Private Walking Tour and Royal Delft Factory Visit

From the canal-side streets where Vermeer stood to the factory where Delft Blue is still made by hand.

A private walking tour of Delft's old town combined with entry to Royal Delft, the only Delft Blue manufacturer operating since the 17th century. Your guide walks you through the Market Square, past the New Church and leaning Old Church, along the canals, and to the spots connected to Vermeer, William of Orange and Antony van Leeuwenhoek. Then you're transferred to the museum and factory to watch craftspeople produce and hand-paint Delftware using techniques passed down for centuries. The tour includes entrance tickets, audio guides and transfers to and from Royal Delft; your guide speaks English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch or German.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Delft and visit Royal Delft

• Start walking tour at Market Square
• See New Church and learn about burial
• Pass by old town hall of Delft
• Visit old beer brewing quarter and Old Church
• Learn about assassination at Museum Prinsenhof Delft
• Walk along Oude Delft canal and see Gemeenlandshuis facade
• Explore former weapons Armory and Vermeer painting spot
• Walk to Beestenmarkt passing pottery makers and old synagogue
• Transfer to Royal Delft Museum and Factory
• Tour Royal Delft factory and museum

The Experience

The walking tour starts at the Market Square and moves through Delft's old town at your own pace. Your guide shares the stories behind the city's facades — the New Church, the recognizable leaning Old Church, the old beer brewing quarter, and the Gemeenlandshuis with its heavily decorated facade along the Oude Delft canal. You'll pass the spot where Vermeer stood when he painted "View of Delft," and walk by the Prinsenhof, where William of Orange was assassinated and which played a deciding role in Dutch history. The route also takes in the former V.O.C. weapons Armory and the Beestenmarkt, a square that once hosted animal markets and is now lined with the sites of former Delft Blue pottery manufacturers, an old synagogue, and the oldest hospital in the Netherlands.

After the walking portion, you're transferred to Royal Delft, the only Delft Blue factory still in operation from the 17th century. Inside the museum and factory, you watch craftspeople produce and hand-paint Delftware using the authentic techniques that have been passed down for centuries. The audio guide walks you through what you're seeing, and you can linger in the shop or cafe if you want to stay longer. The transfer back to your starting point is included.

What’s included

• Private walking tour of Delft's old town.
• Royal Delft entrance tickets and audio guides.
• transfers to and from Royal Delft.
• guide in your choice of English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch or German.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Discover Delft

Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving mid-afternoon or have limited time—the private format and included transfers let you set your own pace through the old town and Royal Delft without waiting for group departures.

Traveler reviews

4.44★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What exactly is the leaning Old Church and why does it tilt?

The Old Church is perhaps the most recognizable building in Delft and one of the oldest structures in the city. Its distinctive tilt is part of what makes it stand out as you walk through the old town, and your guide explains the history and reasons behind it.

Can I see where Vermeer painted "View of Delft"?

Yes. Your guide takes you to the exact spot in the south of the city where Vermeer was standing when he made his famous painting, and explains what you're looking at from that vantage point.

Do I get to see Delftware being made at Royal Delft?

You do. At Royal Delft, you watch craftspeople produce and hand-paint Delftware in the factory using the same techniques that have been used since the 17th century. The audio guide explains the process as you move through the museum and factory floor.

Is the transfer to Royal Delft included, or do I arrange my own transport?

The transfer to and from Royal Delft is included in the tour. After the walking portion of the tour ends, you're transported to the factory and museum, and then back to your starting point.

What languages does the guide speak?

Your guide is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch or German. You choose your preferred language when you book.

Can I bring children or a stroller on this tour?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are also allowed.