Giethoorn & Windmill Country A Journey Through Old Holland

Key Points

• Private, customizable tour lasting 8.5 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Amsterdam or Schiphol
• Visit Giethoorn, often called the Venice of the North, with a boat cruise through its peaceful canals
• Cross the Markerwaarddijk, a scenic dam with stunning views over lakes on both sides
• Choose between two windmill experiences: the peaceful Schermerhorn windmill or the lively Zaanse Schans
• Includes transportation in a comfortable 4-seat vehicle driven by a knowledgeable guide
• Flexible itinerary allows you to tailor stops and pace based on your interests

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Exploring Giethoorn’s Canals and Village Charm

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Amsterdam or Schiphol, after which you travel north in a private car through the flat Dutch lowlands. The journey showcases how much of the Netherlands exists below sea level, reclaimed from water through centuries of engineering.

The first major stop is Giethoorn, famously known as the Venice of the North. Here, you’ll enjoy a 1-hour boat cruise along the canals, passing thatched-roof houses, wooden bridges, and flower-filled gardens. The boat ride offers an intimate view of traditional village life on the water. Following the cruise, a guided walk allows you to explore peaceful pathways and browse local shops and cafes.

This part of the tour is perfect for those who appreciate calm, scenic environments and authentic Dutch village vibes. The pace is leisurely, and the focus is on enjoying the tranquility and beauty of Giethoorn’s waterways.

Crossing the Iconic Markerwaarddijk with Lake Views

After experiencing Giethoorn, the tour continues with a scenic drive across the Markerwaarddijk, a notable dam that separates the Markermeer and IJsselmeer lakes. This long dam road delivers stunning views on both sides, emphasizing Dutch ingenuity in water management.

Traveling over the dam, visitors get a sense of the vast open landscapes and water-rich environment that define the Dutch countryside. The crossing itself lasts about 1.5 hours, providing ample opportunity to take photos and enjoy the natural scenery while appreciating the country’s mastery over water.

The Choice Between Schermerhorn and Zaanse Schans Windmills

In the afternoon, travelers can pick between two very different windmill experiences, each offering a unique perspective on Dutch heritage.

Schermerhorn Windmill Museum offers a serene countryside setting where a working polder windmill demonstrates how land is drained and maintained. This option is notably less crowded, allowing for a more authentic and quiet experience. Visitors can see the internal workings of a traditional Dutch windmill used for land reclamation, surrounded by beautiful fields and farmland.

Alternatively, Zaanse Schans is a vibrant open-air museum with historic windmills, craft workshops, and shops. It presents a lively atmosphere with the chance to learn about traditional Dutch crafts and purchase souvenirs. This location is more popular and bustling, making it suitable for those eager for a wider variety of sights and lively ambiance.

Both stops embody the Dutch relationship with wind and water, and the guides share insights into how these iconic structures serve both practical and cultural roles.

The Guide’s Role in Enriching the Experience

Throughout the tour, the private guide offers expert insights into local history, engineering, and culture. Their knowledge enhances each stop, explaining the significance of windmills, the history of Giethoorn, and Dutch water management techniques.

Flexibility is a key feature here; the itinerary can be adjusted to suit your interests or pace. The guide’s personable approach helps make the day both informative and relaxed, ensuring you gain a well-rounded understanding of what makes these locations special.

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The Comfort and Convenience of Private Transportation

Traveling in a comfortable 4-seat vehicle, the tour provides a personalized experience with hotel pickup and drop-off included. If travelers prefer a larger or more luxurious car, arrangements can be made directly with the provider.

The round-trip transportation covers all the driving necessary for visiting Giethoorn, crossing the dam, and reaching the windmill sites. Parking fees and fuel are included, streamlining the process and eliminating surprises. The private setup prevents crowds and allows for more spontaneous stops or questions.

Practical Details: Duration, Weather, and What to Bring

The tour lasts 8.5 hours, with multiple stops designed to balance sightseeing and relaxation. Starting times vary, so checking availability is recommended.

Since the weather in the Netherlands can change unexpectedly, travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and rain gear. For sunny days, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended. The tour’s flexibility ensures that you’ll stay comfortable regardless of conditions, with guides ready to adapt if needed.

Comparing the Windmill Options and How They Differ

Choosing between Schermerhorn and Zaanse Schans depends on your interests. The Schermerhorn Windmill Museum provides a quieter, more educational experience focused on land reclamation and the working mill in a peaceful rural setting.

Zaanse Schans, on the other hand, offers a more lively environment with historic windmills, craft demonstrations, and shopping opportunities. The lively atmosphere makes it ideal for those wanting a more interactive and social experience.

Both options showcase Dutch ingenuity but cater to different preferences—peaceful learning versus lively sightseeing.

Value and What’s Included in the Tour

This private tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a boat cruise in Giethoorn, visits to either Schermerhorn or Zaanse Schans, and the scenic crossing over the Markerwaarddijk. Also included are parking fees, fuel, and a small goody bag called “Taste of Holland”.

The tour provides round-trip transportation, which simplifies the experience and ensures comfort. However, admission fees to windmills or museums are not included, so additional expenses in that regard are to be expected if you wish to enter specific sites or purchase souvenirs.

Suitability and Ideal Participants

This tour is well-suited for those who appreciate scenic drives, authentic village experiences, and engineering marvels. It particularly benefits visitors interested in Dutch water management, windmills, and picturesque waterways.

As the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it may not be suitable for travelers with mobility challenges. The private, customizable nature makes it flexible for those wanting a personalized day, and the 8.5-hour duration suits those comfortable with a full-day outing.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Day Through Old Holland

The Giethoorn & Windmill Country tour offers a comprehensive look at some of the most iconic and scenic areas of the Netherlands. The combination of canal cruises, scenic drives, and windmill visits provides a balanced and engaging experience.

The private nature of the tour, along with professional guides and flexible itinerary options, ensures a personalized and informative day. The inclusion of a boat cruise and the choice between two windmill sites add variety to the experience.

While it emphasizes Dutch engineering and water management, it remains accessible and enjoyable, especially for those who value comfort and personalized attention. This tour suits travelers eager to explore Old Holland at a comfortable pace with insightful commentary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 8.5 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins with hotel pickup in Amsterdam or Schiphol and concludes with drop-off at the same locations.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes private transportation, boat cruise in Giethoorn, visit to windmill sites, scenic drive over the Markerwaarddijk, and a small goody bag.

Are admission fees included?
No, admission fees for windmills or museums are not included.

Can I choose which windmill site to visit?
Yes, travelers can select between Schermerhorn Windmill Museum or Zaanse Schans.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The tour is designed for private groups, but it may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues**.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and rain gear are recommended, especially given the unpredictable weather.

Can the itinerary be adjusted?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to your interests and pace.

Is this tour available year-round?
Availability depends on booking options, so it’s best to check current schedules.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Dutch, and Russian to accommodate diverse travelers.

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