Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Marken, Volendam, & Edam Day Tour

If you’re heading to Amsterdam and want to venture beyond the bustle of the city, a full-day tour of North Holland’s scenic villages and iconic landmarks might just be what you need. This tour, offered by Tours & Tickets, promises a balance of authentic Dutch culture, picturesque landscapes, and fun demonstrations—all packed into about 7 hours. While it’s a popular choice, it’s worth considering the pace and group size depending on your travel style.

What We Love About This Tour
First, the expert guides make all the difference, bringing the story of each location to life—reviewers especially mention guides like Astrid, Pia, and Nico for their engaging narration. Second, the scenic landscapes—windmills, colorful houses, and green meadows—offer plenty of photo-worthy moments that really showcase Holland’s charm. Lastly, the variety of experiences like cheese tasting, clog-making, and boat rides add hands-on fun and local flavor to the day.

One potential downside? The schedule can feel a little rushed, especially if you want to linger longer in each village. With so many stops packed into one day, it’s best suited for travelers eager to see many highlights without spending too much time in one place. It’s ideal if you’re after a well-rounded introduction to Dutch countryside life, especially for those who appreciate guided insights and efficient travel.

Good To Know

• Authentic Cultural Encounters: Experience traditional Dutch windmills, cheese factories, and clog-making demonstrations.
• Scenic Landscapes: Enjoy beautiful views of Holland’s countryside, colorful villages, and historic windmills.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides enhance understanding of each site’s history and culture.
• All-in Options: Includes boat cruises, windmill entry, and clog demonstrations—great for a comprehensive experience.
• Flexible Groups: The “Charm of Holland” tour offers a smaller, more relaxed experience with lunch included.
• Cost-Effective: At $51 per person, this tour is a good value considering the variety of sights and activities included.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Departure

The tour kicks off at De Ruijterkade 34A, conveniently located in the IJ hall of Central Station. It’s wise to arrive 30 minutes early to settle in and avoid missing the bus. The coach itself is typically air-conditioned and comfortable for the approximately 30-minute drive out of the city.

Zaanse Schans: Windmill Wonderland

Your first stop is Zaanse Schans, famous for its historic windmills and traditional crafts. Here, you’ll get a chance to walk among windmills from the 18th century, with some options to step inside and learn about their industrial history. Reviewers note that if you choose the all-in option, you can enter an operational windmill—an experience that brings the iconic symbol of Holland closer to life.

Highlights:

• Photo opportunities of classic windmills and wooden barns.
• The chance to visit a windmill museum or shop for souvenirs.
• The optional inside visit offers a unique glimpse into Dutch windmill engineering.

Marken: A Preserved Fishing Village

Next, the journey takes you to Marken, a small fishing village with streets lined with colorful wooden houses. The guided walking tour reveals its history and traditional architecture. Many reviews mention the guides’ engaging storytelling, giving a vivid picture of Marken’s past.

Special Experiences:

• For those with the all-in option, a visit to a clog-making studio is a highlight, showing how wooden shoes are crafted—reviewers love watching the process and snapping photos in traditional costumes.
• The boat cruise over IJssel Lake offers a relaxing way to see the scenery from the water, with some travelers describing it as a peaceful, scenic ride.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Volendam: The Iconic Dutch Village

After Marken, you’ll head to Volendam—a town that epitomizes Dutch seaside charm. You’ll have free time to explore local shops, try on traditional costumes for photos, or sample local delicacies. Reviewers often mention the lively atmosphere and friendly locals.

Tastings & Shopping:

• You can visit a cheese factory to see how Holland cheese is made and enjoy tasting fresh samples.
• Many say the cheese demo is a fun, quick insight into Dutch cheese culture, with some noting the costs of souvenirs and food may be on the higher side.

Edam: Medieval Charm and Historic Streets

From Volendam, the tour proceeds to Edam, known worldwide for its cheese. The cobbled streets, Grote Kerk, and old shipyard evoke a sense of history. Reviewers often highlight Edam’s relaxed vibe and beautiful architecture, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Zaanse Schans: Windmills and Final Views

The last stop is Zaanse Schans again, where you can explore the open-air museum and see more windmills. If you’ve chosen the all-in option, you might get inside one of the windmills and learn about Dutch industrial heritage firsthand.

Return to Amsterdam

After a full day of sightseeing, the coach heads back to De Ruijterkade 34. The return journey offers scenic views of North Holland’s fields and homes, wrapping up your curated experience.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $51 per person, this tour is quite accessible given the variety of highlights packed into a single day. The inclusion of guided walking tours, demonstrations, and optional boat rides adds significant value—reviewers frequently mention how much they appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the well-organized schedule.

The all-in option further enhances the experience by including visits inside windmills, a clog-making demo, and a boat cruise, which many find enriching and immersive. For travelers wanting a good overview of Dutch culture with minimal hassle, this offers a solid balance of sights and stories.

How the Experience Feels

The tour is designed to give a taste rather than an in-depth exploration of each location. Some reviews mention feeling a little rushed—particularly at Zaanse Schans—so if you prefer lingering longer, you might consider a smaller group or the “Charm of Holland” option, which includes a more relaxed pace and lunch.

Group Size and Guides

With the standard tour, expect a larger group, which can be fast-paced but efficient. Reviewers praise the guides’ professionalism, friendliness, and multilingual capabilities—making it easy for international travelers to follow along and ask questions. The small-group “Charm of Holland” tour, available on Fridays, is a good choice if you prefer fewer people and a more personal touch.

Practical Tips

• Arrive early at the meeting point to avoid missing the coach.
• Wearing comfortable shoes is a must, especially on walking tours and cobblestone streets.
• If you opt for the all-in ticket, prepare for some demonstrations and entry fees, which are included but may have extra costs for souvenirs.
• The tour does not include lunch unless you choose the small-group “Charm of Holland” option, which offers a traditional Dutch fish tavern meal on Fridays.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided snapshot of Dutch culture and scenery. It’s perfect if you enjoy guided tours, scenic villages, and local demonstrations but don’t want to spend multiple days traveling around. It suits families, first-time visitors, or those with limited time who want a mix of history, photography, and fun.

If you’re after a relaxed, in-depth exploration of each village, or prefer more independent wandering, this may feel a little rushed. However, for a balanced, well-organized day out, it checks many boxes.

FAQ About the Zaanse Schans, Marken, Volendam & Edam Tour

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, including travel time between locations and guided stops.

What is included in the all-in option?
The all-in ticket includes a boat cruise across IJssel Lake, entrance inside a windmill, a clog-making demonstration, and a cheese tasting.

Where does the tour depart from?
You’ll meet at De Ruijterkade 34A, in the IJ hall of Central Station, and should arrive 30 minutes early.

Is lunch included?
No, unless you choose the Charm of Holland small-group tour, which includes a traditional Dutch lunch on Fridays.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, there are shops at Zaanse Schans, Marken, and Volendam, but be prepared for potentially higher prices on food and crafts.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Yes, children aged 3 and under go free if they don’t occupy a seat.

Is it suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The group size is moderate, and guides are known for their friendly, inclusive approach.

Can I customize the experience?
The standard tour is fixed, but the small-group Charm of Holland offers a more tailored, relaxed experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour runs rain or shine, so dress accordingly. Some stops, like windmill inside visits, can be more enjoyable in poor weather.

Final Thoughts

For anyone wanting to get a taste of authentic Dutch life without the stress of planning, this tour offers a practical and engaging way to see a variety of iconic sights. The blend of scenic landscapes, cultural demonstrations, and friendly guides makes it an attractive option for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. You’ll likely walk away with plenty of photos, new knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for Holland’s charming villages.

If you prefer a more intimate experience with a smaller group and lunch included, the Charm of Holland tour might be better. But for straightforward value, comprehensive sightseeing, and efficient organization, this tour ticks the boxes. It’s a well-rounded way to explore the picturesque corners of North Holland with minimal fuss.

You can check if your dates are available here: