Private CUS Tour: giethoorn & Windmill zaanse en//

Explore the Dutch Countryside on a Private 10-Hour Tour from Amsterdam

This private tour offers a personalized experience of North Holland, combining visits to the peaceful village of Giethoorn, often called the “Venice of the North,”, with the historic Windmill Village of Zaanse Schans. For up to 4 people, a Toyota 5-seater is used, while groups of 5 or more enjoy a Mercedes-Benz minivan. The tour lasts around 10 hours and features private transportation, cruise experiences, and visits to cheese and clog factories.

The tour provides the flexibility to customize the itinerary, allowing travelers to choose what they see within a 300 km radius of Amsterdam. Guided in English, Chinese, or Cantonese, this experience is ideal for those seeking a relaxed pace and personalized attention in exploring the classic Dutch sights.

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Key Points

• Private, customizable 10-hour tour from Amsterdam
• Includes private transfer, canal cruise, and factory visits
• Visits to Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans Windmill Village, cheese, and clog factories
• Tour guides available in English, Chinese, and Cantonese
• Small groups with flexible start times, using either a Toyota or Mercedes-Benz minivan
• Not including a private boat in Giethoorn (can be added separately)

Pickup and Transportation: Comfort in a Private Vehicle

The tour starts with hotel pickup in Amsterdam, using an air-conditioned vehicle. For up to 4 guests, the ride is in a Toyota 5-seater, ensuring a cozy ride. Larger groups, over 5 people, are transported in a Mercedes-Benz minivan with 8 or 9 seats, which offers more space and comfort.

The private transfer allows travelers to relax and enjoy the scenic drive into the Dutch countryside, avoiding crowded buses or group tours. The journey offers a relaxed pace, making it easier to appreciate the changing landscapes and picturesque villages.

Visiting Zaanse Schans Windmill Village and Its Historic Workshops

Zaanse Schans, located 15 kilometers north of Amsterdam, features beautifully preserved 17th and 18th-century buildings that depict Dutch life from those centuries. The village includes real houses, old shipyards, and windmills that once served various industrial purposes.

A highlight is the clog factory where traditional wooden shoes are made, offering live clog-making shows. Visitors also explore an old cheese factory and a cheese and dairy workshop, learning about local food traditions. The windmills at Zaanse Schans are notable, with three open to travelers, where visitors can see their working mechanisms and understand their historical industrial roles.

The museum encompasses a bakery, grocery store, and factory displays, which provide a hands-on look at Dutch craftsmanship. A rafter boat trip on the San River is also available, giving a different view of the windmills from the water.

Discovering Giethoorn: The Venice of the North

Giethoorn, situated about 5 km southwest of Steenwijk, is famed for its no-road layout, where canals are the main routes. The village’s thatched-roof houses and quiet waterways evoke a tranquil, almost fairy-tale atmosphere.

A private cruise along the canals offers unobstructed views of historic houses and lush landscapes, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery at their own pace. Because there are no roads in Giethoorn, boats are the primary means of transport, giving a unique perspective on Dutch rural life.

The village is ideal for relaxed exploration, with options to walk or cycle along the waterways after the cruise. The calm surroundings make it a perfect spot for taking photos or simply enjoying the peaceful setting.

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Visiting the Cheese and Clog Factories in Zaanse Schans

A key part of the tour is the visit to cheese factories, where traditional Dutch cheese is produced and sold. The cheese workshop demonstrates the cheese-making process, and visitors can sample fresh varieties.

Similarly, the clog factory showcases wooden shoe craftsmanship, with live demonstrations that highlight the skills involved in this centuries-old tradition. These factory visits are included in the tour fee and add a hands-on element to the experience.

Customizable Itinerary and Flexibility

The itinerary is designed to be flexible, with suggested timing from 9:30 am to around 7 pm, including lunch in Giethoorn. Travelers can adjust the schedule based on their preferences, with early departures or extended stops possible.

The scenic stops include key attractions like Windmill Village, cheese, and clog factories, and Giethoorn canal cruise. The guide can tailor the experience, for example, extending time at specific locations or including additional nearby sights.

What to Expect During the Day

The day begins with pickup in Amsterdam, followed by a short drive into the countryside. The first stop is at Zaanse Schans, where visitors explore windmills, factories, and workshops.

Afterward, the tour continues to Giethoorn, where the canal cruise is the highlight, offering relaxed views of the village’s thatched roofs and waterways. The included factory visits at Zaanse Schans deepen the understanding of Dutch craftsmanship and industry.

The return transfer concludes back in Amsterdam, usually by around 7 pm, with options for customized timing. Throughout the day, the private guide shares insights in English, Chinese, or Cantonese, making the experience accessible for non-native speakers.

The Practicalities: Booking and Accessibility

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and all fees and taxes. It’s wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, and full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance. The tour operates daily, but availability should be checked in advance to confirm start times.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This private tour is perfect for travelers who value personalized itineraries and want a relaxed, comprehensive day exploring Dutch highlights. It suits small groups or families seeking comfort and flexibility, and those interested in craftsmanship, rural scenery, and historic windmills.

The inclusion of private transportation and guided explanations makes it a convenient way to explore without the hassle of self-planning or navigating public transport. However, those looking for an active or extensive outdoor experience should note that the focus here is more on scenic views and cultural demonstrations.

The Sum Up: A Relaxed, Customizable Dutch Day Trip

This private 10-hour tour from Amsterdam offers a well-rounded glimpse into the traditional Dutch countryside. With visits to Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans, and factory tours, the experience combines scenic beauty and cultural insights in a comfortable, tailored setting.

The private transfer and cruise experiences ensure a personalized, stress-free day, ideal for small groups or families wanting to avoid crowded tours. The ability to customize the schedule makes it flexible for different interests or time constraints.

While not including a private boat in Giethoorn might be a minor limitation, the overall experience remains rich and engaging. This tour stands out for its intimate approach, making it a practical choice for visitors seeking a comprehensive yet relaxed Dutch countryside excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Amsterdam, private transportation, canal cruise in Giethoorn, visits to cheese and clog factories, all fees and taxes, and a guided experience in English, Chinese, or Cantonese.

What type of vehicle is used for the tour?
For 1-4 people, a Toyota 5-seater is used. For groups over 5, a Mercedes-Benz minivan with 8 or 9 seats is provided.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to your preferences, including adjusting start times or adding extra stops within the 300 km radius.

Is there an opportunity to visit a windmill museum?
Yes, the tour visits Windmill Village at Zaanse Schans, which features historical windmills, factories, and demonstrations.

Does the tour include a boat ride in Giethoorn?
No, private boat rides in Giethoorn are not included but can be arranged separately.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, typically from around 9:30 am to 7 pm, depending on customization.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides are available in English, Chinese, and Cantonese.

Is this tour accessible for travelers with mobility needs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made online, with options to reserve now and pay later. Cancellations are full refundable if made 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby