Amsterdam: Giethoorn Day Trip, Boat Tour, and Walking Tour
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
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Seating areas
History
Giethoorn was born in 1230 when flagellants settled in the peat bogs, digging canals to harvest fuel—creating a car-free maze of waterways and thatched farms. By the 20th century, tourism discovered the “Venice of the North,” but locals still glide in whisper boats, preserving a 13th-century rhythm amid modern serenity.
De Rietstulp, a family-run operation since 1958, keeps the village’s soul alive with skippers who’ve navigated these canals since childhood.
Highlights
- 8-hour escape to Giethoorn with luxury coach transfer
- 1-hour canal cruise with live commentary by local Giethoorn skipper
- 3 hours free time + digital walking tour with local tips
- Exclusive discounts at museums, restaurants, and attractions
- No cars—just boats, bikes, and fairy-tale bridges
Full Description
Board a plush coach at This is Holland and let the Dutch countryside roll by. After a 2-hour scenic ride, step into Giethoorn’s storybook center. Your included 1-hour boat tour with De Rietstulp glides past thatched roofs and wooden bridges, with a born-and-raised skipper sharing tales of peat-digging monks and hidden farmsteads—pausing for postcard shots.
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Then, 3 hours are yours: stroll the digital walking tour (QR code with offline map), rent a whisper boat (€20/hr), cycle (€10/day), or savor poffertjes at a canal-side café. Lunch at De Rietstulp’s restaurant (traditional Dutch, not included) is highly recommended.
Reboard the coach at 4 PM, arriving back in Amsterdam by 6 PM—refreshed, enchanted, and full of photos.
Why Choose This Experience?
Giethoorn is the Netherlands’ most photogenic village, yet blissfully free of Amsterdam’s crowds. The included boat tour with a local family, generous free time, and digital guide make exploration effortless.
Perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers craving authentic Dutch tranquility. At $64, it’s a full-day fairy tale with zero stress.
What’s Included
- Round-trip luxury coach (2 hrs each way) with Wi-Fi & USB ports
- 1-hour canal cruise with live local skipper commentary
- 3 hours free time in Giethoorn village
- Digital walking tour (QR code, offline, English/Dutch)
- Leaflet with local tips + exclusive attraction/restaurant discounts
- Skip-the-line boat boarding
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Reserve now, pay later option
- Max. 50 guests for comfortable travel
Itinerary
- 10:00 AM / 11:00 AM Departure: Overhoeksplein 51 (This is Holland)
- 12:00 PM / 1:00 PM Arrival Giethoorn: Drop-off near village center
- Boat Tour: 1-hour cruise with De Rietstulp (live commentary)
- Free Time (3 hrs): Digital walking tour, lunch, biking, shopping
- 4:00 PM / 5:00 PM Departure Giethoorn
- 6:00 PM / 7:00 PM Return to Amsterdam
Pricing
From $64 per person
Meeting Point
Overhoeksplein 51, in front of This is Holland (red-white-blue flag building). Take the free ferry (F3, “Buiksloterweg”) from behind Central Station—3-min ride, then 3-min walk left.
How to get there
- From Central Station: Free ferry F3 (every 5 min), exit, turn left, walk 3 min to This is Holland.
- By metro: Line 52 to Noord (5 min), then 10-min walk.
- From Dam Square: Tram 2/12 to Centraal, then ferry.
- By bike: Secure racks at This is Holland.
Good to Know
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes (cobblestone paths)
- Light jacket & sunscreen (open boat)
- Smartphone (digital tour QR code)
- Cash/card (some cafés card-only)
Know before you go
- No pets allowed
- Boat tour weather-dependent (covered in rain)
- Lunch not included—budget €15–25
- Optional whisper boat rental (€20/hr) or bike (€10/day)
- Toilets & coffee at This is Holland pre-departure
Reviews
- Gilbert was a gem—fun facts all the way, and Giethoorn felt like a dream. Boat tour was magical!
- Martin’s narration made the drive fly. The village is stunning—lunch at De Rietstulp was perfection.
- Seamless day: comfy bus, local skipper full of stories, and 3 hours to wander. Best escape from Amsterdam!
Maps
Video
FAQ's
How do I use the digital walking tour?
Upon boarding the coach, scan the QR code on your ticket or the leaflet—it downloads an offline map with 15+ points of interest (thatched farms, hidden bridges, best photo spots). English/Dutch audio snippets play automatically via GPS as you walk. Local tips include “best poffertjes” and “secret duck-feeding spot.” Works without data; battery-friendly. Crew helps with setup.
Is the boat tour covered if it rains?
Yes—De Rietstulp’s boats have retractable roofs and side curtains. In light rain, you stay dry with full views; in heavy rain, it’s fully enclosed and heated. Ponchos provided. The cruise runs rain or shine—many say misty canals are even more magical. One reviewer: “Rain made the thatched roofs glow!”
Can I rent a whisper boat or bike during free time?
Absolutely—recommended! Whisper boats (€20/hr, 4–6 people) are silent electric, easy to drive (no license). Book at De Rietstulp dock post-tour. Bikes (€10/day) from the village center—perfect for the 7 km canal loop. The digital tour marks rental spots. Allow 1 hr for boating; 2 hrs for cycling.
Is lunch included, and where should I eat?
Lunch is not included to give flexibility, but De Rietstulp Restaurant (same family as the boat) is steps from the dock—try stamppot, pea soup, or apple pie (€12–18). Vegetarian/gluten-free options. Other canal-side cafés offer pancakes or bitterballen. Budget €15–25. Crew provides a discount coupon (10% off).
Is Giethoorn stroller/wheelchair friendly?
Mostly yes—main paths are paved and flat, ideal for strollers. The boat has a small step (crew assists); wheelchairs can board if foldable. Some side paths are gravel—stick to the digital tour’s main route. Electric wheelchairs fit the coach lift. Notify at booking for front seating. One family with a toddler praised: “Stroller heaven—no cars!”
