The Miniaturist, written by Jessie Burton, is a historical novel set in Amsterdam during the Golden Age (1686-1687). It follows the story of Nella Oortman, an 18-year-old woman who leaves her rural life behind to marry Johannes Brandt, a wealthy merchant, in an arranged marriage.
To fully immerse ourselves in the book, we will visit Amsterdam and enjoy the charm of the historical parts of the city and take a canal cruise around the canal ring in Amsterdam. We will see the Oude Kerk, the oldest building in Amsterdam, where Nella and Johannes' wedding took place.
In the evening we will have a meal together to discuss the book in a authentic Dutch restaurant.
ITINERARY
Monday 11th August 2025
After arriving in the afternoon, we will all meet-up in the evening and have a drink and something to eat.
Tuesday 12th August 2025
In the morning we will head down to the start of our gentle wander around the sites and locations in the book. Along the way we will see Anne Franks house, Oude Kerk, the oldest house in Amsterdam and Westerkerk church where Rembrandt is buried. After lunch we will explore Amsterdam with a canal trip around the canals where we can see some more of the city's architecture, iconic bridges, and the 17th-century buildings lining the canals.
In the evening we will have our book club meeting and enjoy a meal together while discussing the book.
Wednesday 13th August 2025
Today is a free today to spend as you wish, alone or with others. A visit to the Rijksmuseum, with its collection of Rembrandt and Vermeer works or a visit to Anne Frank's house of the Van Gogh museum.
In the evening you have the option to all meetup again for a meal together.
TRIP details
Included in the cost of the 3-day trip:-
- Visit the main sites of Amsterdam from the book, along with other historical points of interest
- Evening meal at a Dutch restaurant where we can try some authentic Dutch food.
- Book club meeting where we will discuss the book over our meal
As people will come from different places and want to stay for different lengths of time, travel is not included, but direct flights are available to Amsterdam airport from most airports. If you want to travel in a more sustainable way, there are lots of options on the train, with fast trains running regularly.
I have found group booking hotels in Amsterdam really tricky as they want to charge more than it costs to book it individually. Therefore, I will leave hotels on this trip and just suggest everyone stay within a short distance of the Rijksmuseum.
To book a place on the trip, please complete the booking form below.
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