Delft Blue and Gouda Cheese
Explore two quintessentially Dutch towns, each with its own unique story. In Delft, the birthplace of Vermeer and home of Delft Blue pottery, you stroll along tranquil canals and past centuries-old facades as your guide brings the city's history to life, from William of Orange to the Dutch Golden Age. You visit the Royal Delft Museum and the city's churches (and can climb one if you want) and enjoy a relaxed lunch on a picturesque square. In Gouda, you walk through medieval streets and over the lively market square, admire the iconic 15th-century Town Hall, and marvel at the stained-glass masterpieces of St. John's Church. Learn about the city's rich mercantile past at the historic Goudse Waag, where you also enjoy a cheese tasting of Gouda's most famous product. You can start the day in either Delft or Gouda.
What you'll see on this tour
What guests say about this tour
5.0 · 6 reviews
“George did a great job of walking us thru the highlights of both cites and the transportation in between - he was informative about Dutch life and nationalism and allowed flexibility for rests shopping and snacks in the markets if we wished - helped with train to get back to Amsterdam at the end”
Viator · July 2025“Robin is a wonderful guide! This young man is respectful, polite and very very knowledgeable. He knows the history of the whole area; grew up in the area! Almost felt like we were in a tour with an adult grandson!! Has a sly sense of humor and really fun. This tour is so worth it. You cover a lot of ground, so get your walking shoes ready! 5 stars for this one!!”
“Alberto was a very friendly and helpful guide who helped us have a very enjoyable day. Great cheese, and of course the Royal Delft museum was fantastic.”
What's included
Included
- A private guide
- A transfer between the cities
- 2 private walking tours in Gouda and Delft
- Admission to Royal Delft factory / museum
- Cheese tasting in Gouda (with a drink)
- Admission to churches (when open)
- Lunch in Delft (with a drink)
Not included
- Gratuities for the guide (optional)
- Pick-up and drop-off in another city (can be added to your booking at check-out)
What to expect
Meet in Delft or Gouda
Your guide meets you at the statue of Hugo Grotius on the Markt in Delft, or at the Goudse Waag in Gouda. You can start the day in either city.
This tour has two starting points, one in each city. Pick whichever suits where you are staying and tell us when you book: Hugo Grotius statue in Delft or Goudse Waag in Gouda. You can also choose a custom starting location. Just add it as a comment when you book.
Delft: the Markt, the churches and the canals
Tranquil canals and centuries-old facades, the market square between the New Church and the city hall, and the Old Church with its leaning tower. Admission to the churches is included when they are open, and you can climb one if you want to.
Vermeer, William of Orange and the Golden Age
The city Johannes Vermeer never left, and where William of Orange was assassinated in 1584. Your guide brings the Golden Age out of the facades you are walking past.
Royal Delft
The last working 17th-century Delftware factory, where the blue and white pottery is still painted by hand. Museum and factory admission is included.
Lunch on a picturesque square
A relaxed lunch with a drink, included, before the transfer.
The transfer to Gouda, and the market square
The transfer between the cities is included. In Gouda you walk through medieval streets onto the lively market square, dominated by the 15th-century gothic town hall, one of the most remarkable in Holland.
St John's Church and a cheese tasting at the Waag
The stained-glass masterpieces of St John's Church, then the historic Goudse Waag and the story of the city's mercantile past, with a tasting of the cheese Gouda is named for and a drink to go with it.
Highlights
See Gouda's 15th-century gothic town hall, one of the most remarkable in Holland
Visit the Royal Delft Museum and see how Delft Blue pottery is still made today
Walk in the footsteps of Vermeer, William of Orange, Desiderius Erasmus and other legends as you uncover Delft and Gouda's history
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book my private tour in advance?
The earlier you book, the better. Online bookings close 24 hours before departure. For last minute tours in the Netherlands, you can always call, text or WhatsApp us at +31 6 46 52 69 11.
Can my tour start at a different time than the ones listed?
Yes. We offer flexible start times for all private tours. Add your preferred time in the booking comments or contact us directly and we will adjust the schedule for you.
Can I change the meeting point of my tour?
Yes. As long as it is within the city center, you can choose your own meeting point. If you prefer to begin at your hotel, a restaurant or another central location, simply add it as a comment during your booking and we will make sure our guide meets you there.
Can I be picked up and dropped off in another city?
Yes. We offer paid pick-up and drop-off within roughly 100 km (62 mi) of the tour location, which you can add to your booking before checkout or book separately. Amsterdam always falls within that range. For longer distances, please contact us for a quote.
In which languages are the tours available?
We offer our tours in English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish and Italian.
How can I pay for my tour?
You can pay securely online using Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit or debit card, Sofort, iDeal or Bancontact. All prices are listed in euros, and your bank automatically converts the amount to your local currency during checkout.
Are gratuities included in the price?
No. The tour price does not include a gratuity for your guide. Tips are never required, but are always kindly appreciated.
Which city do we start in, and where do we meet?
You choose when you book: at the Hugo de Groot statue on the Markt in Delft, or at the Waag in Gouda. You can change the order afterwards by messaging us. On a Thursday from April to August, starting in Gouda lets you catch the cheese market.
Is the tour suitable for seniors or guests with limited mobility?
Yes. Our private tours can be adapted to any pace and we can stick to a flat route in all cities.
Can children join the tour?
Absolutely. Private tours are ideal for families. We adjust the pace and storytelling for younger guests.
Do the tours run in bad weather?
Yes. Our private tours run rain or shine. If rain is expected, bring an umbrella or raincoat. If you prefer not to walk in rainy conditions, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel your private tour free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes. You can buy a digital gift card for any amount, redeemable for any of the tours found on discover-delft.com, discover-the-hague.com and hollandcitytours.com.
What is included in the day?
Your private guide, walking tours in Delft and Gouda, entry to Royal Delft, church entry where the churches are open, lunch with a drink in Delft, a cheese tasting with a drink in Gouda, and the transfer between the cities, which takes about half an hour.
Will we see the Gouda cheese market?
Only on a Thursday morning between early April and late August, when the market runs from 10:00 to 12:30. Book a Thursday in season and start in Gouda, and your guide explains the handclap bargaining. On other days the cheese tasting at the Waag is still included.
More about Delft and Gouda
What else there is to see in each of them, how to get there, and when to come.
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