Amsterdam: Giethoorn, Zaandam & Zaanse Schans Tour

Travelers looking to escape the hustle of Amsterdam and soak in classic Dutch sights will find this full-day tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the country’s scenic countryside, traditional crafts, and iconic windmills. As someone who’s reviewed similar experiences, I can say this trip is particularly appealing for those eager to see more beyond the city’s canals and museums, especially if you’re into authentic, photo-worthy moments and local flavors.

What we love about this tour is its diverse itinerary—covering everything from the peaceful waterways of Giethoorn to the vibrant windmills of Zaanse Schans, and the colorful streets of Zaandam. The small group size ensures a more personal experience, and the electric boat ride in Giethoorn is a highlight that makes you feel like you’re living in a picture postcard. The delicious cheese tasting and the chance to try on traditional wooden clogs add authentic touches, bringing the Dutch countryside to life.

One possible consideration is that the tour is quite packed, with only a limited 1.5 hours at some stops like Zaandam and Zaanse Schans. If you prefer slow, in-depth exploration, it might feel a bit rushed. Still, for most travelers wanting a rundown in one day, the schedule strikes a good balance. This tour suits those who love getting a lot of sights in a short time, especially first-timers eager for a well-organized, informative experience.

Good To Know

• All-in-one experience: Covering Giethoorn, Zaandam, and Zaanse Schans in a single day.
• Authentic boat ride: Small electric boat cruise in Giethoorn, the ‘Dutch Venice,’ with a chance for a hands-on driving experience.
• Cultural highlights: Windmills, wooden shoes, cheese tasting, and a visit to Lego City for a fun photo stop.
• Small-group intimacy: Limited to 8 participants, offering a more personalized and engaging tour.
• Expert guides: Reviewed as very knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, making the day both educational and enjoyable.
• Great value: $163 includes transportation, all guided tours, and the boat ride, which many consider worth the price.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Introduction

If you’re visiting Amsterdam and craving a taste of the Dutch countryside, this tour could be a fantastic choice. It offers a blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and unique local experiences, all packed into a manageable nine-hour window. Plus, it’s guided by friendly experts who bring each stop to life with stories and insights.

Three standout features draw us to this trip: First, the electric boat ride in Giethoorn—a peaceful, scenic cruise through canals that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Second, the visit to Zaanse Schans, where windmills, cheese, and traditional crafts give a real feel of Dutch heritage. Third, the photo opportunities at Lego City Zaandam, adding a fun, modern twist to the day.

On the downside, some might find the schedule a bit tight, especially if they want more time at each attraction. Still, for those wanting a comprehensive taste of the Netherlands’ highlights in one go, this tour hits the spot. It’s perfect for first-timers, families, or anyone with a curiosity for Dutch culture and stunning scenery.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Transport

The tour begins conveniently at the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station. From there, a comfortable coach takes you on a roughly 30-minute drive to Zaandam. The group size is small—limited to just 8 participants—which keeps the experience intimate and flexible. Travel time is well-planned to maximize your sightseeing, and the coach provides a relaxing way to transition between locations.

Zaandam and Zaanse Schans: Windmills, Clogs, and Cheese

The first stops bring you to Inntel Hotels in Zaandam, where you’ll get your first eye-catching photo opportunity at the iconic Lego Hotel, known for its colorful, Lego-inspired architecture. It’s a perfect Instagram moment that brightens your feed and sets the tone for a vibrant day.

Next, the tour heads to Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum brimming with Dutch tradition. You’ll enjoy a guided tour that showcases historic windmills, wooden shoe workshops, and traditional cheese farms. The cheese demonstration at Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm is a highlight, offering insight into Dutch cheese-making and plenty of tastings. As one reviewer noted, the cheese tasting is an excellent way to understand and enjoy Dutch food culture firsthand.

The wooden shoe workshop provides an interactive look at clog making, complete with a demonstration and the chance to buy souvenirs. With about 1.5 hours here, you get a taste of the heritage but might wish for a little more time to explore at leisure. The windmill visit offers fantastic photo ops and a chance to understand how these iconic structures have shaped Dutch history.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Journey to Giethoorn: The Venice of the Netherlands

After Zaanse Schans, a roughly 1.5-hour drive takes you across the landscape, passing the massive Flevoland polders—an impressive reclaimed land—and crossing the IJsselmeer lake, created by the Afsluitdijk dam. This adds a scenic, educational element to your journey.

