Private Shore Excursions in Amsterdam and the Netherlands

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Discover the Best of the Netherlands with Our Private Shore Excursions

Make the most of your time ashore with our private Shore and Port Tours, starting directly from your cruise ship in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, IJmuiden or Zaandam. Whether you are on an ocean cruise or a river cruise, we provide luxury pick-up, comfortable transport and a personalised day trip designed around your interests. And if you wish to tour on your departure day, we guarantee that you will be back on board your ship in plenty of time.

Arriving by river cruise? Low water on the Rhine can change itineraries at short notice. See our live Rhine water level tracker.

Choose your cruise port for a day ashore tailored to your ship: Amsterdam Passenger Terminal, IJmuiden (Felison Terminal), Rotterdam Cruise Terminal or Zaandam Cruise Terminal. You can also see when ships are due at each port on our ocean cruise calendar and river cruise calendar, or browse the most popular locations in the Netherlands for tour ideas and inspiration.

Passport photograph of Anne Frank taken in May 1940
Private Tour

Private Anne Frank Walking Tour in Amsterdam: Her Story & the Jewish Quarter

From€515
3 hours
Walk Amsterdam's historic Jewish quarter, hear Anne's story, and pause for apple pie before ending at the Westerkerk and Anne Frank House, where we help secure your tickets.
A formal garden with neatly trimmed conical shrubs, a reflecting pool, and rows of red and yellow tulips in bloom under a clear blue sky—an ideal spot to experience all year round flowers on a private tour.
Private Tour

Private Keukenhof Tour: Tulip and Flower Gardens in Holland 2027

From€930
6 Hours
Lose yourself among seven million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and orchids at world-famous Keukenhof, then drive the colourful Bollenstreek flower fields with your own guide and guaranteed tickets.
Stedelijk museum
Small Group Tour

Private Stedelijk Museum Tour

From€41
2.5 hours
Discover the Stedelijk Museum with your own private guide on a two-hour tour exploring modern and contemporary art, design and the stories behind the collection.
Amsterdam canal
Private Tour

Amsterdam City Highlights Private Tour

From€400
From 3 Hours
Wander the canal belt, Dam Square and the buzzing Jordaan with a local guide, cross the Skinny Bridge and slip down the Nine Streets, then pause for a drink in a hidden canal-side square.
Westerkerk church Amsterdam at night, a highlight on private walking tours of the city
Private Tour

Private Amsterdam’s Ghostly Experiences Tour

From€315
2 Hours
Follow a lantern-lit guide through Amsterdam's shadowy streets after dark, hearing tales of legend and treachery, with time to pause, question, and separate history from folklore.
A person holds a glass at an angle while pouring beer from a tap in a dimly lit bar or brewery setting.
Private Tour

Brews and T’Ales, Private Craft Beer Tour

From€500
3.5 Hours
Sip award-winning Dutch stouts, IPAs and Trappist ales in Amsterdam's oldest, cosiest bars, paired with classic snacks, brewing tales and a warm dose of true gezelligheid.
Private guided walking tour group exploring a historic Dutch city street in the Netherlands
Private Tour

Private All Year Round Flowers and Windmills Tour

From€1,100
8 hours
Chase the seasons through Dutch gardens, spring tulips at Keukenhof, summer roses, autumn dahlias or winter's indoor blooms, then meet the working windmills and clog-makers of Zaanse Schans.
A group of people walk along a paved path in a park with trees and grass on a sunny day.
VIP Private Tour

Luxury Private Amsterdam VIP Tour

From€1,000
Flexible
Fly by helicopter over tulip fields, sip champagne aboard a private boat, enjoy cocktails above the rooftops or a concert at Amsterdam's world-famous hall, all bespoke to you.
Amsterdam Damsquare
Private Tour

The Ultimate Amsterdam in a Day Tour

From€990
6 to 8 hours
See Amsterdam by land and water in one day: wander hidden courtyards like the Begijnhof, meet Rembrandt at the Rijksmuseum, then glide the canals on a luxury boat.
Keukenhof Windmill and Tulips
Private Tour

Private Tulips and Windmills Tour 2027

From€1,100
8 hours
See two Dutch icons in one unforgettable day. Wander the colourful blooms of Keukenhof, then visit Zaanse Schans for its working windmills, a clog workshop and a cheese farm tasting.
Bike tour - Holding hands
Small Group Tour

The Greatest Group Bike Tours in Amsterdam and Beyond

From€35
2.5 to 5.5 hours
Cycle Amsterdam the Dutch way with trusted partner Mike's Bike Tours, from the historic canal belt to windmills at Zaanse Schans. Small, friendly groups, regular or electric bikes.
A wooden boat with large windows floats on a canal in front of traditional Dutch buildings and a bridge in Amsterdam, offering the perfect setting for Private Canal Cruises.
Private Tour

Private Luxury Canal Cruises in Amsterdam

From€350
Glide the UNESCO canal belt on an intimate electric boat, passing the Anne Frank House, the Golden Bend and the Skinny Bridge, with your captain shaping the route around you.
Amsterdam Market
Private Tour

