Rijksmuseum & Amsterdam City Center Semi-Private Tour 12ppl Max

Split the day between the canals and cobblestones of the city’s historic center and the masterpieces hanging in the Rijksmuseum. The tour will begin at the Rijksmuseum, Holland’s version of the Louvre, and learn about the highlights of its 8000 or so objects on display, including works by iconic Dutch artists like Rembrandt. This tour will introduce first-time visitors to the impressive and expansive collection that curates Dutch history over the centuries. For those who aren’t familiar with Dutch culture, you will explore its rich and vibrant past through a selection of paintings and artifacts from the 8000 objects on display. We’ll explore familiar names like Rembrandt while discussing lesser known items like 17th century dollhouses and Vermeer’s portrait of domesticity, “The Milkmaid.” There’s even a fascinating 19th century library containing more stories than we could ever tell. By the end, you’ll have a good overview of the museum’s collection and you may even know how to pronounce its name correctly. Then after a break for lunch, The historical walk will introduce you to this capital city, known for its openness and vice as much as for its charming bridges and leaning houses. Wander the canals and get your bearings as you learn about the medieval gate and Amstel River that helped shape Amsterdam.

Starting at our designated meeting point of St Nicholas’ Basilica, we will firstly discuss the history of the city’s primary Roman Catholic Church. Built at the end of the 19th century at a time when Roman Catholics could once again profess their faith in public after three centuries of prohibition, the building is a blend of different architectural styles and artistic movements.

We will then make our way towards the Schreierstoren, often known as the Tower of Tears or Weeper’s Tower. Originally part of the medieval city wall of Amsterdam, this tower is mainly known for the belief that women wept there for their husbands who would leave from the port to go to war or to fish.

We will then walk through an area known to be the Chinatown of Amsterdam. Zeedijk is a street in the old centre of Amsterdam and consists of a number of Asian markets, restaurants and shops, as well as the Zeedijk Buddhist temple, known to be the largest Chinese style Buddhist temple in Europe.

From here, we will make our way to the lively nightspot and market square, Nieuwmarkt which is found in the old city centre. This spot has been a centre for commerce and socialising in Amsterdam since the 17th century as the square’s location just inside the old city gate made it a convenient spot for traders and shoppers looking for fresh produce.

During our time at Nieuwmarkt, we will also see what is known as “De Waag”, a 15th century building that is one of Amsterdam’s oldest remaining non-religious buildings. Originally a city gate and part of the walls of Amsterdam, the building has also served as a guildhall, museum and firestation, among other things.

Moving on, we will see both the Trippenhuis & Klein Trippenhuis. While the Trippenhuis is Amsterdam’s widest home, spanning an enormous 22m, the Klein Trippenhuis is one of Amsterdam’s narrowest houses located right across from the Trippenhuis.

Step into the courtyard of the Dutch East India Company’s headquarters, the birthplace of the world’s first multinational corporation.

Marvel at one of the narrowest houses in Amsterdam, a reminder of how high land taxes once encouraged tall, narrow architecture

Amsterdam’s first purpose-built Protestant church, designed by Hendrick de Keyser. Its elegant tower is one of the city’s defining landmarks.

Next we will pass by Rembrandt’s house, a historical building and art museum in which the Painter Rembrandt lived and worked between 1639 and 1656. The collection of the museum contains Rembrandt’s etchings and paintings of his contemporaries.

Following, we will go to what is known as the Stopera, a building complex housing both the city hall and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet. The construction of this building was at least 60 years in the making.

A rare 17th-century canal house located at the junction of three canals, with façades facing in three directions.

Following, we will see one of the oldest hofjes, or almshouses in Amsterdam, Begijnhof. It consists of a group of houses built around a secluded courtyard and garden, known to have provided homes for the Beguines – a group of unmarried women who lived together under vows of chastity. Today it is also the site of two churches.

One of the tour’s last stop includes the Dam Square. Its notable buildings and frequent events make it one of the most well-known locations in the city, as it includes the Royal Place, New Church and National Monument.

Admire the “Golden Bend” of the Herengracht, lined with the city’s richest and most ornate canal mansions from the Dutch Golden Age

Pause outside the Anne Frank House, where the young diarist hid during WWII. Next door rises the Westerkerk, with the tallest church tower in Amsterdam.

Look up to spot quirky gable stones, carved with allegories and trade emblems, decorating some of the city’s most ornate façades.

Discover the largest hofje in Amsterdam, once built as almshouses around a tranquil courtyard for the city’s poor and elderly.

A 17th-century Protestant church built for the Jordaan district. Its unusual cross-shaped floor plan reflects the new ideals of Reformation worship.

End at one of the city’s prettiest canal corners. Visit Het Papeneiland, a brown café from 1642, said to serve the best apple pie in town.