Private tour in Amsterdam Ian W

Taste Award-Winning Chocolates & Uncover the Stories of the old city center of Amsterdam

5.0

(1) review

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Hours icon 1 hour
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
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1

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Start time
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Hours icon 1 hour
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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

188

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 us for a unique chocolate tasting and storytelling experience in the heart of Amsterdam! As passionate Tours by Locals guides, we (my wife and I) reveal the journey of cacao and the city's rich history. In our boutique shop along Amsterdam’s oldest canal, discover how the first cacao beans arrived in the 17th century and how Dutch merchants shaped the global trade, turning Amsterdam into the largest cacao harbor in the world. More than history, this is a sensory experience! Taste chocolates from Ecuador to Congo, each with its own story of craftsmanship and ethical sourcing. In 2022 our tasting (and tour) was placed on nr. 1 as best (virtual) experience in the world by The Guardian Newspaper. Our shop is a must-visit for chocolate lovers and history enthusiasts. Whether hosted by my wife or me, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for chocolate and the city’s past.

Your Amsterdam tour itinerary

Your Amsterdam Tour Itinerary: Step back in time to the 17th century and discover how the first cacao arrived in Amsterdam Learn how Amsterdam became the world's largest cacao harbor and its lasting impact on the chocolate industry Taste Single Origin dark chocolates, experiencing the diverse flavors shaped by different regions Indulge in award winning milk & white chocolates, each with its own unique story End with a handmade bonbon, crafted with passion in our boutique shop This isn’t just a chocolate tasting; it’s a journey through time, flavor, and culture. Let us take you on an experience where every bite tells a story.

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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Other

There is simple seating in the store (stools).

What's included
Private Guide
Food Drinks Snacks
What's not included
Other: Please note: NO TOILET available
Meeting location

94 Oudezijds Voorburgwal, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, 1012 GH, Netherlands

Our shop, at the oldest canal of Amsterdam. Oudezijds Voorburgwal 94.

Other details
Tour categories
History
Food And Drink
Art And Culture
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
422028
Languages
Dutch
English
Activity level
Minimal
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Amsterdam

1 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Amsterdam best suited for?

This private tour in Amsterdam is perfect for chocolate lovers and history enthusiasts. It's a unique experience that combines the rich history of Amsterdam with the sensory delight of tasting award-winning chocolates. Whether you're passionate about the stories behind cacao or simply enjoy indulging in fine chocolates, this tour offers something special for everyone.

What should I bring or wear?

Where does the tour start and end?

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 1 hour
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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 1 hour
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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
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