Amsterdam & Dutch Countryside Shore Excursion

This full-day Amsterdam shore trip pairs a short introduction to the city with an afternoon in the traditional Dutch countryside, and it is an especially good fit for first-time visitors who want a taste of both in a single day.

You begin with a walking tour through central Amsterdam. Your guide can tailor the route to your interests, but highlights typically include Dam Square, the historic heart of the city and home to the Royal Palace, built as the city hall during the Dutch Golden Age, along with the Jordaan neighborhood's narrow streets and the Magere Brug, the Skinny Bridge, with its stories about how it got its name.

From there you board a canal cruise through Amsterdam's 17th century waterways, gliding past the gabled merchant houses and under the historic bridges that give the city its nickname, the Venice of the North. You have a short amount of free time for lunch on your own before heading out of the city.

The afternoon takes you into the Dutch countryside, along the dikes and reclaimed farmland that define this part of the Netherlands, to the traditional fishing village of Volendam. Sheltered on the IJsselmeer and long isolated from the surrounding region, Volendam developed its own dialect and its own distinctive costume, the striped skirts, aprons, and lace bonnets that became internationally recognized images of traditional Dutch life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You are free to explore the harbor and the shops along the waterfront, and your guide can point you toward a spot to sample local specialties like smoked eel or fresh herring if you are interested. Depending on your interests, your guide may also add a stop for cheese tasting, clog-making, or a windmill along the way. Your guide is happy to shape the afternoon around what you would most like to see before returning to Amsterdam.

• Mobility: Due to uneven surfaces, steps, and walking distances, this itinerary is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs. Please contact us for alternative sightseeing options, including private driving tours that may better accommodate your needs.