Giethoorn & the New Polders: Day Tour from Amsterdam

Take a day trip from Amsterdam to visit polders, the Ijsselmeer, and a village known as the Venice of the North. Your day begins with a 1-hour drive to Enk¬huizen, a quaint 17th century port town on the shores of the former Zuiderzee, now known as the IJsselmeer.

Take a short stroll in Enkhuizen to get an impression of the old town before crossing the IJssel¬meer on a 20-kilometer-long dike. You’ll continue on through the reclaimed land, known as polders, passing the new town of Lelystad, the capital of Flevoland.

The highlight of the full-day tour is a visit to the village of Giethoorn. It is known as the Venice of the North as canals serve as the streets of the village, and access is by boat only. You’ll enjoy a 1-hour boat ride through this lovely village, admiring the beautifully restored farm houses along the canals.

There will also be some time to wander around Giethoorn on your own, or to take a break in one of the many cafés.

On the way back to Amsterdam, you’ll pass through the scenic landscapes of the Flevoland region.