Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Amsterdam's canal belt is the masterpiece of the Dutch Golden Age: merchant palaces and leaning canal houses, built in the century this small city was the richest place on earth. Most cruises sail past it. On this one, you get the story.
Your live guide brings the 1600s back to life on the water: the first stock exchange, the first multinational, the grand houses of the Golden Bend. Learn to read the buildings: why the facades lean forward, what a gable says about the family behind it, and why there's a hook on nearly every roof.
You also hear the other half: the spice trade, colonial rule and slavery that paid for those palaces. The real picture, not the postcard.
Not a floating bus: a small electric boat, max 28 guests, and a guide who talks with you, not at a crowd. Add the Cheese Tasting option to taste Dutch cheese on board.
One way: board in the old centre, finish on the Amstel.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Board at the Starboard Boats pier on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal at number 230, in the Red Light District, a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Look for the small blue electric boat and our crew. Please arrive 10 minutes before departure; boats leave on time.
The cruise ends at the Stopera pier, Amstel 13, next to the Waterlooplein metro stop and the Skinny Bridge area, a short walk from Rembrandtplein. This is a one-way route, so it does not return to the boarding point.
Itinerary
-
Amsterdam Centraal (Pass by)
Set off from the Red Light District and sail past Amsterdam Centraal Station, built on artificial islands in the old harbour where the Golden Age ships once came in.
Admission ticket free -
NEMO Science Museum (Pass by)
Glide past the green, ship-shaped NEMO Science Museum on the IJ waterfront, where the old harbour of the 'warehouse of the world' once stood.
Admission ticket free -
Magere Brug (Pass by)
Turn onto the Amstel river and pass the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug). A drawbridge has crossed the Amstel here since around 1670; today's white bridge still lifts to let boats through.
Admission ticket free -
Herengracht (Pass by)
Sail the Herengracht, the 'Gentlemen's Canal' and the most prestigious address of the 17th-century canal ring, lined with merchant houses with stepped, neck and bell gables.
Admission ticket free -
De Gouden Bocht (Pass by)
Pass the Golden Bend, the stretch of the Herengracht where the richest merchants built double-wide houses on double plots. Your guide explains what the facades say about the families who built them.
Admission ticket free -
Reguliersgracht (Pass by)
Pass the Seven Bridges view on the Reguliersgracht, where seven arched bridges line up one behind the other, one of the most photographed spots in the canal ring.
Admission ticket free -
Emperor's Canal (Keizersgracht) (Pass by)
Cruise the Keizersgracht, the 'Emperor's Canal' and the widest of the three main canals, and learn why so many canal houses lean forward and carry a hoisting hook under the roof.
Admission ticket free -
Prinsengracht (Pass by)
Sail the Prinsengracht, the 'Princes' Canal' and the outer ring of the Golden Age canal belt, with its warehouses, houseboats and church towers, before heading back along the Amstel to the finish.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Get our app
