Zaanse Schans Windmills, cheese and clogs and Volendam tour from Amsterdam

If you’re heading to Amsterdam and want a deeper taste of the Netherlands beyond the bustling city streets, this half-day private tour offers a blend of scenic countryside, traditional industries, and seaside charm. It’s designed for those who love authentic experiences—think windmills, cheese tasting, and quaint fishing villages—without the hassle of renting a car or navigating public transport on your own.

What we really appreciate about this tour are the personalized service and the chance to see some of the most iconic Dutch sights in comfort. Plus, it’s a great way to combine multiple highlights in one smooth, well-organized trip. The only thing to keep in mind is that it’s roughly five hours long, so it’s best suited for travelers with a flexible schedule who want a relaxed yet comprehensive look at North Holland.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning about local industries, appreciates scenic views, and prefers guided convenience, this tour will suit you well. It’s especially popular with those who want to see the windmills from inside, taste a variety of cheeses, and stroll through a picture-perfect fishing village—all in one trip.

Key Points

• Comfort and flexibility: Private transportation in a luxury vehicle means you avoid crowded buses and can customize your stops.
• Authentic experiences: Inside visits to windmills, cheese farms, and clog workshops make the experience more tangible.
• Great value for a full morning: For about $326 per person, you get multiple visits, tastings, and insider insights.
• Beautiful scenery and photo ops: Expect plenty of chances to snap pictures of classic Dutch landscapes.
• Family-friendly potential: While not explicitly tailored for children, the stops are engaging for all ages.
• Easy planning: Pickup and parking are included, making logistics simple.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

This private half-day trip from Amsterdam is a fantastic way to step outside the city and into the Netherlands’ traditional heartlands. The entire experience is designed to be relaxed but packed with interesting sights, fitting comfortably into a morning or early afternoon schedule.

The Zaanse Schans Experience

Your journey begins in Zaanse Schans, a village renowned for its beautiful, working windmills. The tour includes admission to the windmill park, which means you can step inside some of these historic structures—like the paint windmill, where Rembrandt once bought his pigments, or the sawmill. These iconic mills aren’t just picturesque; they’re still functional, offering a real window into Dutch ingenuity.

We loved the way the guides bring the area to life—highlighting details like the historic windmills and explaining their roles in Dutch industry. One reviewer mentions, “Our driver and guide Mesut, could not have been better,” emphasizing how important knowledgeable guides are for making these visits meaningful.

Clogs and Wooden Shoe Making

Next, you’ll stop at a traditional wooden clog workshop. Here, a demonstration shows how these quintessential shoes are made today—an activity that many visitors find surprisingly fascinating. You’ll have the chance to buy authentic Dutch clogs or souvenirs, making it a perfect spot to pick up a memorable gift or a quirky keepsake.

Reviews from visitors highlight how engaging these demonstrations are: “Super recomendado, los molinos, Volendam todo muy lindo,” suggests that even with language barriers, the craftsmanship impresses.

Cheese Farm Tour and Tasting

The Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm is a true highlight. It’s more than just tasting cheese; it’s witnessing a real working farm with Jersey cows, complete with an automatic milking robot. The guide explains how the farm produces their Gouda cheese, and you can indulge in as much tasting as you like—more than 30 different types are available for sampling.

Many reviewers appreciated this part—”Delicious cheeses were available to taste too”—and the fact that cheese can be shipped home if you don’t want to lug it around. This stops feels very authentic, giving insight into Dutch agriculture and craftsmanship.

The Charm of Volendam

The last leg of the trip takes you to Volendam, a picture-perfect fishing village. Here, you’ll have about an hour to explore at your own pace. You might enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the harbor’s renowned restaurants, or grab some Dutch waffles or mini pancakes from the street vendors.

Strolling along the dijk, with views of bobbing boats and colorful houses, is a highlight for many travelers. It’s a place that captures classic Dutch seaside life, and it’s often praised for its photogenic quality.

What the Reviews Say

The overwhelmingly positive feedback reflects the quality of this experience. Travelers frequently mention the knowledgeable guides, with one describing their guide “Gillio” as “exceptional,” and others appreciating the smooth logistics, like early arrivals allowing for avoiding crowds.

Reviewers also point out the stunning scenery—the windmills, the picturesque harbor—and the delicious food, especially cheese and waffles. Many mention that the tour’s pace allowed enough time to enjoy each stop thoroughly.

Some comments note that the weather can be cold or windy, which is typical for the Dutch coast, so dressing accordingly helps. The tour’s flexibility and private setting seem to be major selling points, giving that extra level of comfort and customization.

The Practical Details

At around $326 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that combines transportation, entry to key sites, and tastings. The private guide and vehicle mean you won’t be stuck in a big group, allowing for a more personalized day.

Picking up from your accommodation in an air-conditioned Mercedes with Wi-Fi and bottled water further enhances the experience, making it feel like a special treat rather than just a standard bus trip.

The tour is most suited for those who want to see multiple traditional sites without the hassle of planning each detail themselves. It’s also flexible enough to extend if you wish to linger longer at certain spots, though most travelers seem satisfied with the itinerary.

The Sum Up

This Zaanse Schans, cheese, clogs, and Volendam tour balances scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and comfort. It’s perfect for travelers who want a curated, hassle-free glimpse of Dutch traditions in a half-day format. The private guide ensures you get personalized insights, and the stops are chosen for their iconic appeal and educational value.

If you’re a curious traveler eager to learn about windmills, taste local cheeses, and walk through a charming fishing village—all while enjoying the convenience of private transport—this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially good if you value flexibility, genuine demonstrations, and picturesque scenery.

However, if you prefer more extensive walking or are traveling with young children, you might want to consider the pace and duration. But overall, this experience offers a lovely, authentic slice of Dutch life that’s hard to beat for value and charm.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the stops are engaging enough for most ages. Kids often enjoy seeing windmills, watching cheese being made, and exploring a fishing village. Just consider the duration and pace if traveling with very young children.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, including transportation, stops, and free time at Volendam.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers private transportation in a luxury vehicle, pickup, Wi-Fi, bottled water, admission to the windmills park, and all the site visits with included demonstrations. Cheese tasting is unlimited, and cheese and clogs can be purchased or shipped home.

Are there options to customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss with your guide to focus more on certain stops or extend your time at specific locations—though most reviews suggest the current plan is well-paced.

Is parking included?
Yes, parking costs are covered in the tour, along with the entrance fees for the windmills.

What should I wear?
Bring layers and comfortable shoes, especially if it’s windy or rainy—a common scenario in Dutch weather.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Absolutely. You can purchase clogs, cheese, and other souvenirs directly at the stops, with options for shipping if your luggage isn’t accommodating.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While the tour runs year-round, you might find the best weather from spring to early fall when the countryside is at its most photogenic and the weather is milder.

This tour offers a balanced, authentic experience that captures the essence of Dutch tradition, all in a relaxed, private setting. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning for a second visit, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the countryside and learn about local crafts and culture.