Giethoorn Day Trip from Amsterdam With Cruise and Cheeseplatter

A charming day exploring Giethoorn, the Dutch Venice

For those craving a peaceful escape from Amsterdam’s bustling streets, the Giethoorn Day Trip offers a delightful taste of the Netherlands’ most scenic village. Priced at around $113 and lasting about 7 hours, this tour is perfect for travelers who want a mix of relaxing canal cruises, authentic regional flavors, and free time to wander through quaint streets.

What we love most about this experience is the hassle-free transportation and the opportunity to enjoy a scenic boat ride with live commentary—two things that make the day both relaxing and informative. The cheese platter, featuring products from the Henri Willig Cheese Farm Store, adds a delicious regional touch that we found genuinely satisfying. The optional Amsterdam canal cruise upgrade is an excellent way to extend the day’s enjoyment and see more of the city’s iconic sights.

A possible consideration is that Giethoorn can get quite busy in the afternoon, especially in peak season, which might make the early start more appealing if you prefer fewer crowds. The tour’s group size, capped at 60 travelers, helps maintain an intimate atmosphere, but large groups can still mean a bit of hustle, especially during the busy hours.

This tour suits those who appreciate authentic local experiences, scenic views, and good value. It’s especially recommended for first-time visitors to the Netherlands looking to combine a charming village visit with a taste of Amsterdam’s famous waterways.

Key Points

• Hassle-Free Transport: Comfortable coach pickup and drop-off in central Amsterdam make logistics simple.
• Authentic Experiences: Guided tours in English or Spanish provide insights into Giethoorn’s unique charm.
• Scenic Canal Cruise: The highlight is a 1.5-hour cruise with live commentary and regional cheese tasting.
• Flexible Free Time: Plenty of opportunity to explore, eat, and shop at your own pace in Giethoorn.
• Optional Amsterdam Cruise: Upgrade to include a popular, narrated canal cruise through the city’s historic waterways.
• Great Value: Combining transport, guided commentary, a boat ride, and cheese tasting offers a lot for the price.

Giethoorn, often called the “Venice of the Netherlands,” is a village so picturesque that it feels straight out of a storybook. Its canals, quaint bridges, and thatched-roof cottages create a scene that’s both calming and captivating. We found that visiting with this organized tour makes it easy to enjoy the village without stressing about directions or transportation concerns, especially since the coach picks you up directly from central Amsterdam.

The journey begins early at De Ruijterkade 105. From there, the comfortable bus whisks you away on a roughly 1.5-hour drive through scenic Dutch landscapes. The coach is air-conditioned, and the group size is manageable, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere. The guide, whose insights are praised by travelers like Sandra and Andrea, keeps things engaging with stories about the region’s history and local highlights.

The Canal Cruise and Cheese Tasting—Unmissable Highlights

Once in Giethoorn, the first stop is at the Henri Willig Cheese Farm Store, where you can grab a quick coffee and then hop aboard the canal cruise. The boat ride is the real star—lasting about 1.5 hours, it takes you past outstanding scenery of thatched-roof cottages, wooden bridges, and lush greenery. Live commentary enriches the experience, giving you context about the village’s history and architecture.

Travelers rave about the quality of the cheese platter, with one remarking that it’s “amazing” and that they’d even consider ordering some back home after the trip. The boat itself provides a cozy and scenic vantage point, making you appreciate the quiet beauty of Giethoorn’s waterways. Several reviews mention how “it reminded them of Venice,” though on a smaller, more accessible scale.

Free Time to Explore

After the cruise, you’re free to explore Giethoorn at your leisure. The tour allows roughly two and a half hours, giving you enough time to wander along canals, cross bridges, and perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch. Many travelers enjoy visiting the Willig Cheese Shop again to sample different cheeses or sitting down at a local café. The atmosphere is tranquil, and the absence of cars makes for a peaceful stroll.

Some reviews mention how early departure helps avoid crowds—one noted that the village becomes quite busy later in the day, and an early start allows for a more intimate experience. Whether you’re browsing charming shops, taking photos of the picturesque scenery, or just sitting quietly watching boats glide past, this free time is a highlight.

The Return Trip and Optional Amsterdam Cruise

The journey back to Amsterdam takes about 90 minutes by coach. The tour ends back at the starting point, making logistics simple. For those who upgrade, the Amsterdam canal cruise voucher offers an excellent way to see the city’s most famous sights. You’ll pass UNESCO-listed 17th-century canals and iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House and the Skinny Bridge, with audio commentary available in 19 languages.

This optional cruise is highly rated, with reviews praising its coverage of major neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp. It’s a relaxing way to wind down after your day in Giethoorn, with the added benefit of seeing the city’s waterways illuminated at dusk.

