Private Tour to Holland, Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken

Explore Holland in One Day with a Private Guided Tour

This private 6-hour tour from Amsterdam offers an in-depth look at some of Holland’s most iconic sights, all in a single day. Priced at $402.59 per person, the experience is perfect for those who want an intimate, personalized exploration of windmills, traditional villages, and Dutch craftsmanship. The tour includes pickup from your hotel, private transportation, and guided visits to each stop—a convenient way to see Holland without the hassle of planning.

What makes this tour stand out is the exclusive focus on places like Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken. The guides, described as knowledgeable and friendly, are miller’s daughters who grew up among windmills, adding authentic insights and personal stories. While it’s well-suited for first-time visitors, the tour’s pacing and extensive stops make it ideal for those eager to see Holland’s heart in just one day.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with a guide who is a miller’s daughter
• Includes visits to windmills, cheese farm, fishing village, and Marken
• Stops for cheese tasting with 30 flavors of Gouda cheese available
• Ferry ride to Marken offers unique views and a memorable crossing
• Pickup from Amsterdam hotels makes logistics simple
• Total duration of 6 hours ensures a full yet manageable day trip

Pickup and Early Start from Amsterdam Hotels

The tour begins at 9:00 am, with a pickup from your hotel in Amsterdam. This early start helps maximize the day’s sightseeing, ensuring you arrive at Zaanse Schans promptly. The private air-conditioned vehicle guarantees comfort throughout the approximately 30-minute drive to the Dutch countryside, avoiding crowded buses and giving you flexibility in timing.

The convenience of hotel pickup means you avoid the stress of public transport or navigating unfamiliar routes, making this option particularly appealing for visitors staying in the city center. The tour’s quick transfer sets the tone for a smooth and efficient day of exploration.

Discovering Zaanse Schans: Windmills, Clogs, and Historic Houses

Arriving at Zaanse Schans around 9:30 am, the group explores this open-air preservation village showcasing windmills, historic houses, and traditional Dutch industries. Notably, the site feels like a step back in time, with working windmills and recreated 18th- and 19th-century buildings.

A guided visit includes seeing a working windmill and participating in a wooden shoe workshop to witness clog-making firsthand. The admission ticket to Zaanse Schans is free, and the two-hour visit is well-paced, allowing plenty of time to appreciate the craftsmanship and scenic views without feeling rushed.

This stop offers a quintessential Dutch experience, highlighting how windmills shaped the country’s landscape and economy. The guides share stories that bring the site to life, making history engaging and accessible.

Gouda Cheese Tasting at Jacobs Hoeve with Henri Willig

Next, the tour visits the Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm operated by Henri Willig, a leading Dutch cheesemaker in the top 10 worldwide. Here, 30 flavors of Gouda cheese are available for tasting, with 29 pasteurized varieties suitable for international shipping.

The 40-minute visit features a cheese tasting experience where cheese lovers can sample a wide range of flavors, from classic Gouda to more adventurous options. The opportunity to purchase cheese directly from the farm also means you can bring home your favorites or ship them as gifts.

This stop offers a delicious taste of Dutch dairy craftsmanship and emphasizes the quality and variety of Holland’s cheese culture. The free admission makes it an excellent value addition to the tour.

Exploring the Charm of Volendam, the Fishing Village

Leaving the cheese farm, the tour heads to Volendam, the famous fishermen’s village, arriving around 12:30 pm. Known for its harbor, narrow streets, and colorful houses, Volendam exudes a lively, authentic Dutch fishing town atmosphere.

At 13:00, visitors are free to choose where to have lunch from recommended local spots. Whether sampling fresh fish or grabbing a quick snack, the options are plentiful in this bustling harbor area. Afterward, at 2:00 pm, a walk through the village allows for photos and exploring the maze of small houses and the historic fishermen’s houses.

The famous dike provides excellent views of the harbor, making it an ideal spot for photos and soaking in the local flavor. The relaxed pace at Volendam captures the essence of traditional Dutch life, making it a favorite part of the tour.

Ferry Ride to Marken: Crossing the IJsselmeer

Following lunch and a stroll, the group boards a ferry ride on the IJsselmeer at 14:15. This 1 hour 30 minutes journey offers scenic views of the water and the chance to experience Holland from a different perspective. The ferry is included in the tour, allowing for a seamless transition to Marken.

The ride is not just a transportation method but an experience in itself, with the tranquil water and distant views creating a memorable crossing. The ferry lands on Marken, a small village with colorful wooden houses and a small harbor, once an island in the South Sea.

Walking Tour of Marken’s Traditional Village Atmosphere

Arriving in Marken around 2:45 pm, the tour explores this tiny, picturesque village. Known for its colorful wooden houses and drawbridges, Marken’s charm is rooted in its maritime history and well-preserved architecture.

The 30-minute stroll takes in the village’s peaceful streets, and the guide shares stories about its history and local traditions. The absence of a strict street pattern adds to the village’s quaint, authentic feel, making it a delightful ending to the sightseeing segment.

Return to Amsterdam and Hotel Drop-off

The tour concludes at 3:00 pm with a 30-minute drive back to your hotel in Amsterdam. This return trip allows for relaxed reflection on the day’s highlights, and the door-to-door convenience ensures you’re comfortably back in the city in time for the evening.

The private nature of the tour means personalized attention and flexibility in timing, making it suitable for guests who prefer an intimate experience over large group excursions.

Practical Details and Inclusions

This private tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, parking fees, and a guide. Entrance to the windmill at Zaanse Schans is also covered, ensuring seamless access at each stop. The cheese tasting and ferry ride are included in the price, while lunch is not—giving guests the freedom to choose their preferred dining spot.

Since the tour is private and designed for your group, it offers a flexible and intimate way to explore Holland’s highlights. The group discounts and mobile tickets add to the convenience, making this experience easy to organize.

Tour Experience and Feedback

The tour has received a perfect 5.0 rating from four reviews, with praise often directed at the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views at each stop. One reviewer highlights the warm, friendly, and storytelling-guided experience, noting that the guides bring the sites to life with personal stories and background.

The windmills, cheese farm, and villages are consistently described as beautiful, authentic, and well-paced. While the official description does not mention physical requirements, the stops involve walking through villages and small streets, which is generally accessible for most visitors.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Introduction to Holland

This private Holland highlights tour offers a carefully curated, efficient way to see some of the country’s most iconic sights in just one day. It rewards visitors with stunning windmill views, delicious cheese tasting, and the charming atmospheres of Volendam and Marken.

The personal guide and private transportation make this experience both comfortable and flexible. It’s particularly well-suited for first-timers or those with limited time who want an authentic taste of Holland. While lunch is not included, the variety of stops more than compensates, offering both cultural insight and tasty experiences.

This tour provides a balanced blend of scenic beauty, cultural tradition, and local craftsmanship, making it a solid choice for a comprehensive introduction to Holland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
While most stops involve walking through small villages and streets, the tour is generally accessible for most visitors. However, those with mobility issues should consider walking distances in villages.

What should I bring for the cheese tasting?
No need to bring anything; all cheese tastings are included. It’s best to arrive with an open mind and perhaps a small bag if you plan to purchase cheese.

Can I customize the tour or extend the stops?
Since this is a private tour, there’s flexibility to discuss timing with the guide. However, the overall schedule is designed to cover all highlights within 6 hours.

Is lunch included in the tour price?
No, lunch is not included. Guests can choose from local restaurants in Volendam or bring their own snacks.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked about 36 days in advance, so early booking is recommended to secure preferred dates.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.