Are you getting on the Wedding Boat? (This is the Dutch expression for getting married).
Stichting De Leidse Rederij specializes in boat trips supporting wedding parties and for your wedding day our credo is: Nothing is too crazy for us!
Would you simply like to sail to your wedding location? Are you looking for an original way of transport for your guests at your wedding party? Would you like to cut the wedding cake on board? Or at the end of the party sail romantically to a hotel, in the dark, just the two of you?
Visit the internationally renowned Keukenhof gardens this spring, combined with a canal tour of the historic city of Leiden!
The Keukenhof is an annual outdoor flower show held each spring in the Keukenhof park in the province of South Holland, northwest of Leiden, in Lisse, the center of the bulb-growing region of the Netherlands. This year the Keukenhof opens on the 23rd of March and runs until the 14th of May.
The grounds are planted with more than 32 hectares (more than 79 acres) of bulbs and flowers, meticulously planned so that there are are always new blooms to enjoy. The extensive system of footpaths ensures that you can stroll through the best examples of the world-famous Dutch flower industry, with specially-designed gardens, unique works of art and inspiring floral events.
Combine your visit to the Keukenhof and the bulb-growing region of Holland with a restful canal tour of Leiden, a lovely historic Dutch city with a rich past.
The Foundation De Leidse Rederij offers you a guided tour of Leiden, centering on the splendor of “Oud-Leyden”, the historic center of the city. Relax on our boat as you tour through this lovely old city, recovering from your stroll through the Keukenhof!lees meerread more
Young Rembrandt Sail
During the boat tour through the picturesque canals of Leiden you will follow Rembrandt throughout his younger years. Your captain will provide you with stories about the ups-and-downs of his youth as well as his apprenticeship as a painter. From the boat you can see a replica of the typical Dutch mill that Rembrandt’s father owned at the Galgewater. Next to mill there is an old wooden drawbridge that was named after Rembrandt since the bridge was built during his childhood years.
After about an hour you will disembark at the historical city center of Leiden, where a guide will walk you further through the story of young Rembrandt. See the authentic streets and alleys around the Pieterskerk, where Rembrandt grew up and attended school. Although his parents signed him up for the University of Leiden, he soon realized that he would rather become a painter. At the ‘Young Rembrandt Studio’ at Langebrug 89 you can experience his transformation from a young boy into a painter. (Open Wed. – Sun. 12.00 – 17.00)lees meerread more
Pilgrims boat cruise and walking tour
As part of the Mayflower 400 event, the Foundation De Leidse Rederij offers a combination boat cruise and walking tour following the footsteps of the Pilgrims in Leiden.
In 2020 we commemorate the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower from England to America with more than 100 pilgrims and adventurers on board. The Pilgrims later came to be known as the ‘founding fathers’ of the United States. As many as 50 passengers of the Mayflower came from Leiden. Today, roughly 25 million Americans claim descent from these Leiden Pilgrims, among whom are nine former US Presidents, such as President George H.W. Bush, President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama.
Prior to the daring voyage to America in 1620, the Pilgrims lived for many years in exile in Leiden. In 1609 they left their country, fleeing persecution by King James I, seeking a place where they could practice their religion in peace and freedom. They gathered in the Netherlands, in the liberal university city of Leiden, where they mainly settled around the Pieterskerkplein. In Leiden, the newcomers were exposed to ideas of freedom of thought and expression, to the creation of legislation and to new developments in science and religion. These ideas formed the foundation for their plans for a new society in America. Their influence can be seen in US laws to this day.lees meerread more
Photoboot(h)
Get on board; put on a flashing outfit, grab a crazy wig and sail along with us for the most amazing photoshoot ever. During 1 or 1.5 hours we will drive the boat through the moats and canals of Leiden which will make for the best and most photogenic background ever. On board you will find many crazy, hysterical accessories to take the funniest, most ridiculous Polaroid photos of yourself, the group and/or the sights. Connect the mobile printer to your phone and print them within seconds, after a quick photoshop session.
Get on board of the ‘Photoboot(h)’ and make amazing memories!lees meerread more
Get to know Leiden ...on foot and by boat!
The old waterways of Leiden offer you a unique chance to discover a historical city in all her splendor and beauty. The skipper will sail you along the old canals and green-fringed moats of our ‘Key-City’ and will tell you about life in the old days from Leiden’s rich history.
In this arrangement you can learn some dialect and slang typical to Leiden. It is only possible to participate in this trip if you are fluent in spoken and written Dutch. Please check out the Dutch version of this article for more details.
Pushing ahead with the ‘Doordouwer’
Get on board the Doordouwer, an old sea-going lifeboat that allows you to do-it-yourself. The name Doordouwer means ‘stayer’ or ‘pushy one’.
This ship contains its original manual propelling system with eight handles, which are operated by opposite pairs with an alternating push-and-pull movement. As a result of this movement, the propeller is powered and the boat starts to move. In the old days, this was a reliable way for the crew to quickly move away from a sinking ship.
To tour past the farmers along the canals of a cow-rich polder landscape. We sail from Leiden to the lake area of the Kaag. On our way we get to see the green heart of Holland with meadows, wind, water, windmills and old farmhouses. Half-way we will moor at the characteristic ‘Kaagsocieteit’ or at the cosy ‘Kom Eten’ in Hoogmade for drinks and snacks.
In early spring, there is an option to make a special ‘birding trip’ in the green heart of Holland. An experienced guide will inform you during the breeding season about the meadow birds and will select nice places in the polders for you to take pictures from the water. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars! Please contact us to discuss options.
We are happy to complement the boat trip with catering on board or with a amusing activities such as a course in Leiden’s dialect, a quiz, a cooking workshop or a do-it-yourself and get by on muscle power in the 'Doordouwer'. You are also free to bring your own catering on board or organise your own activities with your group. The Leidse Rederij specializes in boat trips for celebrations, anniversaries, parties, weddings, company events, school excursions and senior citizen’s trips. Ranging from a full-day programme to a simple water taxi service.lees meerread more