Customizable private tour windmills, clogs & cheese and more..

Explore the Best of Amsterdam with a Private, Customizable Tour

This private tour in Amsterdam, priced at $229.28 per person, offers an engaging way to see the city and its surroundings in 4 to 8 hours. The tour starts with a hotel, airport, or cruise port pickup, ensuring seamless access to iconic sights like Dam Square and beyond. What makes this experience stand out is its fully customizable itinerary, allowing visitors to focus on their personal interests—whether that’s windmills, cheese tasting, or exploring picturesque fishing villages.

The tour features private transport in an exclusive vehicle and a dedicated guide who brings local insights. While entry fees to attractions like Keukenhof are not included, the flexibility to choose stops means visitors can tailor their day to match their pace and preferences. The tour is particularly suited for those with limited time in Amsterdam who want a personalized experience with the convenience of door-to-door service.

Key Points

• Private, customizable tour lasting 4 to 8 hours in Amsterdam and surroundings
• Pickup and drop-off included at hotel, airport, or cruise port
• Visit Dam Square, Zaanse Schans windmills, Keukenhof (seasonal), Volendam harbor, and Marken island
• Tour is led by a knowledgeable guide, with private vehicle transport
• Entry fees for attractions like Keukenhof are additional
• Ideal for travelers with limited time seeking a personalized sightseeing experience

Starting Point and Flexible Itinerary Options

The tour begins at any location within Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport, with a pick-up service that saves time and hassle. Whether starting from a hotel or the airport, the driver/guide helps craft an itinerary that best fits your interests, making each trip unique. The driver is skilled at suggesting the best spots and adjusting plans if needed, which adds to the overall flexibility.

Because the itinerary is customizable, stops can include Dam Square, the historic heart of Amsterdam, or venturing out to Keukenhof during springtime, when millions of bulbs bloom. Additional stops, such as Volendam for its charming harbor or Marken island for clog making, can be included depending on your preferences. The driver often offers useful tips, making the experience both fun and informative.

Visiting Zaanse Schans Windmills and Clog Factory

A highlight of this tour is the visit to Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum showcasing multiple windmills and clog factories. Tourists get to see windmills operated by volunteers, with some requiring a small admission fee. The clog factory offers a chance to observe traditional craftsmanship and enjoy cheese tastings. The two-hour stop blends scenic views with cultural insights, making it a popular choice.

Guests often appreciate the opportunity to see how Dutch wooden shoes are made and taste local cheeses, adding a tangible layer of understanding of Dutch traditions. The windmills and clog factory visits are generally free of charge aside from specific windmills that may have small entry fees.

Springtime at Keukenhof Gardens (Seasonal Highlight)

During the spring (from March 20 to May 11, 2025), the Keukenhof Gardens is a key attraction on the itinerary. Visitors can enjoy millions of bulbs blooming, creating a vibrant floral display. Because admission to Keukenhof is not included, travelers should plan to purchase tickets separately if they wish to explore the gardens.

This stop typically lasts around 2 hours, providing ample time to stroll among colorful tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. The guides often help visitors navigate the gardens efficiently, making sure they see the best displays during their limited time.

Discovering Volendam’s Picturesque Harbor

A one-hour stop at Volendam showcases a charming, historic fishing village. Known for its picturesque harbor, visitors can try fresh herring, smoked eel, or sweet poffertjes. The town’s quaint streets and traditional architecture make it an excellent spot for photos and a taste of local life.

This stop offers a relaxed atmosphere, where visitors can walk along the waterfront, visit small shops, or simply enjoy the peaceful scenery. The harbor visit is free, and many find it a delightful contrast to the bustling city.

Exploring Marken Island and Clog Making

Marken, a former island in Marker Lake, is reachable by car since the 1950s. The two-hour visit here includes a walk through the village, exploring traditional houses and clog workshops. Guests can observe clog makers at work and learn about Dutch folk art.

Because Marken is historically significant, the visit offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch life. The local museum can also be visited, depending on your interests. The area is scenic and peaceful, providing a quiet retreat from the busy city.

Included in the Tour: Cheese & Clog Factory Visits

A highlight of this tour is the visit to cheese and clog factories, with cheese tasting included. This gives travelers a chance to sample varieties of Dutch cheese, often enjoyed with bread or crackers. The clog factory visit offers insights into traditional craftsmanship, with opportunities to buy handmade souvenirs.

The guided factory visits are typically brief but informative, adding a cultural layer to the sightseeing experience. The tasting and craftsmanship demonstrations are free, although purchasing souvenirs is optional.

Practical Details: How the Tour Works

The tour is fully private, with a driver-guide in an exclusive vehicle. This setup ensures personalized attention and flexibility to modify the itinerary. The pickup service covers any location in Amsterdam or at the Schiphol Airport, making logistics smooth.

The duration can be anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on your interests and pace. Although lunch is not included, there are many restaurants along the route where quick meals or snacks can be enjoyed. The tour also includes bottled water, keeping guests refreshed throughout the day.

Reviews and Guide Quality

Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, such as Ramsey, Guillermo, and Rudy, for their friendly, flexible approach and local insights. Many highlight guide personalities that make the experience enjoyable, whether through storytelling, helpful suggestions, or professionalism.

Some reviews mention the tour’s value for money, noting that private transport and customization make it worth the cost. A few guests mention disappointments when plans are not fully clear or when entry fees are extra, but overall, the guides’ expertise and personalized service shine through.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This private, customizable tour is ideal for small groups or families who want to maximize their time in Amsterdam without the hassle of public transport. It suits those interested in Dutch culture, historic villages, and scenic countryside. Travelers seeking flexibility to focus on particular interests—like windmills, cheese, or flower gardens—will find this tour particularly appealing.

However, expect to pay extra for attractions like Keukenhof, and be aware that the tour stops can be adjusted but are limited by distance and time. Overall, it offers a personalized, comfortable way to explore beyond the city center.

Customization and Flexibility in the Tour

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is its customizable nature. The driver/guide helps craft the day based on your preferences, whether that’s focusing on countryside windmills, famous flower parks, or fishermen’s villages. The itinerary is not fixed, giving flexibility to include or skip certain stops.

Guests can request to spend more time at places they enjoy or explore additional spots along the way. This personalized approach makes the experience more engaging and tailored to individual interests.

Final Thoughts on the Amsterdam Private Tour

This private, customizable tour provides a convenient way to see Amsterdam and its surrounds in a relaxed and personalized manner. The professional guides, such as Rudy and Guillermo, are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility, making each trip feel special.

While entry fees are not included, the ability to choose stops and customize the itinerary ensures a balanced experience. The price point reflects the private transport and personalized service, making it a good option for those who value comfort and flexibility over a large group tour.

This tour is especially suited for small groups or families who want to explore Dutch sights in a personalized, relaxed way. Expect to see windmills, cheese, clog making, and flower gardens, with plenty of local insights and scenic views along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off, private transport, a driver-guide, and cheese and clog factory visits with tasting.

Are attraction entry fees included?
No, entry fees such as for Keukenhof are not included and must be purchased separately if desired.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration is approximately 4 to 8 hours, depending on your selected stops and interests.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is fully customizable, with the guide helping to plan stops based on your preferences.

Where does the tour start?
It can start at any location in Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are plenty of restaurants along the route.

What stops are typically included?
Common stops include Dam Square, Zaanse Schans windmills, Keukenhof (seasonal), Volendam harbor, and Marken.

Are guides knowledgeable about Dutch culture?
Yes, guides are local experts who provide insights into Dutch traditions, history, and culture.

Is the tour suitable for all physical levels?
Yes, the tour involves walking at stops like Marken and Keukenhof, but overall it is accessible for most travelers.

What size groups does this tour cater to?
Since it is private, the experience is tailored for small groups or families wanting a personalized trip.