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Evening Atmosphere Leiden City centerEvening Atmosphere Leiden City center
Canal Cruise LeidenCanal Cruise Leiden
Couple on a boat tour in LeidenCouple on a boat tour in Leiden

A Cosy Winter Canal Cruise Through Leiden

Autumn and Winter Tour · Private boat, heated blanket and a hot chocolate or glühwein included · October through February

Van der Werf park Leiden boat tour viewVan der Werf park Leiden boat tour view
Coat of Arms LeidenCoat of Arms Leiden
View of Koornbrug in Leiden during boat tourView of Koornbrug in Leiden during boat tour
Leiden Canals by night with terraceLeiden Canals by night with terrace

A private, personal and relaxed way to experience Leiden

From October through February, Leiden’s canals take on a quieter, softer atmosphere, fewer crowds, autumn light or frosted winter evenings, and the city’s bridges and gabled houses reflected in calm water. The Autumn and Winter Tour is a private, 90-minute cruise built for this season: just you, your group and a local captain-guide, with a heated blanket and a hot chocolate or glühwein to keep you warm along the way.

Your captain will share the stories behind Leiden’s trading history, hidden courtyards and best-known landmarks, or stay quietly in the background if you’d rather just enjoy the ride.

Why book an Autumn and Winter Tour?

A private boat: no sharing with strangers, just your own group and captain.

Seasonal atmosphere: Leiden’s canals in autumn and winter light, with far fewer visitors than in summer.

Heated blanket & warm drinks: hot chocolate or glühwein included, so the cold never gets in the way of the view.

A local captain-guide: hear the city’s history, or sit back and enjoy the ride in quiet.

Flexible & personal: celebrating something special? Let us know and we’ll help make it memorable.

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Group on a sunny boat tour in LeidenGroup on a sunny boat tour in Leiden

Autumn and Winter Tour

€199
/for 2 passengers
90 min · Private · Up to 6 people

Make the most of Leiden’s quieter streets with this seasonal private cruise, available October through February. Snuggle under a heated blanket with a hot chocolate or glühwein as your captain guides you past the city’s best-loved sights. Prefer quiet? Your captain is happy to stay in the background and let you enjoy the ride in peace.

Duration: 90 minutes
Perfect for: romantic outings and visitors who want to experience Leiden in its winter atmosphere.
Intimate seasonal tour with your own personal local guide
Drinks and snacks on board are all inclusive
More people on board? Only €29 per person extra for up to 6 passengers in total

“We had an amazing autumn–winter canal tour for my wife’s birthday. Everything was perfectly on time, and the route felt very private and special. The warm mulled wine, Dutch snacks and electric blankets were such thoughtful touches, cozy and romantic when the city lights came on."  

‍-Michael, Google review

Looking for something else?

The Autumn and Winter Tour isn’t the only way to see Leiden from the water. View all our canal cruise options, including the Cosy Tour, Big Group Tour and Deep Dive Discover Tour, or explore our land-based Culinary, Cultural and Active tours if you’d rather stay on your feet.

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Boat Tour Overview

Canal Cruise options

Autumn and Winter Tour

€199
/for 2 passengers
90 min · Private · Up to 6 people

Make the most of Leiden’s quieter streets with this seasonal private cruise, available October through February. Snuggle under a heated blanket with a hot chocolate or glühwein as your captain guides you past the city’s best-loved sights. Prefer quiet? Your captain is happy to stay in the background and let you enjoy the ride in peace.

Duration: 90 minutes
Perfect for: romantic outings and visitors who want to experience Leiden in its winter atmosphere.
Intimate seasonal tour with your own personal local guide
Drinks and snacks on board are all inclusive
More people on board? Only €29 per person extra for up to 6 passengers in total

“We had an amazing autumn–winter canal tour for my wife’s birthday. Everything was perfectly on time, and the route felt very private and special. The warm mulled wine, Dutch snacks and electric blankets were such thoughtful touches, cozy and romantic when the city lights came on."  

