Private Tour of The Hague and Delft with Mauritshuis and Pottery

A full-day private tour of The Hague and Delft offers a rich exploration of Dutch culture, history, and art for $658.51 per person. With a carefully curated itinerary, this tour combines walking city tours, museum visits, and a delicious lunch, making it an ideal choice for those interested in deepening their understanding of the Netherlands’ golden age. Starting in The Hague and ending in Delft, it provides a comprehensive look at two historic cities, all with the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation between sites.

Held on an 8-hour schedule, this tour is perfect for travelers who want an in-depth experience without the hassle of planning. The tour is designed for moderate physical fitness levels, with numerous stops at significant landmarks, museums, and city highlights. One of its key strengths is the inclusion of two famous museums, Mauritshuis and Royal Delft, along with a lunch in Delft. The tour has received glowing praise for its knowledgeable guides, ensuring visitors gain engaging insights into Dutch history and culture.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $658.51 per person, the 8-hour private tour covers both The Hague and Delft.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes city walking tours, museum visits, and a traditional lunch in Delft.
• Major Highlights: Stops at Het Plein, Binnenhof, Hofvijver, Noordeinde Palace, Grote Kerk, and Johan de Witt statue in The Hague; and Old Church, Nieuwe Kerk, Royal Delft, and De Waag in Delft.
• Cultural and Historical Focus: Learn about Willem van Oranje, Dutch democracy, and famous Dutch artists like Vermeer.
• Comfort and Convenience: Includes pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and all entry fees for museums and key sites.
• Flexible Start/End: Typically begins in The Hague and concludes in Delft, with options to reverse the order.

The Tour Starts in the Heart of The Hague at Het Plein

The tour begins at Het Plein, a lively square in the city center of The Hague. Here, the guide introduces the Father of the Fatherland, Willem van Oranje, highlighting his role in the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule. This spot sets the tone for understanding the city’s historical importance. The free 20-minute stop allows for an overview of the Dutch fight for independence, providing context for the city’s political sites.

From Het Plein, the tour proceeds to the Binnenhof & Ridderzaal, where visitors see the parliament complex and the Knight’s Hall. The guide explains the significance of these buildings, offering an inside look at Dutch governance. While this 10-minute stop is brief, it offers an authentic glimpse into the political heart of the Netherlands.

Next, the Hofvijver lake sits in front of the parliament, where the guide shares amusing anecdotes and explains its importance in the city’s history. The 10-minute stop here blends scenic views with historical insights. Nearby, the Thorbecke Monument symbolizes the father of Dutch democracy, adding a layer of political history to the sightseeing.

Exploring Lange Voorhout, the Champs-Élysées of The Hague

A highlight of the city tour is the Lange Voorhout, often called the Champs-Élysées of The Hague. Over 30 minutes, visitors walk along this elegant street lined with embassies, an art museum, a hotel, and the temporary senate building. The guide points out the Dutch heads of state statues and adds stories about the area’s diplomatic and artistic significance.

Visiting the Dutch Royal Family’s Working Palace

The stop at Noordeinde Palace offers an up-close view of the working palace of the Dutch king. The presence of the royal flag indicates whether the monarch is in residence, adding an element of real-time royal intrigue. This 10-minute visit provides context about the Dutch monarchy’s role today.

The Grote Kerk and Johan de Witt’s Statue

The Grote Kerk stands out with its unusual tower, and the guide shares stories about its architecture and historical events. A nearby 20-minute stop allows visitors to appreciate its grandeur and learn about the stork perched atop the tower, a curious detail.

Just a short walk away, the statue of Johan de Witt marks a significant but tragic moment in Dutch history. This 20-minute visit recounts how de Witt, the only head of government who was eaten by an angry mob, remains a powerful symbol of political upheaval.

Transition to Delft and the Mauritshuis Museum

After exploring The Hague, the tour includes a short transfer to Delft, where the famous Mauritshuis awaits. In this one-hour visit, visitors see Vermeer’s masterpieces and other Dutch painters, housed in a 17th-century building originally built for the governor of Dutch Brazil. The guide’s commentary ensures a rich understanding of the art collection, which is included in the tour ticket.

Discovering Delft’s Historic City Center

Arriving in Delft, the tour first visits a historic site where Willem van Oranje was assassinated, setting the stage for understanding the city’s importance. The Old Church, famous for its leaning tower, houses the graves of Vermeer and Antoni van Leeuwenhoek. When open, a 30-minute visit allows a close look at these burial sites and the church’s architecture.

Next, the Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland and the old house of Delft at the Water Board showcase the city’s water management history. This 15-minute stop explains how crucial water control has been for Delft’s prosperity.

Lunch at De Waag and Market Square

A highlight is the lunch in the historic De Waag, a former weighing house, set behind Delft’s impressive old town hall. The 1-hour meal includes a drink, offering a chance to relax and enjoy local flavors.

Following lunch, the Market square presents sights like the old town hall, the oldest shop in Delft, and a statue of the Father of International Law. This 20-minute stop offers a lively sense of Delft’s vibrant history.

Visiting the Nieuwe Kerk and Maria van Jessekerk

The Nieuwe Kerk, towering and second tallest in the Netherlands, is the final church stop, if open. It contains royal graves, adding regal significance. A 20-minute visit here completes the religious and royal overview.

Adjacent to the Beestenmarkt, the Maria van Jessekerk is a Catholic church where Vermeer is said to have painted. Nearby, the old synagogue provides insight into Delft’s Jewish community history, with a 10-minute visit.

The Historic VOC Office and Royal Delft Factory

The last stops include the VOC-Kamer Delft building, once a Dutch East India Company office, and the Royal Delft factory. The hour-long visit at Royal Delft showcases the only surviving Delft Blue manufacturer from the 17th century still in operation. The museum and factory tour highlight traditional craftsmanship and the city’s porcelain heritage.

Logistics, Accessibility, and Overall Experience

This private tour offers pickup, with transportation via air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort throughout the 8-hour schedule. The tour includes all entry fees, and the lunch is part of the package, making it a convenient and hassle-free experience.

While the tour begins in The Hague and ends in Delft, there is flexibility to reverse this order. It is suitable for guests with moderate physical fitness, given the amount of walking and site visits.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits those with a keen interest in Dutch history, art, and architecture, as well as visitors who appreciate guided insights and cultural context. The knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, making complex stories accessible and engaging. The inclusion of museum visits, historic landmarks, and a traditional lunch offers a well-rounded day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the tour’s moderate physical activity level and cultural focus make it suitable for children with keen interests in history and art.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated during lunch?
The data does not specify dietary accommodations, so it’s best to inquire directly with Discover Delft.

Can I customize the order of cities visited?
Yes, the tour generally starts in The Hague and ends in Delft but can be reversed upon request.

Are entry tickets included?
Yes, tickets to Mauritshuis, Old and New Churches (if open), and Royal Delft are included.

How much walking is involved?
Multiple stops involve walking through city streets and sites, but the tour is designed for those with moderate fitness levels.

What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility.

What languages are available for the guide?
The data does not specify, but typically, private tours provide guides fluent in English.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be done through the provider Discover Delft, with the tour available on Viator’s platform.

This private tour of The Hague and Delft offers a detailed exploration of Dutch history, art, and architecture in a comfortable, well-organized setting. It balances guided storytelling with visits to major landmarks and museums, making it an engaging choice for those eager to understand the Netherlands’ golden age and royal heritage.