From Amsterdam: Giethoorn Day Trip with Canal Cruise
ID: GYG1507959-2302747
Category:
Country: Netherlands
Duration:
07:00 hours
Description
Escape Amsterdam for a day trip to picturesque Giethoorn. Enjoy a 1-hour canal cruise, admire thatched-roof cottages, learn about Dutch land reclamation, and explore the village at your own pace.
Leave the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam behind and journey to the idyllic village of Giethoorn, often referred to as the "Venice of the Netherlands."
Your day begins at the designated meeting point near Amsterdam Central Station, where you will board a comfortable coach for a scenic 1.5-hour drive north. As you travel through the Dutch countryside, your drive passes through Flevoland—the youngest province in the Netherlands, built entirely on reclaimed land. Learn about the engineering genius of Cornelis Lely, the history of Dutch land reclamation projects, and the significance of the IJsselmeer lake.
Upon arrival in Giethoorn, step into a fairy-tale setting where roads are replaced by canal waterways and footpaths. Board a local canal boat for a 1-hour guided cruise through the village. Glide past centuries-old thatched-roof farmhouses, lush gardens, and charming wooden footbridges crossing the narrow canals.
After your boat trip, take advantage of free time to explore Giethoorn on foot. Stroll along the scenic canal banks, take photos from the wooden bridges, or visit local cafes for lunch or refreshments. At the end of your visit, relax on the comfortable return trip back to Amsterdam, arriving directly at Amsterdam Central Station in the early evening.
Highlights
- Explore Giethoorn, the famous car-free "Venice of the Netherlands"
- Enjoy a peaceful 1-hour canal boat tour through scenic village waterways
- Admire traditional thatched-roof farmhouses and wooden footbridges
- Learn about Flevoland, Cornelis Lely, and Dutch land reclamation history
- Travel in comfort with round-trip transportation from central Amsterdam
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Giethoorn is a pedestrian-only village with uneven stone pathways and wooden footbridges; a moderate amount of walking is involved
The canal boat is covered and operates in rain or shine
Strollers and pushchairs are permitted on the bus, but must be folded
The total drive time each way is approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions
Barbizon Palace Amsterdam, Prins Hendrikkade 59-72, 1012 AD Amsterdam
Located directly across from Amsterdam Central Station. Please look for the tour representative/bus near the hotel entrance. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the departure time
INCLUDED
- Round-trip transportation by comfortable bus/coach from Amsterdam
- Professional driver and/or tour leader
- 1-hour canal boat tour in Giethoorn
- Live or informative commentary during the drive (covering Flevoland, Cornelis Lely, and land reclamation)
NOT INCLUDED
- Food and beverages (available for purchase in Giethoorn)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities (optional)
- Personal expenses
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
