Canal boat tour

A canal boat tour is one of the best ways to see Delft, a town of canals, bridges and historic buildings where many of the finest views are best seen from the water. The tours are guided and last about fifty minutes, and they depart from a kiosk on the Koornmarkt, close to the centre. Electric boats keep the ride quiet, so the commentary is easy to hear and the town's calm is not disturbed by engine noise. Some boats have glass roofs that can be opened, which makes the trip comfortable in any weather.

The route takes you along the medieval canals that run through the old town. From the water you see gabled houses, arched bridges, small courtyards and quays lined with trees that are often missed from the street. Delft was once a prosperous trading town, and its canals served as transport routes, with merchants' houses facing the water. The boats pass under low bridges, and the pilot sometimes asks passengers to duck, which is part of the fun.

Along the way, the guide points out the main sights. The Oude Kerk, the Old Church, has a tower that leans noticeably because it was built on soft ground, and it contains the grave of the painter Johannes Vermeer. The Prinsenhof, a former convent, is where William of Orange, the leader of the Dutch revolt, was assassinated in 1584, and the bullet holes can still be seen on the staircase. The Oostpoort, or East Gate, is the only surviving medieval city gate of Delft and a favourite subject of painters and photographers.

Other things appear on the route as well, including a windmill, university buildings, since Delft is home to a famous technical university, and the old buildings of the East India Company. The guide's stories add context and humour, and the pace is relaxed, which makes it a good break after walking. Tours operate daily, but frequency depends on the season, and it is wise to check the schedule and buy tickets in advance for busy days.

The tour suits families, couples and first-time visitors. Take a jacket, as it can be breezy on the water, and a camera for the reflections in the canals. Combined with the Markt and the Vermeer Centre, it makes a full day.