From Amsterdam: Giethoorn Day Trip with Canal & Village Tour

This popular day trip from Amsterdam is often praised as one of the top-rated experiences to see the charming ‘Venice of the North’. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the rave reviews and detailed descriptions make it clear that it offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into the magic of Giethoorn.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines scenic canal cruises, local Dutch cheese tasting, and ample free time to wander around at your own pace. The expert guides are consistently highlighted for their friendliness and knowledge, making the trip both relaxing and educational.

One thing to consider is the duration of roughly 7 hours, which includes transportation, sightseeing, and free exploration — so it’s a full day, but with plenty of time to soak in the sights. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a calm, picturesque escape from busy city life. This tour suits anyone who loves nature, photography, traditional Dutch villages, or simply a peaceful day out.

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines transport, sightseeing, cheese tasting, and free exploration.
• Highly Rated: Consistently scores 4.9/5 based on 100 reviews, indicating reliability and quality.
• Authentic Highlights: Visits a traditional, car-free village renowned for its canals and charming houses.
• Expert Guides: Known for friendliness, knowledge, and caring attitude, enhancing the overall experience.
• Great Value: For $65, you get a full day of activities, transportation, and local treats.
• Ideal for Relaxation: Perfect for those wanting a laid-back, scenic break from Amsterdam.

How the Day Starts

The tour departs from Market 27, a spot conveniently located at the Metro Noord station — making it easy to reach without fuss. The early morning start, often praised for beating the crowds, means you arrive at Giethoorn in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This timing is strategic, allowing you to enjoy the village with fewer visitors and better light for photos.

Travel is by luxury coach, ensuring a comfortable ride with a small group size—reviewers mention groups of around 20-30 people, which strikes a good balance between social and intimate. The guide, often named Mike in reviews, is noted for being friendly and well-informed, making the entire journey pleasant and engaging.

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Arriving at Giethoorn

Once in Giethoorn, the real magic begins. Known as the ‘Venice of the North’, this village is famous for its peaceful canals, wooden bridges, and traditional thatched-roof houses. The absence of cars is a major draw, letting you walk or take a canal cruise without noise or pollution.

The tour includes a boat ride operated by Henri Willig, situated right next to a renowned Dutch cheese store. Before boarding, you get to indulge in Dutch cheese tasting, which is a fantastic way to introduce your palate to authentic local flavors. Reviewers often mention how generous and tasty the cheese selection is, adding a delightful layer to the trip.

Canal Cruise – The Highlight

The guided canal cruise is the centerpiece and offers a slow, relaxing view of Giethoorn’s most iconic sights. As your skipper navigates the waterways, they share stories about the village’s history, architecture, and daily life. Many reviews highlight how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, making the cruise both fun and informative.

Expect stunning views of quaint wooden bridges, lush gardens, and elegant thatched cottages. The boat ride lasts long enough to take memorable photos, but not so long that it feels sluggish. According to reviews, the skipper’s humor and storytelling make the cruise stand out as a personal, special experience.

Free Time to Explore

After the boat tour, you’re given around 2.5 hours of free time to wander on your own. You can stroll through the village’s quiet streets, explore tiny shops, or relax in a cozy café. Several reviewers mention how enjoyable it is just to sit outside and absorb the peaceful atmosphere, or to snap photos of the charming scenery.

This flexibility is a key perk. One traveler appreciated that they could wander and eat at their own pace, making the visit feel less rushed. The lush gardens and scenic spots are perfect for photography or simply soaking up the Dutch countryside vibe.

Additional Highlights

Most tours include a stop at traditional Dutch shops, where you can pick up souvenirs such as wooden tulips or local crafts. Some reviewers mention receiving small souvenirs like a wooden tulip at the end, which adds a personal touch to the trip.

While lunch isn’t included in the package, the free time allows you to choose a local café or snack shop. Many travelers find this flexibility preferable, as it lets them enjoy their own preferred style of meal or snack.

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Practical Aspects

Getting to the departure point is straightforward via the North-South Metro Line (M52), with clear instructions and even a helpful video guide. The 7-hour duration includes the coach ride, the canal cruise, cheese tasting, and free exploration, making it a well-organized day.

The tour is priced at $65 per person, which reviewers say offers excellent value considering the comprehensive experience—especially when compared to the cost of doing it independently, including transportation and activities. The tour is suitable for all ages and is accessible for those who prefer a guided, hassle-free day trip.

What the Reviews Tell Us

Across hundreds of reviews, consistent themes emerge. Guests praise the friendly guides, especially mentioning Mike, who is described as helpful, knowledgeable, and cheerful. Several reviewers appreciated the early start, which helped avoid crowds and enjoy better weather.

Many recount how the canal cruise exceeded expectations, with one reviewer saying, “The boat was waiting as we arrived, and we started the cruise immediately—perfectly arranged.” Others loved the ample free time to explore and photograph, noting that it made the trip feel personalized and relaxed.

A few reviewers highlighted how the cheese tasting added a delicious local flavor, and some even received small souvenirs to remember their visit. The overall sentiment is that this tour is well-organized, enjoyable, and good value.

This day trip to Giethoorn is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic escape from Amsterdam. The combination of a comfortable coach journey, an informative canal cruise, and ample free time creates a well-balanced, enriching experience. The friendly guides transform what might be a simple sightseeing tour into a memorable outing filled with stories, laughs, and photo opportunities.

Ideal for travelers who want to see a truly Dutch village without the hassle of planning logistics, this tour offers a smooth, enjoyable way to explore. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or someone seeking tranquility, Giethoorn’s unique charm will resonate with you.

The value for money is clear, especially considering the included cheese tasting and the personalized attention from guides. It’s a trip that balances relaxed sightseeing with authentic local flavor, making it a highlight for many visiting the Netherlands.

How do I get to the departure point?
The tour departs from Market 27 at Metro station Noord, which is just a 4-minute ride from Amsterdam Central Station via the North-South Line (M52). There’s a helpful video available showing the easiest route.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, the tour’s relaxed pace, short coach rides, and scenic boat cruise make it accessible for all ages. Many reviews include families and older travelers enjoying the day.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera for the beautiful scenery, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses for the outdoor exploration. There’s no mention of specific gear needed, but comfort is key.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. The free time allows you to grab a bite at your own pace, possibly at some of the quaint local cafés.

How long is the boat cruise?
The cruise is designed to give a good look at Giethoorn’s canals without being overly long, allowing plenty of time for walking and exploring afterwards. Exact duration isn’t specified but is part of the overall 7-hour experience.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible in case your plans change.

Does the tour operate year-round?
While specific seasons aren’t mentioned, reviews from different times of year suggest it’s suitable for all seasons, with the village maintaining its charm.

Can I book this tour as a group?
Yes, groups of up to around 30 people are typical, and the small group size helps ensure a personalized experience.

Are there any additional costs?
Apart from optional snacks or souvenirs, everything included in the tour is covered by the price of $65.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of authentic village exploration, a relaxing canal cruise, and friendly, knowledgeable guides makes this experience memorable and worthwhile.

To sum it up, this Giethoorn day trip from Amsterdam offers a delightful mix of scenic beauty, culture, and relaxed exploration. It’s best suited for those who value authenticity, comfort, and the chance to see a less-touristy side of the Netherlands. With excellent reviews, good value, and a well-organized itinerary, it’s a highly recommended choice for a peaceful day out.

You can check if your dates are available here: