Amsterdam: This Is Holland 5D Flight and Canal Cruise Combo

Thinking of seeing Amsterdam from a new perspective? This This Is Holland 5D Flight and Canal Cruise Combo promises a unique way to explore the city’s highlights—both from the sky and the water—without breaking the bank. For just $44 per person, you get to soar over the Netherlands in a high-tech simulation and then glide through the iconic 17th-century canals. It’s a balanced mix of excitement and relaxation, making it a great choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive yet fun introduction to Amsterdam and its surroundings.

What we really love about this experience is how immersive the 5D flight simulation feels—wind, sounds, and smells make it almost like you’re actually flying. Plus, the city canal cruise offers a peaceful, scenic way to see Amsterdam’s historic architecture up close. That said, a potential snag is the location of the tickets exchange, which might require some planning if you’re on a tight schedule. This combo suits those who love a blend of technology, history, and beautiful scenery—perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

Key Points

• Immersive 5D Flight: The simulation is highly realistic, complete with effects like wind and smells, making you feel like you’re flying over the Dutch landscape.
• Stunning Canals: The canal cruise offers authentic views of Amsterdam’s historic 17th-century waterways, rich with merchant houses.
• Value for Money: Combining both experiences for $44 offers good value, especially considering the length and quality of the shows and cruise.
• Multilingual Audio Guide: The GPS audio guide on the boat is available in many languages, making the experience accessible to a diverse group.
• Convenient Booking: Reserve your spot online, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours ahead, and pay later to fit your schedule.
• Practical Location: The initial booking happens at Overhoeksplein 51, but the canal cruise needs to be reserved at Damrak 26, which may add a bit of logistical planning.

Experience Breakdown: What to Expect on This Combo Tour

The 5D Flight Simulation at This Is Holland

Starting at Overhoeksplein 51, you’ll step into a state-of-the-art flight simulator. This isn’t just a visual show—it’s an interactive experience designed to mimic the sensation of flying. You’ll be carried away across the Dutch skies, with each of the four shows offering different perspectives on the Netherlands, its people, and its history.

What makes this particularly engaging is the combination of high-tech visuals and sensory effects. Reviewers mention feeling like they were in a helicopter, with one describing it as “amazing” and “really felt you were in a helicopter.” The introduction to this experience is well-structured, easing you into the simulation so it feels natural rather than overwhelming.

The shows themselves include flying over the Dutch countryside, the city of Amsterdam, and famous landmarks like the Canal Belt. The effects—wind, sounds, and pleasant smells—make the experience quite immersive. It’s a perfect way to get a quick but vivid overview of the country’s geography and key sights without leaving the city.

The Canal Cruise through Amsterdam’s Historic Waterways

Following the flight, you’ll head over to Damrak 26 to reserve your preferred time slot for the canal cruise. The cruise lasts about an hour, giving you ample time to relax and soak in the sights. The boat is comfortable, and the route follows Amsterdam’s iconic 17th-century canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

As you drift past the merchant houses, bridges, and local life, the GPS audio guide provides historical context and fun facts in multiple languages. From the comfort of your boat, you’ll spot famous landmarks and get a feel for the city’s rich trading history. The reviews note that the guides are knowledgeable but also that some guides may be less engaging—so if you love lively commentary, it’s worth listening closely.

One reviewer mentioned that the boat can be crowded and loud, which can affect your ability to hear the commentary at times. Still, most agree that the scenic views and peaceful atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience.

Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting at Overhoeksplein 51

This is where your adventure kicks off. The location is easy to find, but travelers should note that the ticket exchange for the canal cruise occurs at a different address, which might require a short walk or some planning. The process is straightforward: book your time slot for the cruise in advance, then head over to Damrak 26 to swap your voucher.

The 1-Hour This Is Holland Experience

This part is the core of the tour. The four shows are designed to give a comprehensive visual and sensory overview of the Netherlands. One reviewer praised it, saying, “It was amazing. Truly felt you were in a helicopter,” highlighting how realistic and engaging the simulation can be.

