Meet your private guide and driver as you embark on an enchanting journey to explore the medieval city of Utrecht and De Haar Castle, just a 20-minute drive from Amsterdam.
Upon arriving in Utrecht's city center, stroll through the quaint streets with your expert guide. Admire the split-level canals, the open-air shopping streets, and the blend of classic and modern Dutch architecture. Listen as your guide reveals Utrecht's rich history and what makes this city unique in the Netherlands. Pass by the Dom Tower, the tallest church spire in the Netherlands at 112 meters (approximately 370 ft). Marvel at the 13th-century spire as it soars into the sky, and discover remnants of the Roman Empire, dating back to the 5th century.
Utrecht is home to several iconic examples of Gerrit Rietveld architecture, most notably the Rietveld Schröder House, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed in 1924 by Gerrit Rietveld, a key figure in the De Stijl movement, this house is celebrated for its innovative use of space, clean lines, and bold use of primary colors. Another must-see is the Rietveld-designed Erasmuslaan Apartments, showcasing his minimalist approach to residential architecture. Both buildings highlight Rietveld's groundbreaking contributions to modernist architecture and are essential stops for architecture enthusiasts visiting Utrecht.
After pausing for lunch (local payment), continue with your guide and driver to explore the famous De Haar Castle, first constructed in the 14th century and originally owned by the Van der Haar family. Their connections to the Prince-Bishop of Utrecht allowed them to build a fortified home. Over the centuries, the property was passed down through the family until it was inherited by a baron in the 19th century. By this time, the castle was in dire need of renovation, so Baron Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt enlisted Pierre Cuypers, the architect of the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Centraal Station, to restore it.
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