Giethoorn, Private Boat Tour & Exploring the North Netherlands

Experience the Charm of Giethoorn and Hasselt: A Detailed Review of the Private Dutch Towns Tour

If you’re looking to get a different perspective on the Netherlands beyond the iconic canals of Amsterdam, this private tour to Giethoorn and Hasselt might just be your next favorite day out. While we haven’t personally done this exact trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itineraries paint a clear picture of what you can expect—a peaceful escape into two of the country’s picturesque riverside towns with personalized guidance.

What really catches our eye is the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenery without the hassle of navigating yourself. Plus, the fact that it’s a private tour means you can customize your experience and explore at your own pace. On the flip side, the price—around $350.50 per person—might seem steep unless you’re truly appreciating the tailored service and exclusive access. So, if you’re someone who loves scenic, less touristy spots with the comfort of a guide, this experience is worth considering.

This tour is especially ideal for travelers craving a relaxed, immersive day outside bustling city life. It’s perfect if you appreciate natural beauty, quaint villages, and stories told by knowledgeable guides. Families with older children or anyone eager to see a side of the Netherlands often missed by quick visits will find it particularly appealing.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Private, tailored experience that offers flexibility and personal attention.
• Scenic boat ride in Giethoorn providing a peaceful way to see the town.
• Two charming towns: Giethoorn’s quiet, car-free streets and Hasselt’s charming cobblestones.
• Knowledgeable guides who share insights and local stories.
• Comfortable transportation included, with pick-up service.
• Excellent reviews highlight the value, scenery, and guide’s expertise.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

The tour kicks off around 10:00 am with a comfortable pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle. From there, it’s about 75 minutes driving from Amsterdam to Giethoorn, one of the Netherlands’ most photographed villages. Marked by its lack of cars and charming waterways, Giethoorn is often called the “Dutch Venice,” though it’s much quieter and easier to explore without boatloads of travelers.

Exploring Giethoorn by Boat

The highlight at Giethoorn is the private boat tour—a true treat. Your guide transforms into your captain aboard a traditional ‘punter’, a flat-bottomed boat designed for shallow waters. This guided boat ride lasts about an hour and offers a tranquil way to take in the iconic thatched roofs, narrow canals, and lush scenery. Reviewers like Sherri appreciated the “peaceful ride” and felt it was a highlight of the day, emphasizing how relaxing the boat experience can be.

After the boat, you’ll take a short walking tour through the village, walking along its cobbled streets, giving you a chance to admire the quaint houses and learn some local stories. This part of the tour, about 3.5 hours total, balances sightseeing with downtime to soak in the idyllic surroundings.

Visiting Hasselt

Post-Giethoorn, your driver guides you to Hasselt, a tiny gem often overlooked. It’s called “Little Amsterdam” because of its charming streets, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere. You’ll spend approximately 1.5 hours wandering Hasselt’s old town, learning about its history, and perhaps stumbling across a local festival or market, as some reviews mention.

Hasselt offers a more traditional Dutch village experience, but with a slightly quieter, more authentic feel compared to larger tourist hubs. It’s perfect if you’re interested in local stories, architecture, and just soaking up the vibe of a less commercialized spot.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The personalized nature of the experience is a big plus. Unlike big group tours, you get the chance to explore at your own pace, with a guide who is there to answer questions and share insights. The reviews are full of praise for guides like Steve, who are not only knowledgeable but also engaging and humorous—adding a personal touch that elevates the whole experience.

The scenery itself is what most travelers rave about. Giethoorn’s canals and thatched roofs are the kind of postcard-perfect views that stay with you. The boat ride, in particular, receives high marks for its peaceful, scenic quality—an antidote to busy city life.

Value-wise, the reviews suggest that visitors feel it’s a worthwhile experience, especially considering the private aspect and the guided storytelling. The tour includes transportation and pick-up, making logistics hassle-free.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While this experience sounds idyllic, it’s worth noting that lunch and dinner are not included, so you’ll want to plan for that separately. Also, the cost per person might be a sticking point for budget travelers, but many reviews suggest it’s justified by the level of comfort, personalization, and quality of the tour.

Some travelers asked about the suitability for children, but since the tour is entirely outdoors and involves walking and boat rides, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers who are comfortable with water and walking.

Weather can also be a factor—if it’s a chilly or rainy day, the boat ride might not be as enjoyable, but your guide will likely have suggestions or options if the weather isn’t ideal.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a relaxing, scenic escape that takes you away from the crowds and into some of the Netherlands’ most enchanting spots, this tour fits the bill. It’s perfect for those who value personalized guidance, love a good story, and want a peaceful boat ride in a picture-perfect village.

However, if your trip budget is tight, or if you prefer more active or city-focused sightseeing, this might not be the best fit. It’s also better suited for travelers who enjoy slow-paced exploration and don’t mind a full day out.

Final Thoughts

This private tour of Giethoorn and Hasselt offers a lovely, relaxed way to see some of the lesser-known Dutch treasures. The combination of a peaceful boat ride, charming villages, and the guidance of knowledgeable locals makes it stand out. Many visitors have praised the guides, especially Steve, for making the day engaging and memorable.

If you’re craving a break from city crowds and want to see authentic, local scenery with the comfort of personalized service, this experience is a strong choice. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but the reviews suggest it’s well worth it if you value quality, intimacy, and a genuine look at Dutch life outside Amsterdam.

Who should consider this tour?

Travelers looking for a calm, scenic day with a private guide, those interested in unique villages and waterways, and anyone who enjoys storytelling and a more personalized experience will love this trip. It’s especially good for those with a flexible schedule who want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

FAQs

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes, starting around 10:00 am with pickup and including driving, sightseeing, and the boat ride.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup, making it easy to reach Giethoorn and Hasselt without worrying about logistics.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a private tour, so you can likely discuss your preferences with your guide, especially the pace and focus of the sightseeing.

Is food included?
No, lunch and dinner are not included. You’ll need to bring snacks or plan to grab something during the day.

What is the best time to book?
Most travelers tend to book about 106 days in advance. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the tour involves walking and boat rides, it’s best for older children or teenagers who are comfortable with water and walking. The quiet, scenic nature makes it less ideal for very young children.

How much does it cost?
The experience costs around $350.50 per person, which covers private transportation, guide, and boat ride. Consider whether this price reflects the personalized service and exclusive access you’re seeking.

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic, and personalized Dutch experience that lets you explore beyond the typical tourist trail, this tour to Giethoorn and Hasselt could be just the thing. It offers a lovely blend of natural beauty, charming towns, and insightful guides that make for a memorable day.