Amsterdam: Giethoorn, Zaandam & Zaanse Schans Tour w/ Pickup

Experience the best of North Holland with the Amsterdam: Giethoorn, Zaandam & Zaanse Schans Tour w/ Pickup. This full-day guided trip offers a blend of iconic windmills, quaint villages, and a unique canal cruise in Giethoorn—all with convenient hotel pickup. Priced for small groups, it combines personalized service with rich sights, making it ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Dutch experience in just one day.

The tour covers three top attractions: the lush windmills and traditional workshops at Zaanse Schans, the charming canal village of Giethoorn with its electric boat cruise, and Zaandam’s colorful Lego City, culminating in a scenic drive passing through the reclaimed lands of Flevoland. With a duration of 9 hours, it balances sightseeing, local demonstrations, and free time, ensuring a relaxed yet rundown of this picturesque region.

Key Points

• Small-group guided tour limited to 8 participants for a more personal experience
• 9-hour day with hotel pickup starting from DoubleTree Amsterdam
• Visit three distinct locations: Zaanse Schans, Giethoorn, and Zaandam’s Lego City, all in one day
• Includes a private electric boat ride in Giethoorn, known as the ‘Venice of the Netherlands’
• Expert guides like Cherry, Veronica, and Mukti bring history and culture to life
• Popular for scenic views, traditional Dutch demonstrations, and photo opportunities

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Pickup and Transportation from Central Amsterdam

The tour begins with hotel pickup at the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station, saving guests the hassle of public transport. The transport is by coach, with a typical drive duration of about 30 minutes to Zaandam. This start point makes it easy to connect with other travel plans and ensures a smooth beginning to the day.

Once on board, a comfortable minivan or coach takes visitors through the Dutch countryside, passing scenic landscapes en route to the first stop. The organized pickup and small group size create a relaxed atmosphere for the entire day, with plenty of space to ask questions and enjoy the scenery.

Zaandam’s Lego City and the Lego Hotel Photo Stop

The tour’s first highlight is a photo stop at Zaandam’s Lego City, where the iconic Lego Hotel becomes an eye-catching backdrop for Instagram photos. The colorful, playful architecture of the Lego Hotel perfectly captures the charm of this modern development within the historic city center.

Guests get a brief opportunity to explore the surroundings with a photo session. This part of the tour emphasizes visual storytelling, offering a fun contrast between traditional Dutch landscapes and contemporary architecture. The visit to Zaandam also sets the tone for the day’s journey through Dutch innovation and craftsmanship.

Zaanse Schans Windmills and Wooden Shoe Workshop

Next, the tour arrives at Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum and a showcase of Dutch heritage. Visitors spend about 1.5 hours exploring windmills, traditional houses, and craft demonstrations.

The highlight is a guided tour of the wooden shoe workshop, where clog-making demonstrations reveal the craftsmanship behind this iconic Dutch souvenir. Guests can shop for traditional Dutch clogs after the demonstration, making for memorable photos and souvenirs.

In addition, a cheese farm visit called Catharina Hoeve offers a cheese tasting and insight into Dutch dairy production. This stops not only introduces visitors to local food but also provides opportunities for shopping and absorbing the region’s artisanal traditions.

Exploring the World of Windmills at Zaanse Schans

Following the workshops, the tour includes a visiting the windmills in the World of Windmills area. This stop features photo opportunities and detailed explanations about how windmills historically served as vital components of Dutch industry.

Guests get about 25 minutes to walk around the windmills and learn about their functions. The setting offers a picturesque view of the traditional Dutch landscape with historical buildings and working windmills, perfect for capturing memorable photos or simply absorbing the scenic beauty.

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Free Time at Zaanse Schans

The tour allocates another 25 minutes of free time at Zaanse Schans, allowing visitors to revisit shops, explore more windmills, or relax in the open-air environment. This flexibility helps accommodate personal interests, whether it’s browsing local crafts or enjoying the scenery.

Drive Through Flevoland and the IJsselmeer

From Zaanse Schans, the coach makes a 95-minute scenic drive passing through Flevoland, the largest artificial province in the world. The trip takes travelers over the Afsluitdijk, a significant dam built in 1932 that closed off the Zuiderzee from the North Sea.

The journey offers views of the largest man-made lake, IJsselmeer, emphasizing the engineering feats involved in Dutch land reclamation. This pass-by not only enhances understanding of Dutch water management but also sets the stage for the fairy-tale village of Giethoorn.

The Village of Giethoorn and Its Canal Cruise

The centerpiece of the tour is the 3-hour visit to Giethoorn, famous as the ‘Venice of the Netherlands’. This village is characterized by centuries-old thatched-roof houses and narrow canals.

Guests enjoy a 1.5-hour electric boat cruise around Giethoorn’s canals, led by a personal guide who shares stories about the village’s history. The small electric open boat provides an authentic local experience, similar to what residents use to get around.

After the cruise, visitors have free time for a scenic walk along the narrow paved paths. This part of the trip allows for personal exploration, photos, or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of this unique Dutch village.

Lunch and Additional Free Time in Giethoorn

A one-hour lunch break in Giethoorn offers options to enjoy local food, with choices between Dutch or Chinese restaurants. The downtime gives visitors a chance to relax and take in the village at their own pace.

Following lunch, there is another 50 minutes of free time. Guests might revisit the boat for more photos, browse local shops, or relax on the peaceful canals before heading back to Amsterdam.

Return Journey and Final Drop-off

The return journey lasts approximately 95 minutes, with the coach passing through the scenic Dutch countryside once again. The tour concludes back at DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station, where participants are dropped off at the start point, completing a comprehensive day of sightseeing.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour is designed as a small-group experience, limited to 8 participants, which enhances interaction and personalized guidance. It offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward.

Participants are advised to bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour operates rain or shine, so packing warm and waterproof clothing is recommended. The tour is not suitable for children under 6, individuals with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

The live English-speaking guide ensures an engaging experience, with plenty of storytelling and local insights. The tour is flexible, allowing full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later adds convenience.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this tour compelling is the combination of diverse attractions in one day: iconic windmills, traditional crafts, and a picturesque canal village. The electric boat ride in Giethoorn is a highlight praised for its authenticity and serenity.

Guests consistently note the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Cherry, Veronica, and Mukti, who bring history and local stories to life. The scenic drives and photo stops contribute to a satisfying balance of guided and free time, ensuring memorable moments at each location.

While the tour covers a lot, the limited group size and organized itinerary help prevent the experience from feeling rushed. This makes it a strong choice for travelers wanting a well-rounded day exploring North Holland’s most picturesque spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour price?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup at DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam for participants.

How long is the boat ride in Giethoorn?
The electric boat cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, allowing a relaxing exploration of Giethoorn’s canals.

Which attractions are visited at Zaanse Schans?
Guests see windmills, visit a wooden shoe workshop, and enjoy cheese tasting at Catharina Hoeve.

Can I take photos at each stop?
Absolutely, the tour emphasizes photo stops at Zaandam’s Lego Hotel, windmills, and Giethoorn, perfect for capturing scenic moments.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

How much free time is there at each location?
Guests have about 25-50 minutes of free time at Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn, with guided parts in between.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included but is available during the Giethoorn stop, with options for Dutch or Chinese cuisine.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing for rain or shine.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not recommended for children under 6 or individuals with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

This guided day trip offers a well-balanced mix of Dutch heritage, scenic beauty, and local charm—perfect for those eager to explore North Holland in a relaxed, personalized setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby