The Netherlands · WINE TOURS
Good wine tastings fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Spend an hour on Amsterdam’s covered, fully electric canal boat with a local skipper and English-speaking hostess. Expect live stories as you pass the Skinny Bridge, Golden Bend, Anne Frank House, Old Harbor, and Jordaan. Add unlimited Dutch cheese, wine, beer, and soft drinks for a sociable ride.
“The hosts were fun and knowledgable. I’d happily pay to go again”
Cruise Amsterdam’s UNESCO canals after dark with Blue Boat Company, passing the Skinny Bridge, Rijksmuseum, Central Station, and Amstel Hotel. Expect a covered, heated boat, multilingual audio commentary, and an optional snack box with wine, beer, or soft drink.
“Big thank you to our captain Peter, his introduction was hilarious and was a great guide. I would recommend this tour as it really is a beautiful city at night when it's all lit up.”
Join Stromma Netherlands at Damrak Pier 5 for a 75-minute evening cruise through Amsterdam’s Canal Belt. Enjoy Dutch cheese, snacks, and unlimited wine, beer, or soft drinks while your captain and English-speaking host point out canal houses, the Magere Brug, Anne Frank House, and houseboats.
“The wine and cheese was amazing! The tour guide was entertaining and the entire crew was super nice. Loved it!”
Meet at the LOVERS café by Amsterdam Central Station for a 1.5-hour evening cruise through the Canal Belt. Sip wine or mineral water, share Dutch cheeses and charcuterie, listen to music, and hear city facts from the captain as illuminated bridges and Golden Age houses pass by.
“It was a lovely cruise with good wine and great cheese.”
Settle into a glass-enclosed boat at Damrak 16 for a 75-minute evening ride through Amsterdam’s lit canals. You’ll have Dutch cheese, crackers, wine, beer, and soft drinks, with attentive service and occasional city commentary. It is adults-only, relaxed, and best for atmosphere rather than a full history lesson.
“Although the drinks were topped up regulary, there was one tiny board with cubes of cheese and 4 little crackers, there were no nuts and other snacks as it said in the itenary and was not replenished so eat before you go. The cruise was late going and we didn't get an hour and a half as stated and no information about Amsterdam hardly on the trip. All in all, was quite disappointed if I'm being honest.”
Cruise Amsterdam after dark with Blue Boat Company for 90 minutes, passing lit bridges, canal houses, Westerkerk, Central Station, the IJ, Amstel River, and Skinny Bridge. Choose the basic ride, a snack and soft drink, or a wine and cheese box. Audio commentary is available in many languages.
“This was a really lovely experience. Travelling through the canals with a guide and the wine and cheese box was something memorable. Highly recommend.”
Meet at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store for a 45-minute English tasting led by hosts such as Aris or Rik. Sample five Gouda cheeses, including Old Amsterdam, with red, white, and port wines, then use your 20% shop discount to take favorites home.
“Our guide Ares was fantastic, enthusiastic and generous with the wine. Discount on the store afterwards so well worth it.”
Cruise central Amsterdam on a quiet electric boat with a welcome cocktail, unlimited gin and tonics, wine, beer, soft drinks, and canal-side stories. The covered boat carries a small group, with hosts such as Max, Lena, Diarmaid, Sven, and Nina praised for warm service. Dutch cheese is advertised, but availability can vary.
“Amazing time! It was a rainy day but yet the boat ride was still so much fun! The bartender and captain did a great job with giving facts about Amsterdam and also keeping our drinks filled!”
Board a glass-enclosed Lovers Canal Cruises boat near Central Station for a 90-minute evening ride with Dutch cheeses, bread, and a choice of wine. Expect shared tables, live onboard commentary that may be brief, and views of the Golden Bend, Magere Brug, Amstel, and Oosterdok.
“This was a great evening. Our wait staff, Bo was attentive, professional and fun! The cheeses were tasty; the wine selection decent and free flowing 😆. Our boat had a short electrical issue which just meant we got to spend more time with Bo and have a couple more drinks, so all good. Comfortable, classy way to see some of beautiful Amsterdam.”
Cruise Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht, Amstel, canal ring, and central waterways for about an hour on a traditional wooden boat. Your host serves wine, beer, soft drinks, and cheese while guiding you in English. Guides such as Dean, Kevin, Sam, and Juliet have led these departures, though service can vary.
“1. It was great the young that told the stories and served us did a wonderful job pulling everyone in.”
Cruise Amsterdam’s canals for about 40 to 45 minutes with an English-speaking guide, passing De Wallen, the Rembrandt House, Oude Kerk, and Skinny Bridge. The boat holds up to 20 people. An open bar of beer, wine, and soft drinks is offered for an extra charge paid on board.
“We waited 30mins, the boat didn't turn up and we were unable to communicate with the tour operator. Useless and a waste of time.”
At the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store on Damrak, a cheese expert guides you through five award-winning 2024 cheeses with selected white, red, and Port wines. Expect Dutch cheese-making stories, pairing tips, cutlery, and time to shop afterward. Sessions are in English and last about 55 minutes.
“What an amazing experience! Cheeses and wines were excellent choices. Goat and cow cheeses from 4-18 months were delicious.”
Spend about an hour aboard a classic, covered salonboat with Captain Jack Amsterdam. Guides such as Faried, Fran, Dara, Jeroen, and Maxim have led trips with history, local stories, Dutch Gouda, and drinks. The cruise starts and ends at Westermarkt near the Anne Frank House.
“Our hosts were really funny and gave us such a great tour of the canals in inner Amsterdam. The drinks and cheese plates were a big plus, the seats were extra comfy, plenty of room to stand/sit and move around the boat, and was covered with clear windows so we can see outside without getting bogged down by rain/wind.”
Meet beside Amsterdam’s Tuschinski Theater for a one-hour Henri Willig tasting led by a live host. Try 10 Gouda cheeses, dips, mustard, and two drinks chosen from beer, wine, port, or juice, then use your 10% shop discount to take Dutch cheese home.
“Super fun tour and generous portions, yummy cheese, port and beer. I highly recommend whether you’re traveling with friends, family or solo.”
Spend one evening hour on Groningen’s canals with an English-speaking guide, wine, and a cheese platter. You’ll pass Central Station, Hoge en Lage der Aa, and the houseboats of Noorderhaven. Guides such as Huib and Jelle bring local stories, while the small group keeps the ride calm and personal.
“Het was een erg leuke rondvaart. De gids vertelde vol passie over de stad Groningen en wij vonden het erg leuk en leerzaam! De kaas en wijn was ook top! Wij zouden het zeker aanraden en wij willen Jelle enorm bedanken voor deze leuke ervaring!”
Pick a boat, a windmill or a gallery.
