Private Tour to Royal Palace & Castle de Haar from Amsterdam
Active
8h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This private tour takes you through centuries of history and the splendor of Europe’s most famous Royals and nobility! After picking you up at your hotel we start the day in the Royal summer palace of William and Mary: Palace het Loo, first built in 1685. the Palace was also the favorite resience for later generations of Dutch Royaty: the House of Orange. We tour the castle as well as the unique baroque gardens!
After lunch we visit the magnificent Castle de Haar, reconstructed in 1890 on its medieval foundations, where Baron and Baroness van Zuylen entertained their famous guests! We will bring you back to Amsterdam at the end of the afternoon.
Available options
Private tour Palace and Castle
Duration: 8 hours<br/>soft drinks, water, snack<br/>minivan<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Snacks and cold drinks
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Welcome to the summer palace of William and Mary! Built in the late 17th century the royal palace is situated in the middle of the Veluwe moorland, an extensive hunting ground. Beautifully decorated with extensive unique baroque palace gardens and fountains, this tour brings you back to the core of Europe’s royal history!
After Willem and Mary the Dutch royal family kept Het Loo as their summer palace. In 1795 the French army invaded the Netherlands and the palace was plundered. But by 1806 Het Loo was occupied once more, by Louis Napoleon, who had been appointed King of Holland by his brother Napoleon Bonaparte.
Both King Willem I and Willem III loved to spend time at Palace Het Loo, far from their busy lives in The Hague. Het Loo was very special to Queen Wilhelmina, and there was no place she would rather be! The last residents of the palace were Princess Margriet and her family who resided in the palace until 1977.
2
After we visit the palace you have about an hour to discover the extensive unique baroque palace gardens and fountains around the palace. These are the only remaining Baroque gardens in the Netherlands.
This visit includes time for lunch at one of the Palace's restaurants.
3
Stop 3
In the afternoon we take you into a magical fairy tale to the most impressive medieval castle in the Netherlands!
Castle de Haar is characterized by its rich and extravagant history and the many special stories hidden behind the castle walls. First built in the 13th century it came in the van Zuylen family in the 15th century. The castle found itself in ruins after centuries of wars, and several bad storms, until Baron Etienne van Zuylen, who married Baroness Hélène de Rothschild, took it upon himself to rebuild the castle at the end of the 19th century. He enlists architect Pierre Cuypers for this project, the same architect who designed the Rijksmuseum and central station in Amsterdam!
In the 1950’s the castle becomes a sought-after hotspot for the international jet set with guests such as Roger Moore, Brigitte Bardot, and Maria Callas visiting Etienne’s grandson: baron Thierry. The baron’s daughters and grandchildren still come to the castle for their holidays!
What's not included
Lunch
Available languages
Written guide
DE
EN
FR
ES
Guide guide
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
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4 reviews
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Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Due to the many stairs in the castle this tour is not suitable for people having difficulty walking. infants seats on request, need to contact before. Foldable wheelchairs can be brought upon request if the user can get in and out of the van unassisted.
Travel time is included on the total duration
About Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Known as the 'Venice of the North,' the city offers a rich blend of art, history, and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Museum
2-3 hours
€20
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world.
Museum
1.5-2 hours
€20
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II.
Historical
1 hour
€16
Dam Square
Dam Square is the central square of Amsterdam and a historic site. It is home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and various other landmarks.
Historical
1 hour
Free
Jordaan
Jordaan is a picturesque and lively neighborhood known for its narrow streets, canals, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a great place to explore, shop, and dine.
Neighborhood
A few hours to explore
Free to explore, varies for shopping and dining
Must-Try Local Dishes
Stroopwafel
A thin, round waffle made from two layers of baked dough joined by a caramel-like syrup filling
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains wheat and sugar
Bitterballen
Deep-fried, crispy balls filled with a creamy, spiced ragout, typically made from beef or veal
Snack
Contains meat, gluten, and dairy
Haring
Raw herring fish, traditionally served with onions and pickles, eaten by holding the fish by its tail and lowering it into your mouth
Dish
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians
Poffertjes
Miniature pancakes made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and yeast, served with powdered sugar and butter
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains wheat, eggs, and dairy
Popular Activities
Canal kayaking
Bike tours
Escape rooms
Canal cruises
Visiting parks and gardens
Spa and wellness treatments
Museum visits
Art galleries
Best Time to Visit
June to August
The peak tourist season in Amsterdam is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, but it's also the busiest and most expensive period.
15°C to 22°C
59°F to 72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Dutch
- Widely spoken: English, German, French
- English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution
Amsterdam is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bike theft, can occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport
- • Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey
Getting there
By air
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 17.5 km from city center
By train
Amsterdam Centraal
By bus
Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Getting around
Public transport
Amsterdam's tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with 14 day and night tram lines. A single ticket costs €3.20, and day passes are available.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Amsterdam
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Jordaan
De Pijp
De Wallen (Red Light District)
Museumplein
Amsterdam-Noord
Day trips
Zaanse Schans
20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day
A picturesque and open-air museum featuring traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and workshops, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of the region.
Haarlem
20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day
A charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and vibrant cultural scene, often considered a smaller and more relaxed version of Amsterdam.
Utrecht
50 km from Amsterdam • Full day
A vibrant and historic city known for its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene, with a unique and charming atmosphere.
Festivals
King's Day (Koningsdag) • April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday)
Amsterdam Pride • Late July to early August
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) • Mid-October
Pro tips
- Use the OV-chipkaart for seamless and convenient public transport
- Rent a bike to explore the city like a local, but be aware of cycling rules and etiquette
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Explore the city's neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm
- Try local specialties, such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and Dutch pancakes
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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