• Dam Square - The tour begins with an engaging overview of Amsterdam’s rich history, highlighting the importance of Dam Square and the city’s extraordinary Golden Age. Participants will discover how Amsterdam emerged as a global trade center in the 17th century, influencing its architecture and cultural heritage. The tour will delve into the events and circumstances that defined this prosperous period, setting the stage for the architectural wonders to be explored.

• Royal Palace Amsterdam - The discussion of the Royal Palace of Amsterdam will explore the captivating history of this iconic structure, initially built as the city’s town hall during the Dutch Golden Age. Participants will learn how it represented Amsterdam’s power and prosperity in the 17th century before becoming the royal residence it is today. The tour will also examine the Dutch Neoclassical architectural style of the palace, providing insights into the materials and techniques used to create its magnificent structure. Additionally, the engineering feat of constructing it on challenging clay and marshy ground will be highlighted, showcasing the ingenuity required to build on such difficult terrain. From its historical significance to its architectural beauty, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for this masterpiece of Dutch design.

• Huis Bartolotti - House Bartolotti, situated along one of Amsterdam’s picturesque canals, exemplifies 17th-century Dutch baroque architecture. The luxurious house, constructed of striking red brick, features an elegant façade with large windows and intricate sandstone sculptural details. The building’s ornate design reflects the wealth and status of its original owner, as well as his strong trading connections with Italy.

• Torensluis - On this wide bridge, participants will have a perfect view of the four unique façade designs popular with the mercantile class of the Golden Age. They can marvel at these stunning examples of how the Baroque style was adapted in the Netherlands, with its intricate details and dramatic contrasts. Participants will also encounter charming examples of “crooked houses” – a fascinating feature of Amsterdam’s urban landscape, where buildings lean in unique, often whimsical ways due to the city’s soft, marshy ground. This is an excellent spot to appreciate the creativity and resilience of Amsterdam’s Golden Age architecture.

• De Dolphijn - The house named “De Dolphijn” references the dolphin symbol of wealth, reflecting the prosperity of Amsterdam’s maritime trade during the Dutch Golden Age. Originally owned by Frans Banning Cocq, the captain immortalized in Rembrandt’s famous painting The Night Watch, its elegant design and rich history make it a key part of the architectural heritage of the canal belt.

• Ronde Lutherse Kerk - Domes were the height of architectural achievement during the Renaissance period.

• Prinsengracht - The warehouses along Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht are iconic examples of the city’s Golden Age architecture, reflecting the thriving trade and commerce that defined 17th-century Amsterdam. These buildings were designed with functionality in mind, featuring tall, steeply pitched gables, large windows, and wooden hoisting beams on the roof, which were used to lift heavy cargo from ships docked along the canal. The architectural simplicity of the exteriors, with their clean lines and minimal ornamentation, reflects the utilitarian purpose of the buildings, while the grand scale speaks to the wealth and power of the Amsterdam merchants who once used them.

• Jordaan - In the 17th century, the Jordaan neighborhood in Amsterdam was a vibrant mix of both residential and commercial life, reflecting the city’s booming economy during the Dutch Golden Age. Originally developed as a lower- and middle-class district for craftsmen and laborers, the Jordaan became a hub of activity with narrow, picturesque canals lined by tight rows of houses, many with small shops or workshops on the ground floors. During this part of the tour, the focus will be on the “gevelstenen” or “facade stones.” These are small, decorative plaques often found embedded in the façades of Amsterdam’s Golden Age buildings. These stones serve both functional and decorative purposes, often communicating how the building was used, the profession of the building’s owner, or other significant facts about the people living and working there. Many “facade stones” feature intricate carvings, adding a layer of creativity and storytelling to Amsterdam’s streetscapes.

• Westerkerk - The Westerkerk is one of Amsterdam’s most important landmarks. It was originally constructed as a Calvinist church to serve the growing population of the city. The church’s large, airy interior and simple, elegant design are typical of Calvinist worship spaces. The Westerkerk is also historically significant as the final resting place of Rembrandt van Rijn. The church’s towering spire, completed in 1638, rises 85 meters (280 feet) above the Jordaan district and is crowned with the imperial crown, a symbol of Amsterdam’s status since the 15th century. The tower’s clock, with its distinctive chimes—which Anne Frank described in her diary—has marked the passing hours for centuries. Loved by residents for its beauty and historical significance, the Westerkerk stands as a cherished symbol of Amsterdam’s rich heritage.

• Private guide

• Bottled water

Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of Amsterdam’s Golden Age on this expertly guided tour. With a professional local guide, discover the stories behind the city’s iconic structures, from the grand Royal Palace to the charming canal houses along the waterways. Gain insight into how Amsterdam became a global trade center in the 17th century and how this wealth influenced the city’s unique architectural styles. As you wander through historic neighborhoods, your guide will share intriguing details about the design, engineering, and cultural importance of each landmark, offering insider knowledge not found in guidebooks. Whether you’re passionate about architecture or history, this tour provides a unique chance to experience the legacy of Amsterdam’s Golden Age through the perspective of a knowledgeable local.

• Not recommended for participants who use a walker
• Not recommended for participants who have trouble walking and standing for 1.5 hours
• Mobility aids are not available

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.