From Amsterdam: Dutch Windmills, Cheese and Wooden Shoes

Exploring the Dutch Countryside: A Guide to the Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Wooden Shoes Tour

Thinking of escaping the hustle of Amsterdam for a taste of the Dutch countryside? This fully guided 5-hour trip offers a well-rounded peek into traditional Dutch life, combining picturesque scenery, local crafts, and authentic foods. While it’s a quick tour, it packs in some of the most iconic sights and cultural experiences that the Netherlands is famous for.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its blend of scenic views and hands-on activities—from watching windmills turn in Zaanse Schans, to tasting fresh cheese, and even seeing artisans craft wooden clogs. The tour’s cost of about $50 per person is quite reasonable for a day filled with authentic, memorable moments. A potential downside? The limited free time at each stop might feel rushed for some, especially if you’re inclined to explore leisurely or shop extensively.

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a snapshot of Dutch tradition without spending an entire day on a larger, more expensive tour. It’s also perfect if you’re keen to learn from knowledgeable guides, enjoy scenic landscapes, and indulge in delicious local treats. If you’re after a relaxed, authentic experience that showcases the Netherlands’ charming heritage, this tour will suit you well.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic cultural experiences like cheese tasting and clog making
• Beautiful scenery of windmills and traditional villages
• Good value for money at around $50, including some extras like tasting and optional canal cruise
• Efficient itinerary with a balance of guided info and free time
• Comfortable transportation on a modern bus
• Guides praised for their knowledge and friendliness

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at De Ruijterkade 105 in central Amsterdam, conveniently close to the Central Station. After a quick 30-minute coach ride, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Dutch tradition. The modern, single-deck bus ensures a comfortable journey, with some reviewers noting the air conditioning is a relief, especially on warmer days.

Zaanse Schans: The Windmill Wonderland

The first major stop—Zaanse Schans—is a sight to behold. This historic windmill village is famous for its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. You’ll see actual working windmills, which still produce oil and paint, and learn about their importance in Dutch industry. The chance to observe artisans at work adds an extra layer of authenticity—especially during the clog-making demonstration, which many reviews highlight as memorable.

What makes Zaanse Schans special? It’s the chance to witness authentic windmills in action and learn how traditional Dutch wooden shoes are crafted. Several reviews mention guides like Evelin and Trudy, who are praised for their professionalism and friendly explanations. They help you understand the significance of these windmills beyond just their looks, explaining their historical role and current function.

While entry to the windmills is not included in the ticket (you can purchase it onsite), the guided tour makes sure you get a thorough overview. Expect about 2 hours of free time here, which many travelers find sufficient for taking photos, visiting small craft shops, and watching clog artisans.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Cheese Tasting at a Local Farm

Following Zaanse Schans, you’ll stop at a local farm for a cheese tasting. This is a highlight for many, as you’ll see how large rolls of Dutch cheese are made and sample fresh varieties. Multiple reviews note the cheese tasting as “delicious” and “informative,” with the guide explaining the different flavors and production methods.

This stop adds a flavorful dimension to the trip, allowing you to savor authentic Dutch cheese while gaining insight into traditional dairy farming. Some reviewers mention the tasting is quick but worthwhile, giving just enough time to appreciate the variety.

Volendam: The Picturesque Fishing Village

The next stop is Volendam, a charming seaside town with a distinctive maritime atmosphere. You’ll walk alongside your guide through the narrow streets, exploring sights like St. Vincent’s Church and the curious Stolphoevekerk. The town is famous for its well-preserved architecture, colorful houses, and vibrant harbor.

Visitors often describe Volendam as bustling yet cozy, with plenty of places to browse local shops or take photos of the picturesque harbor. Many reviews appreciate the recommendation of a 1.5-hour free time to explore, shop, or enjoy a quick snack. Some mention that the time can feel a bit rushed if you want to take more photos or sit down for a meal, but overall, it’s enough to soak in the village’s charm.

Optional Dike Walk and Panoramic Views

One of the more appreciated parts of the tour is walking along the Dike, which offers sweeping views of the IJssel Lake. Reviewers mention how the scenery is particularly photogenic, with many capturing great shots of the water and fishing boats.

Optional Canal Cruise

If you selected the Canal Cruise add-on, you’ll receive a voucher at check-in, allowing you to enjoy Amsterdam from the water either before or after the tour. This is a great way to see the city’s famous canal houses, bridges, and historic buildings from a different perspective.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Duration and Group Size

At around 5 hours, this tour makes for a manageable day trip. The group sizes are capped at about 60 travelers, which balances social atmosphere with enough space for individual experience. Reviewers frequently praise guides like Yolanda, Eva, or Jolanda for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to keep everyone engaged.

Price and Value

Pricing is roughly $50 per person, which includes transportation, guided commentary, clog-making demonstration, cheese tasting, and optional canal cruise. Considering the quality of experiences, this is a solid deal—especially since many reviews mention the guides’ ability to deliver rich stories and insights. The price does not include entry to windmills (which can be purchased separately), but the guided overview covers the main attractions.

Accessibility and Considerations

This tour involves a fair amount of walking and some steps, making it less suitable for travelers with mobility challenges or wheelchair users. Reviewers mention comfortable shoes are essential, especially when exploring villages and walking along the dikes.

Weather and Clothing

The tour runs rain or shine, so dressing appropriately is wise. Many reviews mention that even in bad weather, the experience remains enjoyable thanks to the guide’s enthusiasm and the covered areas at each stop.

What Do Reviewers Say?

Enthusiastic travelers consistently highlight knowledgeable guides like Evelin, Yolanda, and others who make the trip informative and fun. They appreciate the well-organized itinerary, the beautiful scenery, and the chance to learn firsthand about Dutch traditions like cheese and clog making.

Some mention that free time at each location could be improved, with a handful wishing for more time to shop or relax. However, most agree that the balance of guided insights and free exploration offers a good value.

A few reviewers note that the cheese tasting is quick but satisfying, and some mention that the windmill entrance fees are a separate cost if you want to go inside. The coach and guide are praised for their cleanliness, safety, and attentiveness, making the journey comfortable and informative.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Dutch culture and scenery at a very reasonable price. With its mix of windmills, cheese, clog-making, and charming villages, it appeals to those eager to see the Netherlands beyond the city skyline. The knowledgeable guides, picturesque views, and authentic activities make it a memorable experience for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike.

While the pace might be a little rushed for some, the overall value and variety of sights make it a top pick for a half-day adventure. It’s especially suited for visitors who want a snapshot of Dutch heritage without the fuss of a full-day or multi-day tour.

If you’re after authentic local experiences, beautiful scenery, and expert guidance, this trip is a fantastic way to spend part of your time outside Amsterdam.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Infants from age 0 to 3 can join for free and will sit on their guardian’s lap. The tour involves walking and some steps, so it may be less suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Does the tour include entry to the windmills?
Entry is not included in the ticket price but can be purchased at Zaanse Schans if you wish to explore inside the windmills.

How long is the free time at each stop?
Expect about 1.5 hours in Volendam and about 2 hours at Zaanse Schans, which should give enough time for exploring, shopping, or taking photos.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation on a modern bus, multilingual guide, clog-making demonstration, cheese tasting, and a voucher for the canal cruise if selected. All taxes, fees, and handling charges are covered.

Can I customize this tour?
The itinerary may vary depending on the day, and extra activities like windmill entry or additional shopping would need to be arranged separately.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, and weather-appropriate clothing is advisable since the tour runs rain or shine.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to walking and steps involved.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
Morning or early afternoon runs are common. Remember to check the availability and starting times to suit your schedule.

This 5-hour guided journey through the Dutch countryside offers a fantastic balance of scenery, culture, and fun activities. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more, this trip delivers a charming snapshot of the Netherlands’ heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: