Private Tour to Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans and Dutch Windmills

Discover the charm of Dutch countryside with this private 7-8 hour tour, including a canal cruise in Giethoorn and visits to Zaanse Schans windmills and cheese factories.

Explore Small-Group Privacy and Personalized Experience for a Dutch Day Tour

This private tour offers an intimate way to see some of the Netherlands’ most iconic sights, with a focus on personalization. Priced at $300.23 per person, the tour is designed for small groups of 2 to 4 people, ensuring a tailored experience with plenty of room for questions and specific interests. Thanks to the private setup, the guide can adapt the itinerary to meet your preferences, making it ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed, customized trip.

Starting early at 9:00 am, this 7 to 8-hour adventure transports visitors from Amsterdam into the scenic Dutch countryside. The tour includes pickup services, group discounts, and a mobile ticket, making logistics straightforward and stress-free. With a high rating of 5.0 based on a single review, this experience is clearly appreciated for its knowledgeable guide and well-organized itinerary, although it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity.

Scenic Drive Through Dutch Villages and Countryside

The journey begins with a 1.5-hour drive from Amsterdam to Giethoorn, often called the “Dutch Venice” for its canals and charming streets. During the drive, the guide takes you through beautiful Dutch villages and unspoiled countryside, which are typically less crowded and showcase authentic rural life. This scenic route sets the tone for the day, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the views and learn about local areas from the guide.

This part of the tour emphasizes comfort and sightseeing, making it a relaxing start to the day. The drive itself adds an extra layer of charm, as you pass through lush landscapes and traditional Dutch scenery, giving a sense of the country’s quieter, picturesque corners away from tourist hotspots.

Discover Giethoorn’s Canals with a 1-Hour Scenic Boat Ride

Once in Giethoorn, the highlight is a 1-hour canal cruise included in the ticket price. This scenic boat ride offers a delightful way to explore the village’s canals, which crisscross through the peaceful streets. As the boat glides along, you’ll get a close-up view of thatched-roof cottages and the lush surroundings, providing a peaceful yet picturesque experience.

After the boat cruise, visitors are encouraged to stroll through Giethoorn’s charming streets, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and taking photos of the scenic views. The walk offers a chance to see the village’s unique architecture and beautiful scenery, making it a perfect spot for leisure and photos.

Enjoy a Flexible Lunch in Giethoorn at Your Chosen Restaurant

Following the boat ride and walk, the tour allows about 2.5 hours to enjoy lunch at your preferred restaurant. The guide can assist in driving you to any restaurant of your choice, giving flexibility in choosing a place that fits your taste, whether it’s a traditional Dutch eatery or something more casual.

This free time enables a relaxed break from sightseeing and the opportunity to sample local cuisine, making the experience more personal and suited to your preferences. The tour does not include lunch in the price, so visitors can tailor their meal to their dietary needs or cravings.

Visit Zaanse Schans to See Windmills, Cheese, and Wooden Shoes

After lunch, the tour continues with a 1.5-hour drive to Zaanse Schans, the renowned Dutch village famous for its historic windmills and traditional crafts. During the visit, you have the chance to see the interior of the ancient windmills, visit a cheese factory, and explore a wooden shoe factory.

This stop offers a glance into traditional Dutch industries and craftsmanship, with the opportunity to see windmills up close and learn about their historical significance. The tour includes entry to one windmill, providing an authentic experience of this iconic feature of the Netherlands.

Return to Amsterdam with a Scenic 45-Minute to 1-Hour Drive

From Zaanse Schans, the group departs for Amsterdam, with a driving time of approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. This relaxed trip back allows for reflection on the day’s highlights or to review photos taken during the excursions. The seamless transfer wraps up a day filled with scenic views, cultural insights, and memorable experiences.

Included Amenities and Optional Expenses

The tour package provides bottled water and snacks, ensuring hydration and energy during the trip. Parking fees are covered, and the sightseeing includes admission to the windmill and the 1-hour canal cruise. However, lunch at Giethoorn remains an optional expense, and visits to additional windmills in Zaanse Schans are not included but can be explored if desired.

This comprehensive setup ensures comfort, convenience, and a focus on key sights, making the day both enjoyable and straightforward.

Flexible Cancellation and Weather Considerations

A major advantage of this tour is the free cancellation policy, allowing cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. In case of poor weather, the experience can be rescheduled or refunded, which adds a layer of reassurance for travelers. The tour confirms availability upon booking, with options for last-minute bookings within five days.

What Sets This Tour Apart: Personalization and Small Group Experience

The small group size — limited to 2 to 4 people — makes this tour particularly appealing for those seeking a personalized experience. The guide, known for being knowledgeable and going above and beyond, tailors the day based on your interests. This private setup is ideal for travelers who prefer a slower pace, personalized attention, or specific stops.

The tour’s focus on iconic sights like Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans, combined with the flexibility in dining and additional explorations, offers a well-rounded day out of Amsterdam. It balances scenic drives, cultural visits, and leisure time, making it suitable for a variety of travelers.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour is perfect for those who value small-group intimacy and personalized attention. It suits visitors interested in Dutch countryside scenery, windmills, traditional crafts, and canal cruises. The moderate physical activity—walking and boat riding—is manageable for most but requires moderate fitness. It’s also a good choice for families or small groups who want a relaxed, well-organized day trip with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural insights.

Final Thoughts: Authentic Dutch Experience in a Private Setting

The Private Tour to Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans, and Dutch Windmills offers a well-organized, intimate exploration of some of the Netherlands’ most beloved sights. For $300.23 per person, it delivers a personalized, flexible experience that combines scenic drives, cultural attractions, and leisure time. The knowledgeable guide, along with included activities like the canal cruise and windmill visit, ensures an engaging day out.

While the tour does not include meals or extra windmill visits, the flexibility to choose lunch and explore additional sites makes it adaptable to personal interests. This tour is best suited for those who prefer small-group travel, enjoy cultural sights, and seek a relaxed, personalized itinerary outside the busy city.

Ready to Book?

Private Tour to Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans and Dutch Windmills



5.0

100% 5-star

“Alan was a fantastic guide- extremely knowledgeable. He went above and beyond while showing us around the beautiful Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans. We…”

— A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Sep 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, transportation is included for the drive between Amsterdam, Giethoorn, and Zaanse Schans.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket covers a 1-hour canal cruise in Giethoorn, admission to one windmill at Zaanse Schans, bottled water, snacks, and parking fees.

Can I customize the stops or activities?
Yes, since this is a private tour, there’s flexibility to tailor the experience based on your preferences.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, lunch at Giethoorn is not included but can be arranged at your chosen restaurant during the free time.

Is the tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, including walking and boat riding, so it’s best for those with moderate fitness.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience can be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to poor weather.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked 89 days in advance on average, but last-minute bookings are possible within 5 days.

What makes this tour stand out?
The small group size, personalized service, and highly knowledgeable guide distinguish this experience from larger, more generic tours.

Who is the provider?
This tour is offered by MyWeekendTrip, ensuring professional organization and support.

Can I join this tour if I have specific interests?
Yes, the private nature allows the guide to adapt the itinerary to your interests, making it a flexible, personalized day.