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

When visiting Amsterdam, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the city’s charm. But for a blend of high-tech immersion and authentic waterways, the This Is Holland 5D Flight and Canal Cruise Combo offers a memorable way to see the Netherlands from above and below the water. Priced at around $44 per person and lasting about two hours total, this experience combines an exhilarating 5D flight simulation with a relaxing canal cruise through Amsterdam’s famed 17th-century ring.

What we love about this experience is the way it offers stunning aerial views with the simulation, especially the detailed storytelling and special effects that make you feel like you’re actually flying. Plus, the GPS-guided canal cruise allows you to admire the city’s historic merchant houses and lively neighborhoods at a leisurely pace.

A potential consideration — some reviews mention issues like guide’s English not being perfect or the location of the ticket exchange being slightly inconvenient. Still, these are minor compared to the overall value and enjoyment of the tour.

This experience is well suited for travelers who appreciate a blend of technology and authentic scenery, and for those who want an overview of Amsterdam and the Dutch landscape in a single outing. It’s particularly great for first-timers, families, or anyone interested in a fun, engaging introduction to the city.

Key Points

• Innovative 5D Flight: Feel like you’re soaring over the Netherlands with effects like wind, smells, and sound for a realistic experience.
• Learn Through Shows: Four different shows provide insight into Dutch culture, history, and people.
• Canal Beauty: The cruise offers a scenic journey through Amsterdam’s historic canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Audio Guide: Multilingual commentary enhances your understanding of the sights.
• Convenient Combo: Combine the high-tech flight with a relaxing water tour at a reasonable price.
• Potential Minor Drawbacks: Some guides may not speak perfect English, and the ticket exchange location might be slightly out of the way.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The 5D Flight Simulation: An Aerial Adventure

Starting at Overhoeksplein 51, you’ll step into the This Is Holland venue for a ride that promises to simulate flying over the Dutch landscape. For about an hour, you’ll be carried through four different shows, each offering unique perspectives on the Netherlands’ geography, history, and culture.

What sets this apart from your average film or virtual experience is the use of special effects — wind that blows through your hair, scents that evoke fields or the sea, and sound effects that create a sense of altitude and speed. It’s designed to make you feel genuinely as if you’re soaring, which many reviewers find quite convincing — as one person described, “It was amazing. Truly felt you were in a helicopter.” This kind of realism appeals not only to thrill-seekers but also to those curious about Dutch landscapes and landmarks, presented in a vivid, immersive way.

The shows include a fly-over of the Dutch countryside, including iconic sights like Amsterdam’s canals, the Delta Works, and other recognizable landmarks. The narration, available in many languages, helps contextualize what you’re seeing, making the virtual flight both fun and educational.

The Canal Cruise: A Waterway Journey

After the simulation, you’ll head to the Damrak 26 location to exchange your ticket for a specific cruise time. The actual one-hour canal cruise takes you through Amsterdam’s 17th-century canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s most picturesque neighborhoods.

The boat is comfortable, with GPS audio guides available in more than a dozen languages. This means you’ll learn about the merchant houses, historic bridges, and lively neighborhoods as you glide through the waterways. The reviews highlight the stunning views of the city’s architecture and the relaxed pace, perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking in the scenery.

One reviewer noted, “Sit back in the comfortable boat, relax and enjoy the views and commentary,” which perfectly captures the experience. Because the cruise is guided with detailed commentary, you’re not just floating aimlessly; you gain valuable insights into the city’s history and urban design.

The Practicalities

The ticketing process involves a slight logistical step — you start at Overhoeksplein for the flight, then proceed to Damrak to swap your voucher for a cruise ticket. This might be a minor inconvenience, but it’s a small price to pay for the dual experience.

The tour is suitable for children over 4 years old, but not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or children under 3 ft 3 in (100 cm) due to safety or accessibility reasons. Pets are generally not allowed, except for assistance dogs.

The entire activity is about two hours — enough to enjoy both parts without feeling rushed. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if your plans change.

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Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback

Reviews paint a picture of a generally positive experience. For example, one traveler praised the realistic simulation, describing it as “Really amazing,” and appreciated how the show introduced the sights beforehand. Others enjoyed the scenic canal cruise but noted some issues with the guide’s English, which made hearing the commentary occasionally challenging, especially in a full, noisy boat.

An insightful comment from a reviewer was, “The guide barely spoke English. The boat was full & loud,” which reminds us that language barriers can sometimes diminish the experience. However, the audio guide in multiple languages is a strong feature that helps mitigate this issue.

Analyzing the Value

At $44 per person, this combo offers a great value — you’re getting two unique perspectives of the Netherlands for a reasonable price. The virtual flight is not only fun but also educational, giving you a bird’s-eye view that’s hard to match elsewhere. The canal cruise provides a relaxing, scenic stroll through Amsterdam’s historic waterways, complemented by informative commentary.

Given the high ratings (4.5 out of 5 from 51 reviews), visitors generally feel it’s worth the cost, especially because of the quality of the experience and the variety of sights covered. It’s a compact, engaging way to see a lot in a short time, making it ideal for visitors with limited schedules who want a rundown.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This combo tour is best suited for first-time visitors to Amsterdam who want a broad overview of the city’s geography and history. It’s also perfect for families or couples looking for a fun, interactive experience that combines entertainment with education. If you’re someone who enjoys technological displays or waterfront scenery, this tour will resonate well.

However, if you prefer guided walking tours or have mobility issues, the canal cruise’s accessibility might be a concern. Also, those sensitive to loud noises or with language preferences might want to prepare accordingly.

The Sum Up

The This Is Holland 5D Flight and Canal Cruise Combo delivers a captivating taste of the Netherlands in a format that’s engaging, immersive, and visually stunning. It offers a unique perspective — flying over the Dutch landscape with special effects that make you believe you’re truly airborne, then drifting through Amsterdam’s historic canals while absorbing its stories.

At a reasonable price point, it combines entertainment and education with maximum convenience, making it a smart choice for travelers wanting an authentic, fun introduction to the city. The positive reviews and broad appeal suggest this is a solid addition to your Amsterdam itinerary if you’re looking for something a bit different from typical museum visits or walking tours.

While it’s not perfect — some guides may have language hiccups, and logistics could be slightly improved — the overall experience is likely to leave you with lasting impressions of the Dutch landscape and city waterways.

FAQs

How long does the entire tour last?
The experience lasts about two hours, with roughly an hour for the flight simulation and an hour for the canal cruise.

Where do I start the experience?
You begin at Overhoeksplein 51 for the flight simulation. The canal cruise is booked separately at Damrak 26.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children over 4 years old can participate. It’s not recommended for children under 3 ft 3 in (100 cm), and not for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

What languages are the audio guides available in?
The GPS audio guide is available in more than a dozen languages, including English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Hebrew, and Thai.

Are guide explanations in person helpful?
Some reviews mention guides do not always speak perfect English or might be unaware of all details, so having the audio guide as a backup is useful.

What should I know about the ticket exchange?
After the flight, you need to visit Damrak 26 to swap your voucher for a cruise ticket. This step might require a short walk or transfer.

Are pets allowed?
Only assistance dogs are permitted on the cruise.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?
No, the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, as specified in the activity details.

This combined adventure of virtual flight and scenic waterways offers a great way to understand and enjoy the essence of the Netherlands — a perfect choice for curious travelers eager to see more than just the typical tourist spots.

You can check availability for your dates here: