Ultimate Combo: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Canal Boat Cruise

Ultimate Combo: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Canal Boat Cruise

Price: $72 | Duration: about 7 hours | Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands | Rated: 4.5/5 from 60 reviews

If you’re visiting Amsterdam and want to soak up its artistic soul and scenic charm, this tour offers an efficient way to do just that. For around $72, you’ll visit two major museums—the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum—and then glide through the city’s iconic canals on a boat cruise. It’s a well-rounded experience packed into one day, with knowledgeable guides making the art and scenery come alive.

What we love about this experience is how smoothly it combines museum visits with a scenic boat ride, giving you a sense of the city’s artistic and architectural beauty all at once. The small group size (maximum 15 guests) ensures personalized attention, and having guided tours in both museums helps you appreciate the masterpieces without feeling overwhelmed.

A possible drawback? The itinerary may be subject to change if galleries or exhibits are temporarily closed, which isn’t unusual in large museums. Also, lunch is not included, so you should budget some time and money for a quick meal.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, efficient introduction to Amsterdam’s art and waterways, especially if you’re short on time or prefer guided insights over wandering solo. It’s perfect for art lovers, first-timers, and curious travelers eager to see the city’s highlights without the hassle of planning each visit.

Key Points

• Expert-guided museum tours make the art more accessible and memorable.
• Combines indoor and outdoor experiences—art and scenic waterways—offering variety in your day.
• Small group size means more personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• All entrance tickets are included, removing the hassle of pre-booking.
• Timing is well-planned to balance museum visits, lunch breaks, and the canal cruise.
• Tour is suitable for most travelers able to walk at a moderate pace and speak English.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting at the Van Gogh Museum

Your day kicks off at the Van Gogh Museum—the largest dedicated to a single artist. For art lovers, this is a treasure trove, showcasing Vincent van Gogh’s story through his works, letters, and personal artifacts. The guided tour is a highlight, as it transforms what could be a crowded, overwhelming space into a thoughtfully curated journey. One reviewer mentioned that Timm was “the absolute best,” and that her knowledge helped guests understand Van Gogh’s genius far beyond just admiring the vibrant paintings.

Expect about 2 hours 30 minutes here—plenty of time to see the most famous works, like Sunflowers or The Potato Eaters, and to appreciate Van Gogh’s evolution as an artist. The inclusion of an expert guide deepens your understanding, so you’re not just taking in pretty pictures but learning about his troubled life, artistic techniques, and influence.

Midday Break and Local Flavors

After the Van Gogh Museum, a one-hour break offers a chance to grab lunch. Guides are happy to suggest local spots, which means you can enjoy some traditional Dutch fare or a quick sandwich—whatever suits your taste and schedule. This is a good chance to discuss what you’ve seen and share impressions with your group.

Exploring the Rijksmuseum

Post-lunch, it’s time for the Rijksmuseum, the grand centerpiece of Dutch art and history. It’s home to world-famous works like Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. The guided tour here is designed to highlight must-see artworks, making sure you don’t miss the highlights in what some call an “overwhelming” collection.

One reviewer noted that Cathy appreciated how her guide “streamlined the visit and made sure we saw the artwork that was the must-see.” With about 2 hours, you’ll get an immersive look at Dutch masterpieces and learn the stories behind them. The museum’s architecture—former royal palace with stunning halls—also adds to the experience, making it more than just a collection of paintings.

Scenic Canal Cruise

After the museums, it’s time for a 1 hour 30-minute canal cruise with audio commentary. This part of the tour offers a completely different perspective—gliding past historic merchant houses, bridges, and lively neighborhoods. Travelers often mention how the boat ride “was fun” and provides a relaxing way to see the city from its waterways.

Some reviews praise the captain’s storytelling, which adds historical context to the sights. Others, like one traveler who “skipped” the boat due to a rude captain, remind us that experiences can vary—though most seem to find the cruise a delightful conclusion to a day of sightseeing.

What’s Included and what to Consider

The all-inclusive price covers museum tickets, expert-guided tours, and the canal cruise, making it good value considering how much you typically pay for individual entries and guided visits. However, lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget time and money for a quick bite.

Group size is kept small—maximum 15 guests—which enhances the experience by allowing more interaction with guides and less waiting around. The tour departs at 10:00 am from a centrally located meeting point, ideal if you’re staying in or near the city center.

While the itinerary is carefully planned, be aware that museum closures or special exhibitions (like the temporary Vermeer show in 2024) might mean some artworks are not available on the day. Guides are flexible and may modify the route accordingly.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

Many reviews commend the knowledgeable guides like Timm, Eduardo, and Ali, who “made the art come alive” with their explanations. One reviewer pointed out that “Her knowledge and explanation of paintings were truly so insightful,” underscoring how guides can turn a museum visit into a meaningful experience.

Others appreciated how the scenic canal cruise offered a relaxed, picturesque ending, with one reviewer calling it “a perfect end to the day.” Conversely, a few mentioned less favorable moments, such as rudeness by the captain, which highlights that some parts of the experience may not meet every traveler’s expectations.

The tour is praised as “well curated” and “great for a quick overview,” making it ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for art enthusiasts eager to see some of the most famous Dutch masterpieces with guided insights. It’s also perfect for first-timers wanting a rundown of Amsterdam’s highlights without the stress of planning individual tickets or navigating large museums alone.

Travelers who enjoy a balanced mix of indoor and outdoor scenery will love the combination of museum visits and a scenic boat ride, especially if they appreciate small group tours for more personal attention.

It’s a good fit for those able to walk at a moderate pace and who want to maximize a single day’s sightseeing with value and authentic storytelling.

FAQs

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. The guide will suggest some options, but you should plan to budget about 1 hour for a meal during your midday break.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, combining museum visits, a lunch break, and a scenic canal cruise.

Are tickets included?
Yes, all entrance tickets—Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum—are included in the price.

How many people are in each group?
The group is limited to 15 guests, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

Can I skip parts of the tour if I’m not interested?
The itinerary is flexible; guides may modify the route if certain galleries are closed or if you want more time at specific spots.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace. The tour involves some walking and standing in galleries, but it is generally manageable for most travelers.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and don’t forget your camera. Remember, lunch isn’t included, so plan accordingly.

Does the canal cruise go through all the main waterways?
Yes, it offers a scenic tour through some of Amsterdam’s most iconic canals, giving great views of historic architecture and lively neighborhoods.

What if artworks or galleries are temporarily closed?
Your guide will adapt the plan as needed, but the tour typically covers the highlights and key masterpieces.

Final thoughts

This Ultimate Combo tour offers a fantastic value for those wanting to see the best of Amsterdam in one day. It combines world-class art with the city’s scenic waterways, all guided by passionate experts who bring the experience to life. It’s especially ideal if you prefer guided tours that take the guesswork out of your sightseeing and ensure you don’t miss the must-see works and views.

While it’s best suited for art lovers, first-timers, and those on a time crunch, it also offers a relaxing, engaging, and well-organized way to fall in love with Amsterdam’s most iconic sights. Just remember to plan for some extra time for lunch and perhaps a little flexibility on the museum schedules.

If you’re eager to get a meaningful taste of the city’s artistic and scenic sides without the hassle of planning each detail, this tour is a solid choice—balancing value, insight, and fun.