Giethoorn Guided DayTrip from Amsterdam

I took this tour solo and there were 19 people on board the van. It was comfortable though the pass through lane between rows of seating was quite narrow. There are single seats (5 or 6 maybe?) on one side of the van, air con vents above and (importantly!) USB ports above also to charge devices. We had time to stop at the “fruit stand” which is really a large, locally owned fruit, cheese, and gourmet foods market (it’s called Vink Fruitboerderij) which is really fantastic! I bought a couple of bins of strawberries, some candied fruit, a couple hunks of cheese and their dipping sauces, fresh fruit juices, etc. They take cards and restrooms are available, too. It’s quite impressive (apparently they have “pick your own fruit” train dates in summer and fall, too). Jay did a nice job of providing some interesting facts and could “read the room” and adjust his narration accordingly. I think the driver is Davide? Both did a great job. Anyway, once we got to Gierthoorn the boat tour was excellent (be sure to bring some euros to tip the boat captain if you enjoyed it!). The boat captain is local and grew up in Gierthoorn. I love that the boat gives you the option to raise your own plate glass window (next to your seat) which is much better for picture taking along the scenic canal route! I would suggest sitting on the right side of the boat if you can. We were lucky to have cool, cloudy weather…the sun came out a bit more towards the end of our visit also. The cruise disembarked at the Grand Canal, giving a couple of hours to wander about the narrow footpaths, filled with other tourists and locals. Two hours seems like just the right amount of time to see the area and grab lunch or a snack. There is an ATM pretty close to where the boat let’s you out, if needed. I suggest avoiding the Euronet one (due to high fees) if you can walk a little further. Most restaurants take cards but I needed an ATM for tipping on the tour. I chose to get a late lunch alongside the Grand Canal at Grand Cafe Henri Willig (mustard soup, Bitterballen, and a brownie). There were two ladies who weren’t on the bus at departure time. We waited over 15 minutes and Jay was trying to reach them. After about 20 minutes we reluctantly pulled away but both Jay and I saw them flagging down the van so we stopped so they could both board the return journey to Amsterdam (otherwise it would have been a very expensive trip for those ladies to have gotten back!). Most drivers & guides wouldn’t have waited that long for them so I think it says a lot about this duo. Don’t hesitate to book this day trip!

This was nice relaxing day away from the city,really nice to see all the country side and our guide Ibriham made our trip with all his knowledge and banter on thexway there and back

We had a wonderful day on this tour and the guide was fabulous. His name was Ibrahaim. Driver was Tom.

The host Jay was great and informative. He was also very kind and patient and ensured everyone in the group made it back safely. Great experience!

Great tour with a quick stop on the way to Giethoorn to try local produce and chance to shop to fair prices. Our guide Jay was funny and very knowledgeable and it’s a great way to learn about the Netherlands and its history. Our driver Tom drove us safely and started up the aircon way ahead when we were done in Giethoorn so the bus was nice and cool after a few hot hours in the village. The captain of the boat was also very informative and learned us a lot about the village. We also appreciated a stop at the ice cream boat! Thanks for a great experience!

Our guide, Ibrahim was excellent. It was like having a private tour guide. He picked us up in a minivan, and there was only one other couple who came with us so it was a very small group. He also personalized the tour according to what we were interested in. The boat ride on the canal was very informative. The weather was rainy, but since the boat had a cover, it didn’t matter. They also had windows that we could lift up to take pictures. While we were there, there were not a lot of people because of the rain but we heard that sometimes it can be extremely packed with people.

Super friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. Beautiful village! Nice boat tour! Everything is perfect!

I thought the tour itself was great, it was a beautiful place. Not being from the area, more descriptions were needed for the pick up and drop off locations. I didn’t realize we were going by bus. Also, I felt so bad for the couple left at Greethoven. Apparently, they got lost and the bus left without them because they didn’t get back in time for the departure. The tour guide did remind everyone that we had to be back at 4:45-5:00 at the latest. We left exactly at 5:00.

Our tour to Giethoorn was amazing! I highly highly recommend it to anyone visiting Amsterdam and would like to enjoy the quaint countryside and the picturesque village of Giethoorn. Our tour guide, Jay, was fantastic! He made the day even more enjoyable. Jay was funny, highly knowledgeable, and a true professional! I’d like to give a shout out to Anwar, our driver, who got us there and back safely & soundly. A real perfect day & perfect tour! A must!!!

All was smooth and a pleasure to see some of the countryside. No complaints. Cost was a bit high for the quality of the trip. Guides were good and efficient. Food choices at your own expense were good.