Local Tour Guides

Our Team in Amsterdam / The Netherlands

We are a team of professionals, passionate and dedicated local tour guides. Ready and looking forward to take you on an amazing tour of the Netherlands. Creating fun memories you’ll never forget.

Welcome! This is our team of fantastic local tour guides. Did we mention we love to show you the Netherlands? So don’t be shy, get in touch!

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Stefka | Miko | Joyce | Niels | Mieke | Hans | Wieske | Kate

Stefka Waaijer

Stefka Waaijer

CEO & Local Tour Guide

“Come and let’s get lost together, I know the way!”

Some words about me

Returning to the Netherlands after a trip, I always loved the typical Dutch countryside, canals, dikes lush green and flat. Many travelers to the Netherlands only know about Amsterdam, Volendam and Kinderdijk. I enjoy taking you off-the-beaten-path and giving you a true local experience.

Experience

I got my degree in Graphic Design, but not long after high school the travel bug got me. Backpacking in Australia, New-Zealand and Indonesia. Trip to Nepal. Cooking on a dude ranch in Wyoming. Tour guide in Peru, Southern Africa, Mexico and Guatamala. Done it all! :)

My favorite places

For me, a great way to ‘taste’ the country is through wine. Being a wine lover and WSET 3 graduate, I’d love to let you experience the Netherlands through a glass of wine. Perhaps with some oysters, mussels or lobster on the side?
Most people are not aware the Netherlands has some great beaches at the North Sea. A stop for lunch here is always a wonderful treat for my guests and me.

Spoken languages

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Travelling since 1997. Tour guide since 2002.

DutchEnglish

What makes me happy

  • Making new friends
  • Going off-the-beaten path
  • Sunshine
  • Historical stories
  • Wine
  • Game of Tennis
  • Explore
Miko

Miko

Local Tour Guide

Some words about me

Together with my girlfriend I live just outside the historical center of Utrecht, in a small, very old house with a garden. My girlfriend studies at the Academy of Arts and in our free time we enjoy visiting museums in the Netherlands. I love to be active in nature and riding my race bicycle in the dunes of the North Sea.

Experience

Since I was just a baby, my parents took me all across Europe for vacations. We slept in tents. When I studied Engineering, my internship in South Africa took me for the first time outside of Europe. An incredible experience, as only a few months before, Mandela came to power and South-Africa was undergoing a momentous transition. After graduation, I traveled extensively solo to Central America, South America and Asia. Back in the Netherlands I realized, I was not ready to give up traveling for a steady job as an engineer, and instead I became a tour guide in the Netherlands and abroad.

My favorite places

My engineering heart gets touched at Kinderdijk windmills. The ingenuity of the Dutch people who lived 400 years ago, reclaiming land for agriculture, is incredible.
I discovered Giethoorn on one of my long bicycle rides, with canals in the city center, thatched roofed farms, and over 200 wooden bridges. Lovely town.

Spoken languages

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since 1973. Tour guide since 2003.

DutchEnglishGerman

What makes me happy

  • Bicycle rides
  • Sports
  • Good company
  • Mountains
  • History & Culture
  • Modern Art
  • Sunshine
  • Singing birds
Joyce

Joyce

Local Tour Guide

Some words about me

Born and raised in the Netherlands, I moved to Canada for a year in 2003. That is where the travel bug bit me. My husband and I like to travel a lot, exploring new places together. But we also enjoy just being home in our beautiful city, Haarlem.

Experience

Being outdoors, exploring places, meeting people and giving them a wonderful day is what makes me happy. After years in IT I needed a change and became a tour leader. First part-time for Dutch people who travel outside Europe. Since 2016, after a Tourism study, full-time in the Netherlands and a few times a year abroad. Perfect! As my husband doesn’t like it when I’m away for a long time, and I love The Netherlands.

My favorite places

Anywhere where there are windmills or cobblestones.
(P.S. there are still 1200 windmills and 100+ old towns in the Netherlands!)

Spoken languages

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since 2001. Tour guide since 2016.

DutchEnglish

What makes me happy

  • Bunnies
  • Windmills
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Sunshine
  • Exploring new places
  • Ice cream & chocolate
  • Play Pickleball
  • Catch up with friends
Niels

Niels

Local Tour Guide

Some words about me

Born and raised Dutchman, I grew up near Rotterdam, where I lived and studied. Being educated as a primary school teacher, I worked as a teacher for 8 years. Then I decided to change my life and become a tour leader in Asia. Since 2008 I have been regularly working and living in India, Spain, South East Asia and my beloved home country the Netherlands!