Arriving in Giethoorn, the fairytale village famed for its canals, you’re greeted with a small boat cruise that’s the true highlight of the day. The electric Whisper Boat allows you to glide through tranquil waterways, crossing over arched wooden bridges and past centuries-old thatched-roof houses. Many reviewers praised this experience; one called it “a beautiful and peaceful boat ride,” with the added bonus of the opportunity to drive your own boat—a rare treat that makes the experience more memorable.

The guide provides engaging commentary about Giethoorn’s history, its peat islands, and why it’s become such a peaceful retreat. After the boat ride, you’re free to stroll the narrow paved paths, taking in the serene atmosphere that feels like a living postcard.

Lunch and Free Exploration

A one-hour lunch break in Giethoorn allows you to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, which many reviewers found to be quite good. It’s a relaxing pause amidst the busy day, giving you a chance to reflect on what you’ve seen so far.

Following lunch, you get about 50 minutes of free time to explore the village at your own pace—whether to snap more photos, browse shops, or simply soak in the peaceful ambiance.

Return to Amsterdam

The journey back is about 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and process the day’s sights. You arrive back at your starting point with enough time left in the evening to enjoy your own plans in Amsterdam.

What Does the Tour Offer for Value?

At $163 per person, this tour packs a lot into one day. The price includes transportation, guided tours, cheese tasting, and the boat ride—elements that otherwise could add up separately if you tried to visit these sites independently. Several reviewers mentioned that the value is excellent considering the rich experience and the expert guides who make each stop engaging.

The small group size means you’re not lost in a crowd, and the guides are noted for their knowledge and friendliness. Many mention how guides like Veronica, Cherry, and Mukti go above and beyond, providing insights and support, which deepens the experience.

While you’ll need to cover your own lunch and entrance fees for attractions not included, the overall package remains a good deal for the quality of sights and local culture you’ll enjoy.

Practical Tips for the Trip

• Bring comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking and standing quite a bit, especially during the free exploration periods.
• Prepare for weather: The tour runs rain or shine, so waterproof clothing and layers are recommended.
• Don’t bring large bags: The boat ride and narrow paths aren’t suitable for bulky luggage.
• Photographers will love: The scenic canal views, windmills, and colorful Lego Hotel provide plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.
• Time management: Be aware that some stops are only 30-40 minutes, so staying attentive helps maximize your experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This day trip is ideal for first-time visitors to the Netherlands, or those short on time but eager to see a broad sweep of Dutch culture and scenery. Families with older children often enjoy the boat ride and the Lego stop, while couples and solo travelers will appreciate the intimate group size and scenic stops.

It’s perfect if you love a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and quirky modern attractions, but less so if you want in-depth exploration or have mobility issues, as the tour requires walking and some boat handling.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes guided visits at Zaanse Schans, a wooden shoes workshop, cheese farm with tasting, a 1-hour small electric boat ride in Giethoorn, and transportation between sites.

How long is the trip?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting in the morning and returning in the evening, with structured stops and free time.

What is the boat ride like?
The boat ride in Giethoorn is a peaceful, scenic cruise on small electric boats, with the option for participants to drive their own boat, creating a personalized experience.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but there’s a one-hour break to enjoy local eateries in Giethoorn.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour is not recommended for children under 6 years old or for those with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a passport or ID, and weather-appropriate clothing are advised. Large luggage is not allowed on the boat.

Can I take photos?
Absolutely. There are many picturesque spots, especially at the windmills, Giethoorn’s canals, and the Lego Hotel.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience.

Do guides speak other languages?
Guides are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese, ensuring a comfortable experience for diverse travelers.

Final Thoughts

This guided day trip from Amsterdam offers a compelling look at some of the Netherlands’ most iconic sights, blending natural scenery, traditional crafts, and modern attractions. The electric boat cruise in Giethoorn alone makes it worth the price, especially as it’s included in the package and offers driving fun. The stops at Zaanse Schans and Zaandam add cultural depth and great photo ops, making the day both fun and educational.

The tour’s strength lies in its well-organized schedule, experienced guides, and intimate group size, which all combine to create a memorable outing. Whether you’re after stunning landscapes, authentic Dutch traditions, or a little bit of both, this trip delivers a lovely slice of the Netherlands—all in one convenient package.

If you’re looking to see beyond the city, enjoy scenic boat rides, and experience Dutch heritage firsthand, this tour suits a wide range of travelers. Just pack your camera, comfortable shoes, and an adventurous spirit—this is a day you’ll likely remember long after you return home.

You can check if your dates are available here: