Art & Writing in Amsterdam
THE NETHERLANDS
April 19 - 24, 2026
Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Amsterdam has long been a haven for artists, writers, and creatives, with its rich history, stunning canals, and vibrant cultural scene. This five-day itinerary is designed to spark your imagination, immerse you in artistic and literary history, and provide the perfect balance of solitude and stimulation.
Join teaching artist Egan Holzhausen and author Robin Gaines as they lead museum tours and discussions of the Dutch masters while visiting other eclectic sites. We’ll paint and write to inspirational prompts along the canals, in cafes, and parks brimming with colorful tulips under that famous blue sky. No experience necessary to let your creativity take hold in the land some call the “Venice of the North.”
✦ Experience the city’s eclectic museums
✦ Glean inspiration by Dutch masters
Highlights
✦ Tour Amsterdam by canal boat cruise
✦ Wander the inspiring, artsy neighborhoods like Jordaan
The Allure of Amsterdam
In 2025, Amsterdam marks its 750th birthday. Since its construction in the 17th century, it has been considered one of the most charming, fascinating cities in the world. No wonder it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Centrally-Located Boutique Hotel
All of Amsterdam will be within reach from our modern yet characteristic boutique hotel, nestled in the heart of the city’s canal ring. Shops, cozy bars, and even the world-famous Rijksmuseum are just minutes away.
Iconic Art
With a legacy made from the likes of Van Gogh and Rembrandt, it’ll be difficult not to be moved and inspired by Dutch art and artists. We’ll visit the must-see museums as well as the eclectic, off the beaten path museums and then see what staring at the real thing does for our creative sides.
The Experience
Dutch Masters
Witness the mesmerizing play of light, shadow, and storytelling that has captivated artists for centuries. As you stand before Rembrandt’s dramatic portraits or Vermeer’s intimate interiors, you’ll feel the quiet genius that transforms everyday moments into timeless beauty.
Creative Workshops
With the whole city as our playground, we’ll paint and write to inspirational prompts along the canals, in cafes and glorious parks in bloom.
Eclectic Museums
We'll have a chance to explore Amsterdam’s unique museums — from “Our Lord in the Attic” to Rembrandt’s House Museum, this city’s artistic legacy will leave a beautiful mark on your own creative work.
Meet the Facilitators
This fun, creative, dynamic Michiganian mother-daughter duo has exactly the kind of energy we all crave when in the midst of our own messy creative process. Robin’s steadying, anchoring presence has the power to guide you well beyond where you thought you could go and Egan’s chill, go-with-the-flow approach is as soothing as it is contagious. To experience them individually is a gift, to have both breathing life towards your work will provide you with unfettered relief and joyful release.
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Robin’s first novel, “Invincible Summers,” was a Shelf Unbound 2018 Best Indie Notable 100 Book and a runner-up in General Fiction at the Florida Book Festival. She’s had recent essays published in Minerva Rising and Dorothy Parker’s Ashes. She writes a book blog at www.robingaines.net and has just finished her second novel.
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Egan received a BFA at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a MFA from Kendall College of Art and Design. She teaches a variety of painting and drawing classes at North Central Michigan College and art camps for kids during summer months. Egan's art style matches her teaching style: playful, energetic, and inclusive. When she's not teaching or painting, Holzhausen enjoys her time spent wandering.
Inclusions
Prices are per person and include:
£3500 per person
Shared rooms starting at
Stay a little longer…
If you’re interested in arriving early and/or staying longer, join us!
Pre-retreat we’ll have time to take in the Anne Frank Museum together and see the tulips before the retreat begins. After the retreat, we’ll travel one hour to The Hague where we’ll stay in a gorgeous hotel and visit the museums which house the famous paintings which include Vermeer’s Girl With a Pearl Earring and View of Delft, along with Carel Fabritius’s The Goldfinch—the fictional theft of which Donna Tart’s The Goldfinch is based on.
Limited spaces available. *£250 off if you book both.
The Hague, April 24-25
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One night in a centrally-located, 4-star boutique hotel
Breakfast & dinner
Entrance to museums (Escher & Mauritshuis)
Guided writing / art session
from £550 per person
Amsterdam, April 17-19
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2 nights in a centrally-located, 4-star boutique hotel, including daily breakfasts
Excursion to see Keukenhof Park in bloom including entrance and transportation
Entrance to Anne Frank Museum
from £300 per person
FAQs
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Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is very well connected internationally. Taxis are easily and readily available once you exit customs. Please visit the airport’s website for more info.
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Yes, absolutely. We offer 'bijou' small, add-on itineraries for those who'd like to spend a few days on either end of the trip. Just click here, choose your dates and package and voila. Sorted! Don't see what you're looking for among one of our pre-package tours? Write to us at duende@duenderetreats.comand we'll help with a bespoke itinerary suited to exactly what you're looking for.
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All are welcome! No need to be a ‘professional’ writer or painter. It's an itinerary that would be enjoyable for anyone who likes to eat, laugh, walk, enjoy Dutch art and explore the page with pen and paint. (Children not permitted.)
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Yes. When you register and pay your 30% nonrefundable deposit, you can opt into setting up a payment plan.
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Deposits are nonrefundable unless there's a waiting list and someone would like to take your spot. In the case we are able to sell your spot, you will be refunded your deposit, less £150 admin / transaction fees.
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The full itinerary will be sent to you about a month prior to departure. If you have specific questions regarding the excursions, please do reach out to us.
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Our trips, tailored to you.
Did you know? Our trips can be tailored to suit your needs. Fill out our quick, easy form and we’ll send you a quote.
