We will start on the outskirts of the Old Town, where the historic Morspoort city gate is located opposite the Morspoortgarage parking garage. We will walk past the ethnographic 'Weltmuseum' in the direction of the historic harbor on the 'Oude Rijn' (Old Rhine), where we will enjoy a very beautiful view and also learn a bit about the world-famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn, who was born here. You will learn the reason why a charming old Dutch house is painted pink. Next, we'll continue to the most beautiful canal in the Netherlands, the Rapenburg. And you'll get answers to questions such as: What did the German physician and collector Philip Franz von Siebold have to do with the Leiden Japan Museum? And what impact did he have on your garden? But also: What role did the Dutch royal family play in Leiden, the oldest university in the Netherlands, and in the Rapenburg? Where did the ‘Royals’ live, where did one of them meet a partner, and in which old pub did one of them earn the nickname ‘Prince Pils’?
In the Academie Quarter, we will come to the city’s former main church, the Pieterskerk. At this location, you will learn about two unique groups of refugees: the Huguenots from France and the “Pilgrim Fathers” from England, and where they lived and attended church. Here, you will also learn about the connection between seven American presidents and Leiden. Next, we’ll continue to the Latin School, which dates back to 1600, where you can also have a portrait of yourself painted for free. We will also visit the studio where Rembrandt learned to paint. Then we’ll head to the university building, where famous professors made important discoveries and where Albert Einstein was a frequent visiting professor. You will learn all about the Eighty Years' War and major disasters in Leiden. Passing by the historic town hall, which has the longest Renaissance façade in the Netherlands, we will walk to the old castle tower – the “Burcht van Leiden” – from which we will enjoy a magnificent view of the city. We will end the city tour here, in the heart of the city, where there are so many charming shops, cafés, restaurants, and terraces, and from where you can explore this beautiful, vibrant city on your own. Of course, you'll also get tips on places to visit!