Giethoorn Private Tour with Cruise and Lunch from Amsterdam

Exploring Giethoorn: A Quiet Village with Big Charms

If you’re looking to escape the hustle of Amsterdam and explore a spot that feels like stepping back in time, the Giethoorn Private Tour with Cruise and Lunch offers a lovely day out. For about 9 hours, you’ll journey through the lush Dutch countryside, visit the “Venice of Holland,” and enjoy a personalized experience perfect for those craving authentic, scenic surprises. Priced at around $2,850.73 per group, this tour is designed for small groups — up to 7 people — making it more intimate than those big bus excursions.

What we love about this trip is how it combines scenic boat trips with delicious Dutch food and plenty of free time to explore. The boat cruise through Giethoorn’s canals gives you a gentle glide past thatched-roof cottages and arched bridges, while the lunch provides a hearty taste of local flavors. Another highlight is the photostop on the enclosing dike, which offers a great panoramic view of the landscape.

A potential consideration: the tour has mixed reviews regarding guides and timing. Some travelers found the driver/guide less enthusiastic or punctual, which could impact your overall experience. If you’re a traveler who values a lively guide or perfectly punctual service, it’s worth noting. Still, if you’re after a relaxed, small-group vibe, this trip could be just right — especially if you’re keen on genuine scenery and a slower pace.

This tour tends to suit those who appreciate authentic village charm, beautiful views, and delicious food, and who don’t mind a few bumps along the road. It’s ideal if you want a balanced day of sightseeing and leisure with personalized attention rather than a giant coach tour.

Key Points

• Small-group setting enhances intimacy and personalized attention.
• Scenic canal cruise gives a peaceful, authentic view of Giethoorn’s iconic waterways.
• Dutch lunch and apple pie offer a delicious taste of local flavors.
• Free time allows for independent exploration of the village and surrounding polders.
• Photostop on the enclosing dike offers a panoramic photo opportunity.
• Mixed reviews on guide enthusiasm suggest some travelers might experience variable energy levels.

In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

Visiting Giethoorn: A Unique Car-Free Village

The highlight of this tour is clearly Giethoorn itself—a village where no cars are allowed. As you arrive at the restaurant De Rietstulp, you’re greeted with coffee or tea and a slice of traditional Dutch apple pie. This simple start sets a cozy, welcoming tone. The apple pie is often praised, and the relaxed pace allows you to settle in before your boat trip.

Once onboard the canal cruise, you’ll glide through one of the most peaceful waterways in the Netherlands. The boat trip lasts about an hour, and you can expect to see charming thatched cottages, arched stone bridges, and lush greenery. According to reviewers, the views are stunning and worth the trip. One traveler noted, “Giethoorn was amazing, and the house and view are worth the tour,” which captures the essence of this peaceful village.

The Cruise: A Gentle Glimpse into Dutch Life

The boat cruise is a highlight for many because it’s a relaxing way to see the village without the crowds. It offers a different perspective—from water level—showcasing the beauty of simple, picturesque life. You’ll pass under arched bridges and along picket-fenced gardens, a scene that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.

Lunch at De Rietstulp: A Taste of Holland

Post-cruise, the tour moves to a hearty Dutch lunch. Expect a soup, mini-hamburger sandwich, and carpaccio sandwich—a well-rounded meal that hits the spot after sightseeing. Several reviews commend the quality of the food; one traveler noted that the lunch was delicious, and the guide was attentive to ensuring everyone enjoyed their meal.

Free Time to Explore

After lunch, you’re given about four hours of free time. This allows you to wander the car-free streets, browse local shops, or take photos of the scenic surroundings. Some reviews mention that while Giethoorn is small, it’s worth revisiting because of its charming houses and tranquil atmosphere. You might also want to explore the nearby Dutch polders, a quintessential feature of the landscape.

Enclosing Dike and Scenic Views

A photostop at the enclosing dike is included, offering panoramic vistas of the countryside. This is a perfect spot for some memorable photos and appreciating the expansive Dutch landscape that stretches beyond the village.

