Delft and Volendam: Cheese, Clogs & Windmills (Small Group)

Explore South Holland’s Authentic Charm with the Delft and Volendam Tour

This small group tour offers a genuine look at Dutch traditions and countryside, departing from Amsterdam and lasting about 9 hours for $163 per person. With a limited group size of 8 participants, the experience feels intimate, allowing for personalized attention from the professional guide and driver.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on uncrowded locations like a private cheese farm and authentic windmills, avoiding the often crowded Zaanse Schans. The itinerary balances delightful stops in fishing village Volendam and medieval Delft, with engaging demonstrations and local tastings. It’s ideal for those seeking a relaxed pace and a deep dive into Dutch culture beyond the tourist crowds, with some physical activity involved and limited accessibility.

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Key Points

• Small group experience limited to 8 participants ensures personalized service
• Visits a local cheese farm with a private demonstration of cheese making
• Authentic clogs making demo where you can try on wooden shoes and take photos
• Stops at hidden windmill sites nicknamed “Little Kinderdijk”, away from busy tourist spots
• Explore Volendam, a historic fishing village with seafood tastings and scenic walks
• Discover Delft’s medieval architecture and its cultural significance in a guided city tour
• Includes entrance to a pottery factory with a demonstration, enriching the local crafts experience
• Relaxed, scenic drive through Dutch countryside, avoiding the hustle of city tourism

Starting Point and Journey Logistics

The tour begins at DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station, providing a convenient departure location. The group travels in a comfortable van, with pickup and drop-off arranged directly outside the hotel facing the canal. The journey includes multiple scenic drives totaling about 2 hours, giving expansive views of the Dutch landscape.

The guide ensures a smooth experience, and the tour maintains a relaxed pace, with plenty of time at each stop to explore, take photos, and enjoy local treats. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothes for walking, as the itinerary involves guided walks and demonstrations.

Visiting a Private Cheese Farm with Expert Demonstration

The first major highlight is a visit to a local cheese farm, which is not Zaanse Schans. Here, you’ll see a private group demonstration of how Dutch cheese is made, with experts explaining each step. This visit offers an authentic experience without the crowds typical at larger, busier sites.

The cheese farm visit lasts about 1.5 hours, giving ample opportunity to learn about cheese production, ask questions, and sample different varieties. The private nature of the demonstration makes for a more personal experience and a chance to see traditional cheese-making techniques up close.

Wooden Clogs Making Demonstration and Photos

Next, the tour features a clogs making demonstration in a setting that allows for personalized attention. The guide leads you through the traditional process of crafting wooden shoes, a craft that has been part of Dutch culture for centuries.

Visitors get to try on wooden shoes and take photos at this uncrowded location, making it a memorable part of the day. The demonstration offers a hands-on glimpse into a craft passed down through generations and is included in the tour price.

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Scenic Stop at “Little Kinderdijk” Windmills

A scenic photo stop features authentic windmills known locally as “Little Kinderdijk”, representing Dutch water management traditions. Unlike the crowded Zaanse Schans, this spot is quieter, offering a more peaceful setting with fewer travelers.

The visit includes a brief walk around the windmills, providing an opportunity to appreciate their architecture and historical significance. It’s a perfect chance for stunning photos and to breathe in fresh countryside air.

Exploring the Fishing Village of Volendam

The tour’s next stop is Volendam, a historic fishing village famed for its traditional costumes and seafaring history. The guided tour here includes a walk through the town, allowing for exploration of its narrow streets and harbor views.

While in Volendam, visitors can taste typical Dutch seafood such as kibbelings and herrings, along with treats like stroopwafel and poffertjes. The free time of about 2 hours enables you to shop for local souvenirs or enjoy a leisurely scenic stroll along the waterfront.

Discovering Delft’s Heritage and Blue Tile Art

Arriving in Delft, the tour immerses visitors in this medieval city known as “Little Amsterdam”. The guided city tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, showcasing marvellous architecture, historic sites, and cultural landmarks.

Highlights include learning about famous people and artists born in Delft, with insights into the city’s significance and how its windmills played a crucial role historically. A visit to a pottery factory offers an up-close look at Dutch ceramics, with a demonstration of blue Delftware craftsmanship.

Scenic Drive and Windmill Significance in South Holland

After exploring Delft, the group enjoys a scenic drive of about 30 minutes through the Dutch countryside, reinforcing the tour’s focus on authentic landscapes. The drive offers beautiful views and a chance to reflect on the region’s water management history, especially via the windmills seen earlier.

The windmills’ role in reclaiming land from the water remains a key point of appreciation, connecting visitors to the traditions that sustain the Dutch landscape.

Visiting a Pottery Factory with a Demonstration

Included in the tour is entrance to a pottery factory, where a demonstration reveals craftsmanship behind Dutch ceramics. This certified factory provides an authentic look at local craftsmanship, adding a creative dimension to the cultural journey.

The factory visit complements the Delft stop, emphasizing the city’s reputation for blue Delftware and craftsmanship, and offering options for shopping souvenirs.

Practical Details and Tour Benefits

The tour is designed for a relaxed pace, with timed stops for photos, tastings, and exploration. The small group size enhances interaction, and the professional guide shares insights into Dutch culture and history throughout.

Participation requires comfortable shoes and clothes, with no large luggage or non-folding strollers permitted. The pickup process is straightforward, with a guide calling or messaging on WhatsApp to coordinate.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience appeals to travelers interested in culture, history, and local crafts who appreciate a less commercialized approach. It suits those seeking a relaxed, scenic day with opportunities for photo-taking and tastings. The tour is less suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, given the walking involved.

This carefully curated trip offers a well-rounded look at Dutch traditions with authentic stops that go beyond typical tourist spots, making it a worthwhile choice for those wanting a personalized, cultural day outside the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, meals are not included. The tour focuses on sightseeing, tastings, and demonstrations.

How long are the stops at each location?
Stops vary from about 1.5 hours at the cheese farm to 2.5 hours exploring Delft, with additional time allocated for travel and walking.

Is this tour suitable for children under 12?
Children under 12 need a car seat, and the tour requires comfortable shoes and clothes; it may not suit all young children due to walking and activity levels.

Are tickets to the Delft Blue Museum included?
No, entrance tickets to the Royal Delft museums are not included.

Can I participate in the clogs making?
The tour offers a demonstration where you can try on wooden shoes and take photos, but it is not a hands-on workshop.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking and outdoor sightseeing.

Is the tour accessible for mobility-impaired visitors?
No, the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments due to walking and uneven surfaces.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How do I meet the guide?
Meet outside the hotel entrance facing the canal, and contact the guide via WhatsApp if needed.

Who provides the tour?
The experience is organized by Cherry Travel & Tours, rated 4.6 for quality.

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