Top Amsterdam City Tours - page 6

Having a local guide gives you an insight into this wonderful city! Robin was very witty and funny describing many of the qualities that make Amsterdam so unique. He took us to a couple of his favorite secret places. They were great! Doing this tour is a must to get an insight into this amazing city!

I took this tour solo and there were 19 people on board the van. It was comfortable though the pass through lane between rows of seating was quite narrow. There are single seats (5 or 6 maybe?) on one side of the van, air con vents above and (importantly!) USB ports above also to charge devices. We had time to stop at the “fruit stand” which is really a large, locally owned fruit, cheese, and gourmet foods market (it’s called Vink Fruitboerderij) which is really fantastic! I bought a couple of bins of strawberries, some candied fruit, a couple hunks of cheese and their dipping sauces, fresh fruit juices, etc. They take cards and restrooms are available, too. It’s quite impressive (apparently they have “pick your own fruit” train dates in summer and fall, too). Jay did a nice job of providing some interesting facts and could “read the room” and adjust his narration accordingly. I think the driver is Davide? Both did a great job. Anyway, once we got to Gierthoorn the boat tour was excellent (be sure to bring some euros to tip the boat captain if you enjoyed it!). The boat captain is local and grew up in Gierthoorn. I love that the boat gives you the option to raise your own plate glass window (next to your seat) which is much better for picture taking along the scenic canal route! I would suggest sitting on the right side of the boat if you can. We were lucky to have cool, cloudy weather…the sun came out a bit more towards the end of our visit also. The cruise disembarked at the Grand Canal, giving a couple of hours to wander about the narrow footpaths, filled with other tourists and locals. Two hours seems like just the right amount of time to see the area and grab lunch or a snack. There is an ATM pretty close to where the boat let’s you out, if needed. I suggest avoiding the Euronet one (due to high fees) if you can walk a little further. Most restaurants take cards but I needed an ATM for tipping on the tour. I chose to get a late lunch alongside the Grand Canal at Grand Cafe Henri Willig (mustard soup, Bitterballen, and a brownie). There were two ladies who weren’t on the bus at departure time. We waited over 15 minutes and Jay was trying to reach them. After about 20 minutes we reluctantly pulled away but both Jay and I saw them flagging down the van so we stopped so they could both board the return journey to Amsterdam (otherwise it would have been a very expensive trip for those ladies to have gotten back!). Most drivers & guides wouldn’t have waited that long for them so I think it says a lot about this duo. Don’t hesitate to book this day trip!

Leonard was our guide and he was the best guide we have had. Not just on this trip but ever!!! He educated us on a lot of history and our family left knowing lots about this wonderful city of Amsterdam. I would definitely check these guys out and look for Leonard.

Aarre was an outstanding guide! His personal stories and insights added a lot to what would have been a standard script. The small size of the group was manageable and it was easy to stay together in the crowded streets. Learned a lot about the past, present, and future of the Red Light District!

Fleur was an exceptional guide. We are two weeks into a European vacation and this is our fifth country and she has been the best guide so far. She reached out in advance so we knew exactly where to meet her. We started early with a small group so we got better viewing of the collection. Fleur’s knowledge and interest was evident as she shared history with our group who varied with understanding of Netherlands history or art. The museum itself was outstanding and our guide focused appropriately to use our time wisely but we got so much out of the experience because of Fleur.

Giethoorn was lovely and we enjoyed our time there. Regarding this particular tour, that morning public transportation workers were striking, so there was a lot of traffic and our driver was a little late. They were EXCELLENT in communicating his arrival time, giving us more time to get ready in our room (which we really appreciated, because mornings are hard) instead of waiting in front of the hotel.

Fantastic tour would highly recommend. Our guide Rissa was excellent. Great knowledge, enthusiasm and just the right amount of health and safety to make sure our group was confident in the busy bike lanes of Amsterdam. If you are debating if the extra cost for e-bikes is worth it I would say go for it. They were a lot of fun and our 2 teenagers love the added tech as part of the overall experience. 10/10

Just love this tour ! Simone gave us many fun and interesting facts about the red light district and surrounding areas we otherwise would not have known. It was evenly paced and we never felt rushed. It was a small group and kept us all engaged and Simone just truly made us appreciate Amsterdams vibe and energy. Thank you !!