Experience

As a student and later when I was teaching, I loved taking the train out into the Dutch countryside. It was my goal to visit every Dutch town with a train station. The beauty of travel, and my first culture shock, was in 2002 when I traveled to Indonesia. Since 2010 I am tour leader for travel groups in India, and Nepal. In spring and summer I am in The Netherlands, where I love to continue discovering the Netherlands. Will you join me?

My favorite places

Typical Dutch landscapes! Green meadows with cows and dotted with windmills. Above it the Dutch blue skies with a few clouds. The North Sea coastline with its sand dunes. The variety of ecosystems of N.P. Hoge Veluwe. And any Dutch city with a river flowing through it.

Spoken languages

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since 1980. Tour guide since 2010.

DutchEnglishHindi language

What makes me happy

  • Art Deco architecture
  • Singing songs
  • Vegetarian food
  • Cycling Dutch country side
  • Listening to music
  • Being a guide
  • Exploring new places
Mieke

Mieke

Local Tour Guide

Some words about me

I’m a travel addict and love to do it as much as I can! Being single, and not having any pets, makes that easier. When in the Netherlands, I live in a small (not yet Tiny) house at Utrechtse Heuvelrug. This is a forest on a hill. Quite rare in the Netherlands as most is flat with lush green meadows.

Experience

For my job in IT Project Management, I often worked abroad. In 2018, I even lived and worked in Malaysia for some time. When I didn’t work, I loved exploring the country. That is when traveling and exploring became a necessity for me. I decided to change my career, followed a tour guide study, and now I’m living my dream! As a tour leader I show Dutch people the world and as a guide for Holland Private Tour I show you the beautiful country of The Netherlands.

My favorite places

There are 2 places that stand out for me:
National Park Veluwezoom. The variety in vegetation make it great for hiking and bicycling. Especially when the heath flower purple in fall.
‘De Haar’ is our largest castle. Rebuilt in the early 1900s over the top exuberant and posh.

Spoken languages

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since 2000. Tour guide since 2019.

DutchEnglish

What makes me happy

  • Discovering countries & cultures
  • Walking in forest & mountains
  • Big cup of tea
  • Welness Day
  • Smelling fresh cut grass
  • Funny facts
  • Spending time with friends
Hans

Hans

Local Tour Guide

Some words about me

I live in Rotterdam, where I was born and raised. I did my study and worked as a teacher at a primary school. After 32 years teaching, I thought it was time for a change and became a tour leader.

Experience

During my working years in The Netherlands, I travelled a lot. From 1980 I travelled to different countries outside Europe. Since 2010 I am guiding groups in especially India, but also Nepal, Bhutan. And when I am in The Netherlands, I love to explore and show my beautiful country.

My favorite places

The green meadows with cows and above it the Dutch blue skies with some clouds. It’s a beautiful scene that you can’t see anywhere else. Place a few windmills there and you have the perfect Dutch landscape.

Spoken languages

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since 1980. Tour guide since 2010.

DutchEnglish

What makes me happy

  • Friends & Family
  • Spring in the Netherlands
  • Discover Museums
  • Cold glass of beer
  • Dutch Gouda cheese
  • Bitterballen (typical Dutch snack)
Wieske

Wieske

Local Tour Guide

Some words about me

I live in the Dutch city of Haarlem in my dream house. It is also a B&B “Circuit de la vie” which I run together with a dear friend. During weekends, I like to walk along the beach or cycle through the polders and dunes. I am a cultural historian and I love to tell you about history, anecdotes, architecture and art. With friends, we go out for dinner, have a good talk about life, a good glass of wine and visit museums.

Experience

I love travelling, sharing experiences and knowledge. It is part of my being as an education professional. Since 2008 I organize walking tours in Dutch cities. When I returned, in 2006, after 10 months in Scotland, I realized how beautiful the Netherlands is. Stories are there to talk about, and I love sharing them with people from other countries.

My favorite places

Haarlem historical center has great museums like Teyler and Frans Hals. The Amsterdam School architecture of the Spaarndammerbuurt, the Jordaan and New Docklands are my favorite areas in Amsterdam. Zaanse Schans is where I was raised, and it has a special place in my heart.

Spoken languages

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since 1998. Tour guide since 2008.

