Private sightseeing tour to the Windmills & Giethoorn

A Practical Look at the Private Tour to the Windmills & Giethoorn

If you’re planning a trip to North Holland and want to soak up some authentic Dutch culture outside the city buzz, a private tour to Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn might be just what you need. This experience offers a mix of iconic windmills, traditional crafts, and a charming water-based village, all packed into a full-day adventure. As someone who’s reviewed many tours, I appreciate the flexibility and personalized attention that come with a private experience, especially when you’re trying to see the highlights without feeling rushed or overcrowded.

What really catches our eye about this tour is the combination of cultural sights and scenic waterway cruising—a true taste of Dutch life. Plus, the inclusion of activities like cheese tasting, clog-making demonstrations, and a canal cruise adds layers of authenticity and fun. But—like any tour—it’s not perfect for everyone. The price tag of $480 per person is on the higher side, and the 9-hour duration means it’s a full day, so it’s best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive experience.

Overall, if you’re after a personalized, well-organized day that mixes history, culture, and picture-perfect scenery, this tour could be a great fit. Just be prepared for the full schedule and consider whether the price aligns with your travel budget.

Key Points

• Private transportation ensures comfort and flexibility throughout the day.
• The combination of Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn offers both cultural and scenic highlights.
• Activities like clog-making and cheese tasting add a hands-on Dutch experience.
• The waterway cruise in Giethoorn provides a relaxing way to explore the village’s canals.
• The tour covers windmills of different types, giving insight into Dutch milling history.
• Lunch in Giethoorn allows you to enjoy local cuisine amidst beautiful surroundings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itself

The Morning: Zaanse Schans and its Windmills

The day kicks off with pickup from your hotel in Amsterdam, a convenience that many travelers appreciate. You’re then transported in a luxury Mercedes Benz with a professional driver and a friendly guide who likely knows the area well. Having Wi-Fi and water on board is a small but thoughtful touch that makes the journey smoother.

Your first stop is Zaanse Schans, a well-known open-air museum that showcases traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and shops. Here, you’ll get the chance to see several types of windmills—each with its specific purpose, from oil to paint to sawmills. This diversity makes it a fascinating look at Dutch ingenuity and how wind power shaped their economy.

The highlight here is the chance to learn how cheese and wooden shoes are made, with demonstrations that are both educational and entertaining. One review notes that the organization was excellent, and the driver was highly knowledgeable, making the experience more engaging. Expect plenty of photo opportunities as you wander among the historic structures, snapping pictures of the mills, houses, and traditional crafts.

The Midday: A Taste of Dutch Cuisine and Culture

After exploring Zaanse Schans, you’ll head to Giethoorn, often called the “Little Venice of the Netherlands”. This town is famous for its thatched-roof farms and network of over 170 wooden bridges connecting its quiet streets and waterways.

A key feature of this part of the tour is the canal cruise, which you can either join as a passenger or, in some cases, operate yourself if you’re feeling adventurous. The guide shares insights about the town’s history and how it evolved as a peaceful water-centric village. We hear from a review that the waterway experience is relaxing and informative, bringing the town’s story to life.

For lunch, you’ll dine at a local restaurant in Giethoorn, enjoying authentic Dutch dishes amid beautiful scenery. Sitting in a restaurant overlooking the canals really immerses you in the village’s calm, slow-paced vibe—perfect for unwinding a bit after the morning’s sightseeing.

The Afternoon: More Sights and Scenic Views

Post-lunch, you’ll continue exploring Giethoorn’s charming streets, farms, and bridges. This part of the tour gives you a chance to appreciate the traditional Dutch countryside architecture and the way locals live in harmony with their waterways. It’s a visual feast for anyone who loves picturesque villages and peaceful settings.

The transportation back in a private vehicle ensures you can relax and reflect on the day while the driver takes you back to your hotel. You might find that the experience of having a dedicated guide and driver makes the day feel more personalized and less hurried than group excursions.

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What We Think About the Price and Duration

At $480 per person, this tour falls into the higher-price bracket, but it’s important to weigh this against what’s included. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, tickets for the canal cruise, and entry to a windmill, along with Wi-Fi and water.

