From Amsterdam: Private Tour to Giethoorn with Canal Cruise

Explore Giethoorn, the Dutch Venice, with a Private 6-Hour Tour from Amsterdam

This private tour costs $330 per person and offers a full 6-hour experience in the picturesque village of Giethoorn, located in North Holland. Starting from Amsterdam, the journey features comfortable Mercedes Benz transportation with a professional driver, making it ideal for travelers seeking an intimate, hassle-free day trip.

The highlight is a canal cruise, either guided or self-led, where you’ll see the thatched-roof farms, wooden bridges, and scenic waterway views that earn Giethoorn its nickname “Little Venice of the Netherlands.” After exploring by water, you can enjoy lunch at one of the village’s inviting restaurants. This tour emphasizes flexibility and comfort, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, but note that meals are not included in the price.

While the tour is well-suited for most travelers, it is not accessible for wheelchair users and requires comfortable shoes for walking around the village. The rain or shine schedule ensures you see Giethoorn regardless of the weather, with about 3 hours spent in the village.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Private 6-hour experience from Amsterdam to Giethoorn
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in a luxury Mercedes Benz
• Canal cruise tickets included, options to sail yourself or join a guided cruise
• Scenic views of thatched farms, over 170 wooden bridges
• Opportunity to enjoy lunch in Giethoorn’s local restaurants
• Tour is rain or shine and not suitable for wheelchair users

From Amsterdam to the “Little Venice” of the Netherlands

The tour departs from Amsterdam with hotel pickup, making the entire process seamless. Travelers are picked up by a professional driver who waits in the hotel lobby, holding a sign with your name. The journey to Giethoorn takes approximately 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to settle into the comfort of the vehicle.

This tour is designed as a private experience, meaning your group travels together without strangers. Along the way, Wi-Fi is available in the vehicle, allowing you to stay connected or plan your day. The luxury Mercedes Benz ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, setting a relaxed tone for your exploration.

Once in Giethoorn, the focus is on exploring the unique villagescape, characterized by over 170 wooden bridges connecting the thatched-roof farms. This quiet, scenic setting captures the essence of traditional Dutch countryside life.

Discovering Giethoorn’s Waterways and Wooden Bridges

Giethoorn is famous for its waterways and wooden bridges, which create a network of charming routes through the village. During this 3-hour exploration, you have the choice between sailing a boat yourself or joining a canal cruise led by a guide who shares stories on the village’s history and culture.

The guided canal cruise offers a relaxing way to see the traditional farms and historic thatched roofs, while the option to sail independently allows for a more flexible, leisurely experience. The waterways are the main attraction, emphasizing Giethoorn’s reputation as a “Dutch Venice”.

Walking through the village, you’ll find numerous restaurants where you can stop for lunch, giving you a taste of local Dutch cuisine amidst the scenic surroundings. The scenic views and tranquil water scenes make this part of the tour particularly memorable.

Lunch in Giethoorn’s Charming Restaurants

After the water-based sightseeing, the tour includes time to sit down for lunch at one of Giethoorn’s many restaurants. While the tour price does not include the meal, the village offers a variety of eateries where local dishes are served in cozy, inviting atmospheres.

This break provides a perfect chance to relax, absorb the peaceful surroundings, and enjoy the delights of Dutch cuisine. The scenic setting makes the dining experience more enjoyable, with many restaurants boasting views of the waterways.

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Practical Details: Pickup, Transportation, and Group Size

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Amsterdam and is designed for private groups, allowing for a personalized experience. The driver, fluent in Dutch and English, ensures smooth communication and reliable service.

The transportation vehicle is a Mercedes Benz, outfitted with Wi-Fi to keep you connected during the ride. The tour duration is 6 hours, with about 3 hours in Giethoorn, leaving time for sightseeing, cruising, and dining.

Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes for walking around the village and to be aware that smoking and food in the vehicle are not permitted. The tour runs rain or shine, so weather conditions won’t cancel the experience.

Limitations and Accessibility Considerations

This private tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the village’s layout and walking requirements. It’s a walking and water activity-based experience, best suited for those comfortable on their feet.

The waiting time for pickup is typically under 20 minutes; longer delays are considered a no-show, emphasizing the importance of punctuality. Since meals are not included, travelers should plan their lunch preferences accordingly.

The flexible booking policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind if plans change.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This private, all-inclusive experience offers an elegant way to see Giethoorn without the logistical hassle of public transport or group tours. The luxury vehicle, personal driver, and canal cruise combine to create a memorable day in this unique Dutch village.

Compared to similar experiences, this tour’s private group setting and flexible options for sailing or guiding make it appealing. The lunch break adds a leisurely touch, allowing guests to relax and soak in the tranquil environment.

While it requires some walking and isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, the comfort, privacy, and scenic highlights make this tour a strong choice for those wanting a well-organized day trip from Amsterdam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children should be comfortable walking and sitting for extended periods.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, and consider weather-appropriate clothing since the tour runs rain or shine.

Can I sail the boat myself?
Yes, you can choose to sail a boat on your own or join a guided canal cruise.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included; you can enjoy lunch at local restaurants in Giethoorn.

How do I find the driver for pickup?
The driver will be waiting in your hotel lobby holding a sign with your name.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users because of the village layout.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

How long do I spend in Giethoorn?
Approximately 3 hours are spent exploring the village and enjoying the cruise and lunch.

What languages are spoken during the tour?
The tour is available in Dutch and English.

Is parking available near the tour start?
The tour starts with hotel pickup, so parking details depend on your accommodation.

This private tour to Giethoorn offers an authentic and relaxed way to experience the Dutch “Venice” with all the comforts of luxury transportation and personalized service. Perfect for those seeking a scenic, hassle-free day full of waterway beauty and cultural charm.

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