From Amsterdam: Giethoorn Day Trip with Canal & Village Tour

From Amsterdam: Giethoorn Day Trip with Canal & Village Tour

Location: North Holland, Netherlands
Price: $65 per person
Rating: 4.9/5 (87 reviews)
Duration: About a full day, including transportation and free exploration

A quick look at the highlights
Imagine leaving behind the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam for a peaceful village where cars are almost unnecessary. This guided day trip takes you from the Dutch capital to Giethoorn, a village famous for its canal network, charming wooden bridges, and cozy thatched-roof cottages. For just $65, you get a scenic canal cruise, Dutch cheese tasting, and enough free time to wander, shop, or simply soak in the views.

What we particularly love about this experience is how smoothly it runs—most reviews mention the excellent organization and the friendly, knowledgeable guide (Mike) who makes the trip engaging and personal. The boat cruise, which is one of the main highlights, offers a perfect chance to see the village at a relaxed pace. Plus, the combination of guided insights and free exploration strikes a nice balance, giving you structure without feeling rushed.

A potential consideration is the lack of included lunch, so you’ll want to plan for that—either bringing snacks or enjoying a meal during your free time in Giethoorn. This tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic outdoor settings, charming villages, and authentic local experiences—perfect if you want a peaceful day outside the city’s crowds and a glimpse of the Netherlands’ idyllic countryside.

Key Points

• Charming Village: Giethoorn features picturesque canals, wooden bridges, and traditional Dutch houses, making it a photographer’s dream.
• Well-Organized Tour: Smooth pick-up and drop-off, with a friendly guide who shares interesting insights.
• Authentic Experiences: Cheese tasting at Henri Willig and a scenic canal cruise provide a genuine taste of Dutch culture.
• Free Time: Ample opportunity to explore on your own, visit cafes, or browse local shops.
• Value for Money: At $65, it’s a relatively affordable way to see a unique part of the Netherlands with included activities.
• Excellent Reviews: Consistently high ratings (4.9/5) and glowing customer feedback about the guide and overall experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Giethoorn Day Trip

Getting There and Starting Out

Departing from Restaurant Market 27 at Metro station Noord, just a quick ride on the North-South Line (M52) from Amsterdam Central, the trip begins with a comfortable coach ride that takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The journey itself sets the tone—relaxed, scenic, and free from city noise. Many reviews mention how easy it is to hop on and settle in, thanks to the organized check-in process and the friendly guide.

What Makes Giethoorn Special?

Once off the coach, the first thing you’ll notice is how car-free the village is. Instead of streets, you’ll find canals crisscrossing the town, lined with thatched-roof cottages and lush gardens. The village’s nickname, the “Venice of the North,” isn’t an exaggeration. This peaceful setting offers a stark contrast to the busy streets of nearby Amsterdam, providing a quiet, almost fairy-tale atmosphere.

The Canal Cruise

Immediately after arriving, you’ll head to the Henri Willig Cheese store, located conveniently next to the boat dock. Here, you’ll enjoy a Dutch cheese tasting—a highlight for many—before stepping aboard a boat led by an experienced skipper. The canal cruise lasts just the right amount of time—many say it’s “the perfect length”—allowing you to see the village’s most picturesque spots without feeling rushed.

The boat guides you past tiny wooden bridges, cloistered gardens, and quaint houses as the skipper shares stories about the village’s history, culture, and daily life. Several reviews mention how funny and engaging the boat captain was, making the ride both informative and entertaining.

More Great Tours Nearby

Free Time to Wander

After the cruise, you’ll have ample free time to explore at your own pace. You might stroll through quaint streets, browse local shops, or simply relax in one of the cozy cafés. The lush gardens and scenic views are especially great for photography—many travelers mention how “perfect for capturing memories.”

Many reviews highlight how the early departure helps beat the crowds, giving you a more intimate experience. You can enjoy the serene beauty of Giethoorn without throngs of travelers, which makes for a truly peaceful day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for those who crave a relaxed escape into nature, love quaint villages, or want a different perspective on Dutch life. It’s perfect if you enjoy picturesque scenery, authentic local foods, and guided insights without the hassle of planning transport or tickets.

