Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Amsterdam's ring of canals was dug in the 17th century, the Dutch Golden Age, and is listed by UNESCO. Tall, narrow merchants' houses line the water, many with a hook in the gable that was used to hoist goods, and today furniture, to the upper floors.

A one-hour cruise in a glass-roofed boat passes the grand houses of the Herengracht, the smaller canals of the Jordaan and the busy waterfront, with commentary along the way. Evening cruises are especially lovely, when the bridges are outlined in lights.

Boats leave from near Centraal Station, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House. It is an easy outing for senior travellers and children, and a good introduction to the city on your first day.