Best Small Group Tours in Amsterdam: 4 Unforgettable Experiences Worth Booking
- Madison Wulf
- Jul 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 14
If you’re new to my blog, you might be surprised to learn that Amsterdam is my favorite city in the world. After seven visits (and counting), I can honestly say I’m completely in love with the Netherlands as a whole. I’ve explored nearly every corner of the country—from vibrant cities to quiet storybook villages—and along the way I’ve learned that the best way to experience Amsterdam isn’t always on your own.
That’s where small group tours come in!
Unlike crowded bus tours or the stress of planning every detail solo, small group tours keep things intimate (usually around 8 to 15 travelers). You get the expertise of a knowledgeable guide, a group of like-minded adventurers to share the experience with, and the bonus of not worrying about logistics like tickets or transportation.
I’ve personally joined two of the tours on this list, and the other two are on my travel wish list for upcoming trips. Each one has been chosen carefully to highlight the very best of the Netherlands and beyond. If you’re searching for the best small group tours in Amsterdam, these are the ones worth your time (and money).
Why Choose a Small Group Tour in Amsterdam?
Before diving into the list, let’s talk about why small group tours are such a good fit for Amsterdam.
Intimate atmosphere – With fewer people, you’ll feel like you’re traveling with friends rather than being herded around. Guides are also more approachable in smaller groups.
Cultural immersion – Many tours include hands-on experiences like cheese tasting, canal cruising, or village walks where you can ask questions and interact.
No stress planning – Transportation, tickets, and timing are handled. All you have to do is show up ready to explore.
Ideal for solo travelers – Speaking from experience, tours like these make it easy to connect with others from around the world while taking the anxiety out of logistics planning.
Whether you’re interested in tulips, windmills, canals, or even crossing borders into Belgium and Germany, these tours let you experience more in less time.
With over 1,000 five-star reviews, and as one of the tours I’ve personally experienced, I knew this tour had to be first on the list. The Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Windmills Guided Day Trip from Amsterdam combines two of the Netherlands’ most iconic sights into one perfectly planned adventure.
If you only have time for one day trip, this is it. I’ve personally taken the Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Windmills Guided Day Trip from Amsterdam, and it remains one of my all-time favorite travel experiences.
Why this small group tour stands out:
Stop one: Zaanse Schans
This historic village feels like stepping back into the 17th century. You’ll see traditional working windmills, visit a wooden clog workshop, and taste authentic Gouda and Edam cheese made on-site. The smell of fresh stroopwafels in the air makes it even better.
Stop two: Giethoorn
Known as the “Venice of the North”, Giethoorn is a fairytale village where canals replace roads. On a peaceful boat ride, you’ll glide past thatched cottages, wooden bridges, and flower-filled gardens. It feels worlds away from Amsterdam’s busy streets.
What to expect on Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans Windmills Guided Day Trip from Amsterdam
This is a full-day tour with comfortable transport, a knowledgeable guide, and free time in both locations. If you’re looking for something that balances culture, history, and natural beauty, this is a must.
While I have not been on this tour (yet!), this small group tour from Amsterdam to Keukenhof gardens is VERY HIGH on my list. The main reason I have not been on this tour is because I have not been in the gardens opening window.
Keukenhof is only open for about 8 weeks each year, typically mid-March through mid-May. The peak bloom of tulips is usually from mid-April to early May, when the colors are at their most vibrant.
Why this tour is special
Keukenhof Gardens: Often called the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof features over 7 million flower bulbs and 79 acres of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and more. Even if you’re not a plant lover, the sheer artistry of the displays is breathtaking.
Volendam: After the gardens, you’ll visit this postcard-perfect fishing village known for its colorful wooden houses and lively harbor. Try fresh seafood like smoked eel or Dutch herring, stroll the waterfront, or even snap a photo in traditional Dutch costume.
What to expect on the Keukenhof Tulips, Windmills & Volendam Tour
The group size is small, and transportation between Amsterdam, Lisse, and Volendam is included. Because this tour is seasonal, it sells out fast—so book early if you’re traveling in spring.
While this is another tour I have not personally been on, I am a big believer of country maximizing when in Europe. Amsterdam has two iconic neighbors, Belgium and Germany - and it is possible to experience both in one day. Giving you the ultimate bragging rights of "I visited 3 countries in ONE day!"
Experience two of Europe’s most captivating cities in a single day on this full-day small-group tour from Amsterdam to Cologne and Antwerp, limited to just 15 travelers. Begin your journey in Cologne, where the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits. Stroll along the scenic Rhine River, wander through the charming Old Town, and soak up the city’s vibrant culture and history.
Why this small group tour from Amsterdam is a great option
Cologne: Famous for its towering Gothic cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Cologne offers riverside charm, medieval streets, and a lively cultural scene.
Antwerp: In Belgium, you’ll wander the Grote Markt square, see the Brabo Fountain, and admire the Cathedral of Our Lady, home to Rubens’ masterpieces. Plus, Antwerp is known for diamonds and chocolate—need I say more?
While I haven't done the three country tour, I have taken this tour (below) which is a large tour bus, and not a small group. However, it made venturing to Bruges from Amsterdam really easy and having a guide to learn all of the history was an added bonus.
Don't be like me and wait until after your third trip to Amsterdam to take a canal boat tour. While it seems kitschy, this is one of my favorite experiences I have ever had while solo traveling. Personally taking this tour (read about it here), I can recommend without hesitation.
Amsterdam’s canals are more than pretty backdrops—they’re the lifeblood of the city, dating back to the 1600s. The iconic Grachtengordel (canal belt) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with over 100 kilometers of canals looping around the historic center, the best way to understand Amsterdam is from the water.
Why this tour is unforgettable
Amsterdam’s canals aren’t just pretty—they’re the lifeblood of the city. Built in the 1600s, the Grachtengordel canal belt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the best way to appreciate it is from the water.
What makes the small group canal tour so special is the atmosphere. With unlimited drinks (beer, wine, sodas, sparkling water) and light snacks, it feels more like a floating happy hour than a sightseeing trip. I made friends with travelers from around the world, passed bottles of wine across the boat, and laughed with the captain while floating past 17th-century mansions and cozy canal-side cafés.
What to expect on a Canal Boat Tour in Amsterdam with Drinks and Snacks
This isn’t a crowded tourist boat. The group size is small, the captain is personable, and you’ll actually feel like part of the city rather than a bystander. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this tour delivers the perfect mix of relaxation and connection.
It felt less like a tour and more like a floating happy hour—except instead of a dark bar, you’ve got views of 17th-century mansions, the Westerkerk’s bell tower, and cozy canal side homes. This small group Amsterdam canal tour hit every mark.
The group felt like instant friends. I chatted with travelers from the U.S., Italy, and Australia, passed the wine around, shared bitterballen, and laughed with the captain.
Final Thoughts: The Best Small Group Tours in Amsterdam
Choosing the right tour can transform your trip. Whether you’re gliding through flower fields, crossing into neighboring countries, or sipping wine on a canal boat, each of these experiences offers something unique.
If you want authentic Dutch culture: book the Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans tour
If you’re visiting in spring: don’t miss the Keukenhof & Volendam tour
If you want bragging rights: go for the 3 countries in one day
If you want something fun and social: take the small group canal boat
Small group tours aren’t just about sightseeing—they’re about creating memories with people you’d never otherwise meet, in places you’ll never forget.
So, the next time you’re planning a trip, skip the stress of piecing it all together. Book one of these best small group tours in Amsterdam, and let yourself enjoy the journey.