Zaanse Schans Tour & Boat Ride, Volendam, Broek in Waterland

Thinking about exploring the quintessential Dutch countryside, but feeling overwhelmed by options? This Zaanse Schans tour that combines windmills, charming towns, and a boat ride offers a well-rounded way to experience the best of North Holland in one day. It’s a solid choice for travelers who love scenery, learning about traditional crafts, and seeing picturesque towns without the hassle of planning every detail.

What really stands out about this experience are the stunning views of UNESCO-protected windmills and the chance to see craftsmanship in action, like wooden shoe-making and cheese-making. Plus, the boat ride provides a relaxing way to take in the countryside from the water—something that many reviews highlight as a highlight.

A possible consideration? The tour is quite packed, with lots to see in just 8 hours. If you prefer slow mornings or more time at each spot, this might feel rushed. Also, the price tag of $571 per person includes a lot, but you’ll have to cover your own food and drinks, which adds to the overall cost.

This tour suits those who want a comprehensive yet manageable introduction to North Holland’s iconic sights—perfect for first-timers, culture lovers, or anyone eager to see windmills, towns, and countryside in a single day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience: Combines windmills, towns, crafts, and a boat ride for a well-rounded view of Dutch culture.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides often get praise for their storytelling and local insights.
• Beautiful scenery: Expect plenty of postcard-perfect views, especially during the boat cruise.
• Busy schedule: The day is packed, so expect to move quickly through each stop.
• Family-friendly aspects: Kids often enjoy the cheese farm and traditional crafts, though the tour’s pace suits older children better.
• High value for a full-day experience: Includes entrance to a windmill, boat ride, and demonstrations, making the cost more justifiable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary

This full-day tour kicks off with a pickup in Amsterdam, which usually takes around 45 minutes. Once you arrive at Zaanse Schans, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a living, breathing open-air museum. The setting—wooden homes, historic windmills, and artisan workshops—immediately paints a picture of Dutch life centuries ago.

Walking Through Zaanse Schans

Your guide will lead you on a 2-hour guided tour, during which you’ll see the iconic windmills and learn how they operated in days gone by. One of the highlights is Het Jonge Schaap windmill, an operating sawmill. Standing on the balcony, you’ll get a sense of the wind’s power and the technology that used it to grind, saw, and produce other goods. Visitors often comment on how authentic this feels—the windmills aren’t just for show.

Craft Demonstrations and Sampling

Next, there’s a visit to the Clog Museum, where you can watch traditional shoe-making in action—an image that leaves many visitors smiling. Following that, you’ll visit Simone Hoeve cheese farm, where cheese making is explained and samples are offered. It’s a fun, tasty way to connect with Dutch culinary traditions.

The Boat Ride: A Relaxing Perspective

After exploring the land, you’ll step onto a boat cruise along the Zaan river. The 25-minute cruise offers some of the best views of the windmills and countryside—many say it’s a highlight of the day. You’ll drift past rows of historic windmills, green wooden houses, and quaint bridges. The scenery feels like a painting come to life, and the boat’s gentle movement provides a welcome break from walking.

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Visiting Volendam and Broek in Waterland

The tour continues with a visit to Volendam, a lakeside town famous for its dikes and traditional dress. The iconic dike offers fantastic views of the lakes and is perfect for photos. Then, a walk through Broek in Waterland reveals a picture-perfect village with historic houses, narrow streets, and tranquil canals—ideal for a relaxed stroll and some great pictures.

What We Love About This Tour

We appreciated the expert guidance that made the history and crafts engaging without feeling dry. The guides’ local knowledge shines through, making each stop more meaningful. The scenic boat cruise stands out as a peaceful, beautiful way to see the windmills from a different perspective, and the stops at the cheese farm and clog workshop give a real sense of Dutch traditions.

The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance sightseeing and relaxation, with enough time at each place to appreciate what’s special but not so much that you’re overwhelmed. Plus, the included entrance to a windmill and the boat ride add a lot of value.

Possible Downsides

The main caveat? The day is quite full, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to linger longer at any site, this might feel rushed. The tour’s price is on the higher side, but it does include a lot of experiences. Still, you should budget for your own meals, as food and drinks are not included.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re eager to see the classic Dutch sights without the hassle of arranging multiple activities yourself, this tour makes it easy. It’s suitable for first-timers, couples, and small groups who enjoy cultural and scenic experiences. While families can enjoy the cheese farm and town walks, the pace may be better suited for older children or teens who can keep up with the schedule.

In The Sum Up

This Zaanse Schans tour with a boat ride offers a well-rounded look at some of North Holland’s most iconic sights. It balances scenic beauty, history, and craftsmanship, making it a great choice for travelers who want a comprehensive day out. The guided aspect ensures you’ll learn interesting details along the way, and the scenery — especially from the boat — is genuinely memorable.

While the busy schedule isn’t for everyone, those who appreciate a full, engaging itinerary will find this experience rewarding. It’s especially good for those wanting to cover a lot of ground in one day, with the convenience of transportation and guided commentary.

If you’re after a reliable, high-quality way to see windmills, traditional villages, and learn about Dutch crafts from knowledgeable guides, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation between Amsterdam and the various stops is included in the tour cost.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts around 8 hours, from pickup in Amsterdam to dropping you back.

Do I need to bring my own food?
Food and beverages are not included, so it’s a good idea to bring snacks or plan to buy lunch during the day.

Are the stops suitable for kids?
Yes, especially the cheese farm and some of the crafts, but keep in mind the pace might be a bit quick for very young children.

What is included in the price?
Guided tour, entrance to one windmill, cheese sampling, the boat cruise, and visits to Volendam and Broek in Waterland are included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private group experience, which means more personalized attention.

How scenic is the boat cruise?
It’s highly praised for its views—rows of windmills and countryside from the water create spectacular photo opportunities.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Review comments highlight the guides’ expertise and engaging storytelling.

Would you recommend this tour?
For anyone wanting a comprehensive, scenic introduction to Dutch windmills, towns, and crafts in one day, yes. It’s ideal if you prefer guided comfort over DIY planning.

Final thoughts

This tour offers a balanced, enjoyable way to see some of the Netherlands’ most iconic sights. It’s best suited for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing with a knowledgeable guide, scenic views, and a taste of local crafts. The mix of land and water, history and modern touches, makes it a memorable experience—perfect for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a snapshot of Dutch culture without fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here: