Private Zaanse Schans Windmills and Volendam Tour from Amsterdam

Discovering the Charm of the Netherlands: A Review of the Private Zaanse Schans Windmills and Volendam Tour from Amsterdam

If you’re considering a day trip outside of Amsterdam to experience traditional Dutch culture, this private tour of Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and a cheese farm might catch your eye. Based on a compilation of traveler reviews and features, it offers a personalized peek into iconic sights, complete with windmill views, cheese tastings, and charming fishing villages. For those who enjoy comfort and a curated experience over large bus crowds, this could be a great option.

What we genuinely like about this experience is how flexible and personal it feels. The tour’s private setup means no need to worry about a large group or rushing—your dedicated driver guides you smoothly from one spot to the next. Plus, the stops at working windmills and cheese farms give a real sense of Dutch craftsmanship and tradition. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that it’s mainly driver-led with no professional guide, so if you’re hoping for detailed commentary or historical insights, you might want to arrange for an add-on guide.

This type of tour suits travelers who want to see the Dutch countryside comfortably without the fuss of renting a car or joining a big group. It’s especially good if you’re interested in authentic activities like cheese tasting or watching clog-making demonstrations. It’s also a nice choice for those who prefer a relaxed pace and personalized service—perfect for couples, friends, or anyone wanting a stress-free day out.

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: No large crowds, your own driver/host takes you comfortably around the Dutch highlights.
• Cultural Highlights: Windmills, cheese farms, clog-making, and fishing villages showcase Dutch traditions.
• Inclusions and Tastes: Entry to windmills, cheese tastings, and demonstrations are included, enhancing the experience.
• Timing Flexibility: The tour lasts about 5 hours, with options to extend or customize if you wish.
• Comfort and Convenience: Travel in a private, air-conditioned Mercedes with WiFi and bottled water.
• Cost and Value: At around $323 per person, it offers a curated, hassle-free day that balances comfort and culture.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Zaanse Schans – Windmill Wonderland

This is often the highlight of the trip, and for good reason. Zaanse Schans is famous for its beautifully preserved windmills, with seven still standing and several open for visits. You’ll get to see these working giants from the outside and inside, with admission included. One of the standout mills is the paint windmill, which has a special historical significance—it’s the last working paint mill on earth, and it once supplied Rembrandt himself with paint.

Traveler reviews reflect real appreciation for this stop: “It was a great day. We all learned a lot and enjoyed the tour of the Windmills and loved the fishing village,” one traveler shares. The windmills aren’t just picturesque—they’re functional, offering insight into Dutch industry and ingenuity.

Inside the Windmills: The Paint Mill and Wooden Shoe Factory

The inside visit to Molen De Kat, the paint mill, is a rare opportunity. It’s not just a photo op; you’ll get an understanding of how paint was produced, which links directly to the story of Dutch art and craftsmanship. Since the mill is still operational, it provides a tangible connection to the past.

The wooden shoe demonstration is another highlight. Watching clog makers at work and seeing how traditional Dutch shoes are crafted today adds a hands-on element that many travelers find memorable. Plus, the chance to buy authentic clogs and souvenirs right there makes it more than just a viewing experience—it’s a small shopping spree rooted in local tradition.

A Sweet Break: Waffles and Pastries

A quick stop to sample fresh waffles offers a tasty pause. While not included in the tour price, reviews suggest this is a worthwhile treat—many visitors mention picking up a waffle to enjoy on the spot or take home as a souvenir.

Volendam: The Picture-Perfect Fishing Village

Next, you’ll visit Volendam, often called one of the most iconic Dutch villages. It’s a place that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard—colorful houses, bustling harbor, and plenty of photo opportunities. Tourists praise the chance to stroll along the dijk, indulge in a local fish lunch, or wander through souvenir shops. One reviewer notes, “Had a delightful lunch in Volendam and enjoyed the walk along the harbor,” highlighting how this stop balances scenic beauty with authentic local flavor.

The Cheese Farm: Henrig Willig and Gouda Tastings

A visit to Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm by Henri Willig is more than just a quick look. Here, you’ll see how cheese is made, from milking Jersey cows with automated robots to tasting over 30 varieties of Gouda cheese. Several reviews mention how much they enjoyed sampling cheese—some even shipped home a selection of favorites. The farm is a working dairy with genuine farm animals, and the cheese tasting is unlimited, making it a fun, tasty highlight.

One traveler described it as “a highlight—seeing the cows and tasting cheese, all in one go,” which captures the essence of this stop.

Additional Considerations

While the tour offers a comprehensive view of Dutch traditions, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s driver-led rather than guided. Some reviews mention that the driver was mainly there to get you from A to B, without much commentary. If you’re craving a deeper historical or cultural narrative, you might want to consider an add-on guide.

The tour’s pricing reflects a high level of comfort and convenience—travel in a private Mercedes, with WiFi, bottled water, and customized stops. For many, this level of service justifies the cost, especially when compared to crowded group tours.

What We Think About the Price

At approximately $323 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but it offers a tailored, stress-free day that packs in many iconic sights with minimal effort. If you value comfort, personalized attention, and quality experiences, it may be worth the investment. For travelers on a budget, self-guiding or group options might be more economical, but they come with less flexibility and comfort.

The Reviews Say It All

Most travelers rate this experience highly, praising the professionalism of drivers like Sunny and Guillermo, and the smooth flow of the day. Comments like “Our driver Martijn arrived at the hotel and texted us that he had arrived” and “Gavin was polite and the Mercedes was clean” point to the high standards of service.

Some reviewers did mention the absence of a professional guide—“our tour guide was merely a driver,” one said. However, many found the driver’s local knowledge sufficient, especially with the included demonstrations and explanations at each stop.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after an easy, comfortable way to see some of the Netherlands’ most charming sights without the hassle of navigating yourself, this private tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate a relaxed pace, cultural demonstrations, and a touch of luxury. It’s less ideal if you’re looking for a guided historical narrative—though you can always supplement with your own research or a guide upgrade.

Travelers who love tasting local foods, seeing working windmills, and wandering picturesque villages will find it particularly appealing. It is also a good fit for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a private, personalized day out in Dutch countryside.

FAQs

• How long does the tour last?
  The experience takes about 5 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

• Is transportation included?
  Yes, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel in a private, air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle with WiFi and bottled water.

• Are admission fees included?
  Entrance tickets for the windmill park and inside windmill visits are included. Parking costs are also covered.

• Can I extend the tour?
  Yes, the tour can be extended if you wish, but additional costs may apply.

• Is this suitable for children?
  The tour is primarily sightseeing-focused and involves some walking and demonstrations; it’s suitable for most travelers but not specifically tailored for children.

• Can I get a guide for more detailed historical commentary?
  The tour is driver-led only; if you want a professional guide, that can be arranged as an add-on.

• What’s the best time to do this tour?
  Most reviews suggest morning trips are preferable to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

In essence, this private Zaanse Schans Windmills and Volendam tour combines comfort, culture, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy authentic Dutch sights with a touch of luxury, it’s definitely worth considering.