There will be two groups of 60 people who will alternate between the canal cruise and the Hortus Botanicus tour. Both groups will meet for a mid-morning refreshment break before separating for their next tour. 

You will not have a preference of what group you are in, it will be determined at the time of booking.

The Canal Cruise

Experience the city of Leiden and its academic history by joining us on a private canal cruise and a guided tour of the Hortus Botanicus. 

The canal cruise will take you passed all the historic sights of the city, dating back to the siege of 1574. You will be shown the origins of Leiden University and the houses where the 17th century painters such as Rembrandt, lived and worked. You will have time to take in the modern day living spaces in the city centre with the beautiful terraces on the streets and on the boats. 

The Hortus Botanicus

You will also experience a guided tour of the oldest botanical garden that dates back to 1590 – the Hortus Botanicus. 

You will discover the various garden parts, impressive tropical and sub-tropical greenhouses as well as where Carolus Clusius cultivated the first large tulip collection in Europe! The Hortus Botanicus is known as the green heart of Leiden and is a place of peace and inspiration.