Guideservice Amsterdam

Introduction tour

A walk through Amsterdam means walking through more than 7 centuries of history. This city has over 7000 listed buildings. Amsterdam was founded in the 13th C, when a dam was built in the Amstel river. During this introduction tour I will show you how Amsterdam developed from a small port to the present day city. Our tour will take in the medieval area near the port with remnants of the old fortifications where you'll learn why the Tower of Tears is called that way. I'll show you some of the oldest houses in the city. You will see the Dam, that gave the name to the city. On the Dam Square stands the Royal Palace, you'll find out why no royals live there. We will stroll along the 17th century canals with the gabled houses and many bridges and discover hidden courtyards. You will learn about life in the city, then and now. 

Amsterdam is a compact city, it's possible to get to know the centre during a 2-hour walk, however I recommend the 4-hour tour for even more insight.
During the 4-hour tour we could make a stop at a typical "brown café" for coffee and Dutch apple pie and to rest your feet. Or, in the afternoon, for a drink and Dutch bitterballen*.
All my tours can be adapted to your personal preferences.
If you are staying in a hotel in the city centre, we can start right there.

If you are not staying in the city centre we can establish a central meeting point in the city for the start of the tour.

Cruise passengers:

If you arrive on a river cruise ship I can meet you at the docking place in the city centre**.

If you arrive on a cruise ship I can meet you at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam.***

 

Contact me to get more information or to book a tour.

 

* Please note that any consumptions are at your own expense.

** There are several docking places: Westerdoks dijk/Ruijterkade Oost & West/Veemkade are in walking distance of the city centre. In case your river cruise ship docks in a different place we can establish a central meeting point in the city for the start of the tour.
*** Cruises can also dock in the Coenhaven or even in IJmuiden (25 miles away!), in that case we will establish a central meeting point in the city for the start of the tour.