A Walk through Gouda - A Cheese Town

Take a trip to the city of Gouda, home of the eponymous cheese on this half-day tour.

Boarding your coach, you will first drive through Rotterdam's industrial outskirts and then travel into the picturesque Dutch low country, with its landscape of farms, canals and occasional windmills.

Upon arrival in Gouda, you will leave your coach behind and start you exploration of this historic city that dates from the middle of the 13th century. Your guided walking tour travels down its narrow, cobbled streets and passes the old Town Hall, the cheese market and the Weighing Scales, which feature an exhibit on the history of Gouda cheese.

Your tour also includes a photo stop at St. John's Church, home to a stunning collection of stained glass windows. St. John's Church was completed in 1350 in high-Gothic style and is both the oldest church and the tallest church in The Netherlands. The front façade towers over 400 feet and inside, 64 stained-glass windows dating from the 16th century depict the history and faith of Holland. The windows illustrating The Last Supper and the Relief of Leiden are of particular note.

Next, you'll make your way to the Weigh House (De Goudse Waag) to explore the taste and flavor of four different Gouda cheeses, accompanied by a glass of red wine. A knowledgeable cheese expert will tell you the history of the world famous Gouda cheese and explain how it is made. After the tasting session, you will have approximately forty-five minutes of free time to stroll about town and shop for souvenirs before it's time to walk back to your coach and make the return trip to Rotterdam.