Art | Architecture | History
Golden Age Half Day Tour
Half day tour: Rijksmuseum, Canal Ring, Royal Palace
★★★★★ 5/5
Description
During the 1600s Amsterdam was the centre of world trade, art and the sciences. How did the city gain this position? Which role did the Royal Palace play during the era of the Dutch Republic? Revive this so-called ‘Golden Age’ with a private guide.
On this half day tour we visit the two greatest museums dedicated to the 1600s and stroll along the UNESCO world heritage listed Canal Ring. You will recognize the architectural differences of the merchants houses and get to know their illustrious dwellers.
Hidden in plain sight lies the monumental Royal Palace on the Dam, with its rough history and splendour. Get to know the secrets and the stories behind its architecture.
Highlights
- The Dutch Masters in the Rijksmuseum
Have the stories behind Johannes Vermeer’s still Milkmaid, Jan Steen’s messy households, Albert Cuyp’s lush landscapes, Rembrandt’s mysterieus portraits
- A crash course on the history of the Dutch Republic in the 1600s
Meet the Netherlands’ key players of the Golden Age like Prince William of Orange, Admiral Michiel de Ruyter and Johan de Witt
Canal Ring Architecture
Walk along the UNESCO listed Amsterdam Canal Ring and let a private guide give you the details on building and living in the 17th century
- Visit to the Royal Palace
A private guided tour inside the Royal Palace. This monumental building is the crown on the Amsterdam civic power of the 1600s
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TripAdvisor Read More
We enjoyed a great tour with Edgar on the Amsterdam Canals.
TripAdvisor Read More
Exploring the canals of Amsterdam on foot with Tijs was the highlight of my visit to the city
Practical
Starting point
We meet inside the museum, in front of the museum shop (on request we can start with the Royal Palace on the Dam)
Duration
Duration: 4 hours / Distance: About 3,5 km
Opening hours Rijksmuseum: All week 9am - 5pm Opening hours Royal Palace: All week 10am - 5pm (under reserve, as the palace is sometimes closed for special ocassions)
Included
- Entrance tickets to the Rijksmuseum and the Royal Palace and a drink afterwards or halfway
Combine with...
Flexible as we are, you can combine this tour with:
- Canal Ring Architecture
- World War II
- Medieval Amsterdam
- Walk & Cruise
- Financial History
- Rembrandt Walk
- Jewish District
- Sixties
Pricing
Tailored tours, tailored offers
Our private tours are tailor made. Do you prefer a hotel pick up? A mix of tours? A more extended program? We are here to make your Amsterdam visit a great experience.
Contact us to receive a tailor made offer:
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Walk along the UNESCO listed Amsterdam canal ring with a private guide. Have a deeper insight on architecture and historical context of this marvellous urban landscape.
Rembrandt Walk
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What others say about us
- Merle K
Tijs was amazing. His knowledge is outstanding and the tour was fun, interesting and informative. We would definitely recommend him to anyone needing a tour guide in Amsterdam. He tailor... read more 
8/30/2019Nancy L Gerben Post is an outstanding and knowledgeable tour guide. He provided a moving experience about a topic that is difficult and painful. His ability to provide important and... read more
7/29/2019jansmonkie Tijs is a fantastic, energetic and fun guide. Our group consisted of 30 international guests. They loved the walk through Amsterdam guided by Tijs. Defenitelly can recomment Historical Amsterdam Tours!
5/15/2019 - stellacasella Amazing experience! Tijs took us through the history, like coming back in the past. Walking in the streets, listening at his storytelling was an incredible experience. Such a passionate guide!... read more
5/11/2019eugenma I've been in the Tijs's "Amsterdam Jewish in WW2" tour. I live in Amsterdam for quite some time and was walking near these spots without knowing so many tears... read more
5/11/2019 Tijs gave us a wonderful tour of Amsterdam focused on literary history. He showed us where several main Dutch Authors lived, took us to sites that inspired writers and even... read more 
Joyce S
4/04/2019 - Living in Amsterdam I read quite a bit about its history. However, during the history of expats tour Tijs knew how to surpise me with interesting details I didn't know... read more
suusjeaussie1979
4/01/2019 Maarten was our tour guide. Very punctual, friendly and informative. Booked for my partner who is a finance professional and he loved it. Other positives: well structured and researched; happy... read more 
Sightseer778726
1/06/2019 Tijs gave my family a great tour of the Jewish Quarter in Amsterdam. He was organized, entertaining, informative. It was exactly what we were hoping - educational and a... read more 
MKRBethesda
1/03/2019 - On our first trip to Amsterdam together, my husband and I wanted to get a city tour and make the most of our relatively short time here. Historical Amsterdam... read more
EdSamDC
11/24/2018 My family of 5 adults never has more than a long weekend to explore the cities of Europe and Tijs truly surpassed our expectations, This knowledgable, fun and experienced guide... read more 
NJL
8/26/2018 All communication before the tour was prompt and friendly. Tijs was waiting exactly where he was supposed to be, and we did a walking tour which covered the Golden... read more 
Lovetotravel7559
7/25/2018 - Edgar was our tour guide and met us at Centraal Station. We were guided around the city for the next two hours and it was delivered in perfect English. You... read more
Peter B
7/11/2018 I was looking for personal tour guides for our trip on Amsterdam. I read about Edmund and Tijs on the web and started an email dialogue to create an itinerary... read more 
Bob D
5/10/2018 Exploring the canals of Amsterdam on foot with Tijs as the tour guide was one of the highlights of my first visit to the city. Tijs not only has thorough... read more 
EC8531
3/22/2018