Most of Rotterdam's medieval buildings were reduced to rubble during WWII, leaving its citizens free to create a utopian urban space that celebrates the best of modern Dutch architecture. Take a private Rotterdam shore excursion with a local guide to see the best this thriving city has to offer.

If you're not afraid of heights, take the elevator up to the top of Euromast, a 185m glass-walled tower offering a 360 degree view of the city below. You may wish to visit a couple of Rotterdam's fine museums for a glimpse of the city's pre-war history. Definitely put aside some time for the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, which houses one of the continent's finest collections of Dutch and European art. Just 8 miles from Rotterdam lies the beautiful town of Delft, famous for its traditional blue pottery and charming canals.

Your guide is happy to customize a private Rotterdam shore excursion that reflects your unique interests in this lively Dutch city - and Amsterdam's feistiest rival!

Rotterdam

Rotterdam has risen to world fame because of its modern architecture. The last few decades Rotterdam has seen the realisation of a number of beautiful, impressive or striking buildings, that deservedly draw the attention of experts and tourists alike. Admire cutting edge and spectacular sky scraping buildings, apartment blocks, offices and public buildings that shape the city and its skyline. You will learn more about the buildings, styles and backgrounds and features of the buildings. This way you will get an complete picture of the development of recent Rotterdam, Dutch and global architecture. In addition to Dutch architects like Kristiaanse, Neutelings&Riedijk, Benthem & Crouwel, Houben, MVRDV and Rotterdam born yet world famous Rem Koolhaas, some internationally acclaimed names like Foster, Piano, Jahn, Alsop and Siza have made their mark on the Rotterdam scene.

Explore Rotterdam's famous modern architecture that shapes the city and its skyline (3hr walk)

Rotterdam Archtitecture Private Walking tour

With my background in urban planning and landscape architecture and as author of the handbook 'Great Public Places', I'll be happy to show you around and answer all your Amsterdam architecture questions.

We will make an easy bike tour from the UNESCO canal district (17-19th century) and residential areas (20th century) to modern architecture (21st century).

Along the tour I'll show you a myriad of buildings (from old church to new mosque), environments (functional urban design, parks and allotment garden) and much more.

For lunch I like to suggest a restaurant with a fantastic view over the entire city.

Amsterdam newest neighborhood: Houthavens

The oldest part of Amsterdam, around the Old Church

View over the river IJ on the new Court of Justice

From the historic center to the newest neighbourhood with private guide

Architecture Tour by Bike

Dutch Waterworks Private tour (From Amsterdam- The Netherlands North)

The Dutch are famous for their waterworks. The fight against the water goes way back into medieval times where protection from the water was in everybody's interest to secure house as well as land and cattle. Building dykes and creating polders were the first activities to gain land and protect it from the forces of water.

On February 1st 1953 a severe North-Western storm was hitting the shores of The Netherlands. Combined with springtide the force of the water grew to immense strength, stronger then a lot of dykes that therefor broke. Millions of liters of salty water rushed through the lowlands, destroying villages and flooding the land. 1835 people drowned, 70. 000 were evacuated and 46. 300 buildings were damaged or destroyed.

The Dutch Government then decided to put an end to this hazard once and for all and the immense program of the Delta Works took a start.

on the 1953 floods and the Dutch way to deal with water hazard with private guide

Let's discover extraordinary modern architecture and interesting historic buildings in the old harbours of Amsterdam.
We'll leave the city centre behind us and let's explore the old harbours and its modern architecture together.
The harbours used to be the home port of large shipping companies. Later, city nomads, squatters and artists built a colourful world in abandoned depots. Now a masterly architecture has been built in the port area of ​​a great international allure.
The architecture of this area is very characteristic. There are many attractive, extraordinary modern buildings, interesting historic port buildings and many houseboats, often on old cargo ships, which preserve the memory of the history of the former port. The various larger and smaller islands are connected by a number of bridges, which often have a special design.
In most places we go to there is a wide view over the water. We'll pass by some of my favourite cafes and restaurants with terraces on or next to the water.

Feel how the past and present of Amsterdam come together.

Old Harbours & Modern Architecture

Dutch Waterworks Private Full Day Tour (from Rotterdam- The Netherlands south)

Do you know the Dutch are famous for their waterworks? The fight against the water goes way back into medieval times where protection from the water was in everybody's interest to secure house as well as land and cattle. Building dykes and creating polders were the first activities to gain land and protect it from the forces of water.

On February 1st 1953 a severe North-Western storm was hitting the shores of The Netherlands. Combined with springtide the force of the water grew to immense strength, stronger then a lot of dykes that therefor broke. Millions of liters of salty water rushed through the lowlands, destroying villages and flooding the land. 1835 people drowned,
70. 000 were evacuated and 46. 300 buildings were damaged or destroyed.

The Dutch Government then decided to put an end to this hazard once and for all and the immense program of the Delta Works took a start.

Giethoorn, Muiderslot Castle & Kampen Private Tour

In the morning (time to be agreed upon) I will pick you up from your hotel, cruiseterminal or from the airport.

We start with a car drive through the scenic countryside to reach the medieval castle Muiderslot.

The castle's origins date back to the middle ages and is surrounded by a moat. Children will also love it, they can climb the towers and enjoy panoramic views from there. A guided audiotour inside the castle is included.

Car drive to Giethoorn.

Off we go to Giethoorn. This little 'Venice of the North' with its numereous canals, bridges and pittoresque monumental farmhouses can best be explored by boat. We can make a 1 hour private boat ride (not yet included in tourprice), or do a walking tour and you can enjoy lunch there if you like.

Car drive back to your hotel or cruiseterminal (Amsterdam or Rotterdam).

On our way back we make a short stop at quaint old town Kampen for a short walking tour.

Old Towns, Castle & Countryside Tour by premium luxury car

If you think of the Netherlands, things like: its tulips, Amsterdam and its canals, Van Gogh or Rembrandt, or maybe cheese, clogs or its red light district will surely come to mind. Incredible how such a small country offers so much in so little space.
With the help of a certified guide you will discover Holland beyond the usual, it will be a unique experience that will surely leave you wanting more.

Let's discover this country together

Discover and enjoy the best of the Netherlands and Muiden Castle

We will drive to the historical 13th century castle Muiderslot. We will visit inside the castle, they have a very good audio tour, that will tell you about the founder Count Floris V.
After about 1½ hours we will drive to the town of Naarden, an old 17th century fortification, where we can visit the Fortress Museum (not included) and the town hall.
From Naarden we will drive to the very nice town of Weesp for lunch.
After lunch we will drive to Castle De Haar. The ruines of this castle from the 14th century were inherited by baron Van Zuylen in the late 19th century. Together with his wife Helene de Rothschild they decided to rebuilt the castle as a family home. They commissioned architect Pierre Cuypers, who also designed the Rijksmuseum and Central Station in Amsterdam.
The castle had many very modern gadgets like electricity, running hot and cold water and central heating. Even the queen didn't have those luxury things!

Gouda tours

Explore with 8 tours and 7 guides.

Eddy l.

$ 270 (USD)

Kyra K.

$ 514 (USD)

Wilbert B.

$ 694 (USD)

Dennis G.

$ 543 (USD)

Wilbert B.

$ 659 (USD)

Eric N.

$ 966 (USD)

Diana P.

$ 786 (USD)

Jeroen V.

$ 1,314 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Gouda

Customize your tour