Amsterdam: This Is Holland 5D Flight and Canal Cruise Combo

The Amsterdam: This Is Holland 5D Flight and Canal Cruise Combo offers a compelling way to see the city and its surroundings, all for $44 per person. With a duration of about 2 hours, this tour merges an exhilarating 5D flight simulation that soars over the Netherlands with a one-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam’s historic waterways. The tour begins at Overhoeksplein 51 and includes the option to reserve the canal cruise separately upon arrival at the Damrak 26 ticket shop.

This combination is ideal for visitors looking for a multi-sensory introduction to the Dutch landscape, culture, and architecture. A key strength lies in the interactive flight experience that uses special effects like wind, sounds, and smells to create a realistic sensation of flying over the country. The canal cruise complements this with close-up views of the 17th century canal ring and the lively city life, enhanced further by GPS audio guides in multiple languages.

While the $44 price offers great value, it’s worth noting that the canal cruise itself requires a separate reservation and can be full or loud, according to reviews. The tour is not suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, people under 3 ft 3 in (100 cm), or wheelchair users. Assistance animals are allowed, but other pets are not.

Key Points

• Combination of a 5D flight simulation and canal cruise provides a comprehensive view of Amsterdam and the Netherlands.
• The flight experience involves four shows with special effects that mimic flying.
• The canal cruise takes you through Amsterdam’s historic 17th-century canal ring with GPS-guided commentary.
• The total duration is approximately 2 hours, with check-in and reservations necessary at specific locations.
• The audio guide on the canal cruise is available in multiple languages, making it accessible for international visitors.
• The tour has received high ratings, with 51 reviews averaging 4.5 stars.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting at Overhoeksplein 51 with the 5D Flight Simulation

The tour kicks off at Overhoeksplein 51, where visitors experience the “This Is Holland” 5D flight simulation. The one-hour show takes you on a journey over the Dutch countryside, cityscapes, and iconic landmarks like the Amsterdam Canal Belt. Using visual effects, wind, sounds, and smells, the simulation feels remarkably real, creating the impression of actually flying through the Dutch skies.

The introduction to this immersive experience often includes a brief explanation of what to expect, setting the stage for an exciting ride. Despite some reviews noting that the location of the ticket redemption for the canal cruise can be a little inconvenient, the experience itself remains a major highlight for many visitors.

The Four Shows of This Is Holland Experience

The “This Is Holland” part of the tour includes four different shows, each designed to shine a light on various aspects of Dutch culture, history, and landscapes. These shows incorporate visual effects that simulate flying over working farms, windmills, coastal areas, and urban scenes. The combination of images and narration provides a well-rounded introduction to the Netherlands.

The shows are crafted to educate and entertain, giving insight into the people, traditions, and geography that shape the country. The special effects are a standout feature, with wind, sounds, and smells enhancing the realism and creating an engaging experience that appeals to a broad audience.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise Through the 17th Century Ring

Following the flight simulation, the tour proceeds to the one-hour canal cruise, which departs from Damrak 26 after reservation. The cruise takes place through Amsterdam’s historic canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The comfortable boat moves smoothly past merchant houses and lively neighborhoods, offering a close-up perspective of the city’s architecture and daily life.

The GPS audio guide enriches the experience, providing informative commentary in multiple languages. Passengers can sit back, relax, and take in the scenic views while learning about the significance of the canals and notable landmarks seen along the way.

Practicalities: Meeting Points and Reservation Details

The initial meeting point for the “This Is Holland” experience is at Overhoeksplein 51, where the simulation begins. To reserve a timed slot for the canal cruise, visitors need to visit the Tours & Tickets shop at Damrak 26 to swap their open ticket for a specific departure time.

The activity ends back at the starting point, providing a convenient location for further exploration. The tour offers flexible cancellation, allowing full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. The booking process is designed to be flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

More Great Tours Nearby

Accessibility and Restrictions

This tour is not suitable for children under 4 years, pregnant women, or people below 3 ft 3 in (100 cm). Wheelchair users are also not accommodated. Only service dogs that are identifiable are allowed on the canal cruise, while pets are generally excluded. These restrictions ensure safety and comfort for all participants.

What Makes the 5D Flight Simulation Stand Out

The “This Is Holland” experience is praised for its realistic simulation that mimics helicopter-like flight, as described by reviews. Visitors find the introduction and visual effects particularly engaging, with some noting it feels like being in a helicopter. The special effects add a sensory dimension to the show that many find impressive.

However, some reviews mention that location logistics could be improved, especially regarding voucher redemption and the distance between the simulation and the boat cruise. Despite this, the quality of the flight and its informative content make it a noteworthy highlight.

The Canal Cruise Experience in Detail

The canal cruise offers a relaxed way to see Amsterdam’s historic waterways. Passengers enjoy scenic views of the merchant houses, bridges, and bustling neighborhoods from the comfort of a well-equipped boat. The GPS-guided commentary provides context about the landmarks and history of the canal ring.

Although some reviews note that the guide can be less engaging or not fluent in English, the visual scenery and audio guide compensate, offering an enriching experience. The full boat and loud environment can make hearing the commentary a challenge, but overall, it remains a charming way to explore the city.

Value and Suitability

For $44, this combo tour offers good value, combining interactive entertainment with scenic sightseeing. It’s especially suited for visitors who want an immersive aerial view of the Netherlands and enjoy light, educational experiences.

The tour is not designed for travelers with mobility issues or young children, but adults and older children will find it engaging. The flexible booking and full refund policy add to its attractiveness for those wanting to plan with ease.

Final Thoughts on the Amsterdam Combo Tour

The “This Is Holland” 5D Flight and Canal Cruise provides a well-rounded glimpse of Amsterdam and the Netherlands through innovative technology and classic waterways. The immersive flight simulation stands out as the most impressive feature, giving a sense of flying with special effects that enhance realism.

The canal cruise complements this with close-up views of the city’s historic architecture and informative narration, making it a delightful combination. While logistical details like reservation procedures should be noted, the overall experience delivers entertainment and education at an affordable price.

This tour is perfect for those seeking a fun, accessible way to learn about Dutch culture and enjoy spectacular views from both air and water. Its high ratings reflect its popularity and quality, making it a reliable choice for visitors to Amsterdam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the canal cruise included in the price?
The canal cruise is part of the combo package and requires a reservation at Damrak 26 to select a departure time. The ticket for the cruise is not issued automatically at the start but must be booked separately.

How long does the entire tour last?
The total experience lasts approximately 2 hours, with about one hour for the flight simulation and one hour for the canal cruise.

Are there any restrictions for children or pregnant women?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 4 years, pregnant women, people shorter than 3 ft 3 in (100 cm), or wheelchair users.

What languages are supported on the audio guide?
The GPS audio guide on the canal cruise is available in Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Catalan, Turkish, Polish, Thai, Indonesian, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, and Hebrew.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking process also offers flexibility with the reserve now, pay later option.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby