- from €
- 340
90 Minutes
Private tour
Private Tour | Private group tour up to 10 people
Private captain and storyteller
Classic ship can be opened or closed
Enjoy over 24 Light Sculptures with your loved one or withf reinds of or family on a private boat with a warm glass of gluhwein and dutch snacks. This experience will last 90 min.
Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Tour “Official Tour”
Imagine yourself with your loved one sailing on Amsterdam’s canals through the historic center onboard an Amsterdam light festival private boat tour. You see the iconic canal houses and arched bridges. You hear the calming sound of the rippling water against the side of the boat and together with your loved one, you are witnessing over 20 light artworks up close.
During this winter, there is more excitement in Amsterdam’s center than you might expect. For a brief time during the winter season, the breathtaking landscape of the historic city center is transformed by over 20 light installations scattered across the canals just waiting to be discovered. Will you explore them with us?
This Amsterdam light festival private boat tour on the city’s canals will give you a front-row seat to the 14th annual Light Festival. Enjoy it from the comfort of a quiet, electrically heated boat. Many of the art installations are specifically designed to be best viewed directly on the water. The theme this year is “Legacy.” Legacy can mean major historical or environmental events that have a lasting impact, but also the continuation of family traditions, shared memories, and customs. What will we leave behind? Which stories do we pass on? How do we want to be remembered?
This boat tour aims to not only show you the light installations of the festival but help bridge the gap between you and the art itself. The background of the pieces will be presented to you featuring unique insights. Your guides have a passion for art and some had personal contact with some of the artists featured in the past 6 years. Appreciate the unique light spectacle in the best way possible and gain an insider’s perspective on the message intended by the artist of the pieces.
Enjoy this private experience with your special someone, family or friends or in a private group of up to 10 people. Ideal for a Romantic date night out.
“In Winter the private boat will be closed with a roof and look through windows, we have warm blankets and heating in the boat. So you will be dry and warm at all times”
This Tour Runs only in Winter! From the 27th of November till 4th of January, so don’t wait tool long with booking.
BOOK Now and and receive 50 Euro Discount from Sunday till Thursday untill 20th of December. Use discount code: ALF25 This discount is valid untill 1st of December
Highlights of Our Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Tour
More than 20 light sculptors
Experience over 20 art installations directly from the canals.
Get close to the art
Sail on a small boat to get close to the light sculptures.
Best view
Get a front-row seat to the sculptures designed to be seen from the water.
Private atmosphere
Enjoy this private boat tour with your loved one or a small group of friends up to 10 guests.
Private captain and art lover
Your captain not only navigates the journey but also shares a deep love for art, enriching your experience with captivating insights and stories
Insider Perspectives: Exclusive Insights from Artists
Over the years, we’ve built personal connections with many of the featured artists. Discover the untold stories that only we can share!
Exclusive limited edition tour
Available for just 7 weeks! Don't miss your chance to experience it!
Route of the Amsterdam Light Festival Private boat tour
When exploring the Amsterdam Light Festival the best way to see the Artworks is on a private boat or a small group. Follow this route clockwise for the best experience.
What's Included in Your Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Tour
Personal Captain
Your skilled captain is also your guide, with specific knowledge of the Light Festival
Exclusive Experience
This is a private experience. The tour is intended for couples or groups between 1 and 10 guests.
Snacks
A selection of traditional snacks including Local cheese and winter sweets. Dutch Waffles with caramel syrup (Stroopwafels), Dutch Cookies – and a surprise delicacy.
Glühwein
Glühwein, also known as mulled wine, is a warm, spiced beverage made by heating red wine with a blend of aromatic spices and sweeteners. This fragrant and cozy drink is both comforting and festive, making it perfect for a winter night.
Tea
A selection of Teas. To warm you from the inside out.
Adjustuble boat
Our fully electric boat comes with a retractable roof and windows, adaptable to any weather condition.
Cozy Comfort
The cozy atmosphere is completed with blankets and heating on the boat, so we can keep you warm and comfortable at any time.
What's excluded in Your Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Tour
Tipping Option
If you found the experience exceptional, you're welcome to express your gratitude with a discretionary gratuity for your captain.
Expand Your Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Experience
Bouquet of 11 Red Roses €50,-
A stunning bouquet featuring 11 vibrant red roses.
Prosecco: €35,-
Premium sparkling wine
Champagne options
Luxury Champagne (standard bottle) • Boucche Pere Et Fils Reserve 750 ml €65,- • Veuve Clicquot Signature 750 m €98,-
Instant photo memories
Instant photo memories
Tour Details of Your Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Tour
Duration
90 Minutes
Language
English (Upon requests the tour is also possible in Spanish, Portuguese, German, French and Dutch.
Meeting point
Herengracht 605 (in front of Museum"Huis Willet-Holthuysen"
Time slots
Evenings, between 17:00 and 23:00 . From the 27th of November 2025 until the 4th of January 2026. If your desired date is not available on the online calendar contact us directly. Often we have more availability then shown.
Price per group
from €340,- including 2 guests. 27 euro extra per person.
Capacity
Fully private between 1 and 10 people on the tour.
What Our Guests Say
Based on 593 reviews
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Thank you and especially Scott who was our host for the best night of our life!! He made everything really special for us, it was not just another tour, and we will always remember how special you made it for us!! I recommend and we will definitely come back and ask for Scott!!
Thank you so much to Rocco and the team for such a wonderful experience! My partner (now fiancé!!) and I had a three and a half hour canal cruise on the Saloon boat and the Unlimited Love package. The email communication to arrange the evening was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed our three course meals picked up along the way, and Rocco picked a perfect, quiet intimate canal for the proposal itself. We will fondly look back on this special day for the rest of our lives (and will regularly look back at the Polaroids!). For everything that was included I feel the price was very reasonable!
Thanks so much for making our engagement so special ❤️
Thanks so much for making our engagement so special ❤️
We had the most incredible experience with Romantic Amsterdam Tour. From the very first email, their communication was warm, professional, and reassuring. The private boat tour felt so special.
The storytelling made it unforgettable. We didn’t just see the city, we heard its love stories and hidden secrets. It felt authentic, thoughtful.
The team are true professionals, and they clearly care deeply about creating magical experiences for couples. Our proposal was handled beautifully.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam as a couple, I can’t recommend this enough. It’s romantic, personal, and worth every penny.
The storytelling made it unforgettable. We didn’t just see the city, we heard its love stories and hidden secrets. It felt authentic, thoughtful.
The team are true professionals, and they clearly care deeply about creating magical experiences for couples. Our proposal was handled beautifully.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam as a couple, I can’t recommend this enough. It’s romantic, personal, and worth every penny.
We loved this romantic cruise so much we came back AGAIN for year 2! Rocco is the best and this tour is the best. Cannot recommend it enough!
Scott gave us an unforgettable night on the water. Fun, informative, and picked the perfect route for us to maximize the night sights. He knows when to chime in vs when to step back and really let the romance of the moment build. What a wonderful city to explore from the water. The whole experience blew me away and made for a really special evening.
Scott did a great job! Leading us through the eye of the storm while telling us great stories. 5/5 stars
Skipper Scott was AMAZING!!!! Great tour of Amsterdam through the many beautiful canals. Scott was extremely funny, easy going and very knowledgeable about the city. Loved it!!!
I worked with the Romantic Tours team for about 6 months to plan my proposal to be just the way I envisioned it. The entire team was very friendly, professional and helped me get every detail right. Ciska was very responsive and helped me think through additional details to make the day as special as possible. Skipper Scott was a true pleasure to be with on the boat. I was pretty nervous arriving to the boat, but his calm and lighthearted demeanor and fun stories helped calm my nerves immediately. Justina was our incredible photographer and helped capture each special moment and we couldn’t have asked for a better team. My new fiancé even told me yesterday was the best day of her life, which wouldn’t be possible without the team helping make it all possible. I cannot thank you all enough!!!
That was very good and interesting. Our captain Dip told us a lot of stories about the city and made our journey brilliant and perfect. I really recommend.
We really enjoyed our canal tour with captain Mare. She was funny charming and knowledgeable. The snacks and drinks on board were of high quality. We took an evening tour as the sun was setting so it made for nice lighting and no glaring sun to deal with. I recommend this tour to anyone who doesn't want to ride on a party boat.
We had the most magical experience with Proposal Romantic Tour Amsterdam! From the very beginning, communication via email was amazing—quick, friendly, and incredibly helpful. They provided great support in planning the actual proposal, making the whole process smooth and special.
A huge thank you to my tour guide, Glyn, who truly made the experience unforgettable. She was not only warm and kind but also took so many beautiful photos, brought us to lovely romantic spots, and adjusted the tour perfectly to our needs.
I honestly couldn't imagine the proposal being more perfect. My now-fiancée was over the moon, and it’s a moment we will never forget.
Thank you so much for making it all so perfect! 💍🚤❤️
A huge thank you to my tour guide, Glyn, who truly made the experience unforgettable. She was not only warm and kind but also took so many beautiful photos, brought us to lovely romantic spots, and adjusted the tour perfectly to our needs.
I honestly couldn't imagine the proposal being more perfect. My now-fiancée was over the moon, and it’s a moment we will never forget.
Thank you so much for making it all so perfect! 💍🚤❤️
Response from the owner 14:32 03 Jun 25
Hi Oktawia, Thank you for your kind words. Our entire team is dedicated to make every proposal a special event. With our personal approach we make sure that we meet the wishes of our guests. I will thank Glynn again on your behalf for this beautiful trip. We wish you all the best for the future together!With Love,Ciska
We enjoyed this private boat tour of Amsterdam. It was the perfect ending to our multi-country trip to Europe. Rocco was very informative about what we were seeing and answered all of our questions. It was such a beautiful tour. We are grateful for the experience. Thank you Rocco!
Response from the owner 14:25 03 Jun 25
Thank you Janice, It was a pleasure to have you on board and to be able to share my love for Amsterdam with you! Thank you for booking your tour with us!With Love,Rocco
Enjoyed a romantic, private cruise immensely. Snacks, drinks, fun facts, everything was perfect!
Response from the owner 13:40 01 Jun 25
Hi Tomas,Bedankt voor je 5 star review. Met onze tours proberen we onze gasten op een ontspannen en persoonlijke manier de romantische kant van Amsterdam te laten zien en we zijn blij dat we erin geslaagd zijn om een perfecte ervaring voor jou en je partner geleverd te hebben! With love,Ciska
I used this tour service to propose to my fiancée, and everything was excellent. It was a beautiful experience, the company was very easy to work with and quick to communicate, and the photographer they enlisted was phenomenal. We are both extremely happy with the experience and highly recommend this service.
Response from the owner 13:39 27 May 25
Hello Sam, Congratulations on your engagement!Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled that you chose our private boat tour services for your marriage proposal in beautiful Amsterdam. We are delighted to deliver our signature romantic experience and are glad that we met your expectations. We also appreciate your kind words about our team; we are pleased that they were easy to work with and provided effective communication throughout the process. This is what we strive for, as we understand the stress involved in coordinating such an event.We aim to create memorable and unique experiences, like our private boat tours, that make marriage proposals unforgettable. Your engagement is an important milestone, and we take pride in helping couples like you celebrate such a significant occasion. We appreciate your high recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back in the future for many anniversaries to come.Wishing you both all the best for you exciting new chapter.With love, Linda
Excellent service all as expected and nothing bad to say at all from the experience. Thank you very much for helping me achieve the perfect proposal
Response from the owner 11:40 12 May 25
Dear Jossue,Thank you so much for sharing your 5-star experience with us! We are thrilled to have met your expectations, especially for such a beautiful event as your marriage proposal. Although we have organized close to 400 proposals, it is always a privilege and an honor when guests allow us to play a small part in arranging the details and coordination. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and for letting us witness your beautiful proposal.I will pass on your lovely review and kind words to your skipper, Glynn.Thank you again for joining us. We wish you both the very best as you embark on this exciting new chapter together.With love, Linda
The communication and planning were great, and we really enjoyed the Romantic Amsterdam Tour. However, we were unhappy with the photographer we were assigned—both the photos and editing didn't meet our expectations. When we brought this up, responses were slow, and we ultimately just asked for the RAW files. Surprisingly, we liked the polaroids more than the professional photos. If photography is a priority for you, I recommend asking in advance who your photographer will be.
Response from the owner 12:42 10 May 25
Dear Aileen,Thank you for taking the time to share your valuable feedback. We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the Romantic tour and appreciate your kind words about our communication and coordination. However, we are very sorry to learn that the photography experience did not meet your expectations. Your feedback is important to us, and we take it seriously. To assist you further, we could not find your details in our system. Please email us at info@romantictouramsterdam.com with the name under which the booking was made. Once we have the booking details, we will look into the matter and explore how we can resolve it.Thank you again for sharing your experience. We hope to assist you soon.With love, Linda 
Magnific experience! It was the perfect touch to my girlfriend's birthday and the stories told touched our heart. Thank you so much!
Response from the owner 08:33 02 May 25
Dear Rodrigo, Happy belated birthday to your partner! Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are absolutely thrilled to have met your expectations and left you both with such a memorable experience. We are lovers of romance and Amsterdam; your experience is exactly why we do what we do. We are passionate about leaving beautiful, lasting impressions of Amsterdam with our guests. We are grateful that we can share Amsterdam's magic and romance through our eyes, experience, and storytelling. Thank you so much for choosing to sail with this; we can't wait to welcome you back in the future. With love,Linda 
Linda, Rocco and everyone else that helped setup our proposal in Amsterdam were nothing short of perfect. We are extremely grateful we got to have such a beautiful proposal done in such a unique way. Every step along the way Linda went out of her way to make sure everything was perfect for us and despite there being many issues on my end Linda made sure everything turned out smoothly and it ended up being the most beautiful proposal. Thank you! I give my highest recommendation to the Romantic Amsterdam Tour team.
Response from the owner 19:49 27 Apr 25
Dear Cooper,Congratulations on your engagement. Thank you so much for your heartwarming review! We're thrilled to hear that your private tulip field proposal during your visit to Amsterdam was a magical experience for you both. We're so happy that we met your expectations. Coordinating a marriage proposal is very special for us, and it's incredible to know that our efforts made your special moment unforgettable. This makes us very happy. Even as we approach 400 proposals, each one motivates us to create unique and beautiful experiences, just like your sunset backdrop picnic set up in the tulip fields. Your kind words inspire us to continue providing exceptional service for couples looking to celebrate their love in the most memorable way. Thank you again for your high recommendation and for trusting us to fulfill your vision. I wish you all the best in your exciting new chapter ahead. With love,Linda 
A highly recommended experience, personalized and exquisite treatment with all kinds of details, a great discovery!! Thank you
Response from the owner 19:14 26 Apr 25
Hello Mario,Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed your romantic private canal tour in Amsterdam. It's always a joy to share the magical ambiance of our beautiful city with guests like you. We take great pride in personalizing experiences, allowing you to discover our hidden gems and hear the romantic stories that make Amsterdam special. These details create an unforgettable moment, and we aim to make our tours unique to every visitor. We appreciate you spreading the word about our tours and look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable experience on the canals of Amsterdam. Thank you again for sharing your 5-star experience. With love,Linda 
Thank you for making this day so special. Everything was prepared perfectly!
Response from the owner 19:05 26 Apr 25
Hello Kuba, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your recent experience with us. We appreciate you allowing us to help plan such a magical moment. We aim to prepare everything as best possible to make the moment memorable for our guests visiting Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a romantic and beautiful city, and I know that Rocco enjoyed hosting you both. We wish you all the best and can't wait to see you sail around the beautiful Amsterdam canals in the future. All the very best for your next chapter. With love, Linda 
Thank you Deep for this beautiful romantic boat tour through Amsterdam! I couldn't have wished for a more romantic place for a marriage proposal🙏 Thank you so much for your cooperation! You are a very nice person and organized the whole surprise together with my boyfriend or more like my future husband! Thank you so much for this special moment!!!
Truly a one of a kind experience and worth every penny. Rocco and his Team are the best. From the initial email inquiry to the follow-up after was impeccable. Our canal guide was Dirk and we couldn't have asked for a better person to share this once in a lifetime experience. He is an amazing individual who took great care in making sure we would never forget this day. Kristin and I are so unbelievably happy and had the absolute best time ever. I would highly recommend Team Romantic Tour Amsterdam.
Love always,
Steven and Kristin
Love always,
Steven and Kristin
Our weather policy
On our delightful boats, we are fully equipped to handle all types of weather! For rainy days, we can close up the boat while still providing clear views through the windows. To keep you cozy on colder or winter evenings, we offer heating and blankets. Our tours are rarely canceled due to weather conditions and will only be postponed if local authorities advise against going on the canals. In such instances, you can either reschedule your tour or receive a full refund. For more information, please refer to our full cancellation policy. Rest assured, we are prepared to take care of you no matter the season.
FAQ
What Will You See on the Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Tour?
During the Amsterdam light festival private boat tour, you’ll be immersed in a dazzling world of light and art. The tour’s main focus is on the over 20 light artworks that transform Amsterdam’s canals and surroundings into a magical outdoor gallery. These illuminated installations, created by various artists, are strategically placed throughout the city’s waterways, turning the urban landscape into a canvas of light and shadow.
As you glide along the canals in the comfortable electric boat, you’ll have a front-row seat to these captivating artworks. Each piece is uniquely designed to interact with Amsterdam’s architecture and waterways, creating stunning visual effects that play with reflection and perspective. Your knowledgeable guide, who has been closely involved with the Amsterdam Light Festival for years, will provide insights into each artwork’s concept, the artist’s inspiration, and the messages they aim to convey.
This private tour offers a special advantage – you can get remarkably close to these light sculptures, sometimes even sailing right through them. This proximity allows for an intimate and immersive experience of the art, letting you appreciate the intricate details and the play of light in ways that wouldn’t be possible from the shore.
The ever-changing scenery of illuminated bridges, historic canal houses, and twinkling lights reflected in the water serves as a beautiful backdrop to these thought-provoking and visually striking installations. This unique combination of Amsterdam’s timeless beauty and contemporary light art creates an unforgettable journey through a city transformed by creativity and innovation.
When Is It Possible to Book the Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Tour?
The Amsterdam light festival private boat tour is available for a limited time during the winter season. Specifically, the tour runs from November 27, 2025, until January 18, 2026. This seven-week period coincides with the Amsterdam Light Festival, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the city’s winter charm and artistic displays.
During this time frame, tours are offered in the evenings, with time slots available between 17:00 (5:00 PM) and 21:00 (9:00 PM). This scheduling allows guests to fully appreciate the light installations and the city’s nighttime ambiance. It’s worth noting that while the online calendar shows available dates, we encourage potential visitors to contact them directly if their desired date isn’t listed. We often have more availability than what’s shown online, so it’s possible to find additional slots that suit your schedule.
The tour runs for 90 minutes, providing ample time to view the light artworks and city highlights. Given the popularity of this seasonal event, it’s advisable for visitors to book in advance to secure their preferred date and time, especially if they’re planning their trip to Amsterdam specifically for this festival.
How long does the Amsterdam light festival private boat tour last?
The Amsterdam light festival private boat tour lasts 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to experience all the light artworks along the canal route and enjoy the warm atmosphere onboard with glühwein and traditional Dutch snacks.
What is the best time to book an Amsterdam light festival private boat tour?
The best time for your Amsterdam light festival private boat tour is in the evening between 17:00 and 21:00 when it’s completely dark outside. This allows you to fully appreciate the illuminated artworks against Amsterdam’s historic canal houses and bridges. The festival runs from November 27, 2025, until January 18, 2026.
Is the Amsterdam light festival private boat tour heated and comfortable?
Yes! The Amsterdam light festival private boat tour features a fully electric boat with a retractable roof and windows, heating, and warm blankets. You’ll stay warm and dry throughout the entire experience, even during cold winter nights.
Can I book an Amsterdam light festival private boat tour for a romantic date?
Absolutely! The Amsterdam light festival private boat tour is ideal for romantic occasions. You can book a private experience for just you and your partner, complete with glühwein, Dutch snacks, and optional add-ons like a bouquet of 11 red roses (€50) or champagne to make the evening extra special.
What's included in the Amsterdam light festival private boat tour?
Your Amsterdam light festival private boat tour includes a personal captain who guides you through the festival, traditional Dutch snacks (stroopwafels, cookies, local cheese), glühwein (mulled wine), tea, heating and blankets, and exclusive insights about the artworks from guides who have personal connections with featured artists.
How many people can join the Amsterdam light festival private boat tour?
The Amsterdam light festival private boat tour is fully private and accommodates between 1 and 10 guests. The price starts at €340 for 2 guests, with an additional €27 per extra person. This makes it perfect for couples, families, or small groups of friends.
What is the theme of this year's Amsterdam light festival private boat tour?
The theme for the 2025-2026 edition is “Legacy.” During your Amsterdam light festival private boat tour, you’ll explore artworks that address questions like “What will we leave behind?”, “Which stories do we pass on?”, and “How do we want to be remembered?” The installations reflect on historical events, environmental impact, family traditions, and shared memories.
Can I add champagne or prosecco to my Amsterdam light festival private boat tour?
Yes! You can enhance your Amsterdam light festival private boat tour with premium beverages. Options include Prosecco (€35), Boucche Pere Et Fils Reserve Champagne 750ml (€65), or Veuve Clicquot Signature 750ml (€98). These additions make your experience even more luxurious and memorable.
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Meeting Point
to start your Tour
Our tour will start and end at Herengracht 605, 1017 CE Amsterdam. The start point is in front of a building with the red sign “Museum Willem-Holthuysen". When you arrive, please keep an eye out for an off-white boat with a cream top.
