Hidden Gems Tour: visit 5 unforgettable places from Amsterdam

If exploring lesser-known sights near Amsterdam appeals to you, the Hidden Gems Tour offers a fascinating journey through five distinctive places, all for $144.56 per person. This 8.5-hour adventure takes you beyond the typical tourist spots, with stops at De Rijp, Schermerhorn windmill, Koninklijk Eise Eisinga Planetarium, Wieuwerd mummy crypt, and the Afsluitdijk. The tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of eight participants, ensuring a personalized experience and plenty of chances to learn from knowledgeable guides.

The tour’s highlights include free admission to historic and cultural sites, thoughtful narration about Dutch history and water management, and the opportunity to enjoy local snacks along the way. While it involves some walking and outdoor exploration, the pace is manageable for most visitors. This tour suits those curious about authentic Dutch culture, engineering marvels, and hidden historical treasures often overlooked by mainstream tours.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $144.56 per person for a full-day exploration
• Visits five unique locations, including villages, windmills, and ancient sites
• Small group size ensures an intimate and engaging experience
• All admission fees are included, with snacks provided
• Tour departs from De Ruijterkade 5, Amsterdam at 9:00 am
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance

Exploring De Rijp: A Village Like an Open-Air Museum

The tour begins in De Rijp, a village that appears to be an open-air museum but remains a lively community. Its wooden houses with red rooftops and a white old bridge over the water create picturesque scenes. Visitors walk through this monumental village to admire a Dutch Golden Age town hall and traditional architecture, making it a perfect spot for photos and strolling. This stop lasts about one hour, with free admission, and offers a quiet, authentic glimpse of Dutch village life.

Since De Rijp is still a functioning community rather than a tourist trap, expect to see local life alongside historic buildings. The tour doesn’t include food here, but the charming atmosphere makes it an ideal place to soak in local Dutch charm.

The Windmill of Schermerhorn: A Surviving Icon of the Golden Age

Next, the tour takes you to Schermerhorn, where one of the few remaining windmills from the Dutch Golden Age stands as a symbol of historic engineering. During the drainage of 52 windmills in this area, this particular mill was preserved, and now visitors can explore it from top to bottom. The beautiful landscape surrounding the mill adds to the experience, providing great views and photo opportunities. This stop lasts 45 minutes with free admission.

Unlike more popular sites like Zaanse Schans, Schermerhorn remains less crowded, offering a more authentic glimpse into the country’s water management and milling history. The inside features mechanisms that showcase the craftsmanship of the era, making it a highlight for those interested in Dutch engineering.

Netherlands’ Oldest Working Planetarium in Franeker

In the province of Friesland, the tour visits the Koninklijk Eise Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker, a true out-of-this-world experience. Built between 1774 and 1781, this planetarium is the oldest working model of the solar system in the world. It’s suspended from the ceiling of a canal house, which adds to its charm. The accurately moving model was created by a Frisian wool comber and continues to fascinate visitors with its precision and history.

The 1.5-hour visit includes admission fees, and guides explain how this historical astronomical device still functions today. It’s a captivating stop for anyone interested in science, history, and craftsmanship, especially as the model demonstrates the solar system’s movement with surprising accuracy despite being over 200 years old.

The Mystery of the Wieuwerd Mummies

In Wieuwerd, a small Frisian village, the tour presents a unique archaeological discovery — four mummified bodies found in the local Hervormde Kerk. These mummies have been lying in the crypt for over three centuries, remaining a scientific mystery to this day. Visitors observe the crypt where the mummies are buried, uncovering a fascinating story of preservation and history.

This stop lasts around 45 minutes and includes free admission. It offers an unusual glimpse into historical burial practices and a chance to ponder the stories behind these preserved figures. This site stands out as an uncommon but intriguing addition to the typical historical stops.

The Impressive Afsluitdijk: A Century of Water Management

The final stop on the return journey is the Afsluitdijk, a 32-kilometer-long water barrier that exemplifies Dutch ingenuity in water management. Construction began a hundred years ago, creating a dividing line between Noord Holland and Friesland. Visitors stop at a watchtower for panoramic views of the Wadden Sea on one side and IJsselmeer lake on the other, appreciating the scale and importance of this engineering feat.

Spending about 30 minutes here, this stop is free, and the views are a highlight for those interested in Dutch water control and land reclamation. The Afsluitdijk remains a symbol of Dutch resilience and forward-thinking in managing the country’s water risks.

Practical Details: Logistics and Included Features

The Hidden Gems Tour departs at 9:00 am from the Italian Chamber at De Ruijterkade 5, Amsterdam. The journey is made via an air-conditioned vehicle, making the longer drives comfortable. Snacks are provided, and all admission fees for the Windmill in Schermerhorn, Planetarium in Franeker, and Mummy crypt in Wieuwerd are included.

The tour is designed for most travelers, with service animals allowed and near public transportation options at the start point. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, with a maximum of eight participants. The flexible cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This tour is perfect for history buffs, engineering enthusiasts, and those eager to explore less-visited Dutch sites. It offers a relaxed pace, allowing time to appreciate each location without feeling rushed. Since it involves outdoor walking and some uneven terrain, it’s best suited for active guests comfortable with moderate walking.

While it omits meals, the snacks provided along the way help keep energy levels up. Visitors interested in authentic Dutch culture and hidden historical sites will find this tour a rewarding alternative to busier, more commercial excursions.

Final Thoughts on the Hidden Gems Tour

The Hidden Gems Tour offers a rich cross-section of Dutch culture, history, and engineering marvels, all within one full day. Its small-group format and inclusive admission fees make it a practical choice for those wanting an intimate experience with local guides.

The tour’s most significant strength is its focus on sites most visitors miss, from medieval villages to ancient water barriers. Its well-paced itinerary balances outdoor exploration with engaging stories about the past and present of the Netherlands.

Given its high ratings and positive reviews, this tour suits visitors who seek authenticity, depth, and personalized insights. It’s an excellent choice for curious travelers eager to discover hidden corners of Dutch heritage beyond the crowded attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
All admission fees for the Windmill in Schermerhorn, Planetarium in Franeker, and Mummie crypt in Wieuwerd are included. Snacks are also provided.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the original meeting point.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the journey between locations is in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially since some stops involve outdoor exploration.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, making it suitable for families with children who enjoy outdoor activities and historic sites.

Are food and beverages included?
No, lunch and additional food or drinks are not included, but a free snack pack is provided during the tour.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is the Italian Chamber at De Ruijterkade 5, Amsterdam.