Top Netherlands Holidays in 2026

If there's one must-do activity for first-time visitors to Amsterdam, it's a scenic sightseeing cruise along the city's UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal ways. Unlike the popular party boats, this cruise prioritizes a quieter and more comfortable experience. Settle into the cushioned seats, tuck into some traditional Dutch snacks, or purchase a drink from the onboard bar as you glide past Amsterdam's waterfront landmarks.

Cruising down Amsterdam’s iconic canals is one of the most popular activities in the city. Join this exciting small-group cruise guided by local skippers who share the city's most beautiful spots. Sip on an optional drink (alcoholic or soft drink), as you pass highlights like The Dancing Houses and the Skinny Bridge. The skipper provides commentary in English, with digital guides available in multiple languages.

On our beautifully crafted boats, we will go through the heart of Amsterdam and explore its night-time beauty. At Voyage Amsterdam we believe Amsterdam is at its most beautiful during the late hours. Cruise through the canal quietly with our electric boats and excellent selection of drinks to fit any late-night moment. A truly special time of the day.

As the sun goes down over Amsterdam, take in its illuminated waterfront and history on an atmospheric canal cruise. Savor a 4-course gourmet dinner with wine, beer, soft drinks as you drift past historical attractions including the Anne Frank House and the Bloemenmarkt, while listening to informative commentary. Please note only available Wed -Sat

There's only one way to celebrate King's Day when in Amsterdam—cruising the canals onboard a party boat. The national holiday sees the city come to life with residents dressing in bright orange clothing and letting off steam—a vantage point on the water is the perfect place to feel right at the heart of the action. Celebrate like a local and enjoy unlimited drinks (including beer, wine, and soda) as you set sail through the city. Onboard music keeps the festive vibes going throughout.

Take a day trip to Cologne, Germany from Amsterdam without the hassle of planning logistics on this small-group tour. Your transportation and itinerary are taken care of, and you’ll return to Amsterdam by the evening. Visit a different country without needing to bring your luggage along or book a separate hotel.

The Amsterdam Light Festival is pure magic: around 20 dazzling light artworks, each positioned to make the city’s historic canals look their very best. Enjoy the darkness without feeling the cold on this cozy cruise with a live guide. Naturally, the boat is heated. But you also get to enjoy unlimited mulled wine and/or hot chocolate—the perfect way to beat the winter chill.

A once-a-year occasion for the Dutch, and a once-in-a-lifetime event for the rest of us, the Dutch Flower Parade is one of the Netherlands’ most spectacular occasions—but it’s so popular that seeing it as it passes can be hard. This VIP package includes grandstand seats, ensuring a view of the parade that makes your photos pop. There's even time for an afternoon at Keukenhof Gardens before you return to Amsterdam.

Cruise the canals of Amsterdam to see the city illuminated during the Amsterdam Light Festival, and enjoy unobstructed views of the glowing artwork. All drinks are provided on this evening canal cruise, with options that include beer, wine, mulled wine, and soda. Heated cushions, blankets, and a covered bow ensure a comfortable cruise even if the weather is chilly, and the boat’s open back is ideal for photography.

Swap the rush of large group tours for an intimate private cruise along Amsterdam's canals on an electric luxury boat. This private tour for two takes you beneath historic bridges and past 17th-century canal houses while you enjoy Dutch snacks and a glass of Prosecco. In cooler months, the boat features heated seats, a retractable roof, and warm blankets for comfort.

Explore Amsterdam through its legends, history, and ghost stories on this small-group walking tour through the historic city center. Wander through old streets and dark alleyways as you hear tales of witches, mysterious events, and reported ghostly encounters. Visit places such as the Spooksteeg (“Ghost Alley”) and the Schreierstoren (“Tower of Tears”) and uncover stories that have been passed down in Amsterdam for centuries. This tour goes beyond simply telling legends and ghost stories. We dug into Amsterdam’s archives to uncover the real events behind these centuries-old stories and show you original historical documents along the way. As you explore, search for the seven deadly sins and seven virtues hidden within the stories with our Urban Legend Bingo, enjoy a typical Dutch treat, and take home a small souvenir.

