25 Best Amsterdam Alternative Tours 2019

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Henk is a walking library!

I was fortunate to be the only one in the tour today and thus had so much time chatting with Henk and asking questions. Henk’s tour is probably the best I’ve had in the life so far. In the 2hr walk, the introduction of the history in Amsterdam was very organized and chronological, along with the views.

I was brought back to the 17th, WWII, and living in the presence. Henk taught and reminded me that the progress and liberty we enjoy today are from a surviving and struggling past and certainly should not be forgotten.

Henk also shared lots of stories and fun facts that turned over my original thoughts. The most surprising part was probably when Henk took out his books and read the paragraphs and poem to me. It was just beautiful, as we relived in the historical moments. I almost got tears several times.

Being a tourist from Taiwan where we’ve only legalized same sex marriage very recently, I was deeply touched by the works of the pioneers in the history. I also truly appreciate the dedications of Henk that he’s trying the best to spread out the knowledge.

Top highlight of my Amsterdam trip! :)

Reviewed by strongheadwu / TripAdvisor • October 22, 2019

LGBT History Tour Amsterdam

Great way to see the City and the Lights!

Chris lead an awesome tour throughout the canal system. He definitely knows all the canals by the back of his hand and had a fair amount of fun facts about Amsterdam as well. The boat was a smooth, albeit chilly, ride in the evening, but we dressed extra warmly and it really wasn't that bad! Chris was also very timely with pick-up and drop-off. I would definitely recommend this to a friend. It was one of the highlights of our time in Amsterdam for sure!

Reviewed by Waverly • January 16, 2018

Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Tour

Fascinating and informative guided tour

Fascinating and informative guided tour about the history of the old Amsterdam neighbourhood ‘De Jordaan’. Guide Breklyn takes you to places tourists would not normally find by themselves, and some other hidden gems. Interesting places: the corridors of Willemstreet, Johnny Jordaan Square, Begijnhof (former Béguinage), Westerchurch, Homomonument, and so much more.

Reviewed by Richard • May 26, 2019

Historical Jordaan Walking Tour

It was great, highly recommend

I booked the tour as a Christmas present for my boyfriend and we were more than satisfied! Chris, a very nice and friendly local, picked us up near our hotel and we saw all the highlights of the light festival. Chris told us interesting facts and the warm blankets kept us warm. Definitely worth it, especially if you want to have a more special boat tour!

Reviewed by Lotti • December 18, 2018

Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Tour

Don’t hesitate! This is the boat you want :)

Carl was an amazing host. He made me and my friends feel at ease and made the entire experience perfect. He offers great local insight to Amsterdam and some interesting history along the way, but clearly reads the group and delivers whatever will make the trip most enjoyable for everyone. Cant recommend it enough.

Reviewed by Steven • May 24, 2019

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour with Drinks Included!

Wonderful experience!!!

From the boat ride to the scenery everything was amazing including these great guys. They were really helpful with our travel and history questions. We will definitely bring our friends next time we visit.

Reviewed by Bryan • August 04, 2018

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour with Drinks Included!

Full 5 stars!

The canoe safari was really awesome and one of the best things about my trip to Amsterdam. Majel was well organised and friendly. Strongly recommended!

Reviewed by Nadine • August 10, 2015

Dutch Wetlands Canoe Safari from Amsterdam

Great tour! :D

Reviewed by Caroline • September 23, 2019

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour with Drinks Included!

Absolutely awesome! Chris was a lots of fun

Reviewed by Rochelle • December 07, 2017

Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Tour

Highlight of the trip!

Reviewed by Katie Jane • January 02, 2017

Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Tour

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We (with husband and 10 yr old son) went on a Wetlands Safari tour in July last year and it was THE highlight of our Amsterdam vacation. Majel is a pro – booking the tour was easy; communication was smooth; she gave clear instructions. On the day of our tour, Majel was easy to spot in our meeting place with her sign. The bus ride to the starting point was short; and we started with a brief orientation in a café (convenient if you need to use the washroom or have a drink before leaving, or need to apply sunblock – A MUST). The canoe ride was VERY nice...a beautiful and very personal way to experience the famous canals. The scenery is like out of a dream – so picturesque and good for the soul. Our first stop we got to explore Polder Land and learned how it is basically a mat of vegetation. During the demonstration, my son felt like he’s on a giant trampoline. There’s lots of flora and fauna facts that Majel enthusiastically explained and showed us. Very interesting! We had a picnic midway – assorted fruits, cheese and deli, and other Dutch munchies – and a swim in the canal. Overall, the experience is unforgettable, unique and amazingly fun. Some say life is too short to do anything twice but this is one exception. I’d do it again if/when I’m back in Amsterdam!

Reviewed by travelcat / TripAdvisor • November 14, 2014

Dutch Wetlands Canoe Safari from Amsterdam

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Taking a canoe trip with Majel and Wetlands Safari is fantastic in many different and unexpected ways. Yes, we really enjoyed getting out of the city and seeing the Netherlands country-side. Yes, the fresh air and the easy canoe paddling was such a refreshing break from site seeing. Yes Majel's amazing ability to keep everything light and easy was so enjoyable. Yes building a small small group camaraderie around a local and delicious picnic was so nice. But here's what I didn't expect to get from a canoe trip tour: a much richer understanding of the Dutch culture, people and history. As you paddle along beautiful farm villages, wetlands, cows and sheep, Majel casually weaves together stories and information about what you are seeing and experiencing in such a way that you come away with a real sense of what the Dutch people have built and how that building shaped them. What a great experience in so many ways!

