The Muiderslot (Amsterdam Castle) is a remarkably well-preserved, 700-year-old medieval castle near Amsterdam, founded around 1285 by Count Floris V. Located in Muiden vey close to Amsterdam. It features iconic round towers, a moat, and historic gardens. The next famous owner of the castle shows up in the 16th century, when P.C Hooft (1581-1647), an author, poet and historian took over sheriff and bailiff duties for the area. In the summer he invited friends, scholars, poets and painters, called the “Muiderkring” to the castle. At the end of the 18th century the castle was abandoned and became derelict. Luckily around 1900 enough money was raised to restore it, for which famous architect Pierre Kuypers was hired. It now serves as a national museum, showcasing 17th-century life, and armor. We have plenty of time to explore the castle! If you don't like narrow stair cases, you can discover the beautiful gardens!

We will have an hour here to have lunch, wander around the old harbor, defence walls and little shops in the picturesque center.

In the afternoon we take you into a magical fairy tale to the most impressive medieval castle in the Netherlands! Castle de Haar is characterized by its rich and extravagant history and the many special stories hidden behind the castle walls. First built in the 13th century it came in the van Zuylen family in the 15th century. The castle found itself in ruins after centuries of wars, and several bad storms, until Baron Etienne van Zuylen, who married Baroness Hélène de Rothschild, took it upon himself to rebuild the castle at the end of the 19th century. He enlists architect Pierre Cuypers for this project, the same architect who designed the Rijksmuseum and central station in Amsterdam! In the 1950’s the castle becomes a sought-after hotspot for the international jet set with guests such as Roger Moore, Brigitte Bardot, and Maria Callas visiting Etienne’s grandson: baron Thierry. The baron’s daughters and grandchildren still come to the castle for their holidays!