Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

What you will visit:
Hoogerwaard Cheese Farm
Nestled in the picturesque countryside, this 17th century farm will demonstrate how Gouda cheese, or Yellow Gold as it is called by the locals, is made. Gouda has a history as rich as its buttery flavor. Learn how Gouda became the center of Dutch dairy production and watch the cheese-making experience from start to delicious finish. A cheese tasting and time to explore the farm complete the experience. In the event that the cheese farm is unavaiable, a visit will be made to the Gouda Cheese museum. (RTM-380).

Gouda City (walking tour)
On the outskirts of Rotterdam, Gouda is a picture-postcard version of a little Dutch town. Picturesque canals, medieval buildings, a maze of narrow alleys, and beguiling windmills all add to the enchanting ambiance. Named after the Van der Goude family, who built a castle on the Gouwe River in the 11th century, Gouda was primarily swampland. The city quickly flourished and received its city charter in 1272. Gouda cheese became famous for being bought and sold during the Middle Ages at the centuries-old Markt, the largest in the Netherlands.

What you will see along the way:
On your stroll through Gouda, follow your guide to the 15th century Gothic Town Hall in the spacious Markt town square, a lovely reminder of Gouda's prominence as the center of trade during the Middle Ages. Further on, you'll see De Waag, a medieval weighing house for cheese traders.

Tasting:
The proper way to say "Gouda" is HOW-da, not GOO-da. During the Gouda cheese tasting, you'll learn that this pale yellow, semisoft cheese is served in varying stages of maturity, which gives the cheese its mild to more pungent flavors.