Optional Amsterdam Canal Cruise

If you opt for the Amsterdam Canal Cruise voucher, the tour includes a one-hour boat ride through the city’s famous canals. Departing near Central Station, this cruise offers an overview of Amsterdam’s iconic waterways, historic architecture, and UNESCO-listed canals. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective, especially if this is your first visit.

Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

Transport is by air-conditioned minivan, which makes the journey comfortable and quiet. The tour starts promptly at 9:00 am from De Ruijterkade in Amsterdam, and the entire day is carefully structured to maximize time at each stop without feeling rushed. While the small group size is an advantage, some reviews point out that the driver/guide may lack enthusiasm or punctuality, which could influence your overall enjoyment.

The Value for the Price

Given the cost of nearly $3,000 per group, it’s worth considering what you’re getting: a full day of sightseeing, a private boat cruise, a hearty lunch, and extra scenic stops. The small-group setting is a plus for personalized attention, but reviews suggest that some guides might not be as engaging as hoped. Still, for those who prioritize authentic scenery and a leisurely pace, this tour offers good value.

Authenticity and Review Highlights

Feedback from travelers paints a mixed picture but leans toward appreciation of Giethoorn’s beauty and tranquility. One traveler said, “Giethoorn was the saving grace,” highlighting the village’s charming and picturesque nature. Another appreciated the friendly guide and the delicious food.

Some criticisms echo the importance of guide enthusiasm and punctuality. One review mentioned that the driver was unprofessional and tried to persuade guests to visit elsewhere, which could be frustrating for travelers expecting a straightforward experience.

Despite some hiccups, many agree that the village itself is worth visiting, and the canal cruise enhances the visit by providing a unique view of Dutch rural life.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day out of the city, are interested in small-group intimacy, and appreciate authentic Dutch villages. It’s ideal if you’re keen on photography, local food, and gentle boat rides. However, those who prioritize guide enthusiasm or punctuality should be aware that experiences vary.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth Your Time?

If you’re after a peaceful escape from Amsterdam to a village where cars are replaced by canals, this tour delivers plenty of scenic beauty, tasty Dutch lunch, and a snapshot of rural life. The small group means you can enjoy a more personalized day, and the boat cruise provides a gentle, scenic perspective that’s hard to find elsewhere.

That said, be prepared for variable guide energy and some criticism of timing. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a leisurely day with authentic charm and don’t mind the occasional inconsistency.

For photo lovers, foodies, and those seeking a tranquil break, this tour offers a charming glimpse into one of the Netherlands’ most picturesque spots. If you’re looking for a more energetic guide or a perfectly punctual experience, you might want to consider other options. But overall, it’s a memorable day trip that showcases the peaceful beauty of Giethoorn and Dutch countryside.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, transport by air-conditioned minivan, a boat tour, coffee/tea with apple pie, a local Dutch lunch, a live commentary, and a guide. If you select the optional Amsterdam Canal Cruise, you’ll receive a voucher for a one-hour city waterway tour.

How long is the boat cruise in Giethoorn?
The canal cruise lasts approximately one hour, offering a relaxing view of the village’s charming waterways and bridges.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring layers if it’s cool, and don’t forget your camera for scenic photos.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the 9-hour duration may be long for very young children. The small-group setting can make it easier for families to relax.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a Dutch lunch featuring soup, a mini-hamburger sandwich, and a carpaccio sandwich. Drinks during lunch are not included.

What if I want to explore Giethoorn more on my own?
The tour provides free time of about four hours for independent exploration, shopping, or relaxing in the village.

Is this tour good value for the price?
While the price may seem high, it covers transport, meals, cruise, and guided commentary. The small-group experience and scenic activities justify the cost for many travelers seeking a personalized day out.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In essence, this tour offers a relaxed, scenic, and authentic Dutch countryside experience that’s perfect for those who value small-group intimacy, beautiful scenery, and a taste of traditional village life. While some aspects may vary depending on the guide and timing, it’s a solid choice for travelers eager to combine sightseeing, local flavors, and gentle boat rides in one memorable day.