Amsterdam: This Is Holland 5D Flight and Canal Cruise Combo

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and looking for an experience that mixes entertainment with a bit of sightseeing, this “This Is Holland” 5D Flight and Canal Cruise combo might be worth considering. While I haven’t personally done this tour, I’ve gone through the details and reviews to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What stands out most about this experience are the impressive flight simulation that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the Netherlands and the serene canal cruise through Amsterdam’s historic waterways. One thing to keep in mind: the entire experience is quite affordable, especially considering the variety of activities packed into it. It’s a great choice if you want a taste of Dutch culture without spending a fortune.

However, a possible drawback is that the guides on the canal cruise may not always be as engaging or informative as you’d hope, and the cruise location is not the same as the flight experience. This means some planning on your part is needed to coordinate the two parts. This tour seems best suited for travelers who appreciate visual shows and scenic water views, especially if you’re visiting with family or friends who enjoy relaxed sightseeing combined with interactive experiences.

Key Points

• Affordable price for a combination experience, making it accessible for many travelers.
• Engaging 5D flight simulation offers a fun, multi-sensory way to explore the Netherlands.
• Canal cruise provides a tranquil, scenic view of Amsterdam’s historic waterways.
• Multiple language audio guides make it accessible to a wide international audience.
• Timing and logistical details require some attention, especially swapping tickets for the cruise.
• Mixed reviews on the cruise guide’s commentary suggest it’s more about the scenery than storytelling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What This Tour Offers

This combined experience is designed to give you both an immersive flight simulation and a scenic waterway journey. It’s a nice way to see the country from two perspectives—virtually from above, then in person along the iconic canals. For history buffs or those interested in Dutch culture, the flight portion is especially engaging because it includes four shows that detail the country’s people and heritage, with effects like wind, sounds, and smells making it feel as real as possible.

The flight simulation is described as feeling like you are soaring through the Dutch skies, with some reviewers mentioning that it’s so convincing it could be mistaken for a helicopter ride. One reviewer noted: “It was amazing! Truly felt you were in a helicopter,” which gives a good sense of the visual and sensory quality of the experience.

The Flight Experience

The highlight here is the 5D flight simulation over the Netherlands, showcasing its landscapes and landmarks like the Amsterdam Canal Belt and the Dutch countryside. The four shows included in this part give you context about the Dutch way of life, their history, and culture, making it more than just a scenic ride. The effects—wind, sounds, and smells—are designed to heighten the realism, and many reviews praise the quality of this part, describing it as “really amazing” and a surprise in how immersive it is.

The Canal Cruise

Following the flight, you’ll switch gears and hop aboard a comfortable boat to explore Amsterdam’s 17th-century canal ring. This area is what many associate with Amsterdam’s charm—narrow merchant houses, historic bridges, and lively neighborhoods. The GPS audio guide is a handy feature, offering commentary in several languages and helping you understand the landmarks you pass.

Some reviewers, however, mentioned that the guide on the boat was not as informative or engaging as they would have liked, with one noting that the guide “barely spoke English” and that the boat was noisy. It’s worth noting that the cruise’s location isn’t the same as the ticket redemption point for the flight, so some extra planning is necessary.

Detailed Breakdown: What to Expect

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Starting Point & Booking

The experience begins at the Overhoeksplein 51 location, home to This Is Holland. To enjoy the canal cruise, you must visit a separate shop at Damrak 26 upon arrival to swap your ticket for a specific time slot. This means that if you’re doing both on the same day, a little coordination is needed. The entire activity lasts about an hour for the flight simulation, with the cruise typically lasting around an hour as well.

The Flight Simulation Experience

Once inside the This Is Holland venue, you’ll be seated in a flight simulator that projects a 5D experience. The four shows are designed to give you insights into the Dutch landscape, history, and culture through high-quality visuals and sensory effects. Many visitors mention that it feels remarkably real, with some comparing it to a helicopter ride.

You’ll learn about Dutch people and their traditions, possibly including the country’s famous windmills, tulip fields, and cities. Kids and adults alike seem to enjoy this part, especially because it’s as close to flying as most will get without booking a real helicopter tour.

