26 June 2008 Leiden, Rembrandt's birth place

When walking through Leiden, its rich history still seems very much alive. This is where Rembrandt was born and developed his painting skills and where Clusius brought the first Dutch tulips into flower. Leiden has 12 museums, all worth a visit. The priceless and unique collections on show enjoy international fame. Leiden's atmosphere is largely determined by the first university in Holland (1575), which has developed into a world-famous centre of science, while its many students contribute to the lively and convivial atmosphere in the city.


Leiden also has a link with the Pilgrim Fathers, who lived in Leiden between 1609 and 1620. On July 21, 1620, the 66 Pilgrims who were leaving boarded barges at Rapenburg Quay for the trip by canal from Leiden to the harbour of Delft, now Delfshaven in Rotterdam. From there they sailed on the Speedwell for England, where the Mayflower awaited them. Plaques at the brick Sint-Pieterskerk (St. Peter's Church), in a small square off Kloksteeg, memorialize the Pilgrims, who worshipped here and who lived in its shadow. Special Thanksgiving Day services are held each year in honour of this little band of refugees.

Not to be missed are the Leidse “hofjes”: almshouses of which there are 35 groups in the city centre of Leiden. One after one, these almshouse complexes are idyllic places, where the noise of the town is shut out and where time stood still.

Experience Leiden's art and history from the Middle Ages to the present day.

The Lakenhal is a museum of typical Dutch urban culture from the 16th century to the present. Visitors can admire the fine collections of (Leiden) silver, engraved glass, pewter and tiles; and paintings by famous Leiden artists of the16th century such as Cornelis Engebrechtsz. and Lucas van Leyden. The 17th century is represented by the young Rembrandt and Lievens, David Bailly, Jan Steen, Gerard Dou and the Leiden 'Precise School' of painters, including the Van Mieris family and many others.

The programme of the tour:

10:00 Departure from Noordwijk to Leiden by bus
10:30 Arrival in Leiden, start walking tour
12:00 Lunch
13:00 Boat trip on Leiden’s Canals
15:30 Return to Noordwijk to Leiden by bus

Price: € 55 (minimum of 20 participants required)