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Private tour in Amsterdam Ivar L
Old Amsterdam Noord & the farming and fishing villages beyond: A picturesque getaway
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3 hours
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3 hours
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Ivar L.
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Hello hello, my name is Ivar. By trade, I’m a writer, researcher, and filmmaker. My work as a researcher for a crime drama series (WIP) has taken me deep into Amsterdam’s past, from its countercultural heyday in the ‘60s and ‘70s to the rise of its underworld up until the ‘90s. I’ve spent time interviewing old hippies, former police officers, some legendary criminals and longtime locals to piece together a perspective on Amsterdam that most visitors never hear. While Amsterdam is where I call home now, I have roots in Rotterdam where my father's side of the family comes from and where I did my university studies. Both cities I know intimately. As you'll find out, I'm not so shy. I love meeting people, exchanging stories, and sharing insights that shift perspectives. If I'm not in the Netherlands, I'm usually off exploring places like Mexico, The Philippines, Georgia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Ghana and even Transnistria -- to name a few. I know that the best experiences happen away from the usual tourist spots. The most rewarding moments come from seeing a place through the eyes of someone who truly knows it and doesn't sugarcoat it. That’s the kind of tour I aim to offer. Not just facts, but the full story: the good, the bad, and the unexpected. If you’re looking for a local who can give you a real sense of what life is like in the Netherlands, I’d love to show you around and bring you to the spots you would probably find so quickly. I'm a photographer too, so I'll bring my camera along the tour and snap some pics for you, which I'll be happy to share. My style of tours is flexible. Want to stop to shop? Be my guest. Fancy a drink? I'll toast to that. Feel like taking a break and enjoying some music? The pleasure is all mine. Along the way, I'm sure I can give you a whole lot of fascinating information that'll change the way you see Amsterdam.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Ivar L.
Let's get out of Amsterdam's bustling city center and enjoy the beauty of Dutch provincial life just beyond the city limits.
Overview of your Amsterdam tour
Amsterdam is great, but it's also a hectic touristic circus. In this tour, let me take you for a ride through the beautiful farmlands and fishing villages just beyond the city. We'll pass through Amsterdam Noord to towns such as Ransdorp, Durgerdam, Marken, and Monnickendam. These are the same areas where our famous artists painted the dramatic skies and scenes of Dutch provincial life. This tour is especially picturesque. With me as your private chauffeur and guide, we'll drive through historic Amsterdam Noord and make our way to the iconic fishing village of Monnickendam: a local favorite with great cuisine, taverns, and photo opportunities. We can stop on one of the farms to enjoy some fresh ice cream made on the spot, or enjoy other delicacies. We can even pass by the clog-making factory in Marken. Expect beautiful gardens, old cafés, local markets, nature reserves, old provincial architecture, and curious historical tales. Note: I offer a 4-hour version of this tour as well.
Your Amsterdam tour itinerary
1. Private pickup 2. We’ll start with historic Nieuwendam neighbourhood of Noord. It used to be its own village, but now is part of the city. Here we can enjoy the old architecture, the harbor with its shipbuilding past, local gardens, and more (as featured in NY Times) 3. Drive through the farmlands of Amsterdam Noord to pass through tiny fishing and farming villages such as Durgerdam, Ransdorp, and the famous Monnickendam. Here you say the REAL Dutch landscape and lifestyle. 4. In Monnickendam we’ll park the car and take a stroll through its historic centre. If hungry, this is a good place to grab a bite — especially fish! Very picturesque. 5. On the way back we’ll stop by a farm to taste the best local ice cream around, served in the most peculiar ways. Additional options include: a. Visiting the clog-making factory of the town Marken. b. Stopping in the famous Volendam (additional fee included as this is further away). c. Amsterdam Noord Musuem.
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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: Private Transportation / Category: Sedan
Nissan Note Sedan 5-seater 2014 or Volkswagen Polo 5-seater 2003 (old but gold, a beauty!)
What's included
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Meeting location
DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station, Oosterdoksstraat, Amsterdam, Netherlands
I can meet you in front of your hotel
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
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English
Dutch
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3 hours
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3 hours
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.