Dutch heritage tours
Visit the famous and not so famous sites that make the Netherlands such a unique place.
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There are more bikes than people, houses lean forward on purpose and in the west of the country we live below sea level.
It's a small country and besides Amsterdam there is a lot to see and discover.
A DIVERSE COUNTRY WITH A UNIQUE CULTURE AND HISTORY
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Away from the crowds
The Netherlands is known to many visitors for its windmills, cheese and tulips, and millions of tourists come to see them every year. But once you step off the beaten path, you will discover a country full of history, innovation, unique landscapes and a remarkable willingness to enjoy life.
Amsterdam and much of the surrounding area lie below sea level, and water management is visible everywhere. It has shaped the culture of Holland for centuries. Travel further east or south, however, and you will find very different landscapes and stories stretching back thousands of years.
Most destinations can be explored on a day trip from Amsterdam. And if you join me on one of my walking tours in Amsterdam itself, I will make sure you survive the city's famously fearless cyclists.
No extra charge.
You can book some tours directly through the links below
Secrets of Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam’s surprising centre on a tour that uncovers hidden courtyards, secret alleys and lesser-known landmarks. Hear stories about the city’s history, myths and architecture.
You will be surprised!
Discover the city of Rembrandt
Discover Amsterdam through the eyes of Rembrandt.
See where he lived, worked, bought materials and painted.
You will learn something about tulips too.
A full day in Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam through the eyes of a local on a full-day private walking tour. We focus on general city history, Jewish history and WWII, shopping or a mix.
Away from the crowds you will see the city like no-one else.
Alkmaar, home of cheese and mills
Explore the picturesque town of Alkmaar and learn stories from the Dutch Golden Age, the town’s role in battles against the Spanish, and other local history.
On Fridays you can see the traditional cheese market.
SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO
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Your own tour
Kinderdijk and the Zaanse Schans are famous for the windmills and quaint Dutch culture, but if you want to avoid the tourist traps I can take you to the real places. North of Amsterdam there are tiny villages, old polders with the original windmills and market towns where people do their shopping for hundreds of years.
Between mid March and May the endless flower fields are breath-taking, with the backdrop of the typical Dutch landscape with water everywhere.
This is my home and I can't wait to show you around!
And there is more. In Zeeland we can visit the famous water defences, or we take a few days and explore some of Belgium as well. All the way in the south the unique culture of Zuid-Limburg is almost a must see if you want to understand and experience the nature of Europe.
Get in touch, and we can create a journey you can't find elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some of the questions my guests ask me before or during our time together.
What is a Dutch Heritage Journey?
Dutch Heritage Journeys explore the stories, landscapes and traditions that shaped the Netherlands. From historic cities and windmills to water management, trade, innovation and local culture, these journeys go beyond the usual tourist highlights and focus on what makes the Netherlands unique.
Can I create a completely customised tour?
Absolutely. Every Dutch Heritage Journey can be tailored to your interests. Whether you are fascinated by the Dutch Golden Age, engineering, architecture, rural villages, art, local traditions or simply want to explore places away from the crowds, I will design a journey around what interests you most.
Do I need to be interested in history to enjoy these tours?
Not at all. History is often the starting point, but these journeys are really about understanding the Netherlands and its people. We can focus on culture, landscapes, food, architecture, innovation or daily life as much as on historical events.
Can we visit places outside Amsterdam?
Definitely. Some of the most interesting places in the Netherlands are found beyond Amsterdam. Depending on your interests, we might visit historic towns, coastal regions, water management projects, castles, villages or lesser-known cities that most visitors never discover.
How much can we see in one day?
More than you might think. The Netherlands is a relatively small country, making it possible to visit several locations in a single day. Most Dutch Heritage Journeys can be comfortably enjoyed as a day trip from Amsterdam, while longer journeys allow us to explore even further.
Not so
Frequently Asked Question
Why do you never see a Dutch restaurant abroad?
There is a reason for that. ;-)
But we are famous for our apple pies, pancakes, bitterballen and if you go to Limburg, for our Vlaai. Enjoy!
p.s.
Don't forget the stroopwafel
