Amsterdam and water have been inseparable for centuries.

The city's canals have always been part of everyday life. But what could be more special than discovering Amsterdam aboard a boat that is itself part of that history?

These are not modern sightseeing boats that simply happen to cruise Amsterdam's canals. They are classic vessels that have been carefully restored and now have a new role on Amsterdam's waterways.

From 1901 to today: discover the six historic salon boats of Private Boat Tours.

What Makes a Historic Salon Boat Special?

A salon boat is more than a boat with an elegant interior.

It is a piece of history that is still sailing.

While a museum object remains in one place, a historic salon boat moves through the city. It cruises along the same canals, beneath the same bridges and past the historic warehouses that have been part of Amsterdam for generations.

On board, you experience that history up close.

At the same time, the boats have been designed for modern comfort. Heating, comfortable salons, bars and outdoor decks allow you to enjoy a private boat tour in Amsterdam throughout the year.

Private Boat Tours brings together historic character, comfort and a personal sense of luxury.

The Lieve – A Journey Through Europe and Back to Amsterdam

The story of the Lieve begins in 1935.

She was built as a service vessel for Ketjen, the company now known as AkzoNobel. After her original period in Amsterdam, the Lieve embarked on a remarkable journey through Europe, sailing across various canals and rivers.

Eventually, she returned to Amsterdam.

Today, she once again cruises the city's historic canals.

The Lieve accommodates up to 12 guests for drinks and up to 10 guests for a seated dinner. Her combination of classic character, space and intimate atmosphere makes her suitable for private celebrations as well as elegant dinners.

A cruise aboard the Lieve is therefore more than a canal tour of Amsterdam.

It is a journey aboard a vessel that has already completed a remarkable journey of her own.

The Stern – Former KNSM Executive Boat

The Stern has a history closely connected to Amsterdam's maritime heritage.

She was built in 1920 for the Koninklijke Nederlandse Stoomboot Maatschappij, better known as KNSM. The boat was used as an executive vessel and to transport and welcome important guests.

From the very beginning, the Stern was designed for prestigious and representative occasions.

In 2015, the boat underwent a complete restoration. Her historic character was carefully preserved while modern facilities were added for today's guests.

The Stern accommodates up to 12 guests and features a spacious aft area and sliding roof.

This makes her an excellent choice for both corporate gatherings and private occasions.

The result is a unique combination of Amsterdam's maritime history and contemporary hospitality.

The Paradis – Where Private Boat Tours Began

Some boats have a special place in the history of a city.

The Paradis also holds a special place in the history of Private Boat Tours.

When Private Boat Tours was founded in 1992, the company started with this one salon boat.

The Paradis was therefore the beginning of what has grown into a fleet of six historic salon boats.

Her interior is equally distinctive. Classic teakwood details, bevelled glass and a marble bar create an elegant and intimate atmosphere.

The Paradis accommodates up to 12 guests for drinks and up to 6 guests for a seated dinner.

For a small group looking for privacy, atmosphere and an authentic Amsterdam experience, she is an excellent choice.

The Ivresse – A Second Life on the Water

The story of the Ivresse begins in the early twentieth century.

The boat was built between 1913 and 1914 and designed with an emphasis on stability and spaciousness. Some of her original Art Deco character can still be seen today.

But the Ivresse did not sail continuously throughout her history.

After a period out of active service, the boat was given a new lease of life through an extensive restoration in 2008.

Since then, she has once again been cruising Amsterdam.

The Ivresse accommodates up to 12 guests for drinks and up to 10 guests for a seated dinner.

With her warm character and intimate size, she is particularly suitable for a relaxed private cruise, dinner or special celebration.

The story of the Ivresse beautifully demonstrates what it means to preserve historic maritime heritage: not simply keeping it, but allowing it to sail again.

The Rêverie – Built in 1901

The Rêverie is the oldest salon boat in the Private Boat Tours fleet.

