Pilgrims and Painters of Leiden: A Self Guided Walking Tour
Overview
In the 1600s, a single tulip bulb sold for the price of a canal house - and the flower that started the famous tulip mania was planted right here in Leiden. This walking tour follows a trail that takes you to that spot at the Hortus Botanicus and through the streets where Rembrandt grew up, sketched his earliest works, and became the painter who would define the Dutch Golden Age.
Along the way, you will hear how Leiden's canals were built as moats to stop invaders, why poems cover the city walls instead of graffiti, and how a group of English refugees, called the pilgrims, sheltered here before sailing - with nine future US Presidents among their descendants.
Your local guide walks you through 12 stops, from the atmospheric Galgewater canal to the panoramic fortress of De Burcht. Along the way, you can get a Rembrandt-style portrait sketched and explore one of the city's hidden hofjes.
Available in 9 languages. Works offline. No schedule, no group - just you and the city.
What's Included
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you don’t love the tour, write to us for a full refund.
- Offline access to the tour (no internet connection needed) once tour is downloaded
- Images to identify stops and in app interactive map for navigation
- 1-year access on iOS & Android. Listen to the tour anytime, as many times as you like
- Check or search your inbox for an email from “Tourific” with tour access instructions.
- Audio and written guide included
- Any physical devices or headphones
- Entry to any attractions
- Human tour guide at location
Meeting Location
Galgewater
2311 Leiden, Netherlands
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Van der Sterrepad 5
2312 EK Leiden, Netherlands
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Molen de Put (pass by)
Hortus Botanicus Leiden (pass by)
Leiden University Academic Building (pass by)
Young Rembrandt Studio
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Pieterskerk Leiden (pass by)
De Burcht
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Galgewater
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Doelenpoortsbrug
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total tour duration includes the time spent listening to information at the stop and time required to walk through all the stops.
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Pilgrims and Painters of Leiden: A Self Guided Walking Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-472599P15
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.50 out of 5 stars based on 4 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you don’t love the tour, write to us for a full refund.
- Offline access to the tour (no internet connection needed) once tour is downloaded.
- Images to identify stops and in app interactive map for navigation.
- 1-year access on iOS & Android. Listen to the tour anytime, as many times as you like.
- Check or search your inbox for an email from “Tourific” with tour access instructions.
- Audio and written guide included.
- Any physical devices or headphones.
- Entry to any attractions.
- Human tour guide at location.
The minimum age to participate is 18..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Pilgrims and Painters of Leiden: A Self Guided Walking Tour is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Pilgrims and Painters of Leiden: A Self Guided Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you don’t love the tour, write to us for a full refund.
- Offline access to the tour (no internet connection needed) once tour is downloaded
- Images to identify stops and in app interactive map for navigation
- 1-year access on iOS & Android. Listen to the tour anytime, as many times as you like
- Check or search your inbox for an email from “Tourific” with tour access instructions.
- Audio and written guide included
- Any physical devices or headphones
- Entry to any attractions
- Human tour guide at location
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total tour duration includes the time spent listening to information at the stop and time required to walk through all the stops.