‍-Michael, Google review

Autumn and Winter Tour

€199
/for 2 passengers
90 min · Private · Up to 6 people

Make the most of Leiden’s quieter streets with this seasonal private cruise, available October through February. Snuggle under a heated blanket with a hot chocolate or glühwein as your captain guides you past the city’s best-loved sights. Prefer quiet? Your captain is happy to stay in the background and let you enjoy the ride in peace.

Duration: 90 minutes
Perfect for: romantic outings and visitors who want to experience Leiden in its winter atmosphere.
Intimate seasonal tour with your own personal local guide
Drinks and snacks on board are all inclusive
More people on board? Only €29 per person extra for up to 6 passengers in total

“We had an amazing autumn–winter canal tour for my wife’s birthday. Everything was perfectly on time, and the route felt very private and special. The warm mulled wine, Dutch snacks and electric blankets were such thoughtful touches, cozy and romantic when the city lights came on."  

‍-Michael, Google review
FAQ

Answers to our most common questions

What is the boarding location?

The boarding location is on De Beestenmarkt in Leiden for most of our tours, about a 5-minute walk from Leiden Central Train Station. For our Big Group Tours, boarding takes place at Aalmarkt in the center of the city, about a 10-minute walk from Leiden Central Train Station.

What do I get to see during the tours?

Our tours take you through the center of Leiden where you can enjoy all major sights and get an impression of Leiden city life while cruising leisurely along the canals.

How long does a boat tour last?

The duration of most of our tours is 90 minutes. The duration of our Deep Dive Discover tour is around 4 hours. If you wish to have a shorter or longer tour, send us a message and let's see how we can best accommodate your needs.

In which language are the tours given?

Our tours are available in English and Dutch.

Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?

Plans can change and unforeseen things can happen; we understand! You can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 48 hours before departure.

Are there any boat tours available during the evening?

Yes, an evening boat tour is a magical way to experience Leiden. As dusk settles and the warm city lights begin to illuminate the canals, the city takes on a beautiful atmosphere that makes an evening cruise an experience in itself. That’s why we also offer boat tours in the evening. You can find an overview of our different boat tour options here, and select your preferred starting time during the booking process.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Our tours go ahead in most weather. If conditions are unsafe, for example because of strong wind, storms or ice, we will contact you to reschedule. On most of our tours we have open boats but umbrellas are available. We recommend dressing for the weather on all occasions.

Is the tour accessible for guests with limited mobility?

Guests need to step from the shore onto the boat. Unfortunately, we currently don't offer wheelchair access on our smaller boats. If limited mobility might be an issue, please contact us so we can discuss your situation and look for solutions together.

What is the best way to explore Leiden while visiting as a tourist?

Leiden is a great city to explore on foot, but a boat tour offers a unique way to experience its historic canals, bridges and buildings from the water. A relaxed canal cruise allows you to see parts of the city from a different perspective while learning more about Leiden along the way. For visitors who want to combine sightseeing with a relaxing experience, a canal cruise is a great option. You can explore our different boat tour options here.

How far in advance do I have to be at the location?

We advise you to be at the departure spot 10 minutes before departure so we can maximize your time on the water during the tour.

How many people can join a tour?

The Cosy Tour and the Autumn and Winter Tour are priced for 2 passengers, with room for up to 6 in total (€29 per extra person). The Deep Dive Discover Tour is also priced for 2 passengers, with up to 6 in total (€99 per extra person). Our Big Group Tour is priced for 14 passengers and can host up to 24 in total (€12 per extra person). Not sure which tour fits your group? Send us a message and we'll help you out.

When is the Autumn and Winter Tour available?

The Autumn and Winter Tour runs from October through February. You can book it through the booking button under the tour.

Can we request a custom route or tour?

We are happy to create a custom, personal experience together with you. So please don't hesitate to convey your ideas and contact us.

What are the best activities in Leiden?

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Leiden, from visiting its museums and historic streets to exploring the city's canals. A canal cruise is a particularly enjoyable activity for visitors who want to see Leiden from the water. You can sit back, take in the historic surroundings and discover another side of the city on a private boat tour.

Where can I buy tickets?