Built in 1901, she is one of the oldest classic salon boats in Amsterdam. In 2008, the Rêverie was fully and carefully restored, preserving her original character while adding modern comfort.

Her warm wooden interior, elegant finishes and spacious salon create a charming and exclusive atmosphere.

The Rêverie can accommodate up to 12 guests for drinks and up to 10 guests for a seated lunch or dinner.

With her spacious aft deck, she is also particularly well suited to relaxed private cruises where you can enjoy Amsterdam both indoors and outdoors.

The Belle Époque – Grandeur from 1910

The Belle Époque is the largest salon boat in the fleet and was built in 1910.

Her name refers to the elegant period around the turn of the twentieth century and perfectly reflects the character of the vessel.

Inside, you will find polished teak, leather upholstery, elegant details and a marble bar. Her historic appearance has been carefully preserved, while modern facilities provide comfort for today's guests.

The Belle Époque can accommodate up to 28 guests for drinks, 24 guests for a buffet and 20 guests for a seated dinner.

This makes her particularly suitable for larger groups.

Think corporate celebrations, anniversaries, family occasions, lunches or extended dinners.

The Belle Époque demonstrates that historic heritage and larger events can go hand in hand.

Six Boats, Six Stories

Although the six salon boats are part of the same fleet, each has its own distinctive character.

Which Historic Salon Boat Is Right for Your Occasion?

For a Romantic Evening

Looking for an intimate setting for two or a small group?

The Paradis, Ivresse or Rêverie are particularly interesting choices. Their character and size make them ideal for a romantic cruise, lunch or dinner on Amsterdam's canals.

For Drinks with Friends

Want to enjoy Amsterdam with a group of friends?

The Lieve, Stern, Ivresse or Rêverie offer a comfortable combination of space, atmosphere and character.

Enjoy a drink on board, Amsterdam as your backdrop and your own company. Sometimes, that is all you need.

For a Private Dinner

Dinner on Amsterdam's canals is about much more than going out to eat.

The Rêverie, Lieve, Ivresse and Paradis offer different possibilities for an intimate private dinner, depending on the size of your group.

As you dine, the view continuously changes around you.

For a Corporate Event

A business meeting does not always have to take place in a conference room.

Aboard a historic salon boat, you can create an informal yet sophisticated setting for a meeting, reception, client event or corporate gathering.

For smaller groups, the Stern, Lieve or Rêverie are interesting options. For larger groups, the Belle Époque offers considerably more space.

For a Larger Celebration or Event

For larger groups, the Belle Époque is the natural choice.

With space for up to 28 guests for drinks and 20 guests for a seated dinner, she offers the capacity and atmosphere for a memorable event on the water.

Historic Maritime Heritage: History That Keeps Sailing

What makes the Private Boat Tours fleet particularly special is not simply the age of the boats.

The vessels are recognised as Varend Monument (Sailing Monument) by the Federation of Dutch Maritime Heritage, acknowledging their historical value.

But perhaps there is something even more important.

The boats sail.

They are used.

They take guests through Amsterdam.

They create new memories.

In this way, the heritage remains part of the living city rather than becoming something that can only be seen in a museum.

Experience Amsterdam from Your Own Private Salon Boat

A sightseeing cruise with a large group certainly has its charm.

But a private boat tour offers something different.

Peace and tranquillity.

Personal attention.

Your own company.

Your own atmosphere.

And the freedom to tailor the experience to your occasion.

Whether you choose a relaxed drink, an elaborate lunch, a romantic dinner or a special celebration, the historic salon boats of Private Boat Tours provide the setting for an experience you are unlikely to forget.

From the Rêverie, built in 1901, to the vessels that joined the fleet later, every salon boat has a story of its own.

And the best part?

That story is still sailing.

Discover the Six Historic Salon Boats

Want to find out which salon boat is best suited to your group and occasion?

Explore the Private Boat Tours fleet and discover the history, interior and possibilities of each vessel.

From 1901 to today. From historic maritime heritage to a personal experience on Amsterdam's iconic canals.