Private Dutch Food Tour: Eat Like a Local

From€445
3 hours
Wander through vibrant De Pijp and the bustling Albert Cuyp Market, tasting Gouda, warm poffertjes, fresh stroopwafels and frites as your guide shows you how locals really eat today.
Red dahlias in bloom in a garden with a brick chateau featuring dormer windows and green shutters in the background under a clear blue sky.
Private Tour

Private Windmills of Zaanse Schans & Keukenhof Castle Tour with Dahlias

From€1,150
8 hours
Wander the working windmills of Zaanse Schans, then lose yourself among thousands of dahlias at Keukenhof Castle's Dahlia Days, a relaxed day of countryside, colour and Dutch tradition.
A group of people on an Amsterdam bike tour stand with their bicycles on a waterfront platform at sunset, with a large ship docked in the background.
Private Tour

Private Amsterdam City Bike Tour

From€505
4 Hours
Cycle Amsterdam the way locals do, gliding over drawbridges and past canal houses into quieter corners, with a ferry to the artistic NDSM area if time allows. All levels welcome.
A group of people stand on a canal-side path in a city with a church and a scaffolded tower in the background under a clear blue sky.
Private Tour

Guide for a Day

From€1,000
8 hours
Fancy exploring Amsterdam your own way? Our Guide for a Day pairs you with a guide who matches your interests, so you can mix walking, cycling and hidden museum treasures freely.
The Hague, Parliament Building
Private Tour

Private Delft & The Hague Day Trip from Amsterdam

From€1,150
8 hours
Wander Delft's cobbled canals past Royal Delft Blue and Vermeer's old haunts, then find grandeur in The Hague, home to royal palaces, the historic Binnenhof and the Mauritshuis gallery.
A group of people stands closely together by a reflective pool outdoors, with flowers and buildings in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Private Tour

Private Family Tour of Amsterdam

From€300
Enjoy a private family-friendly, tailored tour of Amsterdam by bike or on foot, at a relaxed pace.
Passengers boarding a heritage steam train on a private day trip through the Dutch countryside
Private Tour

Private Tulips, Trains and Hoorn Tour

From€1,150
8 hours
Climb aboard a restored steam train through West Friesland's tulip fields, spot a 300-year-old windmill near Medemblik, then wander Golden Age Hoorn with its harbour and swing bridges.
Red Light Bar Amsterdam
Private Tour

Private Amsterdam Red Light District Tour

From€285
2 hours
Discover the oldest, most layered corner of Amsterdam, where merchants, sailors and the old church shaped the city. Hear how the district really lives, then enjoy a drink in a traditional bar.
Alkmaar-Cheese Market
Private Tour

Private Alkmaar & Edam, the Cheese Cities Tour

From€1,150
8 hours
Taste Dutch cheese heritage in Alkmaar, home to the country's oldest market, then continue to Edam with its round cheeses, quiet canals and a warehouse with a floating basement.
Erasmus bridge
Private Tour

Private Rotterdam City and Harbour Day Trip from Amsterdam

From€1,150
8 hours
Marvel at Rotterdam's bold skyline and Piet Blom's tilted Cube Houses, explore the old harbour and Museumpark, then cruise Europe's largest port past shipyards and docks.
Haarlem church
Private Tour

Private Haarlem City Tour

From€790
5 hours
Wander Haarlem's medieval streets and hidden courtyards to the Grote Markt, visit the moving Corrie ten Boom House, and admire Golden Age portraits at the Frans Hals Museum.
De Haar castle & garden. Private Muiderslot, Naarden and De Haar Castles Tour
Private Tour

Private Muiderslot, Naarden and De Haar Castles Tour

From€1,150
8 hours
Discover three Dutch gems in one day, riverside Muiderslot castle, Naarden's intact star-shaped fortress, and grand De Haar with its turrets, art collections and romantic gardens.
Traditional Dutch windmills reflected in a calm canal on a private guided tour in Holland. Private Kinderdijk & Gouda Tour
Private Tour

Private Kinderdijk Windmills & Gouda Tour from Amsterdam or Rotterdam

From€1,150
8 hours
Stand among Kinderdijk's nineteen UNESCO windmills, then wander historic Gouda, sampling its famous cheese and watching a fresh stroopwafel come straight off the line at the syrup-waffle factory.
urban bikes and windmill
Private Tour

Private Amsterdam Urban Adventure Bike Tour

From€400
3 hours
Ride Amsterdam's alternative side, through street art, old docklands and creative NDSM. Try magnet fishing in the canals and spray your own graffiti on this hands-on adventure by bike.
Zuiderzee net making
Private Tour

Private Enkhuizen & Zuiderzee Museum Tour

From€1,150
8 hours
Wander the medieval streets of Enkhuizen, once the wealthy Herring City, then step into the open-air Zuiderzee Museum, where a hall of thirteen original vessels brings coastal life vividly back.
Two people with bicycles stand in front of a colorful mural on a brick wall, featuring two large, realistic faces—capturing the vibrant energy of an Amsterdam urban bike tour.
Small Group Tour

Amsterdam’s Urban Adventure Group Bike Tour

From€46
3 hours
Ride Amsterdam's alternative side, following canals and old ship docks to the creative NDSM district, spotting bold street art and murals. Try magnet fishing and paint your own graffiti.
Het Loo Palace and Garden View
Private Tour

Private Palace Het Loo Tour

From€1,250
8 hours
Step inside Palace Het Loo, royal summer home since 1685, exploring William and Mary's grand wings and climbing to the roof for views over its Versailles-inspired baroque gardens.
St Michael’s Bridge and Church (Sint-Michielskerk) by the Leie River in Ghent
Private Tour

Best of Ghent

8 hours
Belgium’s best-kept secret, walked at your own pace. St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, the Castle of the Counts and the medieval quays of the Graslei, with a private guide.

Shore excursions for every cruise line

No matter which line you are sailing with, from Holland America Line (HAL) and Celebrity Cruises to AmaWaterways, Viking and Avalon Waterways, our tours begin right at the quayside. River cruise ships moor in the heart of Amsterdam and at towns along the rivers, so we simply meet you where you dock.

River cruise guests can use find my river cruise to match their line and dates to the ship and its berth, and the live ship tracker to see where it is right now.

Explore the highlights of the Netherlands, from iconic windmills and quaint fishing villages to world-famous tulip fields and charming cities like Haarlem, Gouda, Giethoorn and Delft. Our expert local guides ensure a seamless, enriching experience tailored to your schedule. Year after year it is the option cruise ship visitors recommend to friends sailing after them.

If you have any questions about our Amsterdam shore excursions, please just contact us for the answers you need.

Private shore excursions for cruise passengers and travellers

Whether your ship is an ocean cruise calling at a Dutch port such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam or IJmuiden, or a river cruise moored in the heart of the city, choosing a private shore excursion with us lets you make the most of your time ashore. We take care of your transportation, timing and logistics so you enjoy a seamless, stress-free experience. Whether you want to admire windmills, stroll through tulip fields, visit historic cities or explore Dutch villages, we craft a day that suits your interests and your ship’s schedule.

Why choose a shore excursion in Holland

A shore excursion gives you a taste of Holland beyond the cruise dock. With a local guide and private transport you can visit multiple destinations in one day, something group transfers rarely allow. You decide what you want to see: countryside windmills, coastal towns, traditional villages, charming cities, or flower gardens. We ensure you return to your ship on time, giving you both adventure and peace of mind.

What to expect from our shore excursions

When you book with us we provide a friendly local guide, comfortable transport and a flexible itinerary. You can start your tour right from the port where your cruise docks, choose the kind of activities you prefer (walking, driving) and adjust the pace or route as you go. Our guides are more like friends for the day, they tell stories, share local insights and help you discover parts of the Netherlands that typical cruise-shore tours do not show.

A diverse selection for every type of cruise traveller

We offer a wide range of excursions: short half-day trips, relaxed walks, city highlights, countryside drives, flower-season tours, and full-day journeys through villages and historic towns. Whether you are on an ocean cruise or a river cruise, and whether you travel alone, as a couple, with family or a small group, we tailor the tour to fit your interests, fitness level and timing.

What you get with a shore excursion

– Flexible pick-up from your cruise ship or hotel
– A guide who adapts the route to your preferences
– Private transport to multiple locations or scenic spots
– Options to visit tulip fields, windmills, historic towns or the coast
– Return to ship or port with enough time to spare

Arriving by air with time between flights instead? See our private Amsterdam airport layover tours from Schiphol and Rotterdam.

Before the day itself, our river cruise planning tools will tell you where your ship is, which Amsterdam quay it berths at, and how much time you actually have ashore.

Some of our Guides

Dávid - Amsterdam Experiences Private Tour Guide

Dávid

HU - EN
Esther - Amsterdam Experiences Private Tour Guide

Esther

NL - EN - DE
Kaleigh - Amsterdam Experiences Private Tour Guide

Kaleigh

Art Historian (EN)

Frequently Asked Questions Shore Excursions

What does “shore excursion” mean exactly

A shore excursion is a tour that begins and ends at a port or dock.  You do not need to travel to a meeting point. It is designed around your cruise schedule and ensures you return in time for boarding.

How long can shore excursions be

Our shore excursions range from a few hours to full-day trips depending on your interests and cruise timetable. Whether you want a quick taste of a destination or a full day exploring multiple places, we can arrange it.

Can shore excursions be customised / are they private tours

Yes. Every shore excursion is private and can be tailored to your preferences: walking, driving or biking. You decide which destinations to visit, how much time to spend, whether to include museums, countryside, villages, cities, markets or scenic spots.

Are shore excursions suitable for families and travellers of all ages

Absolutely. We adapt the pace and activities to make the day enjoyable for families, including children, as well as travellers of any age. We can include relaxed stops, kid-friendly attractions, comfortable transport, and a flexible itinerary.

What if our ship schedule changes / we return late to port

We monitor your cruise schedule and plan the excursion with plenty of buffer time to make sure you return safely and comfortably to your ship.

Is transport included in the price of shore excursions

Private shore excursions include comfortable transport from and to the port (if it is not a walking tour). If you prefer extra options (boat rides, special entry tickets or meals), we can help add those for you.