Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans Windmills Guided Day Trip from Amsterdam
Overview
Available languages
10 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This tour is a must for anyone who wants to visit the two of the most popular places in Holland! Board an air-conditioned bus. In 20 minutes you will arrive at the Zaanse Schans, an open air museum absolutely worthwhile your visit. See a typical Dutch clog shop and visit a cheese factory. See the various original still working windmills and the Dutch artisans. You can glance over their shoulders while they are performing their crafts. Learn about the impressive windmill history that set off the Golden Age in the Netherlands. Next enjoy the ride through the Dutch polders, reclaimed land, to the fairytale like village of Giethoorn, also known as “the Venice of the North. Next up, a one hour guided boat tour. