Getting from Rotterdam to Delft

[pier]

We're taking a Holland & Belgium cruise in few weeks. The boat will be stopping in Rotterdam. There is an optional tour to go to Delft. Has anyone gone to Delft on their own? Is this practical, and can anyone get in to visit a porcelain factory?

[retiredslug]

We spent a week in Delft last summer before taking an Avalon riverboat cruise down the Rhine/Mosel. We enjoyed this town tremendously--much more to our liking than Amsterdam. Too bad the tour is "optional" because that would be the easiest way to see Delft but it is a very short, approximately 13 minute train ride from Rotterdam. Actually a taxi might not be too expensive as well--that would be our preference. Can't help with the porcelain factory but whatever you do, don't miss Delft!

 

Bill

[Ine]

Since there are at least 4 trains each hour between Rotterdam Centraal Styation and Delft, that is your best and easiest option. It is just 15 minutes.

Cabs are very expensive in The Netherlands and the road between Rotterdam and delft is very busy. Which might mean delay for which you mgiht have to pay extra.

Delft is very interesting. In the big church in marktplein (Marketsquare) Dutch royals are buried.

Walk around along the canals etc.

make a tour at Porceleyne Fles for the best Delft Blue.

(They often have 2nds which are more affordable.)

http://www.royaldelft.com/

[pier]

Thank you for your help. We definitely won't miss Delft!

[Bill S]

Pier--a while back, Ine told us about Delft (especially the gift shop and the Royal Delft factory) when she had dinner with us in Amsterdam the night before we boarded our river cruise ship.

The next morning, on our own we took a train to Delft, with only Rick Steve's book on Holland as a guide. We walked from the train station at Delft to the Porcelyne Fleis (Royal Delft Factory) using Rick's book and the street signs. It was about a 20 minute walk. The factory has very interesting tours, the gift shop is great (especially the 2nds--we could not find any flaws), and there is a restaurant, too. The gift shop will mail anything you purchase there. Our Delft platter made the mail-trip fine. They know how to pack the Delftware.

We also had time to walk to the main city square where the market was in full swing. Delft is neat city, easily walkable on your own, and a fun experience.

 

The train system in the Netherlands is outstanding and easy to use.

Have a great time and cruise! :)