Just minutes from Amsterdam, Zaandam’s tour offerings showcase the real Netherlands. The standout choice is the Zaanse Schans excursion – it’s a wonderful slice of Dutch life with working windmills and craftspeople in action. I’m especially fond of the half-day Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans tour, which packs in plenty of cultural treats like cheese sampling and chocolate discoveries. For a more intimate experience, the small-group Windmills, Cheese, Clogs & Volendam tour gets my vote – you’ll see authentic cow milking and get personal attention throughout. Private countryside tours offer flexibility and access to hidden village gems most travelers miss. Let’s explore the best tours that bring the Netherlands to life.
Key Points
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Zaanse Schans Excursion offers a comprehensive half-day trip to explore historic windmills, traditional homes, and Dutch activities like wooden clog making and cheese production.
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The 3.5-hour Half-Day Tour from Amsterdam provides visits to historical windmills, cheese-tasting sessions, and stops at a chocolate shop and syrup waffle stand.
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The Windmills, Cheese, Clogs & Volendam Tour is a 5-hour experience that highlights iconic windmills, a cheese farm visit, a cow milking demonstration, and free time in the picturesque town of Volendam.
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The Private Dutch Countryside Tour offers a personalized exploration of the Dutch countryside, allowing visitors to discover picturesque villages and local traditions while sampling regional delicacies.
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The Private Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Marken Tour is an 8-hour private excursion that includes visits to two working windmills, local cheese tasting, a boat cruise in Volendam, and exploration of a traditional Dutch house.
Zaanse Schans Small-Group Excursion From Zaandam
Though located just a short distance from Zaandam, the Zaanse Schans small-group excursion offers visitors a delightful immersion into the region’s rich heritage.
This half-day trip features a picturesque landscape dotted with historic windmills, charming homes, and traditional Dutch activities. Guests can learn to make wooden clogs and observe the production of iconic Dutch cheeses. The highlight is a visit to a working industrial windmill, where participants can gain insights into its inner workings.
With an overall rating of 4.8 based on 6 reviews, the tour receives high praise for its knowledgeable guides and local insights.
While some minor issues have been reported regarding ticket arrangements, the majority of feedback emphasizes the quality of the experience. Priced at $35.25, the excursion includes the guided tour and activities, though additional costs may apply for optional experiences.
Booked through Viator, the tour is subject to the company’s terms and conditions, including a full refund for cancellations made 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Zaanse Schans Small-Group Excursion From Zaandam Review
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Half Day Tour Zaanse Schans From Amsterdam 3,5 Hours
This half-day tour from Amsterdam offers visitors a captivating exploration of the picturesque Zaanse Schans, a living museum showcasing the region’s rich heritage.
The 3.5-hour excursion, priced at $155.63 per person, provides a comprehensive experience, including visits to historical windmills, a cheese-tasting session, and a wooden shoe crafts demonstration.
Guests will be picked up from their Amsterdam hotels and transported to Zaanse Schans, where they’ll discover the world’s last remaining paint mill, dating back to 1781.
The tour also includes a stop at a chocolate shop for sampling local treats and a visit to a syrup waffle stand to try the famous Dutch stroopwafel.
At the Henri Willig cheese farm, participants can indulge in a Gouda and Edam cheese-tasting experience.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers flexibility and convenience.
Participants should be prepared for some walking, as the experience includes small strolls throughout the village.
Read our full review: Half Day Tour Zaanse Schans From Amsterdam 3,5 Hours Review
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Tour to Windmills, Cheese, Clogs and Volendam From Amsterdam
For those seeking a comprehensive introduction to the charming Dutch countryside, the Tour to Windmills, Cheese, Clogs and Volendam from Amsterdam is an ideal choice. Priced at £236.67 per person, this 5-hour excursion offers a well-rounded experience, with highlights including visits to the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans, a cheese farm, and the picturesque town of Volendam.
Travellers can look forward to exploring the historic windmills, witnessing a cow milking demonstration, and tasting over 30 varieties of Dutch cheese. The tour also includes a photo stop and free time in Volendam, as well as a lunch at a top local fish restaurant.
Convenient pickup and drop-off at Amsterdam hotels, along with transportation in a Mercedes minivan, ensure a seamless and comfortable journey.
