Located in the centre of Etten-Leur, the Van Gogh Church offers a fascinating glimpse into what is probably the least known period in Vincent van Gogh’s life, but certainly not the least important! ‘The start of a career’ This is the church where Van Gogh’s father was minister for seven years and where Van Gogh could regularly be found. Vincent van Gogh first registered as an artist in Etten in 1881. For nine months he lived and worked in the parsonage behind the Dutch Reformed Church. He also had his first drawing studio here. ‘Precious memories’ In the Van Gogh Church you can see how Vincent wrestled with drawing but became better at it through sheer hard work. How he was infatuated by his cousin Kee Vos and the drama which then unfolded. How he had arguments with his father. How he left Etten at Christmas 1881 but never forgot it. ‘Around the Van Gogh Church’ All these unusual stories are told in and around the Van Gogh Church. Nine colourful windows, multilingual information panels, showcases, animation, a film, a garden, an oversized portrait wall and audio columns take you back in time. The ‘Van Gogh in virtual reality’ is new: you will be immersed in an almost a real life encounter with Vincent van Gogh through a computer simulated environment. Van Gogh Shop The Van Gogh Shop has a large variety of souvenirs. It is also the ideal starting point for a Van Gogh walk or a cycle trip through the surrounding area. Van Gogh heritage location The Van Gogh Church and Van Gogh Shop (Markt 4) are within walking distance from the bus and railway stations. There is a multi-storey car park very close to the church. The locations are also on the Van Gogh Cycle Route that connects the five heritage locations in Brabant with each other.

The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is a quirky and fascinating stop with over 9,000 nutcrackers from around the world, spanning from ancient Rome to modern times. The museum's collection includes everything from simple, functional designs to elaborate, artistic pieces. It’s a fun spot for visitors of all ages, especially kids, who can take part in afternoon “nutcracker hunts” to make the experience even more interactive.

If you’re in Leavenworth and curious about local craft beer, Icicle Brewing Company is the place to go. Located right on Front Street, they’ve got a solid lineup of beers, from lagers to ales, with their Enchantments Hazy IPA being a standout. The tasting room also has some great bites to go with your beer, like Bavarian pretzels, sandwiches, and cheese boards. Plus, they often host live music and trivia nights, making it a great place to hang out.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villa d’Este is an unparalleled example of Renaissance architecture, located just under an hour away from the city centre in Tivoli (next to Hadrian's Villa). Marvel at its fountains, terraces, and gardens, explore the building from the inside and feel like one of the many artworks featuring Villa d’Este has come alive.