Delft, Rotterdam, Schipluiden

There are not many tangible sights left that recall the life of master painter Johannes Vermeer. With this cycle route through Delft, along the Delftse Schie and the Delfshaven district of Rotterdam, you will nevertheless experience a piece of the history of one of the most famous Delfters of all time.

Visit the Vermeer Centre where you can admire reproductions of his wonderful paintings. Stop at the New Church where Vermeer was baptised on 31 October 1632 and at the Old Church where he was buried in 1675. You will cycle past Schipluiden where Vermeer married Catharina Bolnes in a secret church on 20 April 1653.

Vermeer is best known for his stunning use of light, which is why he is called 'the painter of light'. In the context of 'light', the first daylight factory in Europe is also worth a visit: World Heritage Site Van Nelle Factory in Rotterdam.

And if you are exploring Delft's history, be sure to visit Royal Delft, founded in 1653. Royal Delft or 'De Koninklijk Porceleyne Fles' is the last remaining Delft pottery factory from the 17th century where the craft is still done by hand.