Non touristic Private Sightseeing Countryside Windmill Tour

Discover the magic of Holland’s windmills with the Non-touristic Private Sightseeing Countryside Windmill Tour. For $400.53 per person, this 6-hour journey offers an intimate look at the country’s iconic landscapes, quaint villages, and historic engineering marvels. Led by the Windmill Girls, two passionate local guides raised among windmills, the tour emphasizes less touristy spots, authentic villages, and cultural highlights. Pickup is included, and the tour is designed for those seeking a private, personalized experience—perfect for travelers who want to explore beyond the crowds and enjoy the Netherlands’ countryside in comfort.

This tour includes visits to De Rijp, Schermer, Broek in Waterland, and Volendam, along with a stop at a 17th-century windmill responsible for reclaiming land from the sea. It has received a perfect 5.0-star rating from four reviews, with many praising the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery. While lunch is not included, the tour offers flexible options in Volendam, and all transportation is private to enhance comfort and pacing.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience led by passionate local guides, the Windmill Girls
• Includes visits to less touristy villages like De Rijp and Broek in Waterland
• Highlights windmills from the 17th century and land reclamation sites
• Cheese tasting with 30 flavors at Henri Willig Cheese Farm in Katwoude
• Tour duration is approximately 6 hours, with pickup included from your Amsterdam hotel
• Advance booking recommended—most are booked about 33 days ahead

Exploring the Dutch Countryside with the Windmill Girls

The Non-touristic Private Sightseeing Countryside Windmill Tour stands out for its focus on authentic, off-the-beaten-path locations in Holland. Priced at $400.53 per person, it offers an immersive experience that balances scenic drives, historical insights, and cultural stops. Led by the Windmill Girls, guides who are both knowledgeable and enthusiastic, the tour emphasizes storytelling that brings the history of windmills and land reclamation to life.

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Amsterdam, making logistics straightforward, and lasts about 6 hours. This is a private experience, meaning your group will have exclusive access to the itinerary, with the flexibility to explore at a comfortable pace. The tour includes free parking and bottled water, ensuring a hassle-free day.

Discovering Windmills at Museummolen Schermer

One of the signature stops is Museummolen Schermer, a historic windmill from the 17th century that played a key role in draining the Schermeer lake. This process helped create the Schermerpolder, a vast reclaimed land area that exemplifies Dutch water management from the Golden Age. Visitors can go inside the windmill and see from top to bottom how it functions, while learning about how people once lived and worked in these structures.

This admission ticket is included in the tour, allowing full access to this impressive piece of engineering. The site offers insight into the importance of windmills beyond their iconic image—they were vital to transforming Holland’s landscape for agriculture and settlement.

Scenic Drive Through the Schermer Polder

The tour continues with a drive along the dikes through the Schermer region. The guides take visitors past Esther’s family windmill and through the small, picturesque villages that dot the reclaimed land. The drive offers magnificent views of green fields, traditional farmhouses, and the expansive waterways that make Holland’s landscape so distinctive.

This part of the tour highlights the country’s impressive water management systems, and the 15-minute drive allows plenty of time to enjoy the peaceful countryside and ask questions about land reclamation techniques.

Visiting De Rijp, a Historic Fishing Village

Next, the tour visits De Rijp, a village once famous for its herring fleet and whalers. Today, De Rijp remains free from mass tourism, preserving its quiet charm. The village features well-preserved wooden houses and narrow streets that reveal its maritime past. The 15-minute stop here gives a glimpse into the traditional Dutch fishing life and offers plenty of photo opportunities.

De Rijp also hosts the birthplace of Jan Adriaanzoon Leeghwater, the renowned hydraulic engineer, adding historical significance to the visit. The stop is free, making it an accessible insight into Holland’s fishing heritage.

The UNESCO Beemster Polders and Land Reclamation

The tour then drives through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Beemster, a carefully planned polder created after draining the Beemster Lake. Visitors see geometrically laid out roads, farms, and canals that exemplify Dutch ingenuity in water control. The area’s green meadows and historic farmhouses showcase the harmonious blend of engineering and rural life.

This segment emphasizes the advanced land management that has shaped Holland’s landscape, with the drive through the Beemster providing excellent photo opportunities of the scenic farmland.

Cheese Tasting at Henri Willig’s Jacobs Hoeve

At Henri Willig’s cheese farm in Katwoude, the tour offers a cheese tasting session with 30 flavors of Gouda and Edam. Recognized as one of the top 10 cheesemakers globally, Henri Willig develops cheeses specifically for travel, ensuring quality and freshness. The tasting is 40 minutes long and included in the tour price, giving cheese lovers an authentic introduction to Dutch dairy craftsmanship.

A highlight here is the wooden shoe craft demonstration—guests can see how traditional clogs are made, try on a pair, or purchase handcrafted shoes as souvenirs.

Exploring Volendam, the Iconic Fishing Village

The tour includes a lunch stop in Volendam, allowing guests to choose their preferred dining option. The guides recommend local fish restaurants or traditional Dutch pancake spots, with suggestions tailored to taste.

After lunch, Volendam’s charm unfolds with a walk through its harbor and the oldest part of town, the maze. This area features small fisher’s houses and narrow streets, with no formal street pattern, making it a delightful labyrinth. The famous dike offers panoramic views of the water and traditional boats, perfect for photos and gentle strolling.

Discovering Broek in Waterland

The final destination is Broek in Waterland, a village often compared to Giethoorn for its water-surrounded setting. The village features old wooden houses with preserved architectural details like ceremonial doors and carved lintels. A restored 16th-century church adds historical depth, and the paved streets are decorated with tombstones of wealthy past inhabitants.

This walk provides a peaceful ending, highlighting Holland’s scenic water villages. The 20-minute stop allows visitors to soak in the tranquility and beauty of this well-preserved spot.

Returning to Amsterdam and Final Notes

The tour concludes with a 30-minute drive back to your Amsterdam hotel, completing this intimate and comprehensive exploration of Dutch countryside. The journey is designed with comfort, including private transportation and parking fees covered, ensuring a stress-free experience.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and most participants able to join. While lunch is not included, the guides’ local knowledge ensures you’ll find great options in Volendam.

Unique Aspects and Final Thoughts on the Windmill Tour

What makes this tour exceptional is the emphasis on less touristy destinations and authentic village life. The guides’ expertise shines in sharing stories about windmills and land reclamation, making the experience both educational and personal. The inclusion of a 17th-century windmill and cheese tasting adds tangible cultural value, enriching the journey.

While the price point reflects the private, personalized nature of the tour, it may not suit travelers on a strict budget. However, for those seeking a relaxed, in-depth look at Holland’s countryside away from crowds, this tour offers a memorable day with gorgeous scenery and insightful storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included. Guests can choose where to eat in Volendam, with local recommendations provided.

What is the duration of the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including all stops, driving, and sightseeing.

Are there any physical requirements for participating?
Most travelers can participate; specific physical requirements are not detailed, but the tour involves some walking through villages.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Most bookings are made around 33 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended for availability.

Are the guides knowledgeable about windmills and Dutch heritage?
Yes, the Windmill Girls are passionate local guides with deep knowledge of windmills, land reclamation, and local villages.

What makes this tour different from other sightseeing options in Amsterdam?
It focuses on less touristy villages, authentic windmill sites, and personalized storytelling, delivering a more intimate experience of Holland’s countryside.