Event Information
Wave Two Tickets
Our first wave of tickets are now sold out but don’t panic! We have managed to secure a second hostel and more beds just for you. The information below in bold is the updated details; everything else remains the same.
The hostel: You’ll be staying in the 4 star rated flying pig uptown hostel (tripadvisor ratings). This is a short (approximately 5 minute) walk away from the Stayokay hostel, so you’ll be close to the rest of the group.
You’ll be in a mixed sex dormitory with other Cardiff students and an en-suite bathroom. You’ll also get breakfast each morning to set you up for the day!
Wave two is now guaranteed to go ahead.
Transport only tickets
We have released our very final few seats as transport only tickets. With this, you get the return coach from Cardiff to Amsterdam, including the Eurotunnel. You are also welcome to join the transfer to the Hague on Friday 25th, although the court visits are now operating a waiting list. There is an itinerary that you are welcome to follow, so you can join in with the group, although you would be required to arrange your own accommodation.
A beautiful, vibrant capital city, steeped in history, culture and natural architectural beauty; the Dutch capital should unquestionably be on every student’s bucket list. Packed with street side cafes, restaurants and bars and generally adorned with amazing weather, it’s an iconic European city you can really enjoy exploring. Flowers, windmills, canals, cheese and wooden shoes can all be yours this autumn for just £329. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to take free transfers to the Hague and explore this legal centre. Perhaps visit the Peace Palace or join our visit to the International Criminal Court.
Dates
23rd November - 27th November. You will get four nights and three full days to spend in the Netherlands
What's included?
Executive Coach Travel from Cardiff to the Dutch Capital, with air conditioning, a toilet and reclining seats
A visit to the International Criminal Courts (See 'Entry to the Courts' towards the bottom of the page for details)
A one hour presentation from the International Court of Justice inside the Peace Palace (See 'Entry to the Courts' towards the bottom of the page for details)
4 nights’ accommodation at a 4 star rated hostel (tripadvisor)
Central location - a 10-minute walk from the Rijksmuseum, 20 minutes to the flower market and right on the doorstep of beautiful Vondelpark
Free transfers to the Hague
Breakfast to set you up for the day
3 full days in the city, to ensure that you can make the most of your time there!
The Hostel
“A new and modern but cosy stay”
“First time ever using a hostel and it was better than a lot of hotels I’ve stayed at”
“Downstairs was a relaxing place to hang out for a little while; staff were friendly and the atmosphere bright”
(The above comments were from reviews on TripAdvisor)
Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark is a 4-star hostel located in walking distance from all Amsterdam has to offer. The rijksmuseum is only a 10-minute walk away, as is the Leidseplein, with cafes, shops and nightlife. Rooms will be modern and clean mixed gender dorms, with lockers available. Please do let us know if you’d prefer a same-sex room and we will do our best to accommodate this. You’ll wake up to an included breakfast each morning to set you up for the day ahead and you can purchase dinner in the evening for a convenient meal. The bar is open in the evening, which is great to socialise in after a busy day, or a good place to meet friends before exploring the nightlife!
To do
There’s plenty to do in Amsterdam and the Hague! Here’s a few highlights…
Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum – Amsterdam’s most famous museum is only a short walk from your hostel and features over a million pieces from as early as the 1200s.
Canal Cruise – Known as Venice of the North, this is a great way to relax and explore the city!
Vondelpark – right next to your hostel, this is a lovely gardens to unwind in
Centraal station – it’s not often that a train station is on the list of ‘must sees’ but Amsterdam centraal station is architecturally iconic
Anne Frank House – If alive today, Anne Frank would be in her early nineties. This museum is a very moving, very real piece of modern history. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.
A’DAM lookout – Catch the regular free ferry to the best lookout in Amsterdam, the 360 skydeck. You could treat yourself to a cocktail at the panorama restaurant or, if you’re feeling more adventurous you could try the ‘Over the edge’ swing!
Van Gogh Museum – Dedicated to this famous painter, this famous museum is only a short walk away from your hostel.
The Hague
Peace Palace - The Peace Palace is a renowned international law building, holding the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Peace Palace Library of International Law and the The Hague Academy of International Law. Tickets for visits are released two weeks in advance and we recommend buying early should you wish to attend.
Binnenhof - A beautiful building by Hofvijver lake, the Binnenhof houses the office of the Prime Minister, the states general of the Netherlands and the Ministry of General Affairs. You can have tours around the building.
Scheveningen Beach - The Hague may not be known for its beaches but with a 5km stretch of golden sand and a beautiful pier to match, this is another feather in the Hague's cap.
Is there anything else I need to know?
There are no COVID-19 entry requirements. Vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers can both enter the Netherlands.
We will monitor the COVID situation and entry requirements closely. In the unlikely event that you need a negative test or another condition of entry, you would be responsible for paying for this.
Please carry a valid EHIC (European Health insurance card) or GHIC (Global health insurance card) if you have one. The EHIC cards are no longer produced but they are valid until they expire. If you do not have one, we recommend applying for a GHIC as soon as possible. When applying, please ensure that you do so for free on the official NHS website. If you are asked to make payment; the website is a scam.
You will need a valid passport to travel to the Netherlands, which you must bring with you.
You will be responsible for your own insurance, which we would recommend getting.
Passports and Visas
If you require a visa to enter the Netherlands, this will be your responsibility to arrange. Give it a Go will try to assist by finding information where possible but are not visa experts and cannot be held accountable in the event of a visa error. We strongly suggest contacting the embassy in the case of any doubt.
The following information applies to people travelling on a full British citizen passport from the UK. It may also apply to other passport holders and we would strongly encourage you to check this.
Your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
Full entry requirements can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/netherlands/entry-requirements
Entry to the Courts
Spaces to the courts are currently fully booked. You will have the option of joining a waiting list when you buy tickets.
There are 30 spaces for entering the presentation from the International Court of Justice and 40 spaces to enter the International Criminal Court. These are limits imposed by the courts and outside of Cardiff Students' Union's control.
Tickets to the court will be allocated on a first come, first served basis for those that want to go. You can request to attend both sessions, one session or neither sessions.
Upon buying your ticket, you will be emailed a link to a typeform. One of the questions asks if you wish to visit the courts. The first 30 and 40 people respectively that select they would like to visit, will be allocated the court tickets.
Please note that the courts require names in advance, so changes on the day will not be possible. If you change your mind about wishing the visit the courts, please email giveitago@cardiff.ac.uk as soon as possible, so that we can either do our best to give you a ticket, or so that someone else will be able to enjoy the court visits.
Please note that ID will be required to enter the courts and there will be security checks upon entry.
Terms and Conditions and FAQ
For full Terms and conditions, please see the terms and conditions page here https://www.cardiffstudents.com/activities/give-it-a-go/faq/
Q. I signed up for an event, but I can no longer attend. Can I get my money back?
A. Normally all Give it a Go events are strictly non-refundable or transferrable. However, If you find someone else who is willing to take your space, we will be able to transfer your ticket to them. Please contact giveitago@cardiff.ac.uk if you wish to do this. Tickets are strictly not for re-sale and transfers must go through the give it a go team. This is to ensure that the list of names on documentation we give to boarder force is correct.
Q. What will happen if we cannot travel due to another lockdown or travel restrictions?
A. We would provide you with a full refund. If possible, we would reschedule the trip and you would have the option of simply switching dates.
Q. I have dietary or medical requirements; will the trip be suitable for me?
A. Please contact us on giveitago@cardiff.ac.uk as soon as possible and we will discuss your needs and do everything we can to support you.
Q. I have another question – who should I ask?
A. Please email giveitiago@cardiff.ac.uk and we will be happy to help.