Private tour to the Zaanse Windmills and Giethoorn from Amsterdam

Discover the Charm of Holland on a Private Day Trip from Amsterdam

This private tour offers a full day of exploring Holland’s most picturesque sites for $540.53 per person. Starting from Amsterdam, the journey takes approximately 8 hours, with a selection of stops that showcase the country’s iconic windmills, traditional clogs, and the tranquil canals of Giethoorn, often called the Dutch Venice. The tour includes pick-up service, admission tickets for key attractions, and a guided canal cruise in Giethoorn, making it a comprehensive way to experience Holland’s highlights in one day.

What sets this tour apart is the private setup with a professional driver/host driving a luxury Mercedes vehicle equipped with WiFi and bottled water. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a personalized experience, with the flexibility to drive the boat themselves or enjoy a guided cruise. One potential consideration is the price, which reflects the exclusivity and tailored nature of the tour. This experience suits visitors seeking a comfortable, informative, and relaxing day out from bustling Amsterdam.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with a professional driver/host
• Includes entrance tickets to windmills and guided canal cruise in Giethoorn
• Flexible boat options: drive yourself or enjoy a guided tour
• Visits the iconic Zaanse Schans with working windmills and a wooden shoe factory
• Tastes over 30 types of free Dutch cheese and can purchase souvenirs
• Duration of about 8 hours, with comfortable transportation and pickup included

Visiting the Zaanse Schans Windmills: Iconic Dutch Landmarks

The tour begins at the Zaanse Schans, a renowned open-air museum just outside Amsterdam. Here, seven historic windmills remain, with several open for interior visits. The paint windmill is a highlight, historically where Rembrandt bought his paint, offering a unique glimpse into Dutch craftsmanship. Visitors can also explore a sawmill or a spices mill, both providing insight into traditional Dutch industries.

Your driver/guide takes you to the wooden shoe factory, where a live demonstration shows how clogs are made today—an opportunity to see this centuries-old craft firsthand. You can also purchase original Dutch clogs and other souvenirs. These stops provide a perfect balance of photo opportunities, cultural insight, and hands-on experiences.

Admission tickets are included, allowing inside visits to select windmills, making this a stress-free introduction to Dutch engineering and traditions.

The Art of Dutch Wooden Shoe Making

A key highlight at Zaanse Schans is the wooden shoe factory demonstration. Here, craftsmanship is on display as artisans show how the clogs are made using traditional tools. Visitors have the chance to buy authentic clogs directly from the factory, with options to pick different sizes and designs.

The factory visit takes about 40 minutes, giving enough time to learn about the process and browse souvenirs. This hands-on experience offers a tangible connection to Dutch culture and its long-standing shoemaking tradition. It’s a favorite part of the tour because it combines cultural learning with the chance to purchase authentic keepsakes.

Inside the Windmills: From Paint to Spices

Another 40-minute stop allows an inside view of the paint windmill, which historically supplied artists like Rembrandt with pigments. Alternatively, the sawmill showcases how timber processing was done in traditional Dutch industry. Both options offer unique perspectives on the Dutch approach to industrial ingenuity.

Photographers will appreciate the excellent vantage points for capturing all seven windmills together. The visit provides a blend of education and scenic beauty, making it a memorable highlight of the day.

The Charm of Giethoorn: The Dutch Venice

After the windmills, the tour moves to Giethoorn, a tranquil village famous for its canal network and stone bridges. Here, you will enjoy around 2 hours exploring the peaceful scenery either via a guided boat tour or, if preferred, by driving a small boat yourself—the choice is yours.

Giethoorn’s slow pace and picturesque setting make it a perfect contrast to the busy city life. The guided canal cruise lasts about one hour, during which you glide past beautiful thatched cottages and flower-lined waterways. Travelers can also stroll along the canals, discovering cozy cafés and boutiques.

The admission to Giethoorn is free, but the boat experience is a central part of the visit—an opportunity to see the village from its most charming perspective.

Enjoy a Delicious Lunch and Relax in Giethoorn

Following the cruise, you have approximately one hour to lunch at a top-rated restaurant or to wander freely and enjoy the village atmosphere. Many choose to dine locally or simply walk over the bridges, taking in the serene views and photo-worthy scenery.

This free time allows for personal exploration or a refreshing meal, rounding out the relaxing pace of this scenic day trip. The peacefulness of Giethoorn makes it a highlight for those seeking solace in nature and traditional Dutch village life.

Practical Details: Transportation and Inclusions

All transportation is covered by a luxury private Mercedes vehicle, equipped with WiFi and bottled water, ensuring comfort throughout the 8-hour journey. The pick-up service from Amsterdam is included, and parking costs for the windmills park are covered in the price.

The tour includes admission tickets to a windmill, cheese tastings, and the guided canal cruise. Guests can drive the boat themselves if they prefer, adding a fun, interactive element to the experience.

Tips are optional, and there’s no requirement for a professional guide, allowing the driver/host to focus on personalized service and local insights.

Flexibility and Booking Considerations

Most travelers book this tour about 58 days in advance, reflecting high interest. It offers full cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, providing peace of mind. Since it’s a private tour, only your group participates, allowing for customized pacing and personalized attention.

The price point is higher than some group tours, but the private setup, luxury vehicle, and comprehensive itinerary justify the cost for many visitors. It’s well-suited for those who value comfort, flexibility, and depth of experience.

Why Choose This Tour: The Best of Holland in One Day

This private day trip captures Holland’s most iconic sights: the windmills of Zaanse Schans, with their working mechanisms and cultural significance, alongside the peaceful canals of Giethoorn. The inclusion of cheese tastings and craft demonstrations enriches the experience, offering a genuine connection to Dutch traditions.

The flexibility to drive the boat or join a guided cruise in Giethoorn** adds a fun, interactive element. The luxury transport and personal host ensure a comfortable, relaxed pace for a full day of sightseeing.

This tour suits those seeking a comprehensive, personalized Holland experience** without the hassle of arranging logistics themselves. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups wanting an immersive and luxury day from Amsterdam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers transportation, admission tickets to windmills, cheese tastings, and guided canal cruise.

Can I drive the boat myself?
Yes, the tour offers the option to drive a small boat in Giethoorn instead of taking a guided cruise.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours, including all stops and travel time.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the physical requirements of walking and boat riding.

What is the cancellation policy?
The tour can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there is time for lunch in Giethoorn.

Is parking covered?
Yes, parking costs for the windmills park are included.

Who provides this tour?
The experience is organized by VIP Travel & Limousine Services.

What are the meeting arrangements?
The private pick-up from Amsterdam is included, arranged via the private vehicle.

Do I need a guide?
A professional driver/host is provided, but there is no professional guide for commentary.

This full-day private tour offers a well-rounded taste of Dutch culture and scenery with the comfort and flexibility that many travelers value.