The authentic city of Leiden is conveniently reached by train yet so many travellers overlook this gem of a city. Even though the city is significantly smaller than other cities in the Netherlands such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, with its world class museums, canals, windmills and historical architecture, Leiden doesn’t fall short to any and is waiting for you to be discovered. Meet your guide right outside the station and set off on an off-the-beaten path tour. Discover ‘secret’ courtyards, pass through small alleyways and be amazed by the elegant architecture that reminds us of the past. Leiden's university is the oldest in the Netherlands and according to many it is the most prestigious university as well. History buffs can indulge themselves as there is so much interesting history. Visit the area around Pieterskerk where the Pilgrim Fathers lived who left the city to settle in a land now called the United States. And since Leiden is Rembrandt’s birthplace, a stop at the Young Rembrandt Studio is not to be missed! Leiden is like an open-air museum; there’s just so much to experience. This elegant city is incredibly photogenic.

Your morning or afternoon in Leiden will start at your hotel or if you travel to Leiden from elsewhere at the train station. Set off at a relaxing pace to make sure you really get to see, feel and learn all about this town. The most important sights that your private guide will show are the oldest university of the Netherlands, where King William Alexander graduated just like most other members of the royal family. Have your camera ready to take a picture of the 900 year old Saint Peter Church. Find out where Rembrandt was born and where he first started to paint. Admire the 16th century built town hall of Leiden. Discover the wall poems spread throughout the city. These poems are written in many different original languages and can be discovered anywhere. After a great walk through the city of Leiden with your private guide, sit back and relax aboard the boat for a canal cruise of Leiden. Sailing through Leiden in an hour-long boat trip, you experience the very rich culture of the city: many monuments, museums and almshouses are situated on the water. You will also sail past the Botanical gardens, birthplace to the Dutch Tulip. In the wintertime the canal cruise is replaced with a visit to the Museum Lakenhal, the most important art museum in town.