Amsterdam City Tour

Explore the city of Amsterdam on a small group tour with Odyssey Traveller.

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, an exciting city of gabled houses with an elaborate and distinctive canal landscape. The city had its roots in a humble 13th century fishing village that settled on the banks of the River Amstel. The river met the IJ Bay, which tended to overflow and flood settlements, until the fishermen built dikes and later a dam--hence the name "Aemstelredamme" (Amsterdam) or "dam in the river Amstel"--to contain the waters. The first appearance of the name Aemstelredamme in a historic record was in Count Floris V's 1275 document granting bridge toll exemption to "people living near the Amstel dam". This toll privilege in the County of Holland gave freedom to Amsterdam merchants to go wherever they wished, allowing the city of Amsterdam to flourish as the city's traders shipped merchandise to and from Scandinavia and sailed to the Baltic and the Mediterranean. Amsterdam experienced unprecedented growth in the 17th century, attracting immigrants who found refuge in the city. The large foreign population contributed to the city's affluence but also contributed to its congestion. In 1613, Amsterdam began to undertake construction in order to expand its boundaries, adding the now-famous--and UNESCO World Heritage-listed--ring of canals around the historic city centre. Today, Amsterdam retains this multicultural character, with residents from 180 different countries living in an open, tolerant society.

This small group tour is offered to travellers who are seeking a five-day extension in the city as part of an Odyssey Traveller escorted small group tour.

The tour stays in a centrally located accommodation in Amsterdam. Each day we set out to explore various parts of the city, typically using public transport, taxis and the rail network to reach the destinations selected, taking in 2-3 key features or attractions of the city. We will be aided by knowledgeable, local guides who will share the history of the city as we explore.

Amsterdam Tour Highlights:

• Amsterdam's Museumplein (Museum square) is an art lover's utopia. The largest public square in the city is bordered by world-famous museums: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum (Museum of Modern Art). It also hosts open-air exhibitions and markets.
• The Rijksmuseum is arguably Amsterdam's grandest and most popular museum, housing historic art by Vermeer, Frans Hals, and other Dutch masters of the Golden Age. It also houses Rembrandt’s renowned "The Night Watch". You can read our article about the masterpiece and its restoration here.
• The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of paintings, drawings, and letters by the Dutch post-Impressionist master. In 2015, the museum opened a new entrance directly on Museumplein, making it easy to access from the cultural heart of the city.
• The Anne Frank House at Prinsengracht 263 offers a sobering exhibition about the persecution of Jews. This was where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding from the Nazis during World War II, and a must-visit for those who want to learn more about this dark period in Amsterdam's history.
• The Royal Palace Amsterdam was originally built during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century as a town hall, before being transformed 150 years later into a royal residence by the French king Louis Bonaparte. The palace today is in active use by the Dutch Royal House but is open to the public on certain days so visitors can explore its interiors and learn more about its rich history.
• A cruise down Amsterdam's famed canals is a unique and relaxing way to experience the city and view its architecture.
• The original river settlement was built by fishermen fishing for herring, and all over the city one can still find haringhandels (herring carts) selling the delicacy. Try a "broodje haring" or herring served in a sandwich with pickles and onions.
• A day trip to The Hague on the train.
• Amsterdam is home to several flea markets and boutique shops, a great way to go shopping and treasure hunting!

Articles by Odyssey Traveller about Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

The following links are to articles written by Odyssey that may be of interest to you;

• History of Dutch Tulips 
• Art of Restoration
• Managing the crowds; Amsterdam is innovative 
• Best art Galleries in Europe
• Touring World heritage sites

Small Group Tours with Odyssey Traveller

This tour to Amsterdam is based in the heart of the city and gives travellers easy access to popular tourist attractions and public transport. Similar to other Odyssey Traveller tours, this tour is designed for the senior traveller and is fully escorted, with the group accompanied by an Odyssey Program Leader and local guides, adding expert knowledge about the history and culture of the area. The small group setting also ensures flexibility and focused attention to programme participants.

This tour to Amsterdam can be used as an extension of other Odyssey Traveller tours to the Netherlands.

For more details, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right-hand side of this page.

• Level 1 - Introductory to Moderate
• New tours
• Short Trip