Holland’s version of the Louvre is a must, and this tour will introduce first-time visitors to the impressive and expansive collection that curates Dutch history over the centuries. For those who aren’t familiar with Dutch culture, we will explore its rich and vibrant past through a selection of paintings and artifacts from the 8000 objects on display. We’ll explore familiar names like Rembrandt while discussing lesser known items like 17th century dollhouses and Vermeer’s portrait of domesticity, “The Milkmaid.” There’s even a fascinating 19th century library containing more stories than we could ever tell. By the end, you’ll have a good overview of the museum’s collection and you may even know how to pronounce its name correctly. Highlights Include: (if artwork is not on loan or being restored etc.)  Rembrandt masterworks The Night watch  The Jewish Bride  The Syndics of the Drapers' Guild  Vermeer's The Milkmaid  19th century library  17th century dollhouses, globes, ship replica, and Delft ceramics

After gathering at the meeting point, Cobra Café, we will head towards the Singelgracht canal, the waterway that borders the entire centre of Amsterdam. This canal formely formed the outer defences of the city. We will then go to the Spiegelgracht, another canal in the centre of Amsterdam, and which is part of the Canals of Amsterdam designated as a UNESCO world heritage site, where we will see lots of art galleries and antiques.

You will also see the Emperor’s Canal, the middle of the three main canals in Amsterdam. Names after the Emperor Maximillian of Austria it is the widest canal in the inner city.

Next you will be taken to the Museum Van Loon, a museum in a canalside house alongside the Keizersgracht. It is known to be the house of Ferdinad Bol, Rembrandt’s favorite pupil.

After this, we will then walk through the flower market where you will see the Munttoren (“Mind Tower”). The tower was originally part of one of the main gates in Amsterdam’s medieval city wall.

After this, we will then walk through the flower market where you will see the Munttoren (“Mind Tower”). The tower was originally part of one of the main gates in Amsterdam’s medieval city wall.

Following, we will walk through one of the busiest squares in the city, Rembrandt Square. As you can tell by its name, Rembrandtplein is named after the famous Dutch painter, Rembrandt. Here you will see a bronze-cast representation of his most famous painting, The Night Watch, which was displayed as part of the celebration of the artist’s 400th birthday in 2006.

Following, we will walk through one of the busiest squares in the city, Rembrandt Square. As you can tell by its name, Rembrandtplein is named after the famous Dutch painter, Rembrandt. Here you will see a bronze-cast representation of his most famous painting, The Night Watch, which was displayed as part of the celebration of the artist’s 400th birthday in 2006.

Next we will walk by the Amstel River where we will see two bridges, known as the Skinny Bridge and the Blue Bridge. While the Skinny Bridge is probably Amsterdam’s most famous bridge, spanning across the River Amstel from 1934, the Blue Bridge, which is not blue at all, is named after the wooden blue bridge that spun across the Amstel in the 17th century.

Following, we will go to what is known as the Stopera, a building complex housing both the city hall and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet. The construction of this building was at least 60 years in the making.

We will then walk towards the Former Jewish Neighborhood, or Jodenbuurt, an area which contains many historically important buildings that are currently preserved and managed by the Jewish Cultural Quarter.

Finally, we will start out tour of Rembrandt’s house, a historical building and art museum in which the Painter Rembrandt lived and worked between 1639 and 1656. The collection of the museum contains Rembrandt’s etchings and paintings of his contemporaries.