Amsterdam: Giethoorn Day Trip, Boat Tour, and Walking Tour

Taking a trip out of Amsterdam to visit Giethoorn is like stepping into a storybook—think cobblestone paths, thatched-roof cottages, and serene waterways. This full-day tour, offered by Holland Ticket Services, promises a blend of scenic boat rides, leisurely exploration, and insider tips, all wrapped up in around 9 hours. With a stellar 4.7-star rating from over 600 reviews, this experience clearly strikes a chord with travelers seeking authentic Dutch charm at a reasonable price.

What we love about this tour is its balanced mix of guided fun and free time. The included boat tour is a personal highlight, providing a peaceful glide through the canals—an experience many reviewers describe as a highlight. Plus, the digital walking tour offers valuable insights at your own pace, helping you truly appreciate the village’s beauty and history.

A few considerations include the notable length—a full 9 hours can be a lot, especially if you have limited energy or children. Also, food and drinks in Giethoorn are not included, so plan ahead for lunch. This tour suits those who enjoy scenic, laid-back days, want local insights, and prefer not to navigate public transport or drive themselves.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transport: Travel is by luxury bus, making the trip relaxed and hassle-free.
• Authentic Experience: A local family-run boat tour offers genuine insights and stunning views.
• Flexible Exploration: You get 4 hours of free time to wander, dine, or shop at your own pace.
• Self-guided Insights: The digital walking tour is packed with tips from locals, adding depth to your visit.
• Price & Value: At $76 per person, this includes transportation, the boat cruise, and a detailed digital guide—arguably excellent value.
• Expert Guides: Tour guides, like Gilbert and Gerabert, are praised for their knowledge, humor, and friendliness, enhancing the experience.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Departure from Amsterdam

Your day begins at Overhoeksplein, a spot easy to reach from central Amsterdam via a free ferry from platform F3 behind Central Station. The 3-minute ride across the IJ river lands you at “This is Holland,” a famous attraction with a 5D flight simulation of the Netherlands. This makes for a convenient starting point to get into a Dutch mood before heading to Giethoorn.

The Scenic Coach Journey

Boarding a luxury coach, you’ll enjoy a comfortable ride through the Dutch countryside. The driver, Gilbert, and other guides often impress with their informative commentary—some reviewers mention Gilbert’s clear English, humorous stories, and attention to detail. The ride offers a glimpse of the landscape and small towns before arriving at Giethoorn.

Arrival and Free Exploration

Once in Giethoorn, you’ll be dropped off near the village center. You then have around 4 hours of free time to explore. Reviewers note that this was ample to stroll the peaceful canals, snap photos, visit cafes, or browse local shops. However, some mention that the time can feel tight—longer would be ideal for a more relaxed pace.

The Boat Tour with Local Guides

A highlight is the 1-hour canal cruise operated by De Rietstulp, a family-run company. As you drift through the tranquil waterways, your guide shares stories of Giethoorn’s history and about the ingenious wooden bridges and thatched cottages. Multiple reviewers mention how Gilbert’s and Gerabert’s commentary added extra flavor, with interesting facts, tips, and light humor. The boat ride isn’t just transportation—it’s an immersive way to experience the village’s peaceful beauty.

Lunch & Optional Activities

Lunch isn’t included, but many reviews recommend trying the local eateries. The village’s quiet atmosphere makes it perfect for a relaxed meal, perhaps overlooking the canals. Some mention enjoying traditional Dutch food made from fresh local ingredients.

Returning to Amsterdam

After a leisurely afternoon, you’ll reboard the luxury coach, heading back to Amsterdam. The entire day wraps up around 6 PM, leaving you with memories of a charming, lesser-known part of the Netherlands.

Why This Tour Works Well

Authentic Canals & Village Charm: Giethoorn, often called the “Venice of the North,” is renowned for its winding waterways and bridges. This tour captures that essence perfectly, with the boat cruise offering an up-close view that photographs alone can’t replicate.

Local Guides & Digital Tour: The guides are frequently praised for their friendly, knowledgeable manner. The digital walking tour complements the experience, giving you background and tips so you can explore at your own pace.

Value for Money: For $76, you’ll get transportation, a guided boat cruise, and a comprehensive digital map—making this a reasonably priced way to see a truly special Dutch village.

What Could Be Better?

While the overall experience scores highly, some travelers note that more free time would enhance the day. One review even suggests an extra hour for wandering and having a casual snack. Plus, since food and drinks are not included, packing a small picnic or planning to dine in Giethoorn is wise.

A couple of reviewers also mention that the long day might be tiring for families with very young children or those with limited stamina. It’s a full 9 hours, but the pace is generally relaxed and well-organized.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits travelers who value authentic, scenic experiences and prefer to avoid the hassle of planning transport or tours themselves. It’s ideal for those who enjoy leisurely exploration, picturesque settings, and local stories. If you’re a fan of photography, you’ll particularly appreciate the many photo opportunities along the canals and wooden bridges.

However, if you’re seeking a rapid tour with lots of museums or shopping, this might not be your best fit. Also, since it’s not wheelchair accessible, those with mobility issues should consider alternative ways to visit Giethoorn.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. For just around $76, this tour offers a well-rounded experience of a unique Dutch village. The included boat ride is worth the price alone, offering serene views and engaging commentary from local guides. The luxury coach ensures comfort, and the flexible free time allows you to tailor your visit—whether that means snapping photos, enjoying a coffee, or simply soaking in the tranquility.

The friendly guides, like Gilbert and Gerabert, make a real difference, turning what could be just another sightseeing trip into a memorable adventure. The digital walking tour adds depth for those curious to learn more about Giethoorn’s history and hidden corners.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love scenic, peaceful environments and want an authentic, hassle-free day out of Amsterdam. It’s particularly appealing if you’re looking for beautiful photos, peaceful walks, and local insights—all in one affordable package.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the departure point?
You can take a free ferry from platform F3 behind Central Station in Amsterdam to the “This is Holland” attraction, which is a short 3-minute ride. From there, it’s a short walk to the departure spot.

Is the boat tour guided?
Yes, the boat cruise is run by a local family, and the guides onboard provide live commentary filled with interesting stories about Giethoorn’s history, bridges, and cottages.

How much free time do I get in Giethoorn?
You’ll have approximately 4 hours to explore the village on your own after the boat tour, which is enough for a walk, some photos, and a meal or coffee.

Can I customize my experience?
While the tour is largely pre-planned, the digital walking tour offers tips and insights, allowing you to explore at your own pace and focus on what interests you most.

Is lunch included?
No, meals are not included. Tour organizers recommend trying local eateries for a Dutch lunch made from fresh ingredients.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Dutch, and German—making it accessible for multiple language speakers.

How long is the entire tour?
The full experience lasts about 9 hours, with departure at around 10 AM and return around 6 PM.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for wheelchair users, and the full-day length may be tiring for some children or travelers with limited stamina.

To sum it up, this Giethoorn day trip from Amsterdam offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, expert guidance, and flexible exploration. It’s perfect for those who want to see a slice of traditional Dutch life, captured through peaceful waterways and charming scenery, without the hassle of organizing transport or guides themselves. With highly praised guides, stunning views, and good value, this experience is a memorable way to broaden your Dutch adventure.