Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Day Tour Small Group Incl. Boat Ride

Explore Dutch Tradition and Countryside on a Day Trip from Amsterdam

This small-group tour offers an engaging way to step outside of Amsterdam and experience the Netherlands’ charming heritage and scenic landscapes. Priced at $138.17 per person, it spans approximately 10 hours, combining visits to the iconic Zaanse Schans and the picturesque Giethoorn, known as the “Green Little Venice.” With guided tours, boat rides, and included tastings, the tour provides a comprehensive taste of Dutch culture in a comfortable, limited-group setting, with a maximum of 19 travelers.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its mix of interactive demonstrations, such as cheese and wooden shoe making, alongside free time for personal exploration. The boat cruise in Giethoorn is a relaxing highlight, offering wonderful views of canals, lakes, and traditional houses. Travelers should be prepared for a full day, starting bright and early at 8:00 am, with hotel pickup included in the package. While there is no lunch included, ample options are available in Giethoorn for those who want to indulge locally.

This tour suits those looking to maximize their day outside Amsterdam with rich cultural experiences, easy-paced sightseeing, and scenic boat rides. It’s especially popular among visitors who prefer guided experiences with local insights and appreciate a small, intimate group dynamic. The consistent positive reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and great value—though some may find the schedule a bit structured if seeking complete independence.

Key Points

• All-inclusive full-day experience combining Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn
• Guided tours of cheese, wooden shoes, and diamonds at Zaanse Schans
• Relaxing boat cruise in Giethoorn, with options to steer your own boat
• Hotel pickup and transportation included, making logistics simple
• Tour size capped at 19 travelers ensures a more intimate experience
• Most travelers book about 41 days in advance

Starting at Zaanse Schans: Windmills, Cheese, and Clogs

The day begins at Zaanse Schans, a natural windmill village famous for its well-preserved historic windmills and houses. Visitors receive a private guided tour of a Dutch cheese factory, where they learn the traditional process of making Gouda cheese. Over 26 flavors of cheese are available for tastings, offering a delicious glimpse into Dutch dairy craft.

Next, the tour visits a Dutch wooden shoes factory. Here, a live demonstration shows how traditional clogs are made by a clog maker. Travelers can see different types of wooden shoes, try them on, and take plenty of photos of the colorful and historic footwear.

A private diamond tour follows, where the Royal Lady diamond with 268 facets is showcased. Visitors get insights into the diamond’s history and craftsmanship, adding a touch of luxury to the experience. The entire Zaanse Schans segment lasts around 2 hours, with admission to the factories included.

Exploring the Cheese Farm: A Tasty Tradition

The Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm is the first stop at Zaanse Schans, offering a focused 30-minute look at how Dutch cheese has been produced for generations. Visitors witness a private cheese-making demonstration and taste a variety of more than 26 flavors, gaining a deeper appreciation for this staple Dutch product.

This spot emphasizes authenticity, with the old cheese farm showcasing traditional techniques. The experience allows ample time for cheese tasting and photo opportunities of the historic farm setting.

Wooden Shoes and Souvenirs: A Hands-On Experience

The trip continues at Kooijman Souvenirs & Clogs, where live demonstrations highlight how wooden shoes are crafted using traditional methods. Visitors see different types of shoes and learn about their history and significance in Dutch culture.

This stop offers a chance to try on wooden shoes painted in various colors and designs, making it a fun and interactive part of the tour. The 30-minute visit ensures plenty of time for photos and souvenir shopping.

Transition to the Dutch Countryside and Giethoorn

After exploring Zaanse Schans, the tour heads to Giethoorn, a car-free village famous for its canal network and idyllic scenery. The transfer takes roughly 4 hours, including comfort stops and scenic drives through the countryside.

Arriving in Giethoorn, visitors enjoy free time to explore on their own before embarking on a one-hour boat cruise. The village’s quaint houses and lush canals create a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxed sightseeing and photography. The boat cruise provides a unique view of the traditional Dutch landscape, with options to steer a self-driven boat for extra fun.

Scenic Boat Ride in Giethoorn: Lakes, Canals, and Cozy Houses

The 1-hour boat cruise in Giethoorn is a highlight of the tour. It showcases canals, lakes, and houses with thatched roofs, giving visitors a completely different perspective of the village. The cruise is relaxing and offers excellent photo opportunities of the panoramic scenery.

For those seeking a more interactive experience, there is the option to drive your own boat, making it a family-friendly activity that adds a layer of adventure and personal control over the sightseeing pace.

Included Amenities and Practical Details

The tour package includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transfer between sites, bottled water for each traveler, and all fees and taxes. The guided private tours at the cheese, wooden shoe, and diamond factories ensure insightful experiences and personal attention.

Notably, lunch is not included, so visitors should plan to dine in Giethoorn at their preferred local restaurant or bring snacks. The tour departs from ibis Amsterdam CentreStationsplein 49 at 8:00 am, with the return scheduled at the same meeting point.

Pacing, Group Size, and Tour Experience

The maximum group size of 19 enhances the experience, allowing for more personalized attention and flexibility during stops. Reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, such as Leidse or Koen, who are praised for their engagement, helpfulness, and storytelling.

The tour moves at a comfortable pace, with sufficient time at each stop for photos, exploration, and tastings, although some reviews note that certain stops can feel touristy or rushed, especially if travelers prefer more independence.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is ideal for culture enthusiasts eager to see iconic windmills, traditional crafts, and picturesque villages. It suits those who appreciate guided storytelling, hands-on demonstrations, and relaxing boat rides. Travelers without a car will find this convenient and comprehensive.

However, those craving complete independence or more flexible schedules might find the group format limiting, especially at stops where free exploration is desired. The full-day structure is best suited for visitors prepared for a full schedule and moderate walking.

Final Thoughts on the Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Tour

This 10-hour small-group tour provides rich insights into Dutch culture through visits to historic windmills, cheese farms, and the scenic Giethoorn village. The inclusion of guided demonstrations, tastings, and a relaxing boat cruise makes it a well-rounded experience for those interested in heritage and scenery.

The tour’s positive reviews emphasize friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and good value for the price. Limitations include the structured schedule and the lack of lunch, which may require some planning on the part of the traveler.

This tour offers a convenient, engaging, and scenic way to explore some of the Netherlands’ most iconic and charming sites just outside of Amsterdam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered, making the start of the tour easy and stress-free.

How long is the boat cruise in Giethoorn?
The boat cruise lasts one hour and is included in the tour price.

Can I drive my own boat in Giethoorn?
Yes, there is an option to cruise your own boat, which can make the experience more fun and interactive.

What is the tour size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 19 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are plenty of options in Giethoorn for visitors to choose from.

What age groups can participate?
Most travelers can join, and the tour is suitable for those comfortable with moderate walking and guided group activities.

What should I bring?
Weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, and any personal items needed for a day out; bottled water is included.

Is this tour suitable in all seasons?
Yes, but reviews note that winter visits to Giethoorn can be particularly serene and authentic, while summer may be more crowded.

How do I book?
Booking is simple and can be done in advance, typically about 41 days ahead of your planned date.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a reschedule or a full refund.