Amsterdam is a city filled with iconic sights and draws visitors to see them annually. Located in northern Holland, Amsterdam is also the capital and a famous cruise port for Amsterdam excursions and shore excursions.
Summers are very mild with an average of 72F (22C) that makes perfect weather to get out and explore the city on our Amsterdam excursions. Winters can be extremely cold so the vast majority of visitors arrive during the spring and summer months.
Amsterdam gets its name from the dam built on the Amstel River after the flood of 1170. Much of the city lies 2 meters (6.6 feet) below sea level so dams do play a big part in the conservation and safety of the city. Amsterdam is a young city by European standards only dating back to the late 10th century. One unique feature was during the Middle Ages the city was surrounded by a moat that you can still see parts of in the outer ring of the city.
There is a large artist heritage and many museums with works of the great masters - the Van Gogh museum, the Rijksmuseum with works of Rembrandt and Vermeer, the Stedelijk museum, the Hermitage Amsterdam and the Amsterdam museum.
Amsterdam has a vast canal system throughout the city that earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site award. Canal boat rides are popular shore excursions in Amsterdam. There are quaint narrow houses with gabled roofs dotting the city. You will also see many residents cycling through the city.
You will want to plan your Amsterdam Excursions day as there is so much to see. The Anne Frank house is where the little girl and her family hid and were captured during WWII Nazi occupation. There is many personal items on display at the house. For those interested in historical building, go see the Old Church (Oude Kerk) was built in 1306. Another popular highlight is the oldest wooden building constructed in 1425, het Houten Huys. As you go through the city, you will see many buildings in the Renaissance style.
Shopping is abundant in Amsterdam with many trendy shops, high-end stores and lots of souvenir possibilities. Parks dot the city. There is no excuse not to get out and enjoy Amsterdam on one of our shore excursions!
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