Historical Tour of The Hague

Discover the captivating history of The Hague on this comprehensive 1.5-hour tour. Explore the political heart of the Netherlands at the historic Binnenhof, then venture to the renowned Mauritshuis to admire masterpieces like "Girl with a Pearl Earring." With guided insights into significant figures and events, this wheelchair-accessible tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s rich past. Limited to just 10 participants, it’s a must-do experience for anyone seeking to uncover the secrets of the Dutch royal family and the national seat of government.

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Key Points

The Historical Tour of The Hague offers a 1.5-hour guided exploration of the Binnenhof, Europe’s oldest parliamentary complex, and the Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery.
The tour is available in English and Russian, accommodates up to 10 participants, and is wheelchair accessible with discounts for groups.
Highlights include insights into the Netherlands’ political history, significant figures, and historical executions site, as well as the opportunity to see "Girl with a Pearl Earring."
Customizable experience to suit visitor needs, with the option to request alternate tour times and a live guide providing in-depth insights.
The tour has received mixed feedback, with some concerns regarding the guide’s English proficiency and the perceived historical focus, suggesting potential areas for improvement.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Historical Tour of The Hague offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich past, with prices starting from $43.42 per person.

The Historical Tour of The Hague offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich past, with prices starting from $43.42 per person.

The 1.5-hour tour is limited to 10 participants and available in English and Russian. Guests can conveniently reserve now and pay later.

The tour departs from Kafe Kafka, taking visitors through the Binnenhof and Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery.

Highlights include the 800-year-old political center, Europe’s oldest parliamentary complex, and the chance to view the renowned "Girl with a Pearl Earring."

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and discounts are available for groups.

Fascinated by the past? Here are other historical experiences we've covered in The Hague

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting at Kafe Kafka on Turfmarkt 2, the Historical Tour of The Hague takes visitors through the city’s iconic landmarks.

The tour explores the Binnenhof, Europe’s oldest parliamentary complex, and the Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery, home to Vermeer’s famous "Girl with a Pearl Earring."

Along the way, the guide shares insights into the Netherlands’ political history and the stories behind significant figures. Guests will learn about the Dutch constitution and witness the site of historical executions and the famous prison museum.

The tour provides a comprehensive look at The Hague’s rich past and its role in the country’s governance.

Accessibility and Special Features

Although the Historical Tour of The Hague is wheelchair accessible, the tour provider also offers free admission for individuals assisting guests with disabilities. This ensures that the tour is inclusive and accommodating for all participants.

Plus, the tour company provides the option to request alternate times and discounts for group bookings. This flexibility allows visitors to customize their experience to best suit their needs.

Guided Experience

Visitors can expect a guided experience led by a live tour guide who provides in-depth insights on the modern political life, historical events, and royal family secrets of The Hague.

The tour includes:

City walks through the historic streets with no additional costs
Engaging narratives about the 800-year-old political center of the Netherlands
Fascinating tales of the oldest parliamentary complex in Europe and the site of historical executions

The guide’s expertise brings the past to life, ensuring a captivating and informative experience for all participants.

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Customer Feedback

What do customers have to say about the Historical Tour of The Hague?

According to the provided information, the tour has an overall rating of 2/5 based on 1 review.

The key feedback highlights indicate that the tour was perceived as too historical and the guide’s English proficiency was a concern.

This suggests the tour may not be meeting the expectations of some visitors.

While the tour offers a range of historical highlights, the customer feedback suggests the need for improvements to better engage and inform participants throughout the experience.

There's plenty more to explore in The Hague

The Binnenhof: 800 Years of Dutch Political History

As the political center of the Netherlands for over 800 years, the Binnenhof in The Hague is a must-see destination for history enthusiasts.

This iconic complex of buildings houses the Dutch parliament and is the oldest parliamentary complex in Europe.

Visitors can:

Explore the Gothic Knight’s Hall, where the Dutch monarch delivers the annual speech from the throne.
Visit the Binnenhof’s historical prison museum, which provides a glimpse into the site’s dark past as a place of political executions.
Discover the role the Binnenhof has played in shaping the Netherlands’ rich political history.

Exploring the Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery

Where better to take in the Dutch Golden Age of art than at the Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery?

This compact museum houses an impressive collection of 17th-century Dutch masterpieces, including Vermeer’s renowned "Girl with a Pearl Earring". Visitors can admire the intricate details and luminous colors that defined the era.

The museum’s intimate setting allows guests to appreciate these timeless works up close. After exploring the Binnenhof’s political history, the Mauritshuis provides a delightful artistic contrast, offering a window into the Netherlands’ cultural heritage.

It’s a must-see on the historical tour of The Hague.

Uncovering the Secrets of the Dutch Royal Family

Though the Binnenhof serves as the political heart of the Netherlands, it also holds intriguing secrets surrounding the Dutch royal family.

As part of the historical tour, guests gain exclusive access to areas typically off-limits to the public, uncovering:

The hallway where Queen Beatrix once confronted an armed intruder, showcasing the royal family’s resilience in the face of adversity.
The hidden chamber where the Crown Prince traditionally receives his first official briefing, a rite of passage steeped in centuries of tradition.
The private gardens, where the Dutch monarchs have strolled for generations, contemplating the weighty matters of state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities in the Hague?

Yes, you can combine this historical tour with other activities in The Hague. The city offers a variety of museums, architecture, and dining experiences that can be explored before or after the tour.

What Types of Food and Drinks Are Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any food or drinks. However, the starting location, Kafe Kafka, offers a variety of beverages and snacks that participants can enjoy before or after the tour at their own expense.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary for Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour offers the option to customize the itinerary for specific interests. Guests can request alternate stops and discounts for larger groups to tailor the experience to their preferences.

How Much Free Time Is Allotted for Exploring on My Own?

The tour allows for approximately 30 minutes of free time for independent exploration at the Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery. Visitors can use this time to view additional artworks or browse the museum’s exhibits on their own.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour offers discounts for students and seniors, though the exact amount is not specified. Plus, there’s an option to request alternate times and group discounts, which may provide further savings opportunities.

The Sum Up

The Historical Tour of The Hague offers an engaging exploration of the city’s rich political history. Although some feedback suggests room for improvement, the tour’s highlights include visits to the historic Binnenhof and the renowned Mauritshuis. The wheelchair-accessible experience, conducted in English and Russian, provides valuable insights into significant figures and events that have shaped the Netherlands’ past.

You can check availability for your dates here: