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Best of Amsterdam
Amsterdam Shore Trip - Best of Amsterdam
 



Amsterdam shore excursion from Amsterdam cruise port - private guided full-day tour including a city walking tour, a canal cruise, and a visit to one of Amsterdam's famous museums with a licensed English-speaking guide.

8 hours
private excursion
driver guide
english speaking local
all group sizes
sedan to full size coach
family friendly
All ages - we adapt the pace
  • Pick up from Port or Hotel in Amsterdam
  • Private Vehicle with English Speaking Licensed Guide
  • Included Visits - Van Gogh or Rijks Museum, Canal Cruise
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number:
NAMST-04


Group Size (Prices in USD)*:
2 People - $816 Per Person
3 People - $660 Per Person
4 People - $512 Per Person
5 People - $434 Per Person
6 People - $376 Per Person
7 People - $332 Per Person
8 People - $300 Per Person



Port / City*:


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Pick Up Time*:


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Name of Ship or Hotel*:


TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Amsterdam City & Canal Cruise Shore Excursion / 8 Hours

This full day Amsterdam shore trip includes a city walking tour, a canal cruise, a visit to one of Amsterdam's famous museums plus some free time. After the day is complete you will feel like you have truly experienced Amsterdam.

After meeting your guide at the pier, you enjoy drive into the city center to start your morning walking tour.

The Beguines is the oldest of many hidden courtyards in Amsterdam. It was created in 1346 to house Beguines, pious catholic women who lived and dressed like nuns (though they did not take formal vows). These women lived together in small urban communes known as Beguinages. Amsterdam's oldest house is located in this courtyard.

The Flower Market takes place year round Amsterdam. What makes it unique is that the market is floating on the Singel Canal. The market started in 1862 on barges which brought flowers from the countryside. Today the barges are permanently docked here and in addition to flowers, you will find typical Dutch gifts. A short amount of free time to pick up some souvenirs is provided.

You will see the Skinny Bridge, which is the most beautiful bridge in Amsterdam. Your guide will tell you the tales about how the bridge got its name.

In the Red Light District you learn about (and see) what the district is famous for, brothels and women selling their wares. However, you also see that this is one of the most beautiful districts in the city. There are long winding narrow, cobbled streets with charming 14th century architecture and the important Gothic Old Church.

Before free time for lunch you enjoy a canal cruise, which for many people (over 3 million each year) a canal cruise is the best way to see Amsterdam. You cruise past famous houses with their gables and glide under historic bridges as you hear about the Venice of the North. When your boat cruise is done, you will understand why Amsterdam truly is one of the most charming cities in the world.

This afternoon you will visit one of Amsterdam's famous museums. At the time of your reservation you can advise us if you prefer to visit the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijks Museum. In either case, your guide will lead you through the museum and provide commentary.

The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the artist's life and works. While the Rijks Museum is dedicated to many Dutch artists from the Middle Ages to the present day. You will see Rembrandts, Vermeers and so much more.

Please note
  • 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.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from Port or Hotel in Amsterdam
  • Private Vehicle with English Speaking Licensed Guide
  • Included Visits - Van Gogh or Rijks Museum, Canal Cruise

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

  • 1
    15 Minutes
    Drive into Amsterdam
  • 2
    2.5 Hours
    Amsterdam Walking Tour
  • 3
    1 Hour
    Canal Cruise
  • 4
    1.5 Hours
    Free time for Lunch
  • 5
    2.5 Hours
    Museum Visit
  • 6
    15 Minutes
    Return to pier

Good to Know

Mobility
This tour involves steps and uneven terrain that make it unsuitable for wheelchair users. If you have mobility concerns, contact us and we can discuss alternatives.
Walking
This tour includes a walking portion over cobblestone streets. Comfortable, supportive shoes are strongly recommended.
Customizable
This tour can be adjusted to fit your group’s pace and interests. If you’d like to spend more time at a particular site or add a stop, contact us when you inquire.
Larger Groups
For groups that need a minibus or full coach, contact us for a custom quote. We accommodate groups of any size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the Begijnhof, and why does it matter?
It's the oldest of Amsterdam's hidden courtyards, created in 1346 to house Beguines, Catholic laywomen who lived communally like nuns without taking formal vows. Amsterdam's oldest surviving house still stands inside this courtyard, tucked away from the busy streets just outside.
Why is the Flower Market described as 'floating'?
The Bloemenmarkt started in 1862 with barges bringing flowers in from the countryside and selling directly off the boats on the Singel Canal. Today those barges are permanently docked in place, but the market still technically sits on the water rather than on land.
Do we choose between the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, or see both?
You choose one; both are offered as an option. Let your guide know your preference (or your interest in art versus Dutch history more broadly) and they'll take you to the one that fits your group best.
Is the canal cruise included, or does it cost extra?
It's included as part of this full-day tour, and it's worth it: over 3 million people take an Amsterdam canal cruise each year because it's genuinely one of the best ways to see the city's gabled houses and historic bridges.
How much walking is involved?
There's a real walking tour component through the city center in the morning, in addition to the museum visit and canal cruise, so comfortable shoes matter for this one.

Also Available in Netherlands

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›


Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 10 Write a review »

  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Amsterdam June 11, 2026
Reviewer: Chuck M from Brooklyn, NY  
If you are looking at shore excursions not through your cruise line, I would highly recommend booking through Private Shore Trips. Steven Hurley arranged our private tour for our small group of 4. Maria our guide and driver met us on the pier as we exited the ship. She showed us to her very comfortable van where we began our tour. Maria gave us a great deal of information as she drove us around and made stops when we wanted.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Amsterdam May 15, 2026
Reviewer: Jane D from Oxford, Mississippi  
We like the private tours Our guide was on time, our van was very comfortableclean. We toured city the day before so we went straight for the country side. I would make sure you toured the city first. We visited cheese farms, the windmills and experienced the making of the wooden clogs. The open air Windmill Village Museum was very interesting.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Amsterdam February 5, 2026
Reviewer: Denise A and William P from Roslyn, WA  
We want to thank you for the great job you did on planning and organizing our trip to Europe. The eight of us had a great time as well as being pleasantly surprised at how well the trip was organized, how gracious our drivers and guides were how pertinent your suggestions were. We will be having friends go in the spring and will be referring them to you.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Amsterdam February 5, 2026
Reviewer: Denise A and William P from Roslyn, WA  
We want to thank you for the great job you did on planning and organizing our trip to Europe. The eight of us had a great time as well as being pleasantly surprised at how well the trip was organized, how gracious our drivers and guides were how pertinent your suggestions were. We will be having friends go in the spring and will be referring them to you.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Amsterdam November 16, 2025
Reviewer: MaryAnn S from Florida USA  
Our guide - forget his name!, showed us the best of Amsterdam,  the Rijksmuseum to the  Jordaan district. We took a canal cruise and saw some windmills.  I cant believe I forgot the name of the guide.  I recommend him.  Austria and Belgium were also magnificent!  Gertrude showed us her love of the Bruges.  She was great!

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