Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague Small Group Tour from Amsterdam

Experience the Netherlands Beyond Amsterdam with the Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague Tour

This 8.5-hour small-group tour from Amsterdam takes you on a journey through three distinct Dutch cities: Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague. For just $144.82 per person, you’ll skip the hassle of renting a car or navigating public transit and instead enjoy a comfortable ride with a knowledgeable guide. The tour is limited to 16 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience—and a chance for genuine conversations and insider stories.

What we love most about this tour is how it captures the diverse character of Dutch cities—from Rotterdam’s daring architecture to Delft’s traditional pottery, and The Hague’s political gravitas. Plus, with free time to explore each spot at your own pace, you get a real feel for the places rather than just a rushed overview.

One potential consideration: the full day can be quite packed, and some visitors have noted it’s a long day with limited time at certain sites. If you’re someone who prefers slow, in-depth sightseeing, this might feel a bit hurried. However, if you’re eager to see the highlights across multiple cities in one go, this tour offers fantastic value.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized overview of these key Dutch cities without the stress of planning multiple trips on your own. It suits those who appreciate good storytelling from their guide, interesting architecture, and a mix of historic and modern sights.

Key Points

• Convenient Transport: Comfortable, air-conditioned minivan with all fees included.
• Diverse Itinerary: Visits to Rotterdam’s modern architecture, Delft’s historic town center and pottery, and The Hague’s political landmarks.
• Flexible Exploration: Free time at each stop for personal discovery.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides like Alex or Nico enhance your understanding of each city.
• Value for Money: Entrance to the Royal Delft Museum included; other sites viewed from outside.
• Time Management: Well-paced for a full day, though some reviews suggest it can feel rushed.

What to Expect on the Tour

Starting Point and Departure

You’ll meet your guide at Kiss & Ride De Ruijterkade 46 in Amsterdam at 8:30 am. From there, the group boards a climate-controlled minivan. The small size of the group means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and the vehicle’s comfort makes the long drive between cities quite manageable.

Rotterdam: A City of Contrasts

Your first stop is Rotterdam, a city that beautifully combines cutting-edge architecture with maritime history. Key sites include:

• Markthal: It’s a marvel of modern design, with a ceiling covered in colorful artwork and a bustling market floor underneath. It’s a lively spot to take photos and grab a quick snack if desired.
• Blaaktoren (Piet Blom’s Pencil Building): Its unique design makes it a must-see for architecture buffs.
• Kijk-Kubus (Cube Houses): These iconic cube-shaped homes, designed by Piet Blom, are instantly recognizable and often featured in travel shots. You’ll see from outside, and some may choose to take photos or peek inside if time allows.
• Old Harbour: Once Rotterdam’s bustling port, now a lively area with cafes and nightlife.
• Nieuwe Maas: Offers scenic views of the river and city skyline.

Delft: Old Town and Blue Pottery

Next, you’ll head to Delft, a city famous for its blue-and-white Delftware. Key highlights include:

• Royal Delft: A historic factory dating back to 1653, where handcrafted Delft Blue pottery is still made using traditional techniques. The museum visit lasts about 60 minutes, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at this centuries-old craft.
• Nieuwe Kerk: Climb the tower for panoramic views over Delft. The church is a stunning example of Dutch Protestant architecture.
• Market Square (Markt): A charming, lively square lined with cafes, boutiques, and the impressive Delft Town Hall. It’s a perfect spot for photos or a quick coffee.
• Oude Kerk: The Old Church with its striking tower and historic graves, including that of the painter Johannes Vermeer.

The Hague: Political Heart and Peace

Your afternoon takes you to The Hague, the seat of government and home to international courts:

• Peace Palace: Known for housing the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the exterior is impressive, and the visit includes a 15-minute outside look.
• Binnenhof & Ridderzaal: The 13th-century complex is the political hub of the Netherlands. While the tour only covers the exteriors, the Gothic Hall of Knights is a striking symbol of Dutch governance.
• Optional: Visit the Royal Gallery (Mauritshuis) if you want a quick inside look at Dutch masterpieces—though this is optional and not included in the tour.

Returning to Amsterdam

After a full day, you’ll head back to the original meeting point, aiming to arrive in the early evening. Expect some traffic, as noted in reviews, but your guide will do their best to keep things on schedule.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Travelers

Many guests praise the knowledge and enthusiasm of guides like Alex and Nico. One reviewer noted, “Alex provided lots of information and history and ensured we got the most out of our day,” while another appreciated Nico’s “enthusiasm and pictures to help explain things.” These personal touches make the experience more informative and engaging.

Visitors also love the variety of sights—from Rotterdam’s futuristic architecture to Delft’s picturesque streets and the political significance of The Hague. The free time allows travelers to explore at their own pace, whether snapping photos, grabbing a snack, or visiting a small shop.

However, some reviews mention the long hours and rushed feeling. A few travelers felt that one or two stops could be skipped for a more relaxed experience. For example, some suggested that Rotterdam and Delft alone would make a more comfortable day, especially for those who prefer less hurried sightseeing.

The small group size is universally appreciated; it fosters intimacy and allows for more personal interaction with guides. Guests describe the van as clean and comfortable, and the overall organization as well-managed, despite occasional hiccups like scheduling or group dynamics.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: At around $145, this tour offers good value—especially with the entrance ticket to Royal Delft included. For those wanting to see multiple cities without the hassle of driving or planning, it’s a cost-effective option.
• Duration: Expect to be on the move from 8:30 am until early evening, with about 1 hour in Rotterdam, 1 hour in Delft, and 30 minutes at the Peace Palace. The free time at each stop varies but generally offers enough to get a good feel for each place.
• Transportation: The air-conditioned van makes a significant difference on a full day of travel, especially when crossing Dutch cities.
• Booking in advance: Most travelers book around 48 days ahead, highlighting the tour’s popularity.
• Accessibility: Most travelers can participate, but consider mobility needs if you plan to climb the church tower or walk around the city centers.
• Weather considerations: Since most sightseeing is outside, check the forecast. If weather cancels the tour, you’ll get a full refund or reschedule.

The Sum Up

This Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague tour offers a well-balanced introduction to some of the Netherlands’ most distinctive cities. It’s best suited for travelers who want to cover a lot of ground in one day without the stress of logistics, appreciating knowledgeable guides, and enjoying a mix of modern architecture, historic streets, and political landmarks.

While some might find the pace a bit quick—especially if you prefer more time at each site—it’s an excellent choice for those eager to see the highlights and capture the essence of Dutch culture and design. The value lies in the all-inclusive price, the small group intimacy, and the expert storytelling that makes each stop come alive.

If you’re seeking an efficient, engaging, and visually stimulating day trip from Amsterdam, this tour hits all the marks. Just pack your curiosity and a camera—you’ll leave with plenty of stories and snapshots to share.

FAQ

What is the start time for the tour?
The tour begins at 8:30 am from the designated meeting point in Amsterdam.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, ending back at the start point in the early evening.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the ticket for Royal Delft is included. Other sites are viewed from outside, and no additional entrance fees are required.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy something during free times.

How many people can join?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a small-group atmosphere.

What’s the transportation like?
Travel is in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, which helps make the long drives more pleasant.

Can I customize the visit at each site?
While the itinerary provides scheduled stops, there is free time to explore individually, but the tour doesn’t include inside visits to all landmarks.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera are recommended. Be prepared for outdoor sightseeing, especially at the historic sites.

In all, this day trip offers a lively, manageable way to explore Dutch cities that are often overlooked in favor of Amsterdam. You’ll come away with a broader understanding of Dutch culture, architecture, and history—plus a few stories to tell back home.