Price and Overall Value

At $65, this tour offers a solid value—especially considering the included transportation, cheese tasting, and canal cruise. Many reviewers mention how well organized it is and how the guide (Mike) goes above and beyond, even assisting with small inconveniences like retrieving a lost phone. The balanced mix of guided activities and free exploration makes it a great investment for a memorable day.

Complete Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Transport and Meeting Point

Starting from Restaurant Market 27 at Metro Noord, the process is straightforward. Travelers just hop on the coach after a short ride, many noting how easy it is to reach from central Amsterdam. The coach itself is luxurious, ensuring a comfortable ride.

Arrival and Introduction

Upon arrival, you’re greeted with the sight of Giethoorn’s tranquil canals. The cheese tasting at Henri Willig is a delightful way to begin, allowing you to sample a variety of authentic Dutch cheeses—a treat for cheese lovers and a good introduction to local flavors.

The Canal Cruise

The highlight of the tour, as many reviewers emphasize, is the canal cruise. The skipper shares insights into the village’s history and points out interesting sights, making the experience both educational and fun. The boat’s proximity to the cheese store allows for a seamless transition between tasting and cruising.

Free Exploration Time

Post-cruise, you’ll have two to two and a half hours to enjoy Giethoorn on your own. This is your chance to wander the quaint streets, visit local shops, admire gardens, or simply sit and relax with a coffee or a snack. Many reviewers rave about how quiet and charming the village is, feeling almost like stepping into a storybook.

Returning to Amsterdam

The return trip is smooth, with most travelers saying they appreciated how well-timed the departure and return were. Many mention how leaving early helps avoid the crowds and allows for a more personal experience.

The Authenticity and Personal Touch of the Tour

One of the most praised aspects is the knowledgeable guides, especially Mike, who gets constant praise for being friendly, funny, and informative. Customers mention that he goes out of his way—even driving extra distances to help a guest retrieve their phone—highlighting the personal care that elevates this trip.

The cheese tasting is not a commercialized stop but rather an authentic experience, giving you a taste of Dutch craftsmanship. The canal cruise is an excellent way to see the village in a relaxed setting, with the skipper’s stories adding depth to what you see.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Bring a camera: Bright, beautiful scenery makes for great photos.
• Plan for lunch: Since lunch isn’t included, consider bringing snacks or plan to dine during your free time.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to maximize your free time in Giethoorn.
• Dress comfortably and prepare for outdoor walking and boat riding.
• Book in advance: The tour is popular, especially given its high rating and positive reviews.
• Consider the weather: A sunny day will enhance your experience; check the forecast and dress accordingly.

Who is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic villages, stunning canal scenery, and small-group personal attention, this trip hits the mark. It’s particularly suited for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone seeking a peaceful escape from city life. If you’re interested in local culture, cheese tasting, and beautiful walks, you’ll find this tour a perfect fit.

However, if you’re looking for a culinary or in-depth historical experience, this tour leans more toward scenic and relaxed sightseeing than detailed culture. Also, since lunch isn’t included, food-focused travelers should plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does the trip take?
The full experience, including transport, the boat cruise, and free time, lasts about a day, with the transfer from Amsterdam taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes each way.

What’s included in the tour?
Your package includes transportation by luxury coach, an English-speaking Dutch guide, cheese tasting at Henri Willig, the canal cruise, and free time to explore Giethoorn.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s suitable for most age groups, especially those comfortable with walking and boat rides. There’s no strenuous activity involved.

Can I buy lunch during the trip?
Lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to bring snacks or plan to enjoy something during your free time in the village.

How can I get to the meeting point from Amsterdam city center?
You can take the North-South Metro line (M52) towards Noord and meet at Restaurant Market 27 next to Metro station Noord. The process is straightforward and well-organized.

Is the boat cruise accessible for people with mobility issues?
While the review doesn’t specify accessibility details, the cruise is on a standard canal boat, and the village is car-free, so some walking might be involved. It’s best to check directly with the provider for specifics.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
High praise for the friendly guide, smooth organization, and the authentic experience of cheese tasting and exploring Giethoorn’s scenic beauty.

To sum it up, this guided day trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn offers a perfect blend of relaxing scenery, authentic local culture, and personalized service. It’s a great choice for travelers looking to escape the city and indulge in a quiet, picturesque Dutch village. With the high ratings and many satisfied reviews, it’s clear this experience is both memorable and well worth the price—especially if you’re after authentic moments and beautiful views.

You can check availability for your dates here: