Amsterdam is perfect for exploration by foot, but also  has a good public and private transport system: taxis, Uber, trams and buses are widely available, so buy a day pass to hop on and off.
For those of you participating in the 3-day Amsterdam Pride pre-cruise add-on, you will have ample opportunities to explore the city and all she has to offer, as well as take in the spectacle and many diversions of Amsterdam Gay Pride. For all guests, upon boarding on August 5th, we will stay docked in Amsterdam until 10pm, then set sail towards our first port call in Nijmegen. We return to Amsterdam at 5:00am on August 11th, and stay docked until disembarkation on the morning of Sunday August 12th.
Below are the tours that will be offered in Amsterdam and the surrounding area on August 11th:
Tour of Amsterdam with canal trip -Morning
Founded as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age as a result of its innovative developments in trade. Today, the city has one of the largest historic centers in Europe, with about 7,500 registered historic buildings. The street pattern is largely unchanged since the 19th century. The center consists of 90 islands, linked by 400 bridges. On the city tour through the Dutch metropolis, you will see the Royal Palace, numerous canals and the Museum Quarter. As there is no better way to see the city than cruising on the water, the tour will end by a canal cruise boat trip.
Duration approx. 4 hours
Walking grade Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs
Tour of Holland Waterland with Volendam, Edam and cheese tasting -Afternoon
Take a drive through the Dutch Polder landscape to the old fishing village of Volendam, built on the shore of the former Zuiderzee. The Volendam houses are built very close together, forming the typical neighborhoods of Volendam. Take a stroll through the old village and see people still dressed in traditional costumes.
Board your coach and drive out of Volendam and into the countryside to visit a local cheese farm. Here, you will learn how Dutch cheese is made and sample the local product. On your way back to your ship, you will enjoy a short walk through the quaint village of Edam, famous for its cheese. Given its narrow streets, continue through the village on foot and see the Carillon tower, once part of a church that was destroyed in the 19th century. Walk to the cheese weighing house and the Dam with its 18th century town hall.
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
Walking grade Level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
Amsterdam Highlights To Explore on Your Own
There are so many things to see and do in Amsterdam, that it simply would not be possible to create an all-encompassing list. So, we will leave it to the experts at Discover Amsterdam, who have created a great website with loads of information and inspiration. It is important to note that many museums and attractions sell out, so if something is on your must see/do list, be sure to get tickets in advance. At the top of the page, you’ll see a menu for “See and do” where you can click to get access to Museums and Galleries, Attractions and Sights, Restaurants and Bars and so much more. If you click on the links you’ll then find ways to secure tickets in advance.
https://www.iamsterdam.com/en
Amsterdam Gay Pride
Those of you participating in the pre-cruise add-on, will have front row seats to the infamous Canal Parade on Saturday August 4th. Outside of the Canal Parade, there are so many other events and activities to take it. Have a look at the official Amsterdam Pride site for more details:
https://pride.amsterdam/en/
