Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn Private Tour + 1-Hr Canal Cruise

Discover the Charm of Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn on a Private Tour

This 6-hour private tour from Amsterdam offers an excellent way to experience two iconic Dutch destinations in one day. The journey begins with a visit to Zaanse Schans, famous for its traditional windmills, wooden shoe workshops, and cheese shops. Afterward, you’ll explore the water village of Giethoorn, renowned for its picturesque canals and tranquil scenery. The tour is led by a professional driver in a luxury vehicle, providing flexibility and comfort throughout the day.

What sets this experience apart is the personalized approach. The private tour allows you to explore at your own pace, with options for additional boat rentals or private boat tours in Giethoorn. This makes it ideal for travelers who seek a relaxed, customizable day out with authentic Dutch highlights, all while enjoying the convenience of door-to-door service.

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Key Points

• Duration: 6 hours, with flexible start times
• Includes: Private driver, luxury vehicle, visits to Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn
• Highlights: Wooden shoe factory, cheese shop, 1-hour canal cruise
• Extras: Option to add private boat tour or rent a boat (additional cost)
• Comfort & Convenience: WIFI, bottled water, parking fees included
• Not included: Professional guide, entry fees to windmills, meals, and boat rentals

The Exciting Itinerary of This Private Dutch Day Trip

This tour offers a well-structured yet flexible itinerary, beginning in Amsterdam with a pickup by a professional driver. After a short drive, the first stop is Zaanse Schans, where visitors spend about 1.5 hours exploring. During this time, the focus is on experiencing authentic Dutch culture through visits to a wooden shoe workshop and a cheese shop, where sampling and purchasing local cheeses are part of the experience.

Next, the tour moves to Giethoorn, with approximately 2 hours allocated to exploring the village. Visitors can appreciate the charming waterways, traditional thatched-roof houses, and peaceful scenery. The 1.5-hour canal cruise provides a scenic view of Giethoorn’s waterways, allowing for a relaxing glide through this picturesque village. For those interested, there’s an option to enhance the experience with a private boat tour or rent a boat for a more personalized adventure at an extra cost.

The day concludes with the return trip to Amsterdam, making it a full yet manageable itinerary perfect for those wanting to see iconic Dutch sights without feeling rushed.

Exploring Zaanse Schans: Windmills, Cheese, and Wooden Shoes

Zaanse Schans is a highlight of this tour, showcasing traditional Dutch craftsmanship. Visitors spend around 1.5 hours here, visiting windmills, a wooden shoe factory, and a cheese shop. The windmills are a quintessential symbol of the Netherlands, and the wooden shoe workshop offers a glimpse into the country’s iconic footwear craftsmanship. The cheese shop provides cheese sampling, allowing guests to taste and purchase local cheeses directly from the producers.

The visit to Zaanse Schans is not just about sights but also about understanding Dutch traditions and local specialties. The small group or private format ensures a relaxed pace, so there’s ample time to explore these cultural treasures without feeling hurried.

The Enchanting Village of Giethoorn and Its Waterways

Giethoorn stands out as a peaceful water village with no roads, only canals, making it a unique destination in the Netherlands. The tour allocates about 2 hours for exploring the village, giving time to stroll around or relax by the waterways. The village’s thatched-roof houses and bridges create a charming, postcard-like setting.

The one-hour canal cruise in Giethoorn is a centerpiece of the experience, offering an up-close view of the scenic waterways. The cruise is included in the standard package, providing a peaceful glide through the village’s canals, perfect for photography and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. For those wanting an even more personalized experience, options to rent a boat or join a private boat tour are available for an additional fee, allowing visitors to explore independently.

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Transport, Comfort, and Flexibility in a Luxury Setting

Transportation is a key feature of this private tour. The luxury vehicle ensures a smooth, comfortable ride between destinations, with amenities such as WIFI and bottled water included. The professional driver handles all logistics, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery. The parking fees are also covered, removing any hassle.

The private nature of the tour provides significant flexibility. Guests can explore each site at their own pace, decide how long to linger, and opt for additional activities like boat rentals. This level of customization makes it an ideal choice for travelers who prefer a more personalized experience rather than a large group tour.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

This tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, providing peace of mind. Reservations can be made with the option to **reserve now and pay later, giving flexibility for changing travel plans. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with wheelchair accessibility and no age restrictions for children over 3 years old.

Guests should come prepared with comfortable shoes and a camera to capture the scenic views. The tour guides speak Dutch and English, ensuring clear communication throughout the day. However, it’s important to note that meals, drinks, and boat rentals are not included and will incur additional costs if desired.

Who Will Most Appreciate This Tour

This private experience appeals to those seeking a relaxed, cultivated day of sightseeing with the flexibility to tailor activities. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups, it suits travelers who value comfort, personalized attention, and authentic Dutch experiences. The tour’s focus on scenic waterways, craftsmanship, and local delicacies makes it a comprehensive introduction to the best of North Holland.

Final Thoughts on the Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn Private Tour

This tour offers an excellent balance of cultural insight and scenic beauty, making it a highly recommended option for visitors to Amsterdam. The private setup means fewer crowds and more personalized experiences, whether exploring windmills, cheese shops, or tranquil canals. The inclusion of a 1-hour canal cruise in Giethoorn provides a relaxing highlight, while the optional boat activities add potential for further exploration.

While the entry to windmills and additional boat tours are extra costs, the core 6-hour experience delivers a well-rounded taste of Dutch life in a comfortable, enjoyable setting. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer customization and privacy over larger group tours, ensuring a memorable and peaceful day in North Holland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of this tour?
The price covers a 6-hour private tour, professional driver, luxury vehicle, visits to Zaanse Schans (including cheese sampling and a wooden shoe workshop), a one-hour canal cruise in Giethoorn, bottled water, WIFI, and parking fees.

Are there options to extend the experience?
Yes, guests can add a private boat tour or rent a boat in Giethoorn for an extra fee to explore the waterways independently or privately, enhancing the visit.

Is this tour suitable for children or wheelchair users?
The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years or wheelchair users based on the available information, but it is accessible for most other travelers.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, allowing flexibility if plans change.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended to comfortably explore and capture the scenic views.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made with the “Reserve Now & Pay Later” option, providing flexibility without immediate payment.

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