Leiden Private Canal Boat Tour with Drinks and Snacks





Description
Explore the enchanting canals of Leiden on a private boat tour. With exclusive access to the city’s picturesque waterways, this wonderful cruise offers a unique perspective of Leiden’s rich history and culture. Enjoy onboard drinks and snacks while a friendly local guide shares hidden gems and stories about the city’s landmarks. Perfect for couples or small groups seeking an intimate experience, this private tour allows you to immerse yourself in the charm of Leiden at your own pace. - 90-minute private canal cruise tailored for 2 to 6 passengers, or a private bigger group tour for up to 25 persons. - Enjoy drinks and snacks included during the cruise - Guided by a knowledgeable local captain who shares insights about Leiden - Depart from Beestenmarkt, just a short walk from Leiden Central Station (our bigger group tour starts at the Aalmarkt in the center of Leiden)
Tour Options
Itinerary
One of the central squares in Leiden surrounded by classic Dutch houses.
View from the water of the dome and buildings of the Old Observatory, one of the places Albert Einstein worked in Leiden.
Reconstruction of the Windmill of the father of Rembrandt Van Rijn.
The old harbor in Leiden, where classic Dutch ships are moored as well as typical Dutch living ships ("Woonboten")
The gardens of the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest of it's kind (1590)
Park that was created after the famous gunpowder explosion in 1807.
The Leidse Waag is a national monument located on the Aalmarkt in Leiden. It was built around 1657 to a design by Pieter Post on the site of the old, wooden weigh house. This had stood since 1455 at the place where the Oude Rijn, the Nieuwe Rijn, and the Mare meet.
The Koornbrug (locally: Koornbeursbrug) is a fixed stone arch bridge with a double canopy. For centuries, grain was traded on the bridge. The first mention of a bridge at this location dates back to the 15th century. In 1642, this bridge was replaced by the current Koornbrug, featuring three arches and elegant natural stone facades. The foundation stone was laid on December 15, 1642.
The Rapenburg is the most famous and one of the most beautiful canals in the center of Leiden, often described as a chic, historic waterway with stately 17th-century buildings. It is known for its rich university history (Academiegebouw), cultural attractions (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Hortus Botanicus), and royal residents during their student days.
The canal is situated on the western and southern edges of the canal structure completed in the 17th century that encloses the inner city of Leiden.
The Old and New Rhine separate west of Leiderdorp at the Leidse Waardeiland and rejoin in a canalized form in the middle of Leiden's city center. The city of Leiden originated on the headland on this side.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It will be necessary to step on and off the boat, so please keep this in mind if your party has anyone with limited mobility.
- We will be traveling on an open boat, so please dress according to the weather.
Reviews(1)
Our private boat tour with Jonathan was one of the highlights of our recent visit to Leiden. As a longtime local, he shared some of the city's history, architecture, and hidden corners with genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge, bringing the beautiful canals to life in a way that no guidebook could. Gliding through the quiet, winding waterways gave us a completely different perspective of this charming historic city. Jonathan was warm, engaging, and happy to answer our many questions, making the experience feel more like spending time with a knowledgeable friend than taking a tour. If you're visiting Leiden, we highly recommend booking a tour with Jonathan. It was relaxing, fascinating, and a wonderful way to experience one of the Netherlands' most beautiful cities.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Heather. You were wonderful guests, and it was a real pleasure having you on board. I hope you will visit us again in the future.