Tours can be ordered through our website by clicking on the booking button under the tours. The button will open up a calendar where you can select your preferred date and time, select how many guests will be joining the tour, and select any other tour-specific options. Have a look at our tour overview here.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

On most of our tours the drinks and snacks available on board are included, so generally there is no need to bring your own.
With our Big Group Tour, all-inclusive drinks and snacks are optional and you can indicate your preference during the booking process.
In case of special dietary requirements, please contact us by phone or through our contact form.

Is there a guide on board?

During our tours the captain on board will be your guide. They know everything about the city of Leiden and will inform you about the sights,  history and fun facts of the city. If you have any questions, feel free to ask the captain. They are at your service.

What is a must do in Leiden?

For many visitors, exploring Leiden's canals is an essential part of experiencing the city. Leiden's waterways are closely connected to its history and character, making a canal cruise a memorable way to see the city. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to Leiden, a private boat tour offers a relaxing perspective on the historic city centre.

Reviews

What other people say

Source: Google review

We had a private cruise for 6 people with Johnathan. Brilliant experience! Communication was easy and the boat trip was wonderful with lots of information about Leiden and even some snacks and drinks on board. If you’re in Leiden it’s definitely the best way to see the city. Highly recommend!

- Helena Karabulut
Source: Tripadvisor review

We booked the Discovery Canal cruise on the 7th of October. Martijn helped us to book the tour, and he nicely explained all the details. Also shared the Google map link of the boarding point beforehand that helped us to reach the spot without any hassle.
Jonathan was our captain for the trip, and he was right on time with the boat. The boat was nice and cosy, and it also had electric blankets that can be used during the trip if any one feels cold. He also arranged numerous food and drinks that we relished through out the trip. Hot Gluhwein( really enticing ), Stroopwafel named a few of many items that was available on board for us.
He sailed through the beautiful canals of Leiden with explaining all the details about different eminent places. We mesmerized by the scenic sights of the Lieden. We were so engrossed in enjoying the tour that couldn't realise when the 90 mins got over. It was a memorable and serene tour.  Definitely we recommend this tour to all and will come back again.
Thanks to Jonathan for giving us such an unforgettable experience.

- Subhrajit
Source: Tripadvisor review

We enjoyed a picturesque day in Leiden on a private 4hr canal tour guided by Jonathon and Martijn. Both guides were very knowledgeable about the area and we enjoyed the land activities (windmill, Hortus Botanicus, chocolate workshop and lunch) as much as we enjoyed cruising the canals themselves.
We really appreciated the personalised nature of the private tour which made the day our extra enjoyable and special.

- KP
Source: Google review

We had an amazing autumn–winter canal tour for my wife’s birthday. Everything was perfectly on time, and the route felt very private and special. The warm mulled wine, Dutch snacks and electric blankets were such thoughtful touches, cozy and romantic when the city lights came on. Martijn was incredibly professional, attentive, and kind, who also helps set up a surprise arrangement for my wife. Definitely the best private boat tour in Leiden.

Five stars, and we’ll be back again!

- Michael
Source: Google review

Highly recommend this company for a Leiden canal tour! We requested a custom tour for a group of nine with a focus on windmills. Jonathan delivered a perfect three-hour itinerary starting in the city center that took us out to see nine windmills. Our skipper was very hospitable and highly knowledgeable about the local area, and the team even provided packets with details about each windmill. We were looking forward to the included pizza, beer, and wine and were delighted to see that Jonathan included juices and soft drinks for those in our party who don’t drink alcohol and also surprised us with extra snacks and desserts.

- Mike Widen
Source: Tripadvisor review

We are a French senior couple. Yesterday we had a beautiful experience cruising with Discover Canal Cruises on Leiden city canals for 90 minutes. Just the two of us and our guide on a small electric boat. Martijn had even prepared a special information sheet in French so we wouldn’t miss any of his explanations. And special treat: we enjoyed some hot coffee with traditional waffles and licorice candies on the way.
I strongly recommend this company if you want a real personal experience.

- Marie-Helene S
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Do you want to receive further information about the tours we provide or do you want to receive a tailor-made quote? Send us a message below and we'll get back to you!
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Lights along canal LeidenLights along canal Leiden