Are you interested in buying a diamond in Amsterdam, city of diamonds? Then this gem of a tour can add a unique value to your purchase. Combine a 2 hours city walk with a private reception in one of Amsterdam’s famous diamond factories. Bring home not only a special jewel: bring home a special jewel with a special story!
* tour price based on 2,5 hours including VAT, excluding entrance fees. For more hours the price will be adjusted accordingly.
Included
- Private guide with a personal connection to the diamond workers
- 2 hours city walking tour
- Amsterdam Jewish history from the perspective of the diamond history
- Passing by, among others, Waterlooplein market, Portuguese synagogue, Amstel river and Plantage neighbourhood
- Transport from the city walk to a diamond factory
- Private reception with a drink at the factory
- Stay as long as wished in the diamond factory
Optional extras
- Prolong and/or customize to your wishes
What our guests say about this tour
"AMAZING DIAMOND TOUR"
I took the tour of the diamond history of Amsterdam. Fantastic! Definitely worth your time. Very detailed and nicely explained using the surrounding buildings. Very much feel as is if you are part of the history.
Toviah, USA
"A DISCOVERING JOURNEY"
Eva took us on a personal tour along houses and former factories, in the area where diamond workers lived up into the 20th century and where diamonds were being processed. She shared special stories about her family members who lived and worked there. The past came to life in a colorful and a touching way. Many thanks for your beautiful stories!
Denise, Netherlands
Bring home a special jewel with a special story
This tour is meant for people who are interested in buying a diamond, and like to add a unique value to this purchase. Before the actual factory visit, you learn everything about the diamond workers of Amsterdam. A 3 km walk takes you through the neighbourhoods of their homes and factories. It is a social story about the changing society in the 19th and 20th century. On the one hand these changes left their mark on the diamond workers. On the other hand, the diamond workers left a strong mark on these changes.
Your guide Eva uses personal stories from her own family tree to illustrate the diamond workers history. Throughout the walk, these people – and their legacy – come back to life.
Royal Coster Diamonds and Gassan Diamonds
We developed the Amsterdam diamonds tour at the request of Royal Coster Diamonds and Gassan Diamonds. These two diamond factories have a long Amsterdam based history, and strive to keep that history visible and alive. After the walking tour, a warm welcome awaits you at one of the diamond factories. While the focus of the city walk is on the people, the focus of the factory visit is on the product: how are diamonds being transformed from raw material to sparkling beauty? This process is being shown amidst jewelry in all kinds and styles. And of course you can take as much time as you like to find your own personal gem to take home with a unique story from Amsterdam.
Jewish history
The majority of the diamond workers was of Jewish descent. Hence a big part of the diamond workers history is intertwined with Jewish history. This tour focuses especially on the decades between the industrial revolution and World War II. These were years of big changes for the diamond workers. The scale and structure of the diamond industry changed completely.
Parallel to these changes, society as a whole changed as well. It was the time of the first social laws: the rise of what we now know as the welfare state. Societal changes influenced the lives of the Jewish citizens. And a lot of Jewish citizens influenced the societal changes.
2019: 125 years Diamond Workers Union
2019 is a special year for the diamond history of Amsterdam. 125 years ago, in 1894, the General Dutch Diamond Workers Union (ANDB) was founded. This was the very first union of the Netherlands and the driving force behind the first social laws of the country. To celebrate this anniversary, several exhibitions and special events take place in October, November and December 2019.
The Jewish historical museum will present a temporary exhibition about the ANDB. And if you plan your visit to Amsterdam in December, you can profit from the unique opportunity to see the inside of the ANDB building! This is a marvelous example of Amsterdamse School architecture, celebrating the working class. See the sparkling beauty of the building, and learn more about the diamond workers’ contribution to society in an inspiring exhibition.
Besides these exhibitions, there will be city tours available about the diamond history of Amsterdam.
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for young children?
This tour is suitable from the age of 12.
Is this tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?
The tour is appropriate for guests with good mobility. We can adjust the walking pace and include short breaks if necessary.
Can this tour be done by car?
Only to a certain extent, since the area is best covered by foot. However, we are always happy to look for creative solutions to accommodate your needs. Please contact us for a tailor made tour.
The weather is bad, what happens now?
Amsterdam Odyssey tours will take place under any weather conditions, unless a formal warning regarding the weather has been issued by the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI). Dutch weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to pack and dress accordingly!
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