Amsterdam: incentives in the city

1. Diamonds are forever Ideal for luxury lovers For exclusive groups, DMC ITB Holland offers a diamond factory tour with a difference. Each delegate receives a glass of Champagne, spiked with a small stone. A diamond expert will then examine the gems - while most will be synthetic zirconia, one lucky delegate will find a genuine diamond.
Web: www.itbholland.com

2. Art for art's sake Ideal for gallery types The Van Gogh Museum contains the world's largest collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh along with an extensive number of exhibitions on various topics of 19th-century art history. The Odilon Redon and Emile Bernard exhibition is on until 20 September.

Web: www3.vangoghmuseum.nl

3. Shop 'til you drop Ideal for retail adventurers Located between Leidsestraat and Raadhuisstraat, Amsterdam's historic canal ring, the Nine Streets offers a shopper's paradise in a 17th-century warren. Delegates can explore restaurants, cafes, art galleries, jewellers, boutiques and vintage stores for a range of styles and budgets.
Web: www.theninestreets.com

4. Food, glorious food Ideal for gourmands Amsterdam's double Michelin-starred restaurant Ciel Bleu has two private event spaces, each with capacity for 24, with a seasonal menu, such as 'Fillet of Black Angus beef with marbre of veal cheek and lardo di Colonnata, lightly smoked sweetbread and morel jus'. The chef's table can host up to ten delegates for an exclusive eight-course menu.

Web: www.cielbleu.nl

5. Getting in the spirit Ideal for thirsty workers Delegates can experience an adventure in taste, smell, vision and sound at the House of Bols, where they can learn about one of the world's oldest distilleries, its traditional genever liqueur and bartending at a cocktail workshop.
Web: www.houseofbols.nl

6. On your bike Ideal for active types
A trip to Amsterdam just wouldn't be complete without a bike ride. Zoom Tours and Mac Bike offer guided cycle tours for groups of ten to 15 delegates. Options include the Amsterdam cycle tour, exploring the Jewish quarter, the Amstel, ring of canals, Jordaan, Vondelpark and other well known spots.
Web: www.macbike.nl

7. Canals by candlelight Ideal for water babies
Exploring Amsterdam's ancient city centre on a canal tour should be an essential part of any itinerary. Holland International Canal Cruises offers a range of options, including the Candlelight Cruise where delegates can admire the city lit up at night and enjoy a traditional Dutch dinner on board.
Web: www.hir.nl

8. Past masters Ideal for history fans
For delegates who collect antiques, art, or who are simply interested in history, the Spiegelkwartier quarter is a treat. Filled with traditional Dutch houses, the area has been the heart of the national art and antiques trade.
Web: www.spiegelkwartier.nl

9. At the club Ideal for party animals
Delegates can party the night away at The Mansion, which offers two restaurants, three bars and a basement club. At Hotel Arena's Tonight nightclub, which is set in an old church hall, groups can dance to national and international DJs on two dance floors among marble pillars and high arches.
Web: www.hotelarena.nl; www.the-mansion.nl

10. Up in the air Ideal for high-fliers
Holland Events Company offers helicopter flights so delegates can enjoy a bird's eye view of the city from the air. For a more interactive experience, book a flight-simulator session at Schiphol Airport.
Web: www.hollandeventscompany.nl

DIRECTORY - AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board
Contact: Marc Horsmans, +31 205 51 25 70
Email: info@atcb.nl
Web: www.amsterdamcongress.nl

This article was first published on Conference & Incentive Travel

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