Reviewed by DallasGuy4406 / TripAdvisor • November 14, 2014

Dutch Wetlands Canoe Safari from Amsterdam

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Having spent most of our holiday in Amsterdam, this was a great addition to our trip to get the bigger picture of the Netherlands. I love being on the water anyway and exploring the canals by canoe was great. It introduced us to the wildlife, the locals and the geography of the Netherlands. Majel was very knowledgeable and accommodating in answering all of our questions and it was an opportunity to learn a lot more about the Dutch culture as well as the wetlands. It was a really lovely relaxing day, starting with coffee, having a picnic in the middle and ending with another cuppa before heading back into the city. I also got some great photos which is fantastic.

Reviewed by Gemma D / TripAdvisor • November 14, 2014

Dutch Wetlands Canoe Safari from Amsterdam

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Localgrapher Got it Right!

I have used Localgrapher twice now in two different countries and I am very impressed with the professionalism that I was shown, from the reservation agent to the photographers they have arranged. We all know that it can be intimidating to use a fairly new technique of booking a photography session online without any knowledge of what could happen (not knowing if the booking agent will arrange a courteous and kind photographer or not having met the photographer before the session). At both times, everyone has been wonderful and the communication line was open. I highly recommend Localgrapher to everyone who would love to have wonderful memories of their travel.

Reviewed by Cat / Trustpilot • August 28, 2019

Memorable photo shoot with a pro photographer in Amsterdam

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absolutely amazing! the whole service is excellent and i would never have been able to pull this off without them. i would pay the price just to be able to discuss possible proposal locations!
the photographers we were assigned spent over a week travelling around Amsterdam trying to find locations perfect for me and my partner. they sent pictures back and forth with lots of information about the location, how to get to the location and how populated it tended to be at the time of the day we planned to be there.
i literally couldn't give this service anymore praise and if you are reading this review and are still on the fence....don't be...its amazing!

Reviewed by jessecarlos / TripAdvisor • September 16, 2015

Private, Professional & Fun Photo Shoot in Amsterdam

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Surprise Wedding Proposal

We visited Amsterdam last week and I avail tripshooter "1hr. surprise wedding proposal" photo shoot. Everything went well according to plan and it was a great experience. They're very helpful in answering every questions I had and discussing every details of our plan. Elena our photographer was very professional, and really helps me a lot in coordinating everything. She's very kind and patient in guiding us during the photo shoot ( we're not that comfortable in front of the camera) and it was really a fun and enjoyable experience. The final photos looks amazing and very impressive, easy to download with very good quality. Thanks Tripshooter.

Reviewed by Markorms / Tripadvisor • August 20, 2018

Private, Professional & Fun Photo Shoot in Amsterdam

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Cool guy made our trip special

What a night. There wasn't anything that was too much trouble for Chris. Our tour was fantastic the best we've ever been on. In the past we have used bigger boat companies, so we were so taken aback by how much better it was being given in a smaller open boat with the friendliest and very knowledgeable guy that is Chris. He pinked us up a few doors away from our house which waz fab. You really should try this experience of seeing the light festival up close and personal at a slower relaxed pace not fighting for a good view. We couldn't stop smiling thank you Chris we will see you again next year!

Things to do in Amsterdam. Photo by Kirsten.

Reviewed by Kirsten • December 25, 2016

Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Tour

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We really enjoyed seeing the wildlife in the peace and quiet of the wetland canals; pleasantly different from busy Amsterdam. The canoeing was gentle and relaxing though narrow, wide and open canals between the moss and reed formed islands. Majel is very knowledgeable of the area; the history and the current working climate which benefits the people and the wildlife of the Netherlands. We stopped for a mini tour of one of the islands and she brought out a fantastic feast: cheese, bread, seasonal fruits, apple juice and other healthy nibbles. Very good value for money.

Reviewed by miss2588 / TripAdvisor • November 14, 2014

Dutch Wetlands Canoe Safari from Amsterdam

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Excellent Tour and Friendly Guide!

I took this afternoon tour in May 2019. Henk is welcoming and very knowledgeable. The group size was perfect and the tour is just the right amount of time. It's a great way to learn about Dutch history, culture, and why Amsterdam was a leader in LGBT rights. Henk will tell you about the brave men and women through history who fought (and sometimes died) for their rights and show you the places where important events happened. It's a great tour for all, straight or gay. Be sure to sign up for Henk's LGBT walking tour of Amsterdam!

Reviewed by tejas100 / TripAdvisor • June 04, 2019

LGBT History Tour Amsterdam

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Surprise Engagement Shoot

Hired a Melanie through trip shooter to capture the moment i proposed to my fiance on the first night of our trip to Amsterdam. Melanie went out in advance and came back with a location, time and plan to capture our perfect moment. She picked the perfect spot on a route from our hotel to where we were having dinner so it was still a surprise. She then walked us around a little and suggested some other nice spots to complete our shoot. The photos turned out great!

Reviewed by mwsanford6 / Tripadvisor • November 23, 2018

Private, Professional & Fun Photo Shoot in Amsterdam