"Holland for his own": Delft. Secret box

Delft is a fairy-tale city, with gingerbread houses and canals covered with bright green carpet of duckweed, with the ringing of ancient carillons and a “falling” bell tower, with cozy coffee houses hidden from prying eyes, hotels in gypsy kibits, mill wheels, a fish market, wooden klomp shoes and world-famous porcelain. Delft is the quintessence of the history of the kingdom. Here, around every corner, there were fables about the birth of the Netherlands, about the royal dynasty, about great artists and no less great privateers, about nobility and courage, but also about grandiose scams and intrigues. Delft is a city from the future. Here is one of the world’s best technical universities and a stunning museum of new technologies and innovations. Delft is unique. And going there is one of the best things you can do in the Netherlands.

We will look into an ancient monastery with a magnificent garden and lanterns from real Delft porcelain. The history of the modern Netherlands began here. And there was a tragic murder. A little talk about historical incidents and insidiousness, and then visit the shop with nostalgic toys, retro lollipops, kerosene lamps and other very necessary things.

Along the canals, we reach the local “pisa” tower, viewing ancient houses with coats of arms and other attributes of a decent, solid life. Let's take wonderful pictures. Let’s talk about how light unscrupulousness helps to stay in the ages, even in the absence of talent. We will find one of the most cozy courtyards, where we will check whether Delft apple pie is as good as they say about it.

Walk around the ancient cathedral of the XIII century, in which Jan Vermeer is buried. Anthony Leeuwenhoek and outstanding privateer Pete Hyne. Let’s talk about pirates and privateers, about the times of great discoveries, the West India Company, outstanding adventures and the slave trade. Tired? Take a look at one of the best chocolateries in the Netherlands. Or maybe you dream of mastering the secrets of chocolatier skill? And it's possible! You don't like chocolate. After all, almost the best ice cream in the country is sold here, sometimes with very unexpected additives.

We will go to the main square of the old city. On Saturdays there is a huge market of farm products and antiques. On the way we will look into the old courtyard-hofier, try on wooden shoes-clumps, reveal the secret of Delft porcelain and go to a couple of designer shops. Let’s look at the city through the eyes of Jan Vermeer and talk a little about the painting of the Golden Age. Let’s try to see what hides the earring of the girl from the famous picture. And at the same time we learn about how the artist’s creative heritage was unexpectedly replenished, however, for a short time, with outstanding canvases.

We will definitely go to the New Cathedral, where the tomb of members of the royal dynasty of Orange-Nassau is located. Let’s try to decipher a mysterious inscription on one of the tombstones. Let’s talk about the history of the country, the secrets of the royal family and the current attitude towards the monarchy in the Netherlands. If you want to go to the bell tower and see three cities at the same time.

It is absolutely impossible to pass by the local fish market - herring here is above all praise, and traditional "kibbeling" is undeniably better than we have ever tried. We will go to an old pharmacy, where they sell wax candles, old-fashioned potions and pills. In the shop nearby we taste cheeses with very unexpected tastes. And, of course, let’s talk about what kind of cheese makes sense to buy in the Netherlands.

Past the “heart” of Delft, we will go to the most romantic and picturesque place of the city – the medieval city gate. On the way, we will pass 3d graffiti and a pub with a huge selection of Belgian beers. Shall we? However, there are many interesting places where you can indulge in tasting this noble drink in Delft. We'll pick the best.

At the end of the tour, we will talk about new technologies and innovations that were invented in Delft, and about the fact that the export of new technologies accounts for a significant share of the country’s GDP.

What we'll see:

• The old monastery of St. Anne
• Monument to Willem I of Orange
• Lanterns and benches from Delft porcelain
• The old grocery store.
• Local Pisa Tower
• Old medieval church with tombstones of outstanding privateers
• New church with mausoleum of the “father of the nation” Willem I of Orange
• "The Heart of Delft."
• Old Town Hall and Weight Chamber
• Many monuments and modern sculptures
• graffiti
• Old University
• Residential barges and barges
• The restaurants
• Ancient Hofje
• Gypsy cibbits
• Fish market
• Design and antique shops
• Windmill
• Remains of the medieval city wall and the ancient city gate
• One of the most beautiful modern libraries in the world

What do we do?

• Climb one of the highest bell towers in the country and see, if you are lucky with the weather, three Dutch cities at the same time.
• Tasting the famous Dutch herring and traditional "cybeling"
• Solve the mystery of the ancient cipher
• Let’s try some unusual cheeses.
• Take great photos and a lot of other important things:

If desired, additionally:

• Create your own unique product at the Royal Manufactory of Delft porcelain
• Let's take a boat ride through the canals.
• Mastering the high art of making chocolate

Additional options are possible when booking at least a week before the tour and are paid separately.

The cost of the tour:
€320 for 1-4 people or €80 per person if you're more.

Duration of the tour:
3 hours (each additional hour of the guide’s work – 100 euros)

The cost of the tour:
€320 for 1-4 people or €80 per person if you're more.

Duration of the tour:
3 hours (each additional hour of the guide’s work – 100 euros)