Windmills Country side tour Zaanse Schans Cheesefactory-Volendam

If you’re considering a trip from Amsterdam that’s equal parts scenic, cultural, and tasty, this private Windmills Country Side Tour might be just what you’re after. While I haven’t taken this particular tour myself, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a pretty appealing picture. It’s a well-organized way to see some of the Netherlands’ most iconic sights, all without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What really draws us in about this experience are two key highlights: the chance to get up close to authentic working windmills, and the opportunity to sample traditional Dutch cheese at a local farm. Plus, the luxury transport and private setting mean you’re traveling in comfort, with plenty of room to soak in the scenery. One thing to consider, however, is that this tour is quite curated; if you’re hoping for a guided narration at every stop, you might find the self-guided parts a bit limited. Still, it’s a solid pick for those who want a relaxed, picturesque day out, especially if you’re traveling as a small group or family.

This tour fits best if you’re after a well-rounded taste of Dutch culture—from windmills and crafts to charming seaside villages—without the fuss of navigating on your own. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who appreciate a combination of history, scenery, and local flavor, all wrapped into roughly four hours.

Key Points

• Private, hassle-free transportation ensures a comfortable, stress-free experience.
• Authentic experiences including windmill visits, clog-making, and cheese tastings.
• Beautiful scenic stops with well-preserved historic buildings and waterways.
• Limited walking makes it accessible for those with mobility concerns.
• Flexible itinerary with self-guided elements at some stops, offering a mix of independence and guided insights.
• Great value for small groups of up to 7 people, with positive reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and stunning views.

An Honest Breakdown of the Tour Experience

What’s Included and How It Adds Value

This private tour, offered by Kralservices Holland Tours & Travel, wraps up a lot of highlights into four hours. For a price of $429.90 per group (up to 7), you get a lot of benefits that make the experience memorable without feeling overly commercialized. The price might seem high at first glance, but considering private transport, WiFi, bottled water, cookies, and free cheese tasting, it’s fairly competitive for a tailored experience of this kind.

Transportation is a big draw. Traveling in an air-conditioned, luxury vehicle with WiFi allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery en route, without worrying about navigating public transport or parking. The pickup option from your hotel, Airbnb, cruise terminal, or airport removes one more logistical headache, so you can focus on the sights ahead.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Stop 1: Zaanse Schans
This is the heart of the tour, where you’ll spend about an hour. The main attraction here is the chance to see some of the last remaining working windmills in the Netherlands. It’s one thing to see windmills in a picture, and quite another to stand next to them and hear their blades turn against the sky. The well-preserved craft demonstrations, especially clog-making and cheese production, really bring Dutch traditions to life. From the reviews, visitors love the opportunity to get up close with artisans and watch them work. One reviewer mentioned, “Four of us from the US had an amazing day,” highlighting how this spot is a favorite for travelers eager to see authentic Dutch crafts.

Stop 2: Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm
A short 40-minute visit, but packed with flavor and history. Here, you’ll see cheese being made and enjoy a free tasting—that’s a highlight for most visitors. The farm’s onsite guides add context to the cheese-making process, making it more than just a quick snack stop. One reviewer noted that the cheese tasting was a major plus, and it’s a real treat to sample varieties directly from the source.

Stop 3: Volendam
The final stop is the picturesque fishing village of Volendam, where you’ll have about an hour to explore on your own. The setting is classic Dutch with colorful houses, bustling harbor views, and plenty of photo opportunities. The tour offers hassle-free transport here, so you can simply stroll and soak in the atmosphere. Visitors often comment on how charming and lively Volendam is, making it a perfect wrap-up to the day.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Windmills
Getting a close look at working windmills provides a level of authenticity you won’t get with just pictures. The fact that these are some of the last remaining windmills in operation makes the experience all the more special, according to reviews.

Local Crafts Demonstrations
Watching clog-making and cheese production in action gives the tour an interactive touch many travelers appreciate. It’s more memorable than just viewing exhibits, especially with knowledgeable guides providing background stories.

Luxury, Private Transport
Traveling comfortably in a private vehicle with WiFi and bottled water sets this tour apart from group bus trips. The convenience of pickup and drop-off from your accommodation makes it feel seamless.

Flexible, Self-Guided Components
While the transport and some stops are guided, parts of the tour are self-guided. This allows you to explore without pressure, which many reviewers found appealing.

Potential Downsides or Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, some travelers might find the self-guided portions less informative. Lori N mentioned, “We hoped to learn more about where we were,” implying that some may wish for more guided commentary at each stop. Also, the price point is on the higher side, but when you factor in private transport and curated experiences, many find it justified.

The overall duration is about four hours, so if you’re looking for a more extended, in-depth tour, this might feel a little rushed. However, if your aim is a relaxed, scenic overview with some authentic Dutch touches, it hits the mark.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for small groups or couples who want a personalized experience without the crowds. It’s also great if you’re after a quick yet rich cultural snapshot of the Dutch countryside—think windmills, cheese, and seaside charm—delivered in comfort. It suits travelers who prefer a mix of guided and self-guided exploration and appreciate local craftsmanship.

While not explicitly tailored for children, families that enjoy scenic drives and cultural demonstrations may find it worthwhile, especially if they want to avoid long walks or complicated logistics.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this private Windmills Country Side Tour offers a well-balanced peek into Dutch traditions, scenery, and crafts. The combination of authentic windmill visits, cheese tasting, and the charming fishing village of Volendam makes it a compelling choice for those who want a taste of rural Holland without dedicating an entire day.

The positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and the ease of travel that this tour provides. It’s a great option for travelers wanting a curated, comfortable journey with plenty of photo opportunities and a good dose of Dutch culture.

If you’re after an experience that blends history, scenery, and good old-fashioned craftsmanship—delivered with a touch of luxury—this tour is probably worth the price. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling in a small group, value comfort, and want a day that’s both scenic and educational.

FAQ

Is this a guided tour at every stop?
Not entirely. The tour includes a mix of guided and self-guided elements. The transport and some stops are guided, but at places like Zaanse Schans and Volendam, parts are self-guided, allowing you some freedom to explore.

What is included in the price?
You get private transportation, bottled water, cookies, free cheese tasting at the cheese farm, WiFi on board, and pickup and drop-off from your accommodation or cruise terminal.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, which makes it a nice half-day trip. It’s enough time to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Are there any age restrictions or considerations?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is accessible for those with mobility concerns, especially since it involves limited walking.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for short exploration walks, a camera, and perhaps some cash or card in case you want to buy souvenirs. The tour itself provides water and cookies, but you might want snacks for extra energy.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Changes made within that window are not accepted.

Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of scenic villages, or just looking for a relaxed day out of the city, this private countryside tour offers a friendly, authentic taste of the Netherlands.