Giethoorn, Private Boat Tour & Exploring the North Netherlands

Swap the busy streets of Amsterdam for the peaceful beauty of the northern Netherlands with this private day trip to Giethoorn and Hasselt. Priced at $350.50 per person, this 7-hour and 15-minute tour offers an intimate, flexible exploration of two of the country’s most picturesque riverside towns. The experience is ideal for those who prefer a personalized journey with a private guide, allowing you to enjoy the sights at your own pace without the hassle of navigation.

The tour starts from Amsterdam with convenient pickup options and includes group discounts, making it easy to customize your day. The highlight is a one-hour boat ride through Giethoorn’s car-free streets, led by a knowledgeable guide who doubles as your captain. With a focus on authentic local scenery and history, this tour offers a more genuine encounter with the Dutch countryside. It suits travelers who appreciate quiet villages, scenic boat rides, and personalized service, although it’s recommended to book well in advance — typically 106 days ahead — due to high demand.

Key Points

• Private guided tour from Amsterdam to Giethoorn and Hasselt
• 7 hours and 15 minutes duration, with pickup included
• Price of $350.50 per person, with group discounts available
• One-hour boat ride in the car-free village of Giethoorn
• Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests and pace
• Most reviews rate it a perfect 5, highlighting excellent guidance and scenery

Discover Giethoorn: The Dutch Venice

The tour begins with a 75-minute drive from Amsterdam to the picture-perfect village of Giethoorn. Known as the Dutch Venice, Giethoorn is famous for its shallow waterways and car-free streets, making it ideal for a boat tour. The small, flat-bottomed ‘punter’ boat is the main way to explore the waterways, and during this private one-hour ride, the guide transforms into your captain, sharing stories about the village’s history and daily life.

After the boat tour, you’ll enjoy a short walking tour led by your guide, offering a different perspective on the charming, quaint scenery. The walk allows for closer observation of traditional Dutch architecture and the peaceful ambiance that makes Giethoorn a popular yet less crowded destination. This stop is admission-free, giving you an authentic experience without extra costs.

Exploring Hasselt: The Off-the-Beaten-Path Village

Following your time in Giethoorn, the tour continues with a drive through the countryside to Hasselt, a storybook village often called Little Amsterdam. This off-the-beaten-path location rewards visitors with a walkable old town, characterized by cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Your guide shares insights into Hasselt’s unique history and the reasons behind its nickname, adding context to the quaint sights.

You’ll have about 1 hour and 30 minutes to wander Hasselt’s streets, explore at your own pace, and take photos of the medieval-inspired town square. The visit offers a truly local feel, away from heavily touristy spots, making it perfect for those seeking a more authentic Dutch experience. No extra admission fees are involved, so you can focus on soaking up the atmosphere.

The Comfort of a Private, Air-Conditioned Vehicle

Throughout the day, your air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey between locations and during any waiting periods. The private nature of the tour means your group enjoys exclusive access without sharing with strangers, giving you flexibility and privacy. The pickup service simplifies logistics, with the tour starting promptly at 10:00 am.

This setup suits those who value personalized attention, as your guide can adapt the itinerary based on your interests or timing preferences. The most travelers book this tour about 106 days in advance, highlighting its popularity among visitors who seek a well-organized, premium experience.

The Guide: Knowledgeable and Engaging

All reviews praise the guides, especially noting Steve (or Steven) and their deep knowledge of Dutch towns and history. The guides are described as punctual, communicative, and humorous, making the journey both informative and enjoyable. They serve as storytellers, sharing insights about Giethoorn’s architecture, Hasselt’s history, and the local culture, enriching the overall experience.

Guests appreciate that the guides bring the towns to life and share local stories that you wouldn’t discover on your own. This personal touch and friendly demeanor elevate the tour from a simple sightseeing trip to a memorable experience.

Flexibility and Customization in Your Itinerary

One of the most praised features is the ability to tailor the day. While the itinerary covers Giethoorn and Hasselt as main stops, the private nature of the tour allows for adjustments. You can spend more or less time at each location, depending on your interests.

The balance of scenic boat rides, walking tours, and driving makes this a well-rounded experience. It’s suitable for those who prefer to control their pace and want to avoid crowded tours or large group schedules.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Duration, and Cost

The tour begins at 10:00 am with a pickup, making it easy to integrate into a full day of sightseeing in Amsterdam. The total experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes, providing ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

At $350.50 per person, the tour offers good value considering the personalized service, private guide, and included boat ride. Group discounts are available, which can make it more affordable for families or friends traveling together.

Highlights from Reviews: Expert Guides and Stunning Scenery

All 23 reviews rate this tour a perfect 5 out of 5**, emphasizing the expertise and friendly nature of the guides. Guests mention that Steve or Steven is punctual, knowledgeable, and funny, making the day both educational and entertaining.

The boat ride in Giethoorn is consistently praised as peaceful and scenic, offering a unique perspective of the town’s waterways. Visitors also enjoy learning about Dutch culture and seeing traditional towns like Hasselt, which is less touristy and full of character.

The Value of a Private, Fully Guided Tour

This private tour excels in providing personalized attention and flexibility, setting it apart from group excursions. The guided experience ensures you won’t miss interesting details, and your guide’s local knowledge adds depth to each stop.

While lunch and dinner are not included, the focus remains on scenic exploration and culture. The full refund policy if canceled more than 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind for booking.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Day Trip for Peaceful Exploration

The Giethoorn and Hasselt private tour offers an intimate look at a less crowded side of the Netherlands, with a focus on scenic boat rides, historic towns, and personalized guiding. It’s well-suited for visitors who want to avoid large groups, enjoy flexible schedules, and learn local stories from friendly, knowledgeable guides.

Though it requires advance booking and a moderate price point, the experience delivers authentic scenery and customized attention that make it a worthwhile choice. If you’re craving a peaceful escape filled with charming villages and beautiful waterways, this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The private guide, boat ride in Giethoorn, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and pickup are included. Lunch and dinner are not part of the package.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes, starting at 10:00 am with pickup.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly guests?
While most travelers can participate, the tour involves walking and boat rides, so consider mobility needs when planning.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made roughly 106 days ahead, so planning early ensures availability.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, as a private tour, it offers flexibility to spend more or less time at each location or adjust activities.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, the admission tickets to the stops are free, and no additional costs are listed for the included activities.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey between stops.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The boat ride in Giethoorn and the personalized guidance are the most praised features, making for a relaxing and enriching experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially for outdoor walking in Hasselt and the boat ride.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.