Whereas the NY Times describes Utrecht as a city that deserves more than a pleasant day trip from Amsterdam, according to a leading Australian news site, the city has the most beautiful canals of Europe. And they are right. With its iconic Dom Tower, churchyards, the old city centre and its canals, Utrecht is absolutely stunning. A walking tour of Utrecht is a fantastic way to discover Utrecht. Meet your guide at Vredenburgplein, the square nearby the train station and The Mall. Embark on a walking tour through the old city centre with your knowledgeable guide and learn about the city’s history that started around 2,000 years ago when Utrecht was part of the Limes; the northern border of the Roman Empire. During the tour you not only learn about historical Utrecht, but also about history is connected to contemporary issues that play a role in Dutch society. Follow your guide to the city's main square for it houses the historical Dom Church. With its dominating tower, it is Utrecht's pride and joy. Continue through little cobbled streets and churchyards; all leading to what has been for centuries the city’s main artery, the 1.5 mile long old canal Oudegracht. Along and nearby the canal there are many cafés and restaurants. A great way to getting to know the city with all its 'secrets'!

Enjoy a private tour and a sightseeing cruise along the Vecht River. Admire the views of scenic castles, old draw bridges, and 17th-century river estates with their tea domes and colorful gardens along the route. Enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner at an exclusive restaurant, overlooking the river. Start from your hotel or a central location of your choice in Amsterdam. Your private party will be picked up by the guide with a comfortable car and driven to the Vecht river to board on a classical open-topped boat. Toast with a glass of bubbly and enjoy the next two hours cruising by stunning castles, old draw bridges, and 17th-century river estates with their tea domes and vibrant gardens. Listen to tales of life along the river by a local skipper/guide, and get a good impression of the summer life of the wealthy merchants in the Dutch golden age. Enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner of your choice at a classy restaurant with a terrace at the river. After this relaxing private tour, you will be returned to your hotel.

After being collected from your accommodation, your private guide will drive you directly to the Muiderslot, also known as “Amsterdam Castle”. Your professional and certified guide will take you around through this beautiful castle with its unique collection. They will inform you of its impressive history and strategic importance, as you observe the castle and its gardens. Following the castle visit, your guide will drive through the idyllic countryside beside rivers, passing country mansions, windmills, and farmland in the direction of Utrecht. In this graceful city your guide will show you the highlights of the city center throughout a walking tour. On your walking tour you will get to see the highlights of Utrecht, such as the massive Domtoren, the unique canals, the Pope House, and hidden cloisters. Throughout the duration of your tour you will also learn a lot about the interesting history of the Netherlands and Europe. Depending on the opening hours of The Muiderslot, the tour can begin in Utrecht instead. Following this inspiring journey, your guides will happily drop you off at your hotel, the boat pier, or Schiphol Airport.

Get picked up from your accommodation by your professional guide and head first to Muiden Castle. Commissioned by Count Floris V in 1280, this 13th-century castle is one of the oldest in The Netherlands. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Muiden Castle is a quintessential medieval castle accessible only by drawbridge and featured in a number of shows and films set in the Middle Ages. Next up is De Haar Castle, the largest castle in the Netherlands once privately owned by the van Zuylen family. Learn about the fascinating history of the castle while you tour the exhibitions in its interior as well as the park and beautiful gardens surrounding it. Get driven back to your accommodation after the tour.

Start your journey from your hotel or a central location of your choice in Amsterdam. Your private party will be picked up by car and driven to the Vecht River to jump aboard a classical open-topped boat. Cruise along the Vecht River, one of the most beautiful rivers in the Netherlands on this full-day private tour. Admire the iconic sights of mesmerizing castles, old draw bridges, and 17th-century river estates. Enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner at an exclusive restaurant, overlooking the river. Best of all, with this customized tour, you can choose to make a stop to visit one of the museums, windmills, or take a guided tour around Slot Zuylen. The flexibility allows your party to see the sights that you want too. Make sure you bring your camera as you don't want to miss taking great pictures.

Join a friendly local guide to get an authentic experience of Utrecht on a personalized private tour. Explore this quintessentially Dutch city’s history, culture, and fantastic food scene as you’re led down its quaint, canal-flanked streets (and those off the well-trodden tourist trail). Your itinerary will be personalized according to your preferences. Once you’ve booked, someone from the local supplier's team will be in touch, so let then know if you have any special requirements. You'll be paired with guides that are passionate about the place they call home and who choose to spend their free time sharing it with like-minded travelers matched to them. Meet your host at Amsterdam Station, and take the train 30 minutes to the university town of Utrecht, an enchanting hub of subterranean wharves and canalside haunts. You could visit the central Domplein square in the shadow of the Domtoren (a 14th-century bell tower that’s the tallest in the country) and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin. Alternatively, see the city’s natural beauty at the sprawling Utrecht Botanic Gardens, and peer into pocket-sized shops and restaurants along the Oudegracht – the most-central of the city’s famous canals. Stroll down the bustling Amsterdamsestraatweg, a hive of university students, and see the wide selection of local brews at the beer specialty store. Savor the floral fragrance at the colorful Bloemenmarkt of Utrecht, and browse through stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, cheese, and meat at the typical Dutch market on the Vredenburg. Experience a modern-day village vibe in Twijnstraat, one of the coolest streets in Utrecht, and join locals popping into small independent shops, then admire the hofjes (concealed courtyards surrounded by almshouses) that have existed in the city since the Middle Ages. If you’re up for some fun, end your day at one of the city’s many game cafes for a bite and board game before boarding the train back to Amsterdam!