For travelers seeking a full, flexible day with personalized service, this price can be justified. It’s especially appealing if you value comfort and curated experiences over large group tours. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or prefer more spontaneous exploration, you might want to consider other options.

The 9-hour duration means it’s a full-day commitment, but most reviews suggest this is time well spent. It allows enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed, with some flexibility built into the private arrangement.

Practical Considerations

• Timing: Check availability for starting times, as this can influence your day’s flow.
• Group size: Since it’s a private tour, you benefit from a more intimate experience, which is a plus for many travelers.
• Walking and boat cruising: Expect some walking at Zaanse Schans and potentially on bridges in Giethoorn. The canal cruise offers a relaxing water-based tour, but be prepared for a gentle boat ride rather than a vigorous activity.
• Meal arrangements: Lunch is included in the form of a restaurant reservation; no additional meals are covered, so plan accordingly if you want snacks or other meals.
• Suitability: This tour is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, flexible look at Dutch culture and scenery, especially if traveling with someone who enjoys a mix of history and tranquil village life.

Authentic Feedback from Past Travelers

One reviewer highlights that “everything was very organized and well-planned,” making for a smooth day even outside the city. They appreciated the “nice trip away from the city” and the driver’s knowledge about the area. Such feedback suggests that the tour is thoughtfully curated and well-executed.

Others mention the relaxing nature of the waterway cruise and the chance to see traditional Dutch craftsmanship firsthand. The diverse activities—windmill visit, cheese tasting, clog making—help turn a sightseeing day into an engaging cultural experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a tailored, all-in-one day trip that takes them beyond Amsterdam’s hustle. It’s perfect if you’re interested in Dutch traditions, scenic villages, and iconic windmills but prefer to avoid the crowded group tours. The private setup makes it more flexible and comfortable, ideal for couples, friends, or small families seeking a peaceful yet enriching day.

However, if you’re after a very budget-friendly option or prefer more intense walking or daytime activities, you might find other tours more fitting. Also, if you’re not a fan of long days, be aware that this tour packs a lot into 9 hours.

Final Thoughts

This private tour to Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn offers a well-rounded taste of Dutch life, combining windmill history, traditional crafts, and charming waterways. The personalized service and detailed itinerary make it a rewarding experience for those who want to see top sights comfortably and at their own pace.

While the price may seem high, the combination of private transport, guided insights, and entry tickets can justify the cost for travelers seeking a curated, hassle-free day. It’s best suited for visitors who value comfort and personalized attention, and who want to experience the Netherlands’ cultural and scenic highlights in one go.

If you’re looking for a scenic, cultural, and relaxing day away from the city, and you appreciate the idea of a private, flexible itinerary, this tour should definitely be on your shortlist. Just prepare for a full day—and a full experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private group tour?
Yes, it’s designed for private groups, so you’ll be traveling with your own party rather than a large crowd, which allows for a more relaxed and personalized experience.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by a Mercedes Benz with a professional driver, Wi-Fi and water in the vehicle, tickets for a canal cruise, and entry to one windmill.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts around 9 hours, making it a full-day excursion perfect for those wanting an immersive trip outside of Amsterdam.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering good flexibility for travelers’ changing schedules.

Is lunch included?
No, meals are not included, but there will be an opportunity to eat at a restaurant in Giethoorn as part of the tour.

What kind of transportation is used?
A luxury Mercedes Benz ensures comfort and style during the trip, with private pickup and drop-off.

Are there any restrictions or rules?
Smoking and food or drinks are not allowed inside the vehicle, ensuring a clean and comfortable environment.

Is this tour good for families or children?
The data doesn’t specify, but given the nature of the activities—walking, boat cruising, and sightseeing—it could suit older children or teenagers comfortable with a full-day outing.

What is the best time to take this tour?
Availability depends on the day, so checking current schedules is recommended. The experience is ideal when the weather is fair, as it involves outdoor activities and boat cruises.

How much does this tour cost?
It costs $480 per person, which, when considering the private service and included tickets, offers a convenient all-in-one experience.

Hope this helps you decide if this private Dutch adventure is right for you. Whether you’re after iconic windmills, peaceful villages, or a mix of culture and scenery, it offers a thoughtfully curated day that’s both manageable and memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: