Picture of History tour on charming private canal boat
5.0
71 reviews

History tour on charming private canal boat

Vanessa & Frederik - The Amsterdam Canal Experts

Our local for this tour

Vanessa & Frederik - The Amsterdam Canal Experts

All aboard! Hop on a traditional canal boat and cruise along the beautiful canals of Amsterdam. On this private tour, you can see the best of the city from the water in a relaxed and informative way. Focus of the tour is on the history of the 17th century canal area.

Experience details

  • Destination

    Amsterdam

  • Category

    City highlight tours

  • Duration

    1.5 hours

  • Mode of transport

    Boat

  • Available languages

    English • Nederlands • Français • Deutsch

  • Highlights

    • Family friendly
  • What's included

    Entrance tickets • Private guide • Kids join for free

Here’s an overview of your tour

Welcome aboard our beloved Dutch canal boat, Delphine—named after my daughter. I’m Captain Vanessa, and together with Captain Frederik, we’re thrilled to take you on a private, one-of-a-kind journey through the enchanting canals of Amsterdam.

Step aboard Delphine, a 100-year-old traditional canal boat with a story of her own. Unlike the large, impersonal tourist boats, Delphine is small, electric, heated, and designed for comfort in any weather. She’s not just a boat—she’s a piece of Amsterdam’s living history.

On this exclusive cruise, you’ll explore the heart of the city from the best seat in the house: the water. Sit back, relax, and let the historic beauty of Amsterdam unfold before your eyes. I’ll guide you through the centuries—from the grandeur of the 17th century Golden Age to the vibrant culture of today—pointing out landmarks, monuments, hidden gems, and stories that even locals may not know.

As we glide under centuries-old bridges and into the city’s narrower, less-traveled canals, you’ll discover places that only boats like Delphine can reach. We’ll float past the elegant canal houses of the Golden Age, modern houseboats, the iconic Skinny Bridge over the Amstel, the Anne Frank House, the artsy Spiegelgracht, and the charming Jordaan district.

Built in 1915, Delphine holds up to 10 guests, making each trip an intimate experience far from the crowds. Whether you're a history buff, a romantic explorer, or just here to soak in the beauty, we will tailor the tour to your interests and make sure it’s unforgettable.

And of course—drinks are on board. Sip, smile, and watch the city drift by.

Let’s cruise through history together. See you soon!

Your itinerary

  • Meeting point

    H'ART Museum (Hermitage Amsterdam)
  • Meeting Point

    Meet me in front of the H'ART MUSEUM by the water
  • Scenic Canal Views

    Cruise along the Herengracht known for its beautiful mansions.
  • Canal of 7 Bridges

    Enjoy the picturesque views from the water and soak in the city's vibes
  • Golden Age Insights

    See where the merchants lived in the Golden Age 17th century
  • Houseboats Everywhere!

    Check out the beautiful houseboats while cruising a cozy grand canal
  • Trendy Jordaan

    Ready for people watching in the famous Bohemian neighbourhood, the Jordaan
  • Skinny Bridge

    Follow the water to one of the most romantic hotspots in town
  • End of Tour

    Goodbye and personal recommendations
I have a teen daughter with us - is it possible to plan a drinks and bites tour with her?
Me13:42
Message avatar
Of course! I can definitely tailor our tour for you and your daughter! :)
Local host Maria13:44
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Do you know all our tours are private & personalised?

Did you know that Withlocals tours are completely customisable to your needs? What you see here is a base itinerary that you can modify! Simply get in touch with your selected local and let them know what you would like!

Select your local guide

Explore the city with our diverse Withlocals hosts—passionate storytellers offering unique perspectives on every tour.

  • Vanessa & Frederik - The Amsterdam Canal Experts

    Vanessa & Frederik

    The Amsterdam Canal Experts

    Vanessa & Frederik
    4.8
    71 reviews
    I speak
    English • Nederlands • Français • Deutsch

Good to Know

  • Tips

    • Bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic
    • Be mindful of sharing the real secret spots - let's keep them a secret
    • Wear comfortable shoes for walking
  • Included

    • Entrance tickets
    • Private guide
    • Kids join for free
  • Cancellation

    • Receive a full refund for cancellations done 7 days before the experience date.
    • Your experience can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase.

Reviews

5.0
71 reviews
  • Leonie picture
    Vanessa & Frederik picture
    About local Vanessa & Frederik
    5.0

    A trip on Amsterdam’s smaller canals

    "Had a lovely trip with Vanessa on her comfortable boat exploring the canals (including the smaller ones inaccessible to the bigger tourist boats) and the Amstel river. She embodies why we like “With ...

  • Joanna picture
    Vanessa & Frederik picture
    About local Vanessa & Frederik
    3.0

    It was okay, not worth the price

    "The boat is absolutely lovely. There was a bar setup but we were told anything from it would be extra so we did not partake- it would have been maybe a glass of wine and a soda. We had a tour with Va...

  • pq5mmt67mh picture
    Vanessa & Frederik picture
    About local Vanessa & Frederik
    5.0

    A great experience!

    "A wonderful, personalized tour suitable for a family (2 adults and 2 teenagers). Very informative, relaxed and good fun. Would recommend. "

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Why should you book a Withlocals tour?

  • Customizable IllustrationMarker IllustrationSparkleSparkleIllustration Message Bubble SquareIllustration Message Bubble SquareIllustration Gear

    100% customizable

    Let your local host tailor the tour completely to your wishes.

  • Private IllustrationMessage Bubble IllustrationSparkleSparkleMan pointing illustratorWoman in dress Illustration

    Private guided tours

    No strangers on your tour. It’s just you and your local host.

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    Our tours are designed with people, places & the planet in mind.

Questions?

We are here to help!

  • What is the cancellation policy?

    When you make a booking you will receive a full refund when you cancel more than 7 days before the start of the booking.

    When you make a booking that starts within 7 days and cancel within 24 hours after purchase you will receive a full refund.

    When you make a booking that starts within 24 hours your booking is not refundable.

    Read more
  • What payment methods are available?
    During checkout you can choose from a number of different payment methods based on your location. We accept a variety of payment methods such as Credit Card, iDeal and many more.
  • Can I pay in any currency?
    Payment is always done in Euro but you can view the total amount in your local currency. Your bank might charge you a conversion rate fee from your local currency to Euro. No extra fees apply.
  • Is this tour always private?
    All our tours are 100% private, only you and your host.

Let's plan
your tour.

€114per person
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Vanessa & Frederik - The Amsterdam Canal Experts

Our local for this tour

Vanessa & Frederik - The Amsterdam Canal Experts

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