This trip is ideal if you want a well-organized, authentic, and scenic day outside Amsterdam. The logistics are handled smoothly, so you can focus on enjoying the sights. The guides are knowledgeable and personable, making the experience more engaging. With options for both guided tours in English or Spanish and the chance to upgrade your experience with an Amsterdam canal cruise, you can tailor the day to your interests.

If you’re a traveler who loves picturesque scenery, local foods, and relaxed exploration, this tour hits all those marks. It’s especially good for first-time visitors to the Netherlands who want a comprehensive, stress-free introduction to both a scenic village and Amsterdam’s city waterways.

Stop 1: Departure from De Ruijterkade 105 in Amsterdam

Starting at a convenient spot in central Amsterdam, the tour begins promptly at 10:00 am. The coach is comfortable and air-conditioned, and the guide shares some background about what you’ll see that day. The drive through the Dutch countryside is relaxed, giving you a preview of the lush scenery to come.

Stop 2: Henri Willig Cheese Farm Store and Canal Cruise

Arriving in Giethoorn, the first activity is a 1.5-hour cruise through canals with live commentary. The boat ride feels intimate and scenic, with plenty of photo opportunities. The cheese platter included is a regional specialty, showcasing local flavors, and many reviewers praise its quality.

Stop 3: Free Exploration in Giethoorn

You then have approximately 2.5 hours to stroll the village at your own pace. Highlights include crossing beautiful bridges, browsing charming shops, and enjoying regional café fare. The peaceful setting, combined with the absence of cars, makes for a wonderful leisurely experience. Reviews mention that this is the best part—”Giethoorn exceeded expectations,” and the early departure helps avoid the crowds.

Return Trip and Optional Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

The coach departs for Amsterdam, arriving back around 5:30 pm. Those who booked the upgrade get a voucher for an open-departure canal cruise—a great way to see the city’s highlights such as Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, along with sights like the Anne Frank House.

The Guided Tour: The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, making the journey engaging without being overwhelming. They provide a good balance of storytelling and free time, respecting that travelers want a relaxed day.

The Boat Rides: Both the Giethoorn canal cruise and the optional Amsterdam cruise offer a scenic perspective, but the former is a highlight, especially with the cheese tasting. The boat in Giethoorn is cozy, and the commentary adds context, making it more than just a boat ride.

Value for Money: At $113, the tour combines transportation, guides, a canal cruise, and cheese tasting—a package that offers good value compared to booking each component separately. The included activities, especially the scenic cruise and regional snacks, elevate the experience from simply sightseeing.

Timing and Group Size: The early start and manageable group size (max 60 travelers) make it easier to enjoy the day without feeling rushed or crowded. The timing is well-thought-out, giving ample time in Giethoorn and a comfortable return.

If you prefer guided excursions with minimal fuss, this tour is a great fit. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see a quintessential Dutch village, enjoy regional cheese, and take a scenic boat ride. It appeals to those who appreciate authentic and picturesque environments and want a relaxed schedule balanced with free exploration.

It’s also suitable for first-time visitors, those interested in cultural insights, and those wanting a family-friendly outing. The optional Amsterdam cruise makes it attractive for people who want to extend their sightseeing without extra planning.

This Giethoorn day trip from Amsterdam offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of the Netherlands’ tranquil countryside and charming waterways. The combination of a scenic canal cruise, regional cheeses, and free time to explore makes it a compelling choice for travelers seeking a peaceful, picturesque escape. The knowledgeable guides and seamless logistics remove much of the hassle, leaving you free to enjoy the sights and sounds.

Whether it’s your first visit to the Netherlands or you’re returning for another look at a beloved village, this tour balances scenic beauty, regional flavor, and city highlights in a way that feels genuine and enjoyable. It’s especially suited for those who value comfort, authenticity, and good storytelling during their travel days.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation by an air-conditioned coach, a guided tour in English or Spanish, a 1.5-hour canal cruise with a cheese platter and live commentary, and pick-up and drop-off in central Amsterdam. If you choose the upgrade, you’ll also receive a voucher for an open-departure Amsterdam canal cruise.

How long is the drive from Amsterdam to Giethoorn?
The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours each way by coach, giving you time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

What is the duration of the boat cruise in Giethoorn?
The canal cruise lasts about 1.5 hours, providing scenic views and commentary about the village’s history and architecture.

Can I explore Giethoorn at my own pace?
Yes, the tour allows about 2.5 hours of free time for you to stroll, shop, or dine in the village.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the relaxed pace makes it family-friendly. Service animals are also allowed.

What if I want to see more of Amsterdam?
You can opt for the open-departure canal cruise voucher, which passes many of the city’s highlights, including historic neighborhoods and iconic sights.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera, and perhaps a light jacket if the weather is cool—especially since parts of the cruise are outdoors.

This tour offers a lovely blend of scenery, flavor, and relaxed exploration—perfect for those wanting a genuine taste of Dutch life beyond the city.