The Golden Age Triangle
Start your day in Leiden, a picturesque university city where science, art, and history meet. Walk along its tranquil canals, see the birthplace of Rembrandt, and learn about the city's heroic defense during the Spanish siege of 1574. Leiden's old streets and elegant architecture make it one of the most atmospheric cities in the country. Continue to The Hague, the royal and political heart of the Netherlands, past the Binnenhof (Dutch Parliament), the King's working palace and the city's embassy-lined boulevards. Then end the day in Delft, the charming small town known for its Delft Blue pottery, canals and Dutch Golden Age heritage. It is like stepping into a Vermeer painting, the master painter who lived his whole life there, and you will hear about him, William of Orange, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek and many others.
What you'll see on this tour
What guests say about this tour
5.0 · 2 reviews
“Did this tour by myself, as I had a day off during a week of work and meetings in Amsterdam. I couldn't have made a better choice. What a delightful tour! I have seen so much and learned a lot of these three lovely cities. Thank you”
“Thanks for the tour! Our guide Robin was fantastic. He knew all about the places we visited and he provided a lot of insights into Dutch history and culture. We look forward to coming back when the weather is better ;). Recommended!”
“We were picked up at our hotel in Amsterdam by a nice young man. He brought us to The Hague, Delft and back. Everything went perfect and we absolutely loved this trip. Our highlight was the art museum in The Hague with the strange name ;)”
What's included
Included
- Private guide
- Lunch in Delft (with a drink)
- 3 private walking tours in Leiden, The Hague and Delft
- Transfers between the cities
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 Leiden or Delft
Your guide meets you in Leiden or at the statue of Hugo Grotius on the Markt in Delft. The day runs in either direction, and the transfers between all three cities are included.
This tour has two starting points, one in each city. Pick whichever suits where you are staying and tell us when you book: Statue of Hugo Grotius in Delft or McDonald's in Leiden. You can also choose a custom starting location. Just add it as a comment when you book.
Leiden: canals, Rembrandt and the oldest university
Tranquil canals and elegant streets, the birthplace of Rembrandt, and the university founded in 1575, the oldest in the Netherlands.
Leiden: the siege of 1574
How the city held out against the Spanish siege, what it cost, and what Leiden was given for it. It is the reason the university is there at all.
The Hague: the Binnenhof and the palaces
The royal and political heart of the country: the Binnenhof, the King's working palace, and the embassy-lined boulevards around them.
Delft: the Markt, canals and Golden Age streets
The small town where canals, churches and streets have hardly changed since the 17th century. It is like stepping into a Vermeer painting.
Lunch in Delft
A relaxed lunch with a drink, included, on a square in the old centre.
Vermeer, William of Orange and van Leeuwenhoek
The master painter who lived his whole life in Delft, the founder of the Dutch royal line who was assassinated here, and the draper who built the microscopes that opened up a world nobody had seen.
Highlights
Visit Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt and home to the oldest university in the Netherlands
Explore The Hague, the political and royal center of the country, with its parliament and palaces
Discover Delft, the city of Vermeer, William of Orange, and world-famous Delft Blue pottery
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 in front of the McDonald's on the Beestenmarkt in Leiden. The Hague is in the middle. You can change the order afterwards by messaging us.
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.
How much time do we spend in each city?
About two hours in each of the three cities, plus lunch with a drink in Delft and the train rides between them, for about 8 hours in total. The transfers are included and your guide travels with you. If you want more time in one city, mention it in a booking comment.
Does the tour include the Pilgrim Fathers in Leiden?
Yes. In Leiden your guide covers the Pilgrims, who lived there from 1609 to 1620 before sailing for America, and the Pieterskerk where their pastor John Robinson is buried. If the Pilgrim story is why you are coming, say so in a booking comment and we give it more time.
More about Leiden, The Hague and Delft
What else there is to see in each of them, how to get there, and when to come.
You might also like
Private full-day tour of Delft & Gouda
Two quintessentially Dutch towns in one day: Delft, the birthplace of Vermeer and home of Delft Blue pottery, and the cheese city of Gouda.
Cheese tasting & lunch includedFree cancellation up to 24h before
Private full-day tour of Delft & Rotterdam
Two cities that could not be more different: a private boat ride on the Maas in Rotterdam, then the Royal Delft museum and an included lunch in Delft.
Boat ride & lunch includedFree cancellation up to 24h before
Private tour of the Mauritshuis
A small palace in The Hague with Girl with a Pearl Earring, Rembrandt and the Goldfinch. One private hour with your own guide.
Free cancellation up to 24h before