With a small group size limited to 7 participants, this tour provides a personalized and immersive exploration of Dutch culture and traditions. The free cancellation policy and “reserve now, pay later” option make it an accessible and flexible choice for visitors to Amsterdam.
Read our full review: Tour to Windmills, Cheese, Clogs and Volendam From Amsterdam Review
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Private Tour of the Dutch Countryside by Car
Offering a more intimate and flexible exploration of the Dutch countryside, the Private Tour of the Dutch Countryside by Car immerses travelers in the region’s rich culture and natural beauty.
This personalized experience allows visitors to venture off the beaten path, discovering picturesque villages, windmills, and scenic landscapes at their own pace.
With a dedicated driver-guide, travelers can customize the itinerary to suit their interests, whether that’s visiting the historic Zaanse Schans open-air museum, the quaint fishing village of Volendam, or the charming town of Giethoorn, known as the “Venice of the North.”
Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to enjoy local traditions, sample regional delicacies, and gain a deeper understanding of Dutch heritage and way of life.
The Private Tour of the Dutch Countryside by Car offers a more exclusive and personalized alternative to the popular group tours, providing a unique and memorable experience for those seeking to explore the Netherlands beyond the bustling city of Amsterdam.
Read our full review: Private Tour of the Dutch Countryside by Car Review
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Private Tour Zaanse Schans Windmills, Volendam & Marken
A comprehensive 8-hour private tour takes travelers to the captivating Zaanse Schans open-air museum, the quaint fishing village of Volendam, and the picturesque town of Marken.
Priced from £359.23 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, transportation by luxury car or minivan, and all entrance fees.
Highlights include visiting two working windmills, tasting local cheeses, and experiencing a boat cruise in Volendam. Guests can also explore an old traditional Dutch house and learn about Dutch history, water management, and the Golden Age.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and available in English and Dutch. Customers have praised the guide’s friendliness, responsiveness, and professionalism, despite challenging weather conditions.
With the option to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this private tour offers a personalized, hands-on experience of the Dutch countryside.
Read our full review: Private Tour Zaanse Schans Windmills, Volendam & Marken Review
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From Amsterdam: 4 Provinces Highlights Van Tour
Travelers seeking to venture beyond Amsterdam can embark on an 8.5-hour tour that takes them through four Dutch provinces, allowing them to discover a diverse array of iconic destinations.
Priced from €119.00 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this small-group tour (limited to 8 participants) is led by a live English-speaking guide.
The itinerary includes stops at Zaanse Schans, famous for its windmills, the 32-kilometer Afsluitdijk water barrier, the charming Frisian city of Sloten, the historic fishing village of Urk, and the fortified Hansa town of Elburg.
Along the way, participants can enjoy picturesque views of the Wadden Sea and Ijsselmeer Lake, while learning about the region’s rich history.
The tour package includes return transportation, snacks, and bottled water. Optional activities at Zaanse Schans are also available.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on customer reviews, this tour is a great way to discover the highlights of the Dutch countryside beyond the capital.
Read our full review: From Amsterdam: 4 Provinces Highlights Van Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
Many tours in the area offer wheelchair accessibility. Visitors should check with tour operators to confirm specific accommodations before booking. Most providers strive to ensure their tours are inclusive and accessible to all travelers.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
Most tour companies have restrictions on bringing pets. It’s best to check with the specific tour operator beforehand to see if they allow pets on their tours. Some may require the pet to be kept in a carrier.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tours?
Photography is generally allowed during the tours, but visitors should check with the tour operator for any specific restrictions. Some tours may have limited photography areas or require visitors to obtain permission before taking photos.
Are Snacks or Meals Provided on the Tours?
Some tours provide snacks or light meals, while others don’t. Guests should check the tour details beforehand to see if refreshments are included. Many tours focus on sightseeing, so having some sustenance can enhance the overall experience.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Customers can often customize tour itineraries to match their interests and preferences. Many tour providers offer flexibility to adjust the schedule, sites visited, and activities included to create a personalized experience for each group or individual.
The Sum Up
Zaandam offers a range of exceptional tours showcasing the region’s iconic windmills, traditional crafts, and charming villages. Visitors can explore the Zaanse Schans open-air museum, venture to nearby towns like Volendam and Marken, or embark on private countryside excursions. These diverse tour options cater to various interests and provide an immersive experience in the picturesque Dutch landscape.