service guides massive oil tankers safely into the harbor. Finally, a biologist will guide you through the impressive underwater world, where you can even touch sharks and rays.
Afterwards, it is time for lunch. At restaurant ’t Vooronder, you will enjoy an extensive coffee-table lunch. After lunch, we take you to the Zeeuws Maritime muZEEum, located in a complex of buildings dating from the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 21st centuries. These buildings are uniquely connected by modern architecture. The beautifully restored Lampsinshuis from 1641 forms the heart of the muZEEum and is one of the most beautiful buildings in Vlissingen. In this former Golden Age city mansion, you can see, hear, discover, and experience the rich maritime history of Zeeland.
A guided tour is also provided in the muZEEum. The guide leads the group past objects that tell the story of Michiel de Ruyter and life on board ship, sharing exciting tales about the dangers and adventures of the past. Topics include his youth, career, achievements (and the different ways these can be interpreted), privateering, food and hygiene on board, navigation, and maritime professions. The guide compares this with life today. The tour eventually ends in the tower.
Finally, you will have some free time in Vlissingen before boarding the coach for the return journey.
