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Delft Rainy-day activities

Our most recommended Delft Rainy-day activities

Royal Delft: Delftblue Factory and Museum

1. Royal Delft: Delftblue Factory and Museum

Royal Delft, established in 1653, is the last remaining original Delft Blue factory from the 17th century in Delft that still hand makes Delft Blue according to a centuries-old tradition. Discover the history, craftsmanship and innovation of this royal company during a visit. The Royal Delft Experience takes you on an inspirational journey through the world of the centuries-old earthenware. Paintbrushes carefully touch the white earthenware, whilst elsewhere clay is poured into handmade moulds. It is here, at Royal Delft, that craftsmen have been creating the iconic Delft Blue for almost 400 years. Admire the collection of antique and modern pieces of Delft Blue earthenware and experience the authentic production process in the factory. In the showroom, the complete collection of hand-painted classic and modern Delftware and souvenirs are displayed and can be purchased. In 2018 Royal Delft celebrated its 365th anniversary. Highlights of the year were the exhibition “Nouveau Blue: vision to realisation” until 30 September and the painting of a Delft Blue tile painting by 365 people during the year. To complete the experience you can join one of the painting workshops and discover the skill needed to be a Royal Delft craftsman (upon reservation). Finally, you can soak up the atmosphere in Brasserie1653 that overlooks the beautiful courtyard garden, whilst having a cup of coffee, High tea, or lunch. There are audio and guided tours available in 8 languages. Royal Delft is easily accessible from Amsterdam, the Hague, and Rotterdam.

Delft: Entrance Ticket for the Old and New Churches

2. Delft: Entrance Ticket for the Old and New Churches

Visit two of the most famous churches in the Netherlands: the 'Oude Kerk' and 'Nieuwe Kerk' of the city of Delft. Both are architectural marvels full of history and stories and can be visited with just one ticket The New Church was completed in 1655. Almost every member of the royal family since the death of William of Orange have been laid to rest here. The church is also known for spectacular architecture, giant pipe organ, and stained-glass windows The Old Church is thought to have been founded in 1246. See its crooked tower, which is 2 meters off-center, and admire its distinctive stained-glass windows. It’s also where you’ll find the graves of famous Dutch people such as the painter Vermeer.

Delft: Vermeer Centrum Delft Museum Entry Ticket

3. Delft: Vermeer Centrum Delft Museum Entry Ticket

Book your ticket to the Vermeer Centrum Delft Museum to see reproductions of Johannes Vermeer. Learn about the Dutch Baroque Period painter's life, techniques, and painting at this quaint museum. Arrive at Vermeer Centrum Delft, a former Guild of St. Luke building, and speak with a volunteer to learn about the museum. Receive an audioguide and head to the basement where you'll watch a short film on Vermeer and Delft in the 17th-century. Afterward, see 37 painting reproductions by Vermeer. Learn about the artist's life and family, as well as the city he lived in. The first floor of the museum is dedicated to Vermeer’s working ­method. Use a camera obscura to play with colors and perspectives and literally step into a Vermeer painting. On the second floor of the museum learn more about the love messages in Vermeer's paintings. In the exhibition "Love messages from Vermeer" understand the meaning and symbolism of certain objects and details in the artist's paintings. Conclude your visit to the museum with a visit to the gift shop.

From Amsterdam: Guided Trip to Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague

4. From Amsterdam: Guided Trip to Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague

Your tour begins as you depart from Amsterdam on your bus and head to Rotterdam. Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and is quite famous for its architecture and commercial harbor. See Rotterdam’s imposing skyline, cutting-edge architecture, harbors, shipyards, and docks. After the harbor cruise, continue your city tour, which includes a stop at the famous Market hall and Cube Houses.  Then, head to the picturesque city of Delft, the birthplace and final resting place of Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. Known as the Princes’ City, it is also where countless members of the Dutch royal family have been buried for centuries. Enjoy some free time for lunch (not included) and discover Delft’s canal-streaked historic town center. It is packed with awe-inspiring historical monuments including the Old Church, the New Church, and the Town Hall. Visit De Delftse Pauw, a factory specializing in handmade Delft Blue pottery, which has been the most coveted porcelain since the 17th century.  Make your way to The Hague for a city tour. In addition to being the seat of the Dutch government, this city is also the home of the Dutch royal family and is the third-largest city in the country. See The Hague, where most foreign embassies in the Netherlands are located, as well as 150 international organizations, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Stop and take pictures at the Peace Palace, the Mauritshuis (featuring work by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Andy Warhol), and the Binnenhof (the meeting place of the Dutch government). Finally, choose to add a scenic canal cruise in Amsterdam and see some of the city's top sights including canal houses from the Golden Age, the Westerkerk, and the Anne Frank House.

Delft: Guided Walking Tour

5. Delft: Guided Walking Tour

Your morning or afternoon in Delft will start at your hotel or if you travel to Delft from elsewhere at the train station. Set off in a relaxing pace to make sure you really get to see, feel and learn all about this town. Walk into the paintings of legendary Dutch painter, Johannes Vermeer, on this lovely guided walking tour through the artist's hometown, and the place where the great majority of his masterpieces were set – the old town of Delft. Find several highlights as you walk along the old streets, including the town hall, the ancient church, and the beautiful Agnetapark. Many of the sights of Delft are closely tied to the royal family; it was in the Prince's Court, for instance, that the founding father of the Netherlands, William of Orange, was murdered, and it is in the town's new church that his tomb as well as the graves of the Dutch royal family are displayed. Delft is famous for one other thing, aside from its connection to Vermeer and William of Orange – its celebrated pottery tradition. Those who would like admire the traditional earthenware and the famous "Delft Blue" hues in which they come can visit some of the pottery places in town.

Delft: Private Historical and Cultural Guided Walking Tour

6. Delft: Private Historical and Cultural Guided Walking Tour

See the historical sights of Delft on a guided walking tour in English, German,Dutch, French or Spanish, on this customizable tour. Marvel at the mausoleum of Prince William of Orange, the founding father of the Netherlands. Stroll over the medieval square to the beautiful city town hall in Renaissance style. Let us peek inside and see how justice was spoken here centuries ago. Venture down small alleys to find charming courtyards, cross historic bridges over the numerous canals and find several highlights along the old streets, like the ancient church, the Prince´s Court, the beguinage, the only remaining historical windmill and the best hidden court of Delft: the court of Almonde. Walk into the paintings of legendary Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, on this guided walking tour through the artist's hometown and visit the places where his masterpieces were set. Delft is famous for 1 other thing, aside from its connection to Vermeer and William of Orange: Delft Blue pottery. Learn about its origins and see a master painter at work in one of the pottery places in town.

Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague: Full-Day Small-Group Tour

7. Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague: Full-Day Small-Group Tour

Start your tour by meeting your guide/driver at a centrally located meeting point. Your guide will take you to today’s first destination in about 60 minutes: Rotterdam. Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and is quite famous for its commercial harbor. The first stop is Spido for your 75-minute boat tour, the best way to view one of the world’s largest ports. You’ll see Rotterdam’s imposing skyline, cutting-edge architecture, harbors, shipyards, and docks. The next stop on the tour is Delft, where you will have the opportunity to see the city’s canal-streaked historic town center and its awe-inspiring historical monuments, including the Old Church and New Church. While there, you will visit a factory specializing in handmade Delft Blue pottery, the most coveted porcelain since the 17th century. Discover The Hague. The city is the home of foreign embassies and international organizations such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. It is also known for its historical sites. The Palace of Peace and Justice, which houses international courts, is located in The Hague, as are 150 other international organizations. Alongside this are several royal palaces and monuments, including the Mauritshuis museum and Binnenhof (the Dutch parliament).

From Amsterdam: Delft and The Hague Private Tour

8. From Amsterdam: Delft and The Hague Private Tour

Enjoy a sightseeing tour to the potteries in Delft, Madurodam, and the Mauritshuis in The Hague. You have entrance tickets to the Mauritshuis museum, Madurodam, and the Royal Delft potteries where you stay approx. 1 - 1.5 hours at each spot. If there is time left you can have a nice lunch in The Hague. You will be picked up in a luxury Mercedes sedan or minivan by a professional driver. After the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Amsterdam.

From Amsterdam: The Hague and Delft Sightseeing Tour

9. From Amsterdam: The Hague and Delft Sightseeing Tour

Start your 6 hour sightseeing tour in a relaxing way with a pickup service at your accommodation. After a short meet-and-greet with your driver/host, you will be taken to your first location, The Hague. The Hague is an important city in the Netherlands, home to some of its most important buildings. The Hague plays host to the Dutch government and parliament. You will make a quick photo stop at the Internation court of Justice and the Peace Palace, after that you will go to the Mauritshuis and when you done watching the paintings you will go to the Delfs Blue Pottery.

Amsterdam: The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam Private Day Tour

10. Amsterdam: The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam Private Day Tour

Discover some of the top highlights of Holland on this full-day tour. As you explore The Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam, you’ll learn about the fascinating history and culture from your private guide. You’ll see sights like the Binnenhof, take in the incredible architecture, and much more. After being picked up, you’ll travel to the city of Delft, home to the Delft Blue pottery and the House of Orange-Nassau. One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, Delft played a highly influential role in the Dutch Golden Age, and its architecture reflects this. Here you will find the Royal Delft Museum, where you can learn about the famous Delft Blue pottery. Next, it’s on to The Hague, the political center of the Netherlands. Explore the charms of this old town with memorable sights, such as the 19th-century restored City Hall, Binnenhof, and the New Church. After your visit to The Hague, you’ll have the chance to visit the Madurodam museum. This miniature park is home to a range of 1:25 scale model replicas of famous Dutch landmarks, historical cities, and large developments (entrance is €16.50 per person). From there, your guide will drive you to the city of Rotterdam. Discover how the destruction during World War II led to an intensive rebuilding process and Rotterdam becoming one of the most daring examples of modern architecture in the Netherlands. After your visit to Rotterdam, your guide will drive you back to your hotel or any other desired location.

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What people are saying about Delft

Excelente experiencia en un tour privado en donde los visitantes se educan mucho mejor que en otros tours con muchas personas. El guía se dedica a los pocos turistas lo que hace de la experiencia una enriquecedora y con mayor conocimiento. Se incluye un paseo en ferry por el famoso puerto de Rotterdam que ejemplifica lo inmenso del mismo. Nuestro guia Jan nos educó sobre todos los asuntos importantes de los lugares visitados y demostró ser un conocedor de alta calidad.

Really good museum ! Very good explanation ! It´s a very nice place. The visit of the factory was a good plus. Too bad it's a bit far from the city center but it’s walkable

The trip is well planned and on time. It is a lot fun and we learn a lot knowledge from the tour guide

An efficient way to visit three cities in one day when you're short of time.

Enjoyed the route, guide and foremost the timetable.