Top Leiden Half-day Tours

The people of Leiden believe that their city is the most beautiful one in the country, if not the whole world. It is hard to argue with that :). In fact, there is no other place on Earth, where stories from all over the world are intertwined in such a dense tangle. This is the birthplace of Rembrandt and genius mocker Jan Steen. It is where the origins of the modern Netherlands come from, as well as the United States of America and modern art. Einstein and Churchill walked on these cobblestone pavements here. All these stories are full of surprises, amusing paradoxes, and sometimes ridiculous tales or absurdities. Here, the subject of botany suddenly turns from a primary school class into a real detective story, physics - into tragedy, commerce - into philosophy and the rational organization of the urban environment - into poetry. After Leiden, your life will never be the same!

On this half-day private tour, you will discover Leiden and Delft. See the highlights of both old cities together together with our passionate guide. A transfer between the cities is included. You'll see Leiden, known its stunning canals and classy streets. Step back in time as you explore its old center. The city that heroically survived a Spanish siege in 1574 is full of stories: it was the home of Rembrandt, the oldest university of the country, and the Pilgrim Fathers. And you'll visit Delft, a picturesque town full of centuries-old facades, squares, churches and canals. The city of Johannes Vermeer is known for its Delft Blue pottery, the final resting place of the Orange family, and its top-rated Technical University. You'll be impressed by its charm. You can do this tour both ways: starting in Delft or starting in Leiden. You can also choose to be picked up and dropped off somewhere else, like in Amsterdam. And remember: It is you who determines the pace of this tour.

Close your eyes. Can you hear the sound of young Rembrandt running around in the alleys? And the shouts of the children playing? Can you hear the carts on the cobblestones coming in through the White Gate? The loose women calling out to the militia men? The quiet steps of Rembrandt going to his art class? Step into the world of Young Rembrandt and see what shaped him as an artist. Hear the stories that he heard about the Siege of Leiden. Find out how the proud people made a living in the bustling new republic and see their legacy in the Renaissance town of Leiden. Feel the liberty that attracted the Pilgrim Fathers, and made some leave to America. Look up at the sky and see the light that sheltered it all. It is here that an artist was made that conquered the world.