DutchEnglish

What makes me happy

  • A good laugh
  • Family & Friends
  • Beach
  • Talks about life
  • Painting & Writing
  • Music & Sports
  • Dancing Salsa
Ageeth (Kate)

Ageeth (Kate)

Local Tour Guide

Some words about me

During my office job at ABN AMRO bank for 22 years, I travelled a lot, until I no longer wanted to work in an office any longer. A worldwide trip of 5 months, convinced me that this was the life I wanted to live. Since 2007 I’m exploring the world as a tour leader with various groups. After every trip, no matter how enjoyable, I’m always happy to get back to the Netherlands, which is the only place in the world I want to call home. I love history and love to share my knowledge, especially about the Netherlands.

Experience

As a tour leader I have visited almost every continent, Africa, Asia, Australasia, Middle East, Europe. By guiding groups where people have mental and physical disabilities on holidays, I increased my awareness of the difficulties they face on a daily basis.
It gives me enormous gratitude to make a meaningful contribution to people on my trips, and I enjoy the friendships that came from this.

My favorite places

I love the Beemster, which is a Unesco site, because it’s close to home for me and I can reach it on my bike. During the flowering season, there are large fields with tulips in various colors, which is a beautiful sight. Amsterdam, and the other old cities in Holland with the canals and old houses, I enjoy very much. And I’m always discovering more places!

Spoken languages

Born and raised in the Netherlands. Traveling since 1998. Tour guide since 2007.

DutchEnglishGerman

What makes me happy

  • Ride my bicycle
  • My dogs
  • Walking
  • Sports
  • Art
  • Travel
  • A nice dinner with friends

This is Why We Love What We Do

Excellent
Based on 10 reviews
Nancy Larson
2021-10-26
Excellent day tour around the sights on the outskirts of Amsterdam. Stefka quickly adjusted the tour to avoid stairs that I would have trouble climbing. She even found the only windmill with an elevator so I could go to the upper level. Stops at cheese farm and the town of Edam were very enjoyable and educational. Her new EV car was very comfortable as she negotiated highways and small side streets. Thank you Stefka for a great day!
George Harris
2021-04-24
Excellent tour of a beautiful tulip farm! Lots of very interesting information, and very knowledgeable and kind.
Madeline Edwards
2021-04-23
Stefka provided a wonderful virtual tour! Everyone loved it. It was extremely informative and the flowers were stunning.
Urszula Orłowska
2021-04-11
I participated in an online walk around Keukenhof Park, which was only open to visitors for 3 days this year. Stefka showed us around the park for an hour, presenting beautiful flowers, about which she knows a lot. She also acquainted us with the history of the park and shared interesting facts. I have never participated in such an event before, but I can see that private, "tailor-made" tours are something for me. Uczestniczyłam w spacerze online po Parku Keukenhof, który w tym roku był udostępniony zwiedzającym tylko przez 3 dni. Stefka oprowadzała nas po parku przez godzinę, prezentując piękne kwiaty, o których ma ogromną wiedzę. Zapoznała nas także z historią parku i przekazywała ciekawostki. Nigdy wcześniej nue uczestniczyłam w takim wydarzeniu, ale widzę, że prywatne, "szytę na miarę" wycieczki, to coś dla mnie.
colien willems
2021-01-18
Stefka offers a wonderful tour through Heusden, I enjoyed it! In this time of corona and restrictions, it's great to enjoy this online tour, comfortable from behind the pc. Stefka tells about the origin and history of this old Dutch town, and takes you virtually along the sites. When Stefka organizes another tour, I will definitely participate again!
Bjinse Veenstra
2021-01-17
Stefka gave us a live online tour through the city center of the fortified town of Heusden in The Netherlands. Packed with useful details and lovely sights! Lot of sightseeing, and all within walking distance of each other.
S J
2020-11-21
Stefka's tour was just what I needed during this pandemic. It was truly refreshing and changed my skepticism about virtual tours in general. She showed us around her town via a bicycle ride. Her style of narration is easy to follow. She is knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor too. I highly recommend Stefka.
Carolina MIranda
2020-08-23
It was very Nice to enjoy Dutch living style in Kerkdriel, small Village in the Netherlands! Thank very much Stefka!
Rocco Vermijs
2020-02-13
An human being that really cares and has a lot of knowledge of Holland. My Day trip from Amsterdam was one in kind and she takes you to places the normal tourist doesn’t go. Book with her now.
Carola Goesten
2020-02-13
Onze gids Stefka is heel goed geïnformeerd over de geschiedenis, bezienswaardigheden en cultuur van Nederland. Ze komt heel vriendelijk over en ze is flexibel op de wijze waarop je invulling wilt geven aan de tour. Ik zou deze rondleidingen sterk aanbevelen.
Excellent
Based on 61 reviews
newtOhio
2022-10-21
Private shore excursion from Rotterdam Truly enjoyed our custom tour/shore excursion with Stepka. We told her what we wanted to see and she made it happen. She was waiting for us as we got off the ship. We got into her electric car and away we went. A little tight for 3 adults in the back, but we made it work. Touring with Stepka was like being with a friend. Loved our Dutch lunch and surprise treat. Beautiful sites and lots of information.Thanks Stepka for making my birthday such a memorable day! Nancy Todd
John S
2022-07-12
Best tour of our European trip!! We chose to customize our itinerary and this was the best tour guide we've ever had ... after years of traveling globally and countless tours. It was fun, informative, personable, etc. The highlight of our trip!! We picked several things to visit over 3 days. Outstanding service and value!!
Brenda H
2022-06-10
A wonderful day with my family It was a spectacular day with my family on a long awaited trip to Netherlands. Our guide Joyce picked us up at our hotel in Amsterdam and brought us to The Hague to the Escher and Mauritshuis museums. Then off to a beautiful lunch on the beach. Then we drove to the Keukenhof gardens. Joyce was so knowledgeable about Holland and answered all our questions. We had a great van to hold all 5 of us and really comfortable. We LOVED our day and didn’t want to leave Holland. THANK YOU FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME. It was fantastic. Would highly recommend. Thank you again.
hayleyalys
2022-05-30
Fabulous! From the beginning, Stefka was easily reachable, friendly and very helpful with what we wanted to achieve on our first day in the Netherlands. We landed at 8am, bleary eyed and Stefka was a friendly breath of fresh air welcoming us. Her car was clean and spacious, and she is a very safe driver. Also loved the iPad videos on different bits of Dutch history! It is worth noting our tour was on Kings Day which is a national holiday in the Netherlands but if somewhere was closed, Stefka had plan B, C, D all worked out. It felt like an authentic view of the Netherlands and Stefka has so much knowledge, it was so nice to spend the day with her- more like relaxing with a friend rather than being on a tour Highly, highly recommend and if we are ever back in the Netherlands would love to enlist Stefka again on our adventures!
Mary L
2022-05-25
Wonderful private tour Stefkas was so knowledgeable, helpful and very friendly. We contacted her with a list of things we were interested in seeing and she made it happen. It was great getting away form the standard tours.
hannahSF
2022-05-12
Great Day Trip With Joyce! Our tour guide Joyce took us to Giethoorn and Kampen on a wonderful private day tour. She picked us up at our hotel in Amsterdam and gave us lots of information about the geography and history of The Netherlands on the drive. We even found a late blooming tulip field which was unexpected! The day was relaxed and informative, Joyce is a great guide, knowledgeable and flexible. Highly recommend Holland Day Tours! Online booking and communication with Stefka prior to the trip was easy as well.
lisalh
2022-05-11
Fabulous private tour that was customized for us I enjoyed the cheese tour and the wooden shoe maker that was combined together. It’s great to support the locals while you travel. Seeing the windmill was very interesting and how it operated. Very nice and good restaurant for lunch. Staff very friendly. Our tour guide Stefkas was fabulous and was very knowledgeable and very friendly!! I recommend her with 5 stars.
BackPacker766385
2021-05-07
Great tour by a guide on her bicycle.... Stefka led a wonderful tour through a small town while on her bicycle. Windmills, canals, dykes - all of the special features in a small town setting. Stefka clearly loves the town and is prepared to answer questions with knowledge and gentle good humour. This is our second tour with Stefka and it was a treat!
Tom F
2021-04-11
Tampa to Amsterdam's Keuchenhof Park in an Afternoon Stefka did a great job of showcasing the the beauty Keuchenhof Park, explaining it's history, talking about the biodiversity and origins of all the flora available to see at the site. Spend an morning or afternoon with Stefka, she is able to transport you out of your home to one of the most beautiful places on Earth!
colienw2018
2021-01-18
mavellous online tour through Heusden (NL) Stefka offers a wonderful tour through Heusden, I enjoyed it! In this time of corona and restrictions, it's great to enjoy this online tour, comfortable from behind the pc. Stefka tells about the origin and history of this old Dutch town, and takes you virtually along the sites. When Stefka organizes another tour, I will definitely participate again!