The shows are not just about sights—they also include storytelling about the Dutch people and their culture, blending education and entertainment seamlessly. The effects are well-timed and add to the thrill, making the experience suitable for children (above 4 years old) and adults alike.

The 1-Hour Canal Cruise

After the simulation, you’ll board a boat for your scenic cruise through Amsterdam’s historic canals. The route takes you past the merchant houses and bridges that define the city’s skyline. The GPS-guided commentary helps you identify landmarks and learn about the city’s history.

It’s a relaxing way to wind down your visit, and most reviews agree that the views are beautiful and authentic. However, the cruise can be crowded, and some guests mention that the guide may not always be very talkative or engaging.

What’s Included and Practical Details

• Fly over the Netherlands with an immersive 5D flight experience.
• Four different shows enhance your understanding of Dutch culture, scenery, and history.
• Canal cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 17th-century waterways.
• Multilingual audio guide available in over 15 languages, making it accessible.
• The experience is designed to last around 2 hours combined, with flexible start times.

The activity can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind. Booking is flexible with the reserve & pay later option, ideal for travelers uncertain about their plans.

Insights from Reviews

Many reviewers highlight how realistic and captivating the flight simulation is. Christine calls it “amazing,” emphasizing how authentic the experience feels, almost like being in a helicopter. Another guest, Adrian, noted that initially, the simulation made them unsure if they were in a real aircraft, which shows how convincing the technology is.

However, some practical considerations are worth noting. Parandis pointed out that the guide during the canal cruise was not very engaging, and the boat was crowded, making it hard to hear the commentary clearly. This reminds future travelers to bring their own headphones or be prepared for a lively but sometimes noisy environment.

The location of the tickets exchange isn’t immediately obvious, which was a minor annoyance for some. Planning ahead and being aware of the need to visit Damrak 26 for the cruise reservation can save time and frustration.

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth It?

This combo tour offers great value for those wanting a quick yet comprehensive introduction to Amsterdam and the Netherlands. The combination of high-tech visuals and scenic waterways makes it suitable for families, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to see the city from different angles.

The immense realism of the flight simulation often captures guests’ imagination, while the canal cruise offers a peaceful, picturesque ending to the experience. The multilingual guide, flexible booking, and reasonable price point make it accessible and convenient.

While the guides on the cruise might not be as lively as some would prefer, the overall experience is polished, informative, and fun. It’s best suited for those who enjoy interactive attractions and scenic views, especially if you’re interested in seeing Amsterdam’s most iconic sights without long queues or hefty prices.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, children over 4 years old can participate, but the experience is designed to cater to a broad audience, so keep this in mind for younger kids.

How long does the entire combo last?
The total experience is approximately 2 hours, with the flight simulation and canal cruise each lasting about an hour.

Can I cancel my booking if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Where do I start the tour?
The starting point for the flight simulation is Overhoeksplein 51. The canal cruise must be reserved separately at Damrak 26.

Is the ticket exchange process complicated?
Not really, but it does require a visit to a second location (Damrak 26). Planning ahead helps avoid last-minute stress.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The GPS audio guide on the boat is available in more than 15 languages, including Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and several others.

Is the experience accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and certain restrictions apply for those under 3 ft 3 in (100 cm), pregnant women, and travelers with mobility challenges.

How accurate is the simulation?
Guests describe it as very realistic, with effects such as wind and smells adding to the authenticity.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended, especially since the flight simulation can involve some movement, and the cruise is outdoors, so dress accordingly.

To sum it up, the This Is Holland 5D Flight and Canal Cruise Combo offers an engaging, affordable way to explore Amsterdam and the Netherlands from two captivating vantage points. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a fun, educational, and scenic experience—especially those who appreciate a bit of technological flair combined with authentic city views. While it’s not without minor logistical quirks, the overall value and memorable impressions make it well worth considering for your Amsterdam itinerary.