The Canal Cruise

After the flight, your ticket for the canal cruise is redeemed at a different location. The boat takes you through Amsterdam’s historic waterways, giving you a front-row seat to the city’s architecture and lively neighborhoods. The GPS audio guide provides commentary in multiple languages, but some reviews suggest that the quality of narration can vary. One reviewer mentioned that the guide “barely spoke English” and that the boat was quite full and loud, making it hard to hear everything clearly.

The cruise is relaxing, offering plenty of photo opportunities, and provides a different perspective of the city that’s well worth experiencing. The scenery includes charming merchant houses, bridges, and if you’re lucky, some local activity along the canals.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Experience

• Plan your timing carefully: Since the flight and cruise are separate bookings, check your schedules and allocate time for ticket exchanges.
• Bring headphones if you want to hear the audio clearly: The cruise can get noisy and crowded, and some reviewers found it hard to catch all the commentary.
• Coordinate with your group: If traveling with family or friends, consider booking the same time slots for both parts to make logistics smoother.
• Consider the guide’s comments: If you’re curious about detailed explanations during the cruise, be aware that some guides might not be as informative as you’d like.

Is This Tour Worth It?

For $44 per person, this combo offers a lot of value. The flight simulation alone is a standout, giving an overview of the Netherlands that’s both fun and educational. The canal cruise complements this by immersing you in the city’s scenic beauty in a relaxed setting.

Many travelers have praised the quality of the flight experience, calling it “really amazing” and “so convincing,” which makes it ideal for those who want a memorable introduction to Dutch culture. The cruise, while scenic, may vary in guide quality, so if you’re after detailed commentary, you might need to supplement with your own knowledge or tour guide.

If you’re someone who appreciates visual and sensory experiences and enjoys light sightseeing, this tour fits well into a day’s itinerary. It’s also suitable if you’re traveling with family, as most reviews indicate it’s appropriate for a range of ages, though children under 4 aren’t recommended.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour

This “This Is Holland” combo is perfect for travelers who enjoy interactive attractions and scenic waterways. It’s a cost-effective way to see a broad slice of Dutch life, combining entertainment with gentle sightseeing.

If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive introduction to the Netherlands’ landscapes and cityscape, this tour offers a compelling snapshot. It’s especially suited for those who prefer visual storytelling over lengthy guided commentary, and for families or groups who want an engaging, fun activity.

However, if you’re after in-depth historical commentary during your canal cruise or a more personalized guide experience, you might find this tour somewhat limited in that respect. The experience is more about the show and scenery than detailed narration.

FAQ

Q: How long does the entire experience take?
A: The flight simulation lasts about 1 hour, but you should budget extra time for ticket exchanges and the canal cruise, which also typically lasts around an hour.

Q: Do I need to book both parts separately?
A: Yes, the flight simulation is booked through This Is Holland, and the canal cruise requires swapping your voucher at a different shop to reserve your time slot.

Q: Is the guide on the canal cruise included in the experience?
A: The cruise provides a GPS audio guide in multiple languages, but some reviews say the guide’s commentary is limited or hard to hear due to noise and crowding.

Q: Is this experience suitable for children?
A: The tour is not recommended for children under 4 years old or people under 3 ft 3 in (100 cm). It’s also not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

Q: What are the main highlights of this experience?
A: You’ll enjoy the immersive 5D flight simulation over the Netherlands, learning about the country’s culture and history, and a scenic canal cruise through Amsterdam’s historic waterways.

Q: How do I know if the timing works for me?
A: Check the availability for the flight simulation first, then visit the shop at Damrak 26 upon arrival in Amsterdam to reserve your cruise slot. This coordination is key to making the most of your day.

This combo offers a well-rounded, accessible way to explore Amsterdam and the Netherlands, especially if you’re after a mix of entertainment and scenic sightseeing. It’s flexible, affordable, and generally well-reviewed—just keep in mind the logistical details so you can enjoy it without surprises.

You can check availability for your dates here: