No visit to Europe would be complete without a visit to the great city of Amsterdam. Now the centre of business, culture and tourism in the Netherlands, Amsterdam started as a humble fishing village in the 13th century. It consistently appears in Conde Nast’s list Top 10 Cities in the world with its mesmerising mix of modern and historic culture.

A river cruise in the city of canals

Although you can get around by foot, bicycle, tram; we believe the best way to explore the city is with an Amsterdam river cruise. Known as the “Venice of the North”, the city’s great canals were first dug in the 17th century. If you add them all up, canals meander through the city for more than 100km, creating 90 islands and a staggering 1,500 bridges.

Highlights of an Amsterdam canal cruise

Here are a few of our favorite stops on a canal tour through the city.

A wander through the city

Our day tour through Amsterdam ensures you see the absolute best of the city. You travel by foot and by cruise to truly experience the distinctive character of the city’s various neighbourhoods.

The Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum takes you on an incredible journey through Dutch history and art. Inside you’ll encounter the extraordinary works of the Dutch Masters, and many more. Follow the passage of time from the Netherland’s middle ages to the current day.

The Anne Frank House

The story of Anne Frank is indelibly etched into the history of Amsterdam. This is an intimate and sensitive look into what was her home. You’ll come away with a new appreciation of the girl whose “one voice speaks for six million.”

The Dutch Resistance Museum

An insight into the resistance movement of the 1930s and 40s, visitors can explore meticulously recreated street and home scenes. Resistance took all forms during this time, from using illegal postage stamps to spying for the Allies.

What else should you see in Amsterdam?

If you have some more time in the city before or after one of our tours, we suggest you fit in a few of the following stops.

The National Maritime Museum (“Het Scheepvaartmuseum”) contains a 700-tonne replica of the Dutch East India Company’s largest ship.

The Van Gogh Museum is a “must see” for anyone looking for insight into the mind of one of the greatest artists to have ever lived.

If you’re in the mood for shopping, there’s a perfect mix of luxury stores and casual markets selling everything from antiques to artisan food.

River cruises from Amsterdam

Europe’s network of canals offer you a truly unique and leisurely way to explore this great continent. Amsterdam forms an essential hub where these rivers, tributaries and canals come together. This makes it a perfect place to start or end a European River Cruise.

From here you can reach the best of Europe’s great cities and quaint towns. From Brugge to Rotterdam, the green heart of Europe is waiting for you to explore with our fleet of luxury floating hotels. No expense has been spared outfitting our Magnifique barges, from the stylish dining room to the spacious, sunny cabins. They make the perfect base for you to experience the sights, culture and magic of Europe.

Visit our tours page to see detailed itineraries and start planning the trip of a lifetime.

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