See a different side of Amsterdam as you admire its beautiful canals by night on this cruise. Give your body a break from a day of exploring and relax as you pass by landmarks such as the Westerkerk and Rijksmuseum. As you cruise, learn more about the city’s history via an audio guide, available in multiple languages so you can listen in your native language.

Enjoy a calmer approach to sightseeing in Amsterdam with this group canal cruise. Simply board the boat at your chosen departure point, and relax as the captain handles the route and navigation through the city's canal network. Enjoy insightful commentary as you go, taking in landmarks including the Skinny Bridge and the National Opera House.

Enjoy unrivaled views of Amsterdam’s Festival of Lights—which takes place every year from November through January—on a canal cruise that reveals the best of the installations. You’ll enjoy personalized attention in a small group limited to 12 travelers, as you float along Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed Canal Ring in the comfort of your heated boat with indoor saloon, outdoor deck, and onboard restroom.

Elevate your Amsterdam canal cruise when you book this experience aboard a fully covered, 19th-century wooden saloon boat. Cruise along the UNESCO-listed canals and see bucket-list sights like the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the picturesque Jordaan district while listening to commentary from your onboard guide—you get the stories behind the sights that you'd easily miss if you explored alone.

Avoid the crowds on land and admire Amsterdam from the water during a cheese-and-wine cruise of the city’s UNESCO-listed canals. You’ll have plenty of room to relax on board as you listen to anecdotes that reveal the history and culture of the Dutch capital. Plus, unlimited alcoholic drinks and a platter of Gouda cheese make sightseeing even sweeter.

Glide through Amsterdam’s canals in style and comfort aboard a 100% electric luxury boat. Enjoy a relaxed cruise past top landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and the Jordaan district, while your live guide and skipper share stories about the city’s history and culture and pour you drinks from the onboard bar (if option selected). In summer, cruise on an open boat and take in the views with a drink from the onboard bar. On colder or rainy days, stay warm and comfortable on a covered saloon boat, with blankets provided.

See Amsterdam's highlights from a unique, waterside perspective with this sightseeing canal cruise. The weather won’t affect your comfort as you sit in the sun or under a covered deck as you cruise the UNESCO-listed Amsterdam Canal Ring, taking a route and seeing sights that you might otherwise miss. Celebrate the occasion by adding unlimited drinks, or opt for a booze-free experience.

Want to see the sights of Amsterdam from a boat, yet avoid the tourist crowds? Step aboard an electric sloop with a small group and enjoy unobstructed views of the city's landmarks. Enjoy Dutch snacks like bitterballen, stroopwafels, and local cheese as well as drinks from the open bar—including beer, wine, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and Dutch jenever—while your captain shares stories about the secrets of the city.

Book your own personal canal boat cruise for the Amsterdam Light Festival, which takes place on select dates from November through January. Aboard a 12-seater private boat just for your sole group, you’ll experience the festival’s art displays and light sculptures without the crowds. Just leave the navigation to the boat’s captain, and enjoy a welcome drink plus complimentary coffee or tea once on board.

Get the ultimate Amsterdam experience during this open boat cruise on the city's canals. With the hospitality of a captain and hostess, you'll enjoy the city's sights, such as the Magere Brug, the Amstel River, and the Old Church, with a drink in hand (available for purchase).

The best way to explore the UNESCO-listed Amsterdam Canal Ring is indisputably by a small electric boat that can access the narrow historic canals that larger tour boats can't reach. Get a different perspective of the Dutch capital while avoiding the crowds on land during this relaxing cruise through the Red Light District, Anne Frank House, and the Skinny Bridge (depending on the route chosen). When the weather is good, enjoy an open-air boat ride as well as heated seats during the winter or bad weather.

Few places in Amsterdam can boast views as good as those from the rooftop of the Heineken Brewery. This pass not only lets you enjoy panoramic views of the Dutch capital from the bar, but also includes two ice-cold beers. Prebooking your pass guarantees your entry to this popular spot, so you won’t have to wait. Note that entry to the Heineken Experience is not included.