Zaanse Schans Windmills, Volendam with Ferry to Marken

Key Points

• Price: $254 per person for an 8-hour private tour.
• Highlights: Windmills at Zaanse Schans, traditional clog and cheese factories, and ferry ride to Marken.
• Stops: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, ferry to Marken, and Marker Museum.
• Group size: Available for groups up to 19 people, with a driver and tour guide included.
• Includes: Tickets to a windmill, a clog demonstration, cheese sampling, ferry ride, and museum entry.
• Not included: Food and beverages; lunch can be arranged in Volendam.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Dutch Countryside in a Full-Day Tour from Amsterdam

The Zaanse Schans Windmills, Volendam with Ferry to Marken offers a well-rounded glimpse into the Netherlands’ iconic sights and local craftsmanship. Priced at $254 per person and lasting 8 hours, this private tour is ideal for those eager to explore traditional Dutch culture beyond Amsterdam. The tour begins with a pickup in Amsterdam, where a driver guide prepares to lead a journey through classic landscapes filled with historic windmills, quaint towns, and lively demonstrations of local crafts.

What sets this tour apart is the combination of outdoor cultural sites and charming towns, all within a manageable day trip. The inclusion of tickets to a windmill, a clog demonstration, cheese tastings, and a ferry ride makes this experience both educational and enjoyable. While food and beverages are not included, options for lunch in Volendam are available—an opportunity to sample local cuisine. This tour is suited for groups up to 19 people, with guided commentary in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Dutch.

Discover the Historic Windmills at Zaanse Schans

The tour’s first stop is Zaanse Schans, an outdoor museum showcasing operational windmills and traditional Dutch houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Here, a guided 2.5-hour walk introduces visitors to the area’s history and architecture. Visitors can see a clog maker in action during the wooden shoe demonstration, which lasts about 15 minutes. This gives a clear view of how traditional wooden shoes are crafted, a craft still alive at the site.

Next, the tour includes a visit to a cheese farm, specifically the Catharina Hoeve cheese factory. The guided 15-minute tour at the cheese farm provides insights into Dutch cheese-making processes and includes cheese sampling, allowing visitors to taste fresh varieties directly from the farm. The combination of windmill views and cheese tastings highlights the Netherlands’ agricultural craftsmanship.

Walking Through the Charming Town of Volendam

The next stop is Volendam, a lively fishing village famous for its picturesque streets, traditional costumes, and seaside charm. The guided 2-hour walk in Volendam allows visitors to stroll along the dike and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic town. Optional lunch arrangements can be made at local restaurants, offering a chance to enjoy authentic Dutch cuisine amid scenic surroundings.

This town’s charm lies in its colorful houses, harbor views, and the chance to observe local culture. Visitors can take their time exploring shops and perhaps purchase souvenirs. The relaxed pace here offers a perfect balance of sightseeing and leisure.

Ferry Ride to the Island of Marken

A 30-minute ferry transports visitors across the IJsselmeer lake to Marken, an island with a distinctive character. The ferry ride itself is a highlight, offering views of the water and landscape that feel like stepping into a Dutch painting. Once on Marken, a guided 1-hour tour explores the Marker Museum, which illustrates the history and daily life of this traditional fishing community.

Visitors walk through the Church Neighborhood (Kerkbuurt) and visit historic harbor houses such as Sytje Boes, experiencing the old-world charm that has preserved the island’s identity. This part of the tour emphasizes history and local traditions.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Logistics and Group Experience

This tour includes transportation throughout the day, with a driver guide for groups up to 7 people or a driver and tour guide for groups up to 19 people. The tour operates in multiple languages, ensuring clear communication regardless of the group’s composition.

The pickup takes place in Amsterdam, with instructions to wait outside your hotel about 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. The 8-hour itinerary flows smoothly, covering each location at a pace that balances sightseeing with enough time to enjoy each stop.

For comfort and safety, travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and a jacket. Notably, baby strollers, smoking, and accessibility for wheelchairs or mobility-impaired visitors are not allowed on this tour.

Unique Aspects and Highlights of the Tour

The combination of outdoor museum experiences and authentic town visits makes this tour stand out. The windmills at Zaanse Schans are a staple of Dutch scenery, and seeing them in operation adds authenticity. The clog demonstration provides a tangible connection to Dutch tradition, while the cheese farm visit offers tasty insight into local dairy craftsmanship.

Travelers appreciate the ferry ride to Marken, which adds a scenic dimension to the journey and immerses visitors in the maritime atmosphere of the region. The guided tours at each stop ensure an informative visit, with the Marker Museum offering a deeper understanding of the island’s history.

Final Thoughts on the Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken Tour

This 8-hour private tour offers a well-curated experience of the Dutch countryside, combining cultural, historical, and scenic highlights. The price of $254 reflects the inclusion of entry tickets, demonstrations, and transportation, making it a valuable choice for those seeking a comprehensive and relaxed day outside Amsterdam.

The tour is best suited for those interested in Dutch traditions, from windmills and cheese to traditional towns and museums. While it involves some walking and outdoor visits, the pace is manageable for most visitors. The limited inclusion of lunch means travelers should plan accordingly but also have flexibility to explore local eateries.

This experience provides a rich insight into Dutch heritage with plenty of picturesque moments and meaningful demonstrations, all within a comfortable, private setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 8 hours, starting from the pickup in Amsterdam and returning at the end of the day.

What is included in the price?
The price includes transportation, tickets to one windmill, a clog demonstration, cheese sampling, ferry ride, and museum entry. Food and beverages are not included.

Can I arrange lunch during the tour?
Yes, lunch can be arranged at a restaurant in Volendam. It is recommended to contact the tour provider in advance for this option.

What are the group size options?
The tour is available for groups up to 7 people with a driver guide, or up to 19 people with both a driver and a tour guide.

In which languages is the tour available?
The tour is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Dutch, depending on the group size.

Is this tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired visitors?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, children in strollers, or people with mobility impairments or in wheelchairs.

What should I bring?
It’s recommended to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and a jacket for outdoor activities.

Are there any restrictions on smoking?
Smoking is not allowed during the tour.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start date, providing flexibility for your plans.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve now and pay later, giving you the chance to secure your spot with no upfront cost.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby