From Amsterdam: Edam & Volendam Walking Tour

If you’re dreaming of seeing beyond Amsterdam’s bustling streets, a trip to Edam and Volendam offers a delightful glimpse into traditional Dutch life. This 4.5-hour guided tour promises a mix of picturesque scenery, tasty local treats, and stories that bring these towns to life. While it’s not a long day out, it’s packed with enough highlights to make a meaningful impression.

What really draws us to this experience are the stunning views of sailboats on the canals and the chance to sample authentic cheeses and fresh herring—simple pleasures that get to the heart of Dutch culture. We also appreciate how this tour isn’t just about sightseeing but shares stories about rural life, customs, and legends, offering a richer understanding of the region.

A potential consideration is that the tour involves moderate walking—not overly strenuous but enough that comfortable shoes are a must. Plus, it’s priced at $205 per person, which might seem steep for some, especially since museum tickets and extra tastings aren’t included. Still, for those craving an intimate look at Dutch traditions and scenery, it can be quite worthwhile.

This experience is perfect if you enjoy small-group tours, cultural insights, and scenic strolls. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a taste of rural Holland without long travel times or a packed schedule. If you’re after a relaxed, authentic day with local flavors and views, this one should be on your list.

Key Points

• Scenic Towns: Explore the charming villages of Edam and Volendam, known for their traditional atmosphere and beautiful waterways.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about Dutch rural life, customs, funny proverbs, and legends directly from your guide.
• Tastings Included: Sample local cheeses, herring, and enjoy a bowl of steam-smoked eel soup—simple, authentic Dutch flavors.
• History & Views: Discover historical landmarks, walk along scenic promenades, and enjoy views of sailboats and historic buildings.
• Balanced Itinerary: The tour balances sightseeing, tasting, and storytelling, making it engaging yet relaxed.
• Practical Details: Around 4.5 hours long, with moderate walking, small group options, and English, Russian, Ukrainian guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

We’ll start our day at Amsterdam Central Railway Station, the bustling hub that connects to the countryside. From there, it’s about a 20-minute bus ride to Edam, where the charm begins right away. Edam is famous worldwide for its cheese, and your guide will take you through the town’s old chamber of weights and the cheese museum—a chance to peek into how cheese was historically made and weighed. For many, this is a highlight, especially if you’re into cheese or want to learn about its significance in Dutch culture.

Walking along Edam’s most humpbacked bridge and through its narrow streets, you’ll see well-preserved buildings and quaint shops. Many reviews mention how atmospheric and picture-perfect Edam is, with one noting, “It’s like stepping into a postcard.” The old town hall and the historic shelters add to the sense of stepping back in time.

After about an hour exploring Edam, you’ll get a chance to taste some local cheeses, which are a highlight for many travelers. The cheese tasting isn’t just about flavor but about understanding its importance in Dutch cuisine and craftsmanship.

Next, the tour takes you to a traditional village, where the guide shares stories, funny proverbs, and legends that reveal the local attitude towards life. It’s a relaxed stop, perfect for snapping photos and soaking in the rural vibe.

The journey continues to Volendam, a fishing village famed for its vibrant harbor, traditional costumes, and lively streets. The guided walk here covers about an hour, with plenty of opportunities to admire the colorful houses and boats. Many reviews highlight how viewing sailboats along the promenade is a real treat, especially on a clear day.

At Volendam, you’ll visit a fishing village, where you can see local life in action and taste some of the region’s seafood, such as herring. One traveler said, “Trying the herring was a fun experience—fresh and unexpectedly tasty.” The group often stays about an hour here, giving you time to explore or relax on a terrace.

On the way back to Amsterdam, you’ll stop again for about 20 minutes by public transport, giving a break before returning to the central station. If you choose to stay longer in Volendam, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere from the terrace of the old smokehouse, perhaps enjoying the steam-smoked eel soup that many find memorable.

The Value and the Experience

While the $205 per person price might seem high at first glance, it includes a guided tour, all the tastings, and the transportation from and back to Amsterdam. Comparatively, this might be a good deal if you’re looking for an insightful, well-organized day with a local guide sharing stories and history you won’t easily find alone.

It’s worth noting that museum tickets are not included, so if you’re interested in visiting specific sites like the cheese museum, you’ll need to budget extra. Also, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, which is good to keep in mind for accessibility.

Based on reviews, travelers really love the scenic views and authentic tastings—they often remark how the cheese and seafood were highlights. Many also mention that the guide’s storytelling added a personal touch, making the experience more meaningful.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal if you enjoy walking tours, local food, and cultural stories. It suits travelers who want a relaxed pace and aren’t in a hurry. If you’re curious about Dutch traditions, want to see quaint villages, and enjoy scenic waterways, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It’s especially good for those traveling in small groups or with a preference for guided experiences, as the tour offers a more intimate setting. If you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate good food, history, and lovely scenery, this outing will likely hit the mark.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
About 4.5 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and tastings. Check availability to see specific starting times.

What is included in the price?
The guided walking tour, cheese tastings, and transportation between Amsterdam and the towns. Museum tickets or extra tastings are not included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, children who enjoy walking, scenery, and food tastings will probably enjoy it. The tour involves moderate walking.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and bringing water is a good idea, especially if it’s a warm day.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so keep that in mind if someone in your group needs accessible options.

Can I stay longer in Volendam or Edam?
Yes, you can choose to linger after the tour, especially in Volendam, where you might enjoy additional tastings or explore more on your own.

Summing It Up

If you’re after a day that combines scenic views, cultural insights, and tasty local food, this Edam & Volendam tour offers a balanced and authentic experience. It’s perfect for travelers who want to escape the hustle of Amsterdam for a more relaxed, picturesque outing that still offers plenty of opportunities for memorable photos and stories.

While it’s not the cheapest option, the inclusion of a guide, tastings, and transport makes it a solid choice for those eager to understand and enjoy Dutch traditions firsthand. If you’re curious about rural life, traditional crafts, and classic Dutch scenery, this tour could be just the thing.

And if you’re a lover of picturesque waterways, historic towns, and local flavors, you’ll likely come away feeling that this was well worth the time and money. Just remember to wear comfy shoes and be ready for some walking — it’s a small price to pay for the views and stories that await.

You can check availability for your dates here: