Private tour in Amsterdam Ian W

Amsterdam Jewish Heritage and second world war

4.9

(34) reviews

-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Ian W.

5.0

Guide rating

189

Reviews

Tours delivered

5 hrs

Avg. response time

I was born in Amsterdam and give tours/work in tourism since I was 17 . When I was young I started working as an actor, after which I travelled and worked in several countries. During my travels I've worked as a tour guide in Brasil, Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands. Making people enthusiastic about my town is one of my specialties. Every tour is an adventure, with 100% customer satisfaction. Over the years I have given tours and made custom programs for budget travellers , students, families, businesses and some of the most famous and influential people on the planet. I love to connect with travellers from all walks of a life. - MY SPECIALTY I specialize in giving private tours in the old city center of Amsterdam (the Red Light District) and tours about the second world war and Jewish heritage in Amsterdam. - OLD CITY CENTER & RED LIGHT DISTRICT The Red Light District is one of the most diverse and tolerant neighborhoods in the world, but it has a bad reputation. It somehow became my mission to show visitors the many beautiful sides of the oldest part of Amsterdam. This area has some of the best restaurants, bars, tasting rooms, museums, stores and nightlife of Amsterdam. - 5 STAR PRIVATE TOUR GUIDE I am a really well known 5* tour guide in the area, no tour is the same. Sometimes locals invite us inside, or we have a small cheese/chocolate tasting, or other adventure. It all depends on the wishes of the group. I mastered the talent of being able to adapt to the wishes of my groups. - ROOTS IN THE AREA My grandfather used to own one of the first bars in the old city center for black sailors. I love telling stories about multicultural Amsterdam (most multicultural city in the world and safest in Europe!), the 17th century, Red Light district as the old harbor area, second world war, tolerance towards religion, the Dutch soft drugs policy, prostitution and current changes in the neighborhood. - STORE OWNER Together with my wife (who is also a toursbylocals guide) I own a chocolate speciality shop at the oldest canal of Amsterdam. We can visit my chocolate shop during my tour. - SOME MORE ABOUT ME In Brasil I've worked with an indigenous tribe called the Pataxó, with my foundation Terra Nossa. Together we set up a lot of social, cultural and environmental programs, including a large reforestation project, which after 14 years is still run by the Pataxó tribe. My wife and me are co founders of the largest business investmentzone of the Netherlands, in the old city center of Amsterdam. We are involved in a lot of (creative and green) projects that benefit the area. -Certified Tour guide Amsterdam -Former relief worker travellers in need -Tour guide & host trainer -Tour developer -Destination developer -Local agent/destination manager - I don't guide in museums - I don't own a car but if necessary can arrange transfer. Do notice: public transport is pretty good arranged in Holland and usually cheaper.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Ian W.

Overview of your Amsterdam tour

Join me for a memorable and personal journey through Amsterdam's history and resilience. Explore Amsterdam's rich history and Jewish heritage. During this tour we will walk through the old city center and the Jewish cultural quarter, we'll discover tales of the past intertwined with Jewish culture. Hear stories of bravery during WWII, including a stop at a bar where Jewish people found refuge. In the Jewish Quarter, learn about my own family's journey and why and how the Jewish neighbourhood disappeared. During my tour we will visit several monuments and will pass by the Portuguese synagogue (please note: we don't enter during the tour). After my tour you can conclude with an optional visit to the Portuguese Synagogue , Holocaust or Jewish Museum (entry not included).

Your Amsterdam tour itinerary

We begin in the Old City Center, where you’ll hear how the first Jewish people arrived in the Netherlands. Where they came from, how they settled, and what their earliest experiences were like. Discover how Jewish communities from Amsterdam later spread across the globe, carrying their traditions and stories with them. Visit a remarkable hidden location where Jewish families – and weapons of the resistance – were concealed during WWII. Pass the Rembrandt House and continue to the former Jewish market. Walk past Amsterdam’s City Hall, and uncover the dark history behind its construction: how it rose on the ruins of Jewish homes. Learn about famous Jewish figures from Amsterdam, and understand how the Holocaust unfolded here. Explore the Jewish Cultural Quarter, and see how it was reshaped after the war. Pause for reflection at the moving Holocaust Name Monument. End the tour at either the Jewish Historical Museum or the Portuguese Synagogue (entry not included).

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking Tour with a pretty high activity level. Not wheelchair friendly, and unfortunately not for bad walkers.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Tickets: Museum tickets are not included.
Meeting location

Beursplein, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, 1012 JW, Netherlands

In front of Beursplein 5. I will be standing at the statue of the Wallstreet Bull, which is in front of the Amsterdam stock exchange.

Other details
Tour categories
History
City Highlights
Religious Sites
Tour reference number
198504
Languages
Dutch
English
Activity level
High
4.9

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Amsterdam

34 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Amsterdam best suited for?

This private tour in Amsterdam is ideal for travellers interested in Jewish heritage and World War II history. It's perfect for those who want to connect with a local guide, Ian W., who has Jewish roots dating back 400 years in Amsterdam. The tour offers a personal journey through the city's history and resilience, making it suitable for history enthusiasts and those looking to explore cultural narratives.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Amsterdam be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Explore more of Amsterdam
Highlights of Amsterdam Private Walking Tour2027 Keukenhof, Windmills, Cheese & Clogs, Full day Private TourAmsterdam First Time Visitor Private TourKeukenhof & Flowerfields, Old Dutch Towns and Countryside Private TourKeukenhof 2027 - Customized Private TourRijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam tour with your own art historian, TBL's no 1 guide in the NetherlandsGrand Holland Tour from Amsterdam by vanAmsterdam Highlights Private TourAmsterdam and Surroundings Private TourAmsterdam from the water: private canal boat tourAmsterdam Highlights Private TourAmsterdam and Countryside by vanZaanse Schans; Holland Best Windmills Half Day Private TourJewish Amsterdam: Heritage, Persecution & Anne Frank TourPrivate walking tour AmsterdamPrivate grand tour Amsterdam with museumHalf day tour, Zaanse Schans, Windmills tour, Clog, cheeses, traditional villageFull Day Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum tourHolland HighlightsThe hidden treasures of the Dutch Countryside, private tour, exclusive and customized excursionsPrivate walk setting you up for succes in AmsterdamA taste of Amsterdam! Four exquisite hours, including a private canal cruise on an antique salon boat.Amsterdam Highlights Private TourKeukenhof 2027 and the flower fields by vanRijksmuseum Highlights - Private Tour in AmsterdamBest of RijksmuseumAmsterdam Beyond the Postcards - Private Walking TourHighlights of AmsterdamPrivate Tour of the Flower Gardens and Fields with Optional Extras!Amsterdam Highlights Private TourDay trip to Keukenhof gardens and Tulip fields till 05/05/25See the best of Amsterdam: the glorious Canal Ring and the charming Jordaan District, Private Tour with a Certified GuideAmsterdam: A full and relaxing Day with a packed program and your private local guideGiethoorn fairytale village Day Private Tour n' Private Canal rideTulips Tour Keukenhof and Private Tulip Fields - Skip the LineDay trip to Delft & The HagueCanal tour Amsterdam and two museums of your choice with your own art historian, TBL's no 1 guide in the NetherlandsHidden Treasures: Amsterdam Half Day Private Walking TourSchiphol Airport Shuttle Tour to Rotterdam New! Amsterdam's Best Highlights & Private Boat Tour