The city of Utrecht is famous for its historical town centre. However, it also boasts many modern architectural sites by well-known architects such as Rietveld and Rem Koolhaas. Many of these contemporary buildings are situated in the inner city, where the medieval structure and surrounding buildings had to be taken into account during the design and building process. Recent extensions to the eastern en western side of Utrecht (De Uithof and VINEX-dwelling Leidsche Rijn) accommodated a further number of architectural highlights. Throughout the year, Aorta, the Utrecht Centre for Architecture, organises guided tours to (modern) architectural sites and landscape architecture in Utrecht. These excursions are concentrated around several subjects and locations.

All tours will be given by professional guides specialised in architecture, architectural history, social geography, engineering or landscape architecture. They will provide extensive background information on historical, architectural and town-planning developments. Tours are usually given in Dutch, but group tours can also be given in English and, if requested well in advance, also in German and French.

Guided tours for groups
On request Aorta organises excursions for groups for a minimum fee of € 79,75- ex. VAT (€ 94,90 inc. VAT) per guide per hour. The fee for educational groups is € 69,75 ex. VAT (€ 83,- inc. VAT). Prices also depend on extra requests. If a group exceeds 20 participants a second guide will be retained. A special programme can be put together for your group by combining some of the different themes mentioned above. Group reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance either in writing, by phone or by e-mail.

Guided tours for individuals
Aorta organizes approximately 12 guided tours for individuals per year. The tours last 1,5 to 2 hours and cost around € 10,- per person (€ 8,75 with student discount), depending on subject and duration. Prices do not include any travel expenses on your side. The information is given in Dutch.

Bookings and inquiries
Bookings, reservations and inquiries can be made at the Aorta information desk, by phone on monday, wednesday and thursday (00 31 30 232 16 86), fax, e-mail or the Individual Tour Application and Group Tour Application.