Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Netherlands on our exclusive Dutch Castles and Water Defense Lines Private Day Tour from Amsterdam. As you embark on this enchanting journey, you'll discover the captivating stories behind majestic Dutch castles and the ingenious water defense lines that were built to protect the land and its people centuries ago. Join us for an unforgettable day filled with stunning landscapes, fascinating tales, and a glimpse into the Netherlands' unique architectural and engineering heritage.
Your knowledgeable & fun private guide will pick you up at your hotel and you will set out in your private vehicle for the day to Muiderslot Castle.* Muiderslot is a beautiful and very well-preserved medieval castle, often referred to as the Amsterdam Castle given its nearby location to the city. You can uncover the castle's secrets with various theme-guided tours, exploring the art collection, lush greenery, and the fascinating stories of Count Floris V and poet P.C. Hooft.
Photo: De Haar Castle by Tom van der Leij.
After this, you will head to De Haar Castle (Kasteel de Haar). This impressive Dutch castle is the largest, and as soon as you step in, you will dive into the opulence of its former residents, Baron Etienne van Zuylen and Baroness Hélène de Rothschild. The Rothschild family paid for the extensive and very expensive renovation at the end of the 19th century. This is where the European jetset has been gathering for private parties throughout the last two centuries, and even today!
Photo: Interior of Dutch castle, Slot Zuylen by Tom van der Leij.
When finished exploring the castle, we will set out to Naarden for a late lunch in a cozy restaurant surrounded by art & boutique shops. Naarden is a charming and important fortified city home to the UNESCO heritage site of the Dutch Water Defense Lines (De Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie). These water defenses form our largest national heritage site.
We will walk around the restored fortress walls, and get to know the ins and outs of the city and moat. In the summer, we can enjoy a canal cruise here.
*On request, we can visit Slot Zuylen or Kasteel Groeneveld instead of Muiderslot.
