Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam

Experience the Charm of Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Windmills with a Private Tour from Amsterdam

This private sightseeing tour from Amsterdam offers an engaging full-day exploration of Giethoorn, often called the Dutch Venice, and the iconic Zaanse Schans Windmills. Priced at $453.97 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours and includes luxury transportation in a Mercedes sedan or minivan with WiFi and bottled water.

Designed for those who appreciate a personalized experience, this tour ensures hotel pickup and drop-off and features admission tickets to key attractions such as the windmills, cheese farm, and a wooden shoe factory. With group discounts available, it appeals to families, couples, or small groups seeking a relaxed, in-depth look at Dutch culture. The tour is notably praised for its guide’s insights and well-paced itinerary, making it a top choice for visitors wanting a comprehensive day outside the bustling city.

Key Points

• Private tour for your exclusive group guarantees personalized attention.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for hassle-free transportation.
• Visit Zaanse Schans Windmills, with inside access to a working paint mill and a wooden shoe factory.
• Enjoy a guided canal cruise in Giethoorn, with options to pilot a small boat yourself.
• Taste over 30 types of Gouda cheese at Henri Willig farm, with free samples and the option to purchase.
• Optional lunch in Giethoorn at a top restaurant, with the tour providing plenty of time to explore the village.

Introducing the Private Tour Experience from Amsterdam

This full-day private tour begins with convenient hotel pickup in a luxury Mercedes vehicle, offering a comfortable start to the day. The personal driver/host provides insightful commentary and handles all logistics, making the experience smooth from the beginning. The price of $453.97 covers all admission tickets, including visits to windmills, cheese tastings, and the wooden shoe factory, ensuring no surprise costs.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received immediately upon booking and available phone support during business hours. Since it’s a private activity, only your group joins, providing an intimate setting. For groups larger than seven people, special arrangements can be made.

Discovering Zaanse Schans Windmills and Traditional Crafts

The journey starts at Zaanse Schans, where seven historic windmills stand prominently. You can visit inside the windmills, including the paint windmill, which has historical significance as Rembrandt’s paint supplier. The admission to the windmill park is included, making it easy to explore without additional costs.

Next, the tour highlights the Dutch wooden shoe making tradition at a local clog factory. A demonstration shows how clogs are crafted today, offering a glimpse into this enduring craft. Visitors can buy wooden shoes and souvenirs, making it a perfect spot to pick up authentic gifts.

The Molen De Kat, the last working paint mill, provides an inside look at paint production. This windmill adds a special touch to the visit, especially given its historical connection to Rembrandt, who purchased his paint here.

Tasting Gouda Cheese at Henri Willig Farm

A highlight of the tour is the Gouda cheese tasting at Henri Willig Kaas B.V. The farm offers over 30 different cheese varieties, and visitors can sample as much as they like during the 20-minute tasting session. The farm also offers the option to purchase cheese, with the possibility to ship items home if needed.

This stop combines culinary delight with cultural insight, as visitors learn about the cheese-making process and traditional Dutch flavors. It’s a popular part of the tour, especially for cheese lovers.

Exploring Giethoorn: The Dutch Venice

The village of Giethoorn is renowned for its peaceful canals, wooden bridges, and old farmhouses. The tour includes a guided canal cruise lasting about an hour, during which visitors can admire the thatched roofs and linden trees lining the waterways. As an optional activity, guests can pilot a small boat themselves if they inform their driver in advance, adding an interactive element.

After the cruise, there’s free time to stroll through Giethoorn or enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant. The tour’s flexibility allows guests to relax and soak in the picturesque scenery, making this stop a tranquil highlight.

Practical Details of the Canal and Village Tour

The canal cruise is guided, providing commentary about the history and significance of Giethoorn’s waterways. The village is easily accessible, and the cruise is suitable for all ages. The duration is about an hour, giving enough time to appreciate the unique wooden bridges and farmhouses without feeling rushed.

Lunch options are available at Smit Giethoorn, noted as one of the best restaurants in the village. While the lunch is not included in the tour price, it allows for a relaxed meal amidst the scenic surroundings.

Logistics and Comfort of the Private Transport

The luxury Mercedes vehicle ensures a comfortable ride between stops, with WiFi on board for convenience. The driver/host is professional, friendly, and knowledgeable, making the drive both enjoyable and informative. Pickup and drop-off are organized at your hotel, removing the hassle of coordinating transportation.

This setup makes the overall experience seamless, especially for those unfamiliar with public transit or seeking a more personalized journey.

Optional Activities and Personalization

Guests have the option to drive a small boat during the Giethoorn visit, adding a fun, hands-on experience to the day. The tour is designed to be flexible, with the driver accommodating your preferred pace at each stop.

While admission tickets are included for windmills and cheese tasting, lunch and additional souvenirs are at personal expense. The tour staff can assist with reservations for certain activities, ensuring a tailored experience.

Reviews Highlighting Exceptional Service and Experience

Multiple reviews praise the guides and drivers for their friendly and professional demeanor. The insights provided about the windmills, cheese production, and Giethoorn’s scenery are highly valued. Visitors also appreciate the comfort of the vehicle and the well-paced itinerary that balances sightseeing with leisure.

The private nature of the tour allows for intimacy and flexibility, which is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a more relaxed day without the crowds.

When and How to Book This Tour

Most travelers book about 53 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. To secure a spot, especially during peak seasons, early reservation is recommended. The tour operates from Monday to Saturday, with confirmation immediate upon booking. The full refund policy applies if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

For groups larger than seven, customized arrangements are available, ensuring all travelers receive personalized attention.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This private tour combines the best of Dutch culture, history, and scenery in one seamless experience. The inclusion of inside visits to windmills, cheese tasting, and the opportunity to pilot a small boat makes it engaging and memorable. The luxury transport and personalized service elevate it above standard day trips.

While the price may seem high, it reflects the all-inclusive tickets, private transportation, and tailored attention. It suits visitors who value comfort, exclusivity, and a curated experience over large bus tours.

Final Thoughts on the Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Tour

This tour offers a balanced blend of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and comfort. The well-structured itinerary ensures visitors catch the highlights of Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn, with enough flexibility for personal preferences. The guides’ knowledge and smooth logistics are frequently praised, making it a reliable choice for a memorable day out of Amsterdam.

With its personalized approach, insider access to windmills, and delicious cheese tasting, this tour appeals most to those seeking a luxurious, relaxed, and enriching experience. The 8-hour duration allows for a leisurely exploration without feeling rushed, making it perfect for visitors who want to savor the Dutch countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the tour’s relaxed pace and engaging stops make it suitable for families. The option to drive a small boat in Giethoorn adds a fun element for kids.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, lunch is optional and not included. Guests can dine at a recommended restaurant in Giethoorn, with ample time to enjoy a meal.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it is a private tour, the driver/host can accommodate special requests, especially for larger groups over seven people.

What should I wear on this tour?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, especially the canal cruise and walking around Giethoorn, is recommended.

Is there any physical requirement to participate?
The tour involves walking around the villages and possibly boarding boats, so comfortable shoes are advised. The tour is generally accessible for most travelers.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 53 days prior to the tour date, with early reservations recommended during peak seasons.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

Can I bring souvenirs purchased during the tour home?
Yes, souvenirs like wooden shoes and cheese can be purchased and, if needed, shipped directly to your home.

Is the tour operated in multiple languages?
The data does not specify language options, but the tour includes an English-speaking driver/host who provides commentary.

What makes this tour different from other day trips from Amsterdam?
Its private, personalized service, inside visits, and flexibility set it apart, offering a more intimate and customized experience of Dutch culture and scenery.