Private Tour from Amsterdam: Historical Leiden
Description
This tour aims to give you a peak into the live of a normal dutchman. We will take you away from the tourist traps and crowds of Amsterdam and take you to one of the most cosy and pleasant cities in the Netherlands, Leiden. Leiden has been described as the better version of Amsterdam, with its majestic canals, friendly people, rich history and bustling city live. Leiden offers a chance to peak into the true side of the Netherlands and experience the cosiness of the Dutch people while being surrounded by over 450 years of history. Hopefully, at the end of your tour, you will understand an old quote from Einstein: "Leiden, that delightful little place of earth."
Tour Options
Itinerary
We start by visiting the grand Amsterdam central station and looking into the lesser known history of the area before taking the train to Leiden.
Once in Leiden we go over to Lammermarkt to view an historic windmill in the middle of the city and look into the history of windmills in the Netherlands.
Walking though the alleyways of the city we will look for some hidden murals depicting the scientific and cultural importance of the city.
We stop at a grand gothic style church and have a look into its mysterious and impressive history.
We climb a hill to get to one of the oldest buildings in the city, the old keep. Here we will experience history first hand while taking in a nice view of the city.
We dive into the history of the Netherlands and the pivotal role Leiden played in the creation of the country while we visit this historic building with its rich traditions.
Time for a break. We sit down in a nice park with an explosive past to eat our lunch. The lunch will be in the form of a picknick if weather permits. The food will be in a typical Dutch style.
We walk past one of the most important scientific buildings in the Netherlands where many nobel prizes where earned.
Once you step inside this giant gothic church you will be greeted with a beautifully decorated church. The Pieterskerk has a rich history to show us, both inside and outside.
We go into a 18 centaury botanical garden. Visit its rooms that simulate foreign climates and end up at the old observatory.
We visit the old observatory and its controversial conception. Entrance into its domes with the telescopes is possible when availability allows, for an extra fee.
Before we go back to Amsterdam we take a dive into the artistic heritage of Leiden by visiting the birthplace of Rembrandt van Rijn and its favourite painting spot.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.
- Not recommended for travellers who have trouble walking
Reviews(3)
If you’re considering a private tour of Leiden, book with Matthew! Our family had a wonderful day, and he was the reason it exceeded every expectation. From the very start, Matthew made everything easy - he met us at the train station and seamlessly guided us through the journey from Amsterdam. He is extraordinarily knowledgeable about Leiden’s rich history, its famous intellectuals, and the remarkable inventions and discoveries that originated in this city. Having spent significant time living/studying in Leiden himself, he wove in personal anecdotes alongside the historical facts and landmarks, making the whole experience feel intimate and authentic rather than rehearsed. He is incredibly approachable and the kind of guide who makes you feel less like tourists and more like you’re exploring with a friend. The picnic was a lovely highlight, especially for the younger members of our group - the lunch and weather were simply perfect, though a heads-up for those with older guests...sitting on the ground was a bit of a challenge for some members in our group. And perhaps one of our favorite unplanned moments was when Matthew carved out time to stop at a local restaurant for a cold beer together. Leiden itself is a gem, but Matthew made this day truly memorable - he is relaxed, local, and genuinely fun. Don’t miss this experience...highly recommend, 10/10.
Mattjis. He was a wonderful host. New all the in and outs of Leiden. He knew the history and was very well organized. It was a delight.
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a real pleasure showing your group around Leiden. I'm so glad you enjoyed the tour, and I hope you left with as much love for the city as I have. Safe travels and maybe see you again someday!
Beyond our expectations . Very tranquil and learned a lot of regular Dutch life. Very enjoyable. Learned a lot. Guide was friendly knowledgeable and inviting
