Exploring the charming canals of Amsterdam and immersing oneself in the rich history of the Heineken brand makes for an unforgettable experience. This packaged tour offers visitors the chance to embark on a scenic one-hour canal cruise and explore the interactive exhibits of the original Heineken brewery. With convenient access, multilingual audio guides, and a non-refundable cancellation policy, this excursion provides both value and flexibility. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or simply seeking to soak in the city’s UNESCO-listed architectural gems, this experience promises to leave a lasting impression. But what makes this tour truly stand out, and how can you make the most of your time in Amsterdam?
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Amsterdam.
Key Points
- The package includes a self-guided Heineken factory tour and a 1-hour canal cruise, starting at $39.57 per person.
- The experience features interactive multimedia exhibits, beer-pouring practice, and a tasting session with two beers or soft drinks.
- The GPS audio guide is available in 19 languages, catering to an international audience and enhancing self-paced exploration.
- The Heineken Experience is located at Stadhouderskade 78, with canal cruise tickets verified at the Tours & Tickets office at Damrak 26.
- Advance ticket booking is recommended to secure preferred timeslots, and comfortable walking shoes are advised due to the walking involved.
Overview and Pricing
The canal cruise and Heineken Experience package is an activity that allows visitors to explore Amsterdam’s iconic canals and enjoy the history and heritage of the renowned Heineken brewery, with pricing starting from $39.57 per person.
This 3-hour experience includes a self-guided tour of the original Heineken factory, a 1-hour canal cruise along the UNESCO-listed Canal Belt, and a tasting session with two beers or soft drinks.
The package can be booked with a non-refundable cancellation policy, offering visitors the opportunity to save up to 15% on the regular price.
With comprehensive details provided in 19 languages, this activity caters to a diverse audience and promises an engaging and informative exploration of Amsterdam’s iconic attractions.
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Experience Highlights
This immersive experience allows visitors to embark on a self-guided tour of the original Heineken factory, where they can explore the brand’s rich history and uncover the secrets behind its iconic beer.
Complementing this brewery exploration is a captivating 1-hour canal cruise through the UNESCO-listed Canal Belt, providing a unique vantage point to admire Amsterdam’s picturesque waterways and historic architecture.
Rounding out the experience is a tasting session where guests can savor two Heineken beers or soft drinks, as well as engage with interactive multimedia exhibits that showcase the art of beer-making.
Visitors can also put their skills to the test by trying their hand at drafting the perfect pour.
Language and Audio Guide
Conveniently, the experience offers a GPS audio guide available in 19 languages, including Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Catalan, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian. This allows visitors to fully enjoy the tour at their own pace.
Whether you’re a native English speaker or prefer to explore in your mother tongue, the multilingual audio guide ensures you won’t miss a beat as you discover the rich history and fascinating facts about the iconic Heineken brewery and the city’s UNESCO-listed Canal Belt.
With this feature, the tour caters to a diverse international audience, enhancing the overall experience.
Access and Meeting Points
Visitors can access the Heineken Experience at Stadhouderskade 78, which is conveniently accessible via tram lines 1, 7, 19, and 24, as well as metro line 52.
For the canal cruise, travelers must show their pre-booked time-slot ticket at the Tours & Tickets office located at Damrak 26, reachable by tram lines 2, 4, 12, 13, 14, 17, and 24.
To ensure a seamless experience, visitors should:
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Plan their transportation routes in advance
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Arrive at the meeting points with ample time
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Have their pre-booked tickets ready for verification
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Follow the posted signage and staff instructions
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Allow enough time to fully enjoy both the canal cruise and Heineken Experience.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customers have provided overall positive feedback on this Amsterdam canal cruise and Heineken Experience package, rating it 4.3 out of 5 stars based on nearly 2,000 reviews.
The transportation aspect of the experience received a 4 out of 5 rating, while the value for money was rated 4.2 out of 5. The service and overall organization were also well-received, earning 4.4 and 4.2 out of 5 respectively.
Reviewers particularly enjoyed the scenic canal cruise and the interactive, multimedia Heineken Experience. However, some customers suggested improvements to the online scheduling process and more detailed information during the tours.
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Preparing for the Tour
To prepare for the canal cruise and Heineken Experience, travelers typically need to arrive at the designated meeting points on time to check in and board their tours.
Once there, they can make the most of their day by:
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Downloading the GPS audio guide in their preferred language to enhance the self-guided experience.
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Bringing comfortable walking shoes, as there’s a fair amount of walking involved.
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Packing a light snack or water, as the tour can be quite immersive and lengthy.
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Arriving early to allow ample time for navigation and potential queues.
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Familiarizing themselves with the meeting point locations and public transportation options beforehand.
The canal cruise and Heineken Experience offer visitors a seamless and engaging journey through Amsterdam’s iconic waterways and brewery heritage.
The self-guided Heineken tour allows guests to explore the original factory, interact with multimedia exhibits, and learn the art of pouring a perfect draft.
The 1-hour canal cruise provides a unique vantage point to admire the UNESCO-listed Canal Belt, passing historic bridges and 17th-century merchant houses.
Travelers can use the provided GPS audio guide in 19 languages to enhance their understanding of the sights.
With tasting sessions and hands-on activities, the experience immerses visitors in the Heineken brand and Amsterdam’s rich culture.
The well-organized logistics and variety of offerings ensure an enjoyable, informative, and efficient outing.
Tips and Recommendations
Visitors can make the most of their Amsterdam canal cruise and Heineken Experience by keeping a few tips in mind.
Booking tickets in advance online helps secure preferred timeslots and avoids potential wait times. Plus, travelers should allow ample time to fully explore the Heineken facility’s interactive exhibits and brewery history.
Some recommendations to enhance the experience include:
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Wear comfortable shoes for the canal cruise and walking around the Heineken complex.
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Bring a camera to capture the scenic canal sights and brewery tour highlights.
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Arrive early to enjoy the tasting session and take advantage of the full 3-hour duration.
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Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly, as the canal cruise is an outdoor activity.
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Consider combining the experience with other top Amsterdam attractions for a full day of sightseeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Canal Cruise?
No, bringing outside food and drinks is generally not allowed on the canal cruise. The cruise experience includes a tasting session with two beers or soft drinks, so bringing your own refreshments would not be permitted.
Is Photography Allowed During the Heineken Experience Tour?
Photography is allowed during the Heineken Experience tour. Visitors can take photos of the exhibits and interactive displays throughout the self-guided tour. However, flash photography may be prohibited in certain areas to protect the multimedia exhibits.
Are Lockers Available to Store Personal Belongings at the Heineken Experience?
The Heineken Experience does offer lockers to store personal belongings during the tour. Visitors can use these lockers to safely store items they don’t want to carry with them throughout the self-guided experience.
Can I Combine This Activity With Other Amsterdam Attractions?
Yes, you can combine this activity with other Amsterdam attractions. The canal cruise and Heineken Experience can be easily paired with visits to landmarks like the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, or Rijksmuseum to create a comprehensive sightseeing itinerary.
What Is the Dress Code for the Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience?
There is no strict dress code for the canal cruise and Heineken Experience. Visitors should dress comfortably for walking, as the activities involve both indoor and outdoor elements. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is recommended to ensure a pleasant experience.
Recap
The City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience package offers an engaging and convenient way to explore Amsterdam’s iconic waterways and the renowned Heineken brewery.
With its affordable price, multilingual audio guides, and non-refundable cancellation policy, this tour provides visitors with a comprehensive and hassle-free experience to enjoy the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
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