From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn Countryside Trip

Nestled just outside Amsterdam, the Dutch countryside offers a delightful escape from the city’s bustling energy. This full-day excursion takes travelers on a journey through two enchanting locales – the picturesque Zaanse Schans and the serene village of Giethoorn. From exploring iconic windmills and quaint wooden houses to gliding through tranquil canals, this trip promises to immerse visitors in the region’s captivating heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking a cultural experience or simply a day of peaceful exploration, this countryside adventure may just have the perfect blend of activities to pique your interest.

Good To Know

• Explore the historical windmills, wooden houses, and traditional workshops at the open-air museum of Zaanse Schans.
• Discover the charming, car-free village of Giethoorn, known as the "Venice of the North," with a guided boat tour through its picturesque canals.
• Enhance the experience with an optional cheese tasting in Katwoude, where you can learn about the local cheesemaking process.
• Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as comfortable private transportation throughout the day.
• Customize the excursion based on your interests, with options to extend time in Zaanse Schans or add workshops like cheese-making and clog crafting.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring the Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans, a quaint open-air museum nestled along the Zaan River, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the Netherlands’ rich cultural heritage.

This historic village showcases a collection of well-preserved windmills, wooden houses, and traditional workshops where visitors can observe artisans crafting iconic Dutch products like cheese and wooden clogs.

Strolling through the picturesque streets, travelers can enjoy the region’s past, learning about the importance of windmills in shaping the local economy and way of life.

With ample opportunities for photography and hands-on experiences, the Zaanse Schans provides a delightful and educational start to this countryside excursion.

Cheese Tasting in Katwoude

After exploring the historic charm of the Zaanse Schans, the tour includes an optional stop at the nearby Katwoude region for a delightful cheese tasting experience.

Guests can savor the rich flavors of Dutch artisanal cheeses, handcrafted by local farmers using traditional methods. The cheese tasting lasts approximately 75 minutes, providing ample time to sample a variety of cheeses, learn about the cheesemaking process, and purchase any favorite varieties to take home.

This stop offers a chance to take in the dairy heritage of the Dutch countryside, complementing the windmill and cultural experiences at the Zaanse Schans.

Discovering Giethoorn’s Picturesque Canals

Following the guided tour of the Zaanse Schans, the group embarks on the journey to the picturesque village of Giethoorn. This car-free settlement, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," enchants visitors with its thatched-roof cottages, wooden bridges, and tranquil canals. During the 2.5-hour stay, guests can savor a delightful lunch and embark on a guided boat tour to explore the village’s idyllic waterways. The serene journey allows travelers to appreciate Giethoorn’s unique landscape and charming architecture.

Activity	Duration
Exploring Giethoorn	2.5 hours
Lunch	–
Guided Boat Tour	–

The guided boat tour through Giethoorn’s picturesque canals offers a peaceful and immersive experience, enabling visitors to fully appreciate the village’s captivating beauty.

Highlights of the Day Trip

Immersing visitors in the captivating charm of the Dutch countryside, this full-day excursion from Amsterdam showcases the historic windmills and tranquil waterways that make the Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn so alluring.

The itinerary highlights include:

1. Exploring the open-air museum of Zaanse Schans, where guests can witness traditional wooden houses, cheese-making demonstrations, and the iconic green-painted windmills.

2. An optional cheese tasting experience in the quaint village of Katwoude, offering a delightful opportunity to sample the region’s renowned dairy products.

3. A leisurely boat tour through the picturesque canals of Giethoorn, the car-free "Venice of the North," revealing its thatched-roof cottages and serene atmosphere.

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Transportation and Accessibility

For this comprehensive day trip, transportation is seamlessly handled. Guests enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, with roundtrip transportation from Amsterdam provided.

The comfortable private vehicle ensures a smooth and relaxing journey to the charming towns of Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn. Throughout the day, the private host offers personalized service, guiding participants and ensuring they make the most of the experience.

The pickup and drop-off service eliminates the hassle of navigating unfamiliar areas, allowing guests to fully enjoy the sights and activities without worrying about logistics.

Preparing for the Excursion

To prepare for this comprehensive day trip, guests have a few important considerations.

First, dress comfortably for walking and potentially wet conditions, as the boat tour in Giethoorn may involve some exposure to the elements.

Second, be sure to bring any necessary medications, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the picturesque landscapes.

Lastly, it’s recommended to have some local currency on hand for any optional purchases or tips during the workshop and tasting experiences.

With these simple preparations, travelers can ensure they’re ready to fully enjoy the charming Dutch countryside and make the most of this well-rounded exploration.

Customizing Your Experience

Travelers may find opportunities to further personalize their Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn excursion based on their interests and preferences.

For instance, they can opt to extend their time in Zaanse Schans to explore more of the traditional windmills, wooden houses, and attend additional workshops like cheese-making or clog crafting.

Plus, the tour allows for a stop in Katwoude, where guests can partake in an optional cheese tasting experience.

In Giethoorn, the duration of the boat tour through the village’s tranquil canals can be adjusted to accommodate individual needs.

The private nature of the trip enables a flexible and customized experience for each traveler.

Traveler Reviews and Recommendations

Based on the single review available, travelers can expect a positive experience on the Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn trip. The review praises the knowledgeable hosts who provided personalized service throughout the day.

Travelers also highlighted the comfortable transportation, which made the journey between destinations smooth and enjoyable.

Reviewers offered the following recommendations:

1. Allocate additional time to explore Giethoorn’s charming canals and thatched-roof cottages.
2. Take advantage of the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs and local products.
3. Consider adding an extra stop at Katwoude for a cheese tasting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Trip?

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip. This provides flexibility for travelers to change their plans without penalty.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can’t bring your own food and drinks on this trip. The inclusions cover all tickets and a bottle of water, so you don’t need to worry about providing your own snacks or beverages.

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Option for the Included Lunch?

Yes, the tour provider offers vegetarian and vegan options for the included lunch in Giethoorn. Travelers can request these dietary accommodations when booking the tour or by informing the guide upon pickup.

Can I Extend My Stay in Giethoorn or Zaanse Schans?

Customers can extend their stay in Giethoorn or Zaanse Schans by arranging additional time with the tour provider. However, this would likely require additional fees and coordination beyond the standard 9-hour itinerary. The tour’s focus is on covering both locations in one day.

Are the Boat Tours Wheelchair Accessible?

The boat tours in Giethoorn are wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the scenic canals. However, the tour schedules and accessibility may vary, so it’s best to check with the tour operator ahead of time.

The Sum Up

This full-day trip from Amsterdam offers a captivating glimpse into the enchanting Dutch countryside. Visitors can explore the iconic windmills and charming wooden houses of Zaanse Schans, indulge in a cheese tasting, and drift through the serene canals of Giethoorn. With convenient transportation and personalized service, this excursion provides a delightful blend of culture, heritage, and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to enjoy the beauty of the Dutch countryside.

You can check if your dates are available here: