Private Tour
Dutch Countryside and Zaanse Schans Windmills Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the charm and tradition of the Netherlands like never before on this private day tour to Zaanse Schans and Volendam. Step back in time at Zaanse Schans, a picturesque 18th- and 19th-century village where working windmills, historic wooden houses, and artisan workshops bring Dutch heritage to life. Learn the art of crafting traditional clogs, and savor authentic Dutch cheeses with a tasting of over 30 varieties at a local cheese farm. Continue your journey to Volendam, a quintessential fishing village full of character and color. Stroll along its scenic harbor, browse unique local shops, and enjoy fresh seafood while soaking in the beautiful surroundings.
What sets this tour apart is its private, personalized experience — from a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to the flexibility to explore at your own pace. With professional guide-driver, and immersive cultural experiences, this tour combines history, culture, and unforgettable Dutch scenery into a single, seamless day.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
WiFi on board
All Fees and Taxes
Meet & Greet Service
Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Amsterdam)
A visite to the dykes
Private tour and transportation
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Zaanse Schans
First, visit the Zaanse Schans, a picturesque village that takes you back in time to the 18th and 19th centuries. Here, you’ll witness the traditional windmills in action, including the famous paint mill, sawmill, spice mill, and even a peanut oil mill. Next, stroll through the quaint streets lined with historic wooden houses, and take in the beautiful scenery. You’ll also have the chance to visit a clogs workshop, where you’ll learn the art of crafting traditional Dutch wooden shoes—a true symbol of Dutch culture. Afterward, enjoy a visit to a cheese farm, where you’ll discover the secrets of the cheese-making process. Don’t forget to treat your taste buds with a delightful cheese-tasting session, featuring over 30 varieties of delicious, authentic Dutch cheeses!
Volendam
As the tour continues, stop by Volendam, a charming Dutch fishing village. Stroll along the scenic harbor, explore the unique local shops, and maybe even grab a bite at one of the best seafood restaurants in the Netherlands. You can also indulge in a sweet treat of traditional Dutch waffles or simply take in the beautiful surroundings. After a day filled with rich history, culture, and breathtaking views, your driver will take you back to your accommodation, ensuring you leave with lasting memories of your Dutch adventure.
Options
Dutch Countryside and Zaanse Schans Windmills Private Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
53 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Interesting
michaelc787,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Sheet was very enthusiastic and knew a great deal about the country, the region, zaanse shanse and volendam. The description of the tour was not as informative as descriptions of other tours we have taken.
Best Private Tour Ever
Michael R,
Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sam was our tour guide on this private tour. I would give Sam 10 out of 10 stars. He was absolutely fantastic! He communicated with us before our tour to let us know he was on his way. He arrived 5 minutes before scheduled but we were ready so the tour began. Sam was very personable and we had nice chats our entire tour. He first took us to the windmills. They were awesome! At the windmills Sam took pictures of me and my son with our cameras which was much appreciated. We didn’t even ask him too, he just volunteered. We walked to the working windmill that cut wood into lumber. We first saw a video as to how they rebuilt the windmill in 2007. It took 2 years to rebuild. Very interesting and informative! Impressive how it was rebuilt, the workmanship was amazing! We were given a tour of the inside of the windmill by a very knowledgeable lady. They weren’t doing any wood that day but they put a piece in just to show us how the bark is stripped away. Again very impressive! We then went to the clog making show to see how clogs were made. We didn’t have to wait in the line because Sam got us in right away. Very interesting how they take a piece of fresh wood and make it into a clog! After making it, it takes 4 weeks to dry. We then went to a cheese factory. Also very interesting and the cheese samples were delicious! Sam offered to take us to a dairy farm to see the owners of the farm milk cows, we passed on that as we have seen that before. We continued on to Volendam. Volendam is a really cute fishing village with beautiful homes, lots of restaurants, shops and beautiful yachts! Sam then took us through several streets in Amsterdam to get a quick view of Amsterdam. I have been in Amsterdam before and after seeing the hoards of people, my son really had no interest in walking the streets of Amsterdam. After our drive through Amsterdam,Sam took us back to the ship after our 4 1/2 hour tour. I can’t say enough good things about Sam. He was absolutely fantastic, the best!! Always making sure we were seeing what we wanted to see! He was a safe and cautious driver. If I ever come back and book another tour I will book with this company and request Sam as our tour guide! I highly recommend this tour, it is worth every penny you pay!!!
Superior service Exceptional transport and tour experience!
Karen2137,
May 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sam and his team were amazing from start to finish! We used their service from airport pickup and the North Holland Tour in the beginning of our trip and cruise port pickup and Southern Holland tour and back to Amsterdam over a 2 week time! They were always on time and literally took you to see the sites! Not just dropping you off but personally escorting you and walking with you. He was a joy to have as a travel partner! Professional and fun! And the car and transport was very nice! We give him the highest praise and recommendation if you want to maximize your time with private transportation and see the sites. They will treat you like royalty. We will call Sam and his team when we return!
Dutch country and a great memory
libbyl810,
Oct 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time. The trip will be memorable for a long time. We loved the scope in sights from a fishing village to windmills to a dairy. Our guide was knowledgeable about the history and gave us insights on the way of life yesterday and today.
Great view of dutch country
Libby L,
Oct 4, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide was very knowledgeable and personable. We enjoyed his flexibility and the variety of sites we visited. We appreciated learning about Amsterdam today and in the past. The dairyman and wooden shoe maker was a waste of time, though the cheese was good. All in all a very nice day.
Fantastic tour
Maria S,
Sep 15, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience. Our guide Sam, was the best. Very attentive to detail. He took us to see the windmills, we went to a cheese maker where we rated many different kinds of cheese. We had lunch at a fantastic restaurant where the owner explained the process of making smoked eel. This same restaurant, Paviljoen Smit Bokkum, was visited by Andrew Zimmer. The food was delicious. The whole experience was fantastic. Sam gave us an unforgettable tour. Don’t think twice when traveling to Amsterdam and book this tour. You will be very pleased.
Wonderful Experience
pamelat325,
Aug 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a wonderful tour and our guide Denny was great. We had wonderful discussions with him and he answered all our questions.
Great experience that’s definitely worth it OK
Susan H,
Jun 18, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We had such a great experience with our private guide sam he was so patient with us . And just a happy person . This tour is totally worth it , was beautiful and fun to see the windmills and cheese factory etc
Great guide for a great tour.
Donna C,
May 27, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Sam was excellent. His information and recommendations let us know what to expect. He knew where to take us to get the best experience.
Great experience!
Juan R,
May 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Sam was a great tour guide; very knowledgeable and very friendly. Highly recommended for a half day trip outside of Amsterdam!
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