Historic Leiden’s best tours pack centuries of Dutch heritage into wonderfully walkable experiences. The must-do Leiden City Tour hits all the biggies – Morspoort gate, Rembrandt’s childhood home, and ancient churches – with smart local guides keeping groups small and intimate. I love the Historical Private Tour for its deeper focus on the fascinating Dutch Republic era and America’s Pilgrim connection. For a true Dutch treat, join the Windmills & Polder Walking Tour to see how the Netherlands mastered water management with iconic windmills. The extended 6-night Country of Tulips Tour makes a perfect base for exploring both Leiden’s treasures and the surrounding flower-filled countryside. Let’s explore my favorite Leiden tours in detail.
Key Points
- The Leiden City Tour offers an immersive small-group experience led by knowledgeable local guides, covering notable sites in the city.
- The Historical Leiden Private Tour provides a personalized 1.5-hour exploration of Dutch history, Rembrandt, and the oldest university.
- The Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour takes visitors through iconic windmills and polders, with accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers.
- The Country of Tulips Tour is a 6-night journey showcasing tulip fields and cultural highlights, with accommodations, meals, and flexible booking options.
- Tour providers in Leiden offer wheelchair, stroller, and service animal access, along with flexible booking and personalization options for a tailored experience.
Leiden City Tour With Live Guide in Netherlands
While exploring the historic city of Leiden, the “Leiden City Tour with Live Guide” offers visitors an immersive experience led by a knowledgeable local. This small-group walking tour takes guests through the cobbled streets and bridges of Leiden, highlighting the city’s rich history and cultural trends.
The 94% recommended tour covers notable sites like Morspoort, Molen de Put, and Rembrandtplaats, providing insights into Leiden’s past. Included in the experience are bottled water, all fees and taxes, and optional visits to the Stadsgehoorzaal and City Hall, if arranged in advance.
With a maximum group size of 9 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized and intimate exploration of the city. Pickup is available from the front of Starbucks at Leiden Central Station, with accommodations for hotels within a 1-kilometer radius.
The tour runs on Thursdays from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, making it accessible for a variety of schedules. Wheelchair, stroller, and service animal access are also provided, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.
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Historical Leiden: Private Tour With Local Guide
This private historical tour of Leiden offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s rich past with the guidance of a knowledgeable local.
Priced at Kč 7,518 for up to 10 participants, the 1.5-hour tour is available in English and German, with a meeting point at Leiden Centraal station.
Highlighting Leiden’s role in the Dutch Republic and the story of the Pilgrim Fathers, the tour also explores the history of master painter Rembrandt van Rijn and the oldest university in the Netherlands.
Participants can enjoy a personalized pace and ask their guide questions about Dutch life.
Offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour includes a private local guide and gratuities, with no hotel pickup or drop-off.
Whether you’re interested in Leiden’s vibrant culture or its historical significance, this private tour provides an in-depth and immersive experience.
Read our full review: Historical Leiden: Private Tour With Local Guide Review
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Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour
What better way to experience the quintessential Dutch landscape than on a Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour in Leiden? This 5-star rated tour takes visitors on a journey through the region’s iconic windmills and picturesque polders.
The tour includes 500ml of bottled water per person and all fees and taxes, making it a convenient and inclusive experience.
The tour departs from easily accessible locations, with pickup available at Zwartemeerlaan or the alternative meeting point at Akkerhoornbloem 14. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.
Guests can expect to enjoy the tour from April 6, 2023, to August 8, 2025, with operations on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and a pay-later option available. Moderate physical fitness is required, but the private tour ensures a personalized and immersive exploration of Leiden’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour Review
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Country of Tulips Tour
Explore the Netherlands’ vibrant tulip fields and cultural gems on the Country of Tulips Tour, a 6-night journey through Leiden and the surrounding region.
This 5.0-rated tour is priced from $2,990 per person and accommodates up to 14 travelers.
Explore Leiden’s tulip fields by bicycle, with a support van available. You’ll also enjoy a canal tour in Delft and visit the Royal Delft Pottery Museum.
Lodging is in 4-star hotels, and meals include 4 dinners and 5 lunches.
The tour starts and ends in Leiden, with a taxi transfer to Schiphol Airport arranged at the trip’s conclusion.
Although not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, with no serious medical conditions required.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 6 days in advance.
A Reserve Now and Pay Later option is available, with the Lowest Price Guarantee.
Read our full review: Country of Tulips Tour Review
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Recap
Leiden offers a variety of engaging tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s rich history and picturesque landscapes. From guided walking tours through the historic center to scenic polder walks and tulip country excursions, there’s something to suit every interest. Whether you’re interested in architecture, windmills, or tulips, Leiden’s diverse tour options provide an immersive and informative way to experience the best of this charming Dutch destination.