The Netherlands, often referred to as Holland, is a country in northwestern Europe renowned for its cycling lanes, tulip fields, breathtaking canals, and historic windmills. The capital city, Amsterdam, houses multiple museums and canals, but it is home to so much more. And if you start exploring further away from the big cities, you will come across postcard-worthy towns and lesser-known but equally vibrant cities such as The Hague or Rotterdam. As the country falls on the smaller side, it is quite easy to explore a big chunk of the Netherlands in a short span of time. If you want to check out traditional villages, it is best to head to the countryside for its tulip fields and working windmills. One of the best ways to take in the country’s beauty is by taking a cruise tour. Keep reading to know more about these amazing river cruises in the Netherlands.
1. Take a canal cruise past Amsterdam's 17th-century buildings
Although cycling in Amsterdam is one of the most authentic ways to explore the city, the best way to see it is from the water. This tour is a little over an hour and will take you across multiple bridges, buildings, and many more attractions in this historical city. The canal tour boasts picturesque views of 17th-century buildings, the Overhoeks neighborhood, Golden Bend, Music Building, the newest quarter in Amsterdam, and so much more.
Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise
Duration: 75.0 minute
2. Take a night tour in Amsterdam (from USD 24.92)
The real fun starts when the sun goes down because the city is in all its glory under the evening sky. You will witness several lights illuminate the prominent buildings, canals, bridges, and more. Also, you get to cruise through the city’s Canal Belt, which goes across lit bridges and buildings, giving off a fairytale-like vision. The guide will talk about many legends and stories as well as facts about the city as you cruise along.
Amsterdam: Evening Canal Cruise
Duration: 1.5 hour
3. Sail through the historic city of Haarlem (from USD 21.62)
If you want to explore the stunning and historic city of Haarlem that lies just outside Amsterdam, taking a tour on a cruise boat is one of the best ways. In this 50-minute cruise, you get to go through the Old Town canals and see several other attractions, including Teylers Hofje, Molen de Adriaan, and Jopenkerk. You will meet a professional tour guide who will talk about the history of Haarlem, its architecture, atmosphere, and more. As you cruise along, you will also get to enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks. The boat is also heated, so you will stay comfortable throughout your tour, especially during the colder months.
Haarlem: Sightseeing Canal Cruise through the City Center
Duration: 50.0 minute
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4. Enjoy a pizza on an evening cruise in Amsterdam (from USD 42.8)
Enjoy a unique cruise through the city while devouring tasty pizzas. This 90-minute tour passes through world-renowned canals and many of Amsterdam’s most iconic sights. The moment you climb on board, you get to choose and order a mouthwatering appetizer and your choice of pizza. The meal goes perfectly well with unlimited wines, soft drinks, and craft beer. What’s more, you will end this fine meal with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
Amsterdam: Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks
Duration: 75.0 minute
5. Enjoy a 75-minute cruise through Rotterdam (from USD 26.55)
Want to go on a tour that gives you an insight into the city’s attractions while also enjoying a culinary adventure? This tour right here is your best option. The “Pancake Cruise” takes you along the Rotterdam waterways and lets you devour freshly baked, delicious pancakes, accompanied with fruits, cheese, eggs, and more. And it is a 75-minute-long tour. How many pancakes do you think you can eat by the time the tour ends? This is one way to find out. The boat is also very kid-friendly as it features a children’s playroom with amenities such as color pencils, coloring books, and balls. Enjoy the striking Rotterdam skyline, marvelous architecture, and more as you sail across the waters.
Rotterdam: Pancake Cruise
Duration: 75.0 minute
6. Go on a romantic dinner cruise (from USD 85.62)
How about enjoying a romantic evening cruising through the canals of Amsterdam? This tour offers four-course meals and passes through the most popular landmarks in the city, which will be lit up at night. The attractions include Skinny Bridge, Anne Frank House, historic merchant houses, and more. You can also enjoy freshly cooked meals while sipping select wines and mocktails. There will also be a multilingual commentary that will explain the city’s highlights.
Amsterdam: Dinner Cruise with 4-Course Menu
Duration: 2.0 hour
7. Enjoy a wine and cheese canal tour in Amsterdam (from USD 31.99)
Dine and wine your way through the canals of Amsterdam in this 90-minute cruise. You get to check out beautiful attractions while listening to a multilingual commentary. You will go past Canal Belt, Skinny Bridge, and the historic homes that line the canal. As you cruise through, you will get to savor a wide selection of Henri Willig Dutch cheeses, nuts, French bread, and more, all of which pair perfectly with the wines. This tour is either a perfect way to kick-start your evening or a nice way to wrap up your day in the city.
Amsterdam: Cheese and Wine Canal Cruise
Duration: 75.0 minute
8. Enjoy a short tour of Amsterdam aboard an open boat (from USD 26.0)
Want to see some of the best highlights of Amsterdam while sipping delicious wine or craft beer? Then book this tour right away! Here, you will be able to go through Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks aboard an open boat. Your guide will give you insightful information regarding the lifestyle and the culture of the city. You will also learn about how the cafes, since the 1970s, have played a significant part of the city. So, get your cameras out and take multiple pictures of attractions such as NEMO Science Museum, Waterloomarkt, Royal Theater Carré Jordi de Looff, and many more.
Amsterdam Highlights Small Boat Tour
Duration: 1 hour
9. Cruise past the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans
As you climb onboard, be prepared to learn about heroic figures and the country’s history as you cruise over the water onboard a riverboat. On this tour, you will get to see the windmills of Zaanse Schans as well as Het Jonge Schaap, which is a working windmill that you can also tour from the inside. You will receive a complimentary audio guide that will explain the history of the Dutch Golden Age heroes, secrets about the mills, and much more. You will also get to enjoy riverbank’s other side, which features well-manicured gardens and wooden houses.
Zaanse Schans: River Cruise
Enjoy the best of the Netherlands
With multiple canals, museums, cafes, bridges, and more, the Netherlands sure does offer plenty of things to do. And by opting for a river cruise while visiting this country, you get to explore its many attractions and see its natural beauty from a different perspective.
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River Cruises In China - Updated 2024Maria Cristina
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