Begin your walking tour at the entrance of the Leiden, at the base of the last surviving Windmill that use to grace the city ramparts. Follow the path along the natural boundaries of the old city walls, envisioning a world of chaos beyond the gates, and a dramatic existence within. We walk through the gardens of one of Europe's first Anthropology Museums, through one of the last surviving city gates, and into the streets most recognisable to the renown Dutch Masters Rembrandt, Steen, and Leivens, who introduced Dutch art to the World.
We'll see the landmarks that have attracted visitors for 400+ years:
- The Netherland's first Botanical Garden and home of the first tulip delivered by the Ottomans'
- The first University that was gifted to the city for withstanding siege and famine
- The largest library of 17th century books still known in existence.
Learn how Leiden University kept Galileo's ideas alive and see where French Philosopher Renee Descartes lived as a student. Beyond that, we'll visit the traditional shopping and market district, that has been a mainstay of daily life since the Medieval times. Wander through the quiet streets and hidden courtyards where the pilgrims planned their trip to the New World after fleeing England.
In 90 minutes, you will learn about the tulip mania of the 1600s, when a single tulip bulb sold for the price of a canal house. You'll see the streets where Rembrandt grew up, sketched his earliest works, and became the painter who would define the Dutch Golden Age - and you'll learn about this lesser known contemporaries. Hear how Leiden's canals were built as moats to stop invaders and how those invaders impacted the unique Leiden accent you'll still hear today.
Move over, you'll leave with wonderful ideas on how to spend your next few days or next few holidays in this unique South Holland city.
We offer both English or Spanish language tours, so please confirm you've selected the correct tour when booking.
