Zaanse Schans Windmills Edam Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam

Exploring the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam, this full-day private tour offers a well-rounded experience of iconic sights, traditional crafts, and local flavors. For $565.76 per person, the tour spans approximately 8 hours, including visits to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken, with private transportation and a driver guide providing personalized attention. The tour is ideal for those interested in authentic Dutch culture, history, and craftsmanship, with plenty of opportunities for sampling cheese, seeing windmills in action, and walking through charming towns. A key strength of this experience is the inclusion of admission tickets to windmills, museums, and a cheese farm, ensuring a smooth visit without extra costs, though lunch is not included.

While the pace is lively and packed with highlights, some visitors might find certain stops, such as Edam and Marken, slightly brief. The expert guide, known for their knowledge and engaging style, makes the journey informative and enjoyable. This tour suits those who want a comprehensive yet relaxed taste of the Dutch countryside, especially if they value cultural authenticity and hands-on demonstrations like wooden shoe manufacturing.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day private tour covering Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken.
• All-inclusive tickets to windmills, museums, cheese farms, and a traditional wooden shoe workshop.
• Private transportation and driver guide ensure a personalized experience.
• Duration of approximately 8 hours with a flexible itinerary.
• Highlights include windmills, cheese tasting, fishing village views, and island strolls.
• No lunch included, but options are available in Volendam.

Visiting Zaanse Schans: Windmills and Traditional Crafts

The tour begins with a visit to Zaanse Schans, an outdoor museum famous for its operational windmills dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Here, you’ll see wooden homes, shops, and windmills that provide a glimpse into historic Dutch life. The admission ticket includes entry to one windmill, where you can explore the machinery and learn about its function.

A highlight at Zaanse Schans is the Clog Museum, where traditional wooden shoe craftsmanship is on full display. Visitors observe wooden shoemakers in action and see how clogs are made using century-old machinery, a process still fascinating for all ages. The 15-minute visit is brief but offers a tangible connection to Dutch artisanal traditions.

Crafting Wooden Shoes at Kooijman Souvenirs

A short 15-minute stop at the Kooijman Souvenirs & Clogs Wooden Shoe Workshop allows visitors to witness hands-on manufacturing of wooden shoes. The workshop uses heritage machinery that’s over a century old, providing an authentic experience. This demonstration appeals to those curious about traditional craftsmanship and the longstanding Dutch shoe-making heritage.

Both young and old find the process captivating, making it a lively addition to the morning. The workshop also offers souvenirs, but the main focus remains on the craft in action, connecting visitors directly to Dutch artisanal history.

Sampling Dutch Cheese at Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm

The next stop is the Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm, where cheese tasting is the order of the visit. Visitors get to sample authentic Dutch cheeses straight from the farm, experiencing the flavors that have been part of Dutch culture for centuries. This stop lasts about 15 minutes and offers a delicious insight into local cheese-making traditions.

The farm produces a variety of cheeses, and the visit provides a chance to learn about the cheese production process while enjoying samples of fresh cheese. It’s a great opportunity to understand why Dutch cheese, especially Edam, is renowned worldwide.

Exploring Edam: Birthplace of Edam Cheese

The tour visits Edam, a charming town famous for its small, red cheese balls. Walking through the cobblestone streets, visitors experience a historic atmosphere that dates back to the 12th century. The visit offers 30 minutes of free time to stroll, shop, or take photos.

A key highlight is the Story of Edam Cheese Museum, where you learn about the history and significance of Edam cheese. Visitors receive a 10% discount on cheese purchases at the museum’s store, making this stop both educational and practical. The town’s quaint architecture and historic sights make it a picture-perfect stop.

The History of Edam Cheese at the Museum

At the Story of Edam Cheese Museum, visitors explore the long-standing tradition of cheese production and export. The museum offers insights into how Edam cheese became a global symbol of Dutch dairy. The visit lasts about 30 minutes, providing ample time to browse exhibits and learn about cheese aging, packaging, and distribution.

This stop emphasizes educational value, allowing visitors to deepen their understanding of what makes Edam cheese so iconic. It’s an ideal place for cheese lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Discovering Marken: The Traditional Island

Next, the tour takes you to Marken, a historic island with a rich maritime past. A guided walk through Sytje Boes’ old harbour house, the Marker Museum, and the Church Neighbourhood reveals local stories and traditional island life. This part of the tour lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Marken’s distinctive wooden houses and harbor views provide a picturesque setting. The museum illustrates the lifestyle and history of this island community, making it a meaningful stop for those interested in local culture and history.

Visiting Volendam: The Iconic Fishing Village

The final major stop is Volendam, a famous fishing town known for its lively harbor, traditional costumes, and gourmet seafood. Visitors have 1.5 hours to explore the dike and lakeside views, purchase local seafood specialties like Haring, smoked eel, or mackerel, or enjoy a meal at a restaurant.

Volendam’s famous fish market and vibrant town atmosphere make it a lively end to the day. The town’s authentic character and scenic setting offer ample opportunities for photos and casual strolling.

The Tour Logistics: Transportation and Guide

This private tour includes private transportation and a driver guide who provides narration and insights throughout the day. The pickup is arranged at a designated location in Amsterdam, and bottled water is provided for comfort during the journey.

The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, with the timing and stops designed to balance sightseeing with enough leisure for each location. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and most participants able to participate.

What’s Not Included: Lunch and Extra Purchases

While the tour covers a variety of admission tickets and guided visits, lunch is not included. Visitors can inquire about options in Volendam, where multiple restaurants serve local fish dishes. The tour also offers discounts on cheese but lacks additional included meals or snacks.

Any extra purchases, such as souvenirs or additional food and drinks, are at the visitor’s discretion. The cost of the tour reflects the comprehensive experience and convenience of all tickets and private transport.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Dutch Countryside Experience

This 8-hour private tour from Amsterdam offers a carefully curated look at key Dutch sights, blending cultural highlights, culinary experiences, and scenic towns. The combination of windmills at Zaanse Schans, cheese tasting at farms and museums, historic Edam, maritime Marken, and fishing village Volendam creates a varied and engaging itinerary.

The knowledgeable guide, known for their personality and expertise, makes each stop informative and enjoyable. The private transportation ensures comfort and flexibility, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a personalized and immersive day outside the city.

While lunch is not included, the variety of stops and included tickets provides excellent value. This tour is perfect for visitors interested in authentic Dutch culture, craftsmanship, and scenery, especially those who appreciate hands-on experiences and historic towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s pace and stops are generally suitable for most ages, especially those interested in crafts, cheese, and scenic towns.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour includes cheese tasting and visits to seafood restaurants in Volendam, but specific dietary needs are not detailed. It’s best to inquire beforehand.

How long is each stop?
Most stops range from 15 minutes at the cheese farm and shoe workshop to 1.5 hours at Marken and Volendam, allowing for a relaxed exploration.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but options are available in Volendam.

What is the pace of the tour?
The tour balances sightseeing with enough time for photos, browsing, and casual walks, making it manageable for most participants.

What about accessibility?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, but specific accessibility details are not provided.

How do I book this tour?
You can book through the linked Viator page or contact 360 Amsterdam Tours directly via email or phone.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour private or group?
This is a private experience, ensuring personalized attention and flexible scheduling.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of authentic activities, scenic towns, and expert guides delivers a rich Dutch countryside experience in just one day.