Old Amsterdam - VIP-Tours Amsterdam

VOC

Trade and economy

The VOC  (Dutch East India Company)

Amsterdam was home to the VOC, the world’s first multinational and publicly listed company. The VOC held a monopoly on trade with Asia, bringing immense wealth and trade opportunities to the city.

We will visit the headquarters  of the ancient VOC!

WIC

The WIC (West India Company)

This company focused on transatlantic trade, such as the slave trade and the trade in sugar, tobacco, and other products from the New World.

We will visit the building where the founding deed of New York was signed!

Trade

Trade Networks

Amsterdam functioned as the hub for world trade, especially in the 17th century, with trade links across the globe, from the American colonies to East Asia.

We will visit unique, nearly forgotten city islands with hundreds of medieval warehouses.

Financial

Financial Innovations

The establishment of the Amsterdam Stock Exchange in 1602 and the Wisselbank (Amsterdam Exchange Bank) made the city the financial heart of the world. It allowed traders to exchange shares, leading to a large influx of capital and investments and facilitated trade by providing reliable methods for currency exchange and credit extension. 

We will visit the current Amsterdam Stock Exchange, which stands exactly where the original financial heart of Amsterdam was located!

Miracle

The Miracle of Amsterdam (1345)

In 1345, a host used in the Catholic Mass was spat out by a dying man and fell into a fire where it began to bleed. This miracle led to the establishment of De Heilige Stede, a chapel dedicated to the host.  The chapel became a significant pilgrimage site, attracting millions of believers from around the world and strengthening Amsterdam both economically and culturally. 

We will visit the site of this nearly forgotten church, the site of the current Miracle Church and view the magical column of the Miracle of Amsterdam!

Religious

Religious Tolerance

Religious Refugees

After the Eighty Years' War, many Protestants fled from countries like France (Huguenots) and Portugal (Jews) to Amsterdam for religious freedom. This resulted in a diverse and dynamic population that contributed to the city's cultural and economic growth.

We will visit impressive churches such as St. Nicholas Basilica, The Old Church, and New Church, as well as hidden churches and special places of worship, including the Portuguese Synagogue from the 15th century.

Shipbuilding

Shipbuilding and Infrastructure

Innovations in Shipbuilding

Dutch shipbuilding was highly advanced, and the city had the most modern ships of the time. This enabled Amsterdam to engage in global trade, especially with distant lands.

We will visit the old shipyards in Amsterdam, where hundreds of ships were built by the VOC!

Cultural

Cultural Flourishing

Golden Age of Art

Amsterdam became a centre for art and culture, with famous artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals working in the city. The city's wealth allowed the bourgeoisie to collect and promote art.

We will visit Rembrandt's House and other historical art centres!

Science

Science and Intellect

Amsterdam was also an important hub for scientific and intellectual activities, with influential thinkers such as Spinoza living and working in the city. The city was a breeding ground for ideas and knowledge.

We will visit The House with the Heads at Keizersgracht 123, which has housed the Embassy of the Free Mind since 2017, containing a collection of around 25,000 works in hermeticism, alchemy, mysticism, kabbalah, and esoteric philosophies.

Political

Political Stability

Republic of the Seven United Netherlands

The political independence of the Netherlands after the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648) and the establishment of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands gave the city a relatively stable and autonomous government, which was favourable for trade and development.

We will visit former mayoral homes, such as Herengracht 466, a beautiful canal house once home to Mayor Johan Huydecoper, and Herengracht 502, ounce residence of mayor Pieter de Graeff. The Golden Bend is the most beautiful part of the Herengracht, full of imposing canal houses, many of which were inhabited by wealthy merchants, bankers, and mayors.

Monasteries

The Monasteries of Amsterdam

Monasteries

Amsterdam had 20 monasteries in the 14th and 15th centuries, playing a crucial role in the city’s flourishing. They contributed to the economy through land ownership, trade, and care institutions. Monasteries were also centres of knowledge, where books were copied and art was preserved. They also acted as religious and social centres, providing shelter and care for pilgrims and the sick.

We will cycle through and past the old monastery areas, now housing hotels, hospitals, and cultural institutions!

Palace

Palace on the Dam

The Palace

The impressive Palace on the Dam was originally Amsterdam's City Hall, built in the 17th century. It symbolises the immense prosperity of the city during the Golden Age and served as the administrative heart of the city. Today, the palace hosts royal events, but it remains a key historical symbol of Amsterdam's power and influence in the 17th century.

During the cycling tour, you’ll learn everything about this Eighth Wonder of the World and Dam Square, the very centre of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam through historical eyes

Are you ready to ride through centuries of Amsterdam’s rich history ?