The best of Delft and Leiden
Delft is the smaller and the quieter of the two. You walk along the Oude Delft, the oldest canal in the country, past leaning church towers, the Prinsenhof where William of Orange was shot, and the Markt with the Stadhuis at one end and the Nieuwe Kerk at the other. It is the town Vermeer never left, and where Delft Blue has been painted by hand since the seventeenth century. Leiden is bigger, younger and louder. It has more canals than Delft, the oldest university in the Netherlands, founded in 1575 as the reward for surviving the Spanish siege, and the house where Rembrandt was born. It is also the town the Pilgrim Fathers lived in for eleven years before they sailed for America. Your guide takes you through both, and the transfer between them is included.
What you'll see on this tour
What guests say about this tour
5.0 · 6 reviews
“Linda was the perfect guide, host and ambassador! I’ve been to Leiden several times for work and wanted to learn more about the city and its history. Linda did that and much more as I was also introduced to Delph, a short train ride from Leiden, the city with historical significance and famous for its Blue Delph ceramics. After the tour was over, I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring Delph on my own. A super bonus was we had spectacular weather. Not too hot or cold. I would highly recommend this tour and Linda!”
“Linda was the perfect guide, host and ambassador! I've been to Leiden several times for work and wanted to learn more about the sites and history. Linda did that and more as I was also introduced to Delph, a short train ride from Leiden. A super bonus was we had spectacular weather. Not too hot or cold. I would highly recommend this tour and Linda!”
Viator · May 2026“Niels was an excellent guide for the day! It was a last-minute decision on my part to take the tour so I was thankful I ended up with Niels. He was flexible with start time and very knowledgeable about the areas visited. He was great company and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour.”
What's included
Included
- Private guide
- 2 private walking tours in Delft & Leiden
- A transfer between the cities
Not included
- Food and drinks
- 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 Leiden
Your guide meets you on the Markt in Delft, or on the Beestenmarkt in Leiden. You start in one town and finish in the other, and you choose which way round during booking.
This tour has two starting points, one in each city. Pick whichever suits where you are staying and tell us when you book: On the Markt in Delft, or in front of McDonald's on the Beestenmarkt in Leiden. You can also choose a custom starting location. Just add it as a comment when you book.
The Markt, the Nieuwe Kerk and the Stadhuis
Delft's main square, with the Renaissance town hall at one end and the tomb of the Dutch royal family at the other, and why a small town ended up with a square this grand.
Oude Delft, the Prinsenhof and Vermeer
The oldest canal in the Netherlands, the leaning tower of the Oude Kerk, the courtyard where William of Orange was assassinated, and the corners of town Vermeer painted without ever leaving it.
The transfer to Leiden
The short hop between the two towns is included, with your guide alongside you.
Rembrandt's Leiden and the oldest university
The Rapenburg, the canals and elegant streets of the old town, the house where Rembrandt was born, and the university founded in 1575, the oldest in the country.
The siege of 1574 and the Pilgrim Fathers
How Leiden held out against the Spanish siege and what the town won for it, and the English separatists who lived here for eleven years before sailing for America.
Highlights
Two of Holland's most charming old towns in a single half day, with the transfer included
Walk the Oude Delft, the oldest canal in the Netherlands, and the streets Vermeer painted
See Rembrandt's birthplace and the oldest university in the country, founded as a siege reward
Frequently asked questions
How much time do we spend in each city?
Roughly two hours of walking in each town, plus the train between them, for about 4.5 hours in total. If you would rather spend longer in one than the other, mention it in a booking comment and we plan the day that way.
Which city do we start in?
You choose the starting city yourself during the booking process. You can also contact us afterwards if you want to change it. The tour covers both towns either way, this only decides where your guide meets you.
Is the transfer between Delft and Leiden included?
Yes. The transfer between the two cities is included in the price and your guide travels with you.
What is there to see in Delft?
The Markt with the Stadhuis and the Nieuwe Kerk, the Oude Kerk and its leaning tower, the Oude Delft canal, the Prinsenhof where William of Orange was assassinated, and the places Johannes Vermeer lived and worked. Delft Blue pottery is still hand-painted in the town at Royal Delft, which you can visit separately.
What is there to see in Leiden?
The Rapenburg canal, the Pieterskerk, the Burcht citadel mound, the two windmills on the Galgewater, Rembrandt's birthplace and the buildings of the oldest university in the Netherlands. Leiden also has more canals than any Dutch city apart from Amsterdam.
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.
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 both 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.
More about Delft and Leiden
What else there is to see in each of them, how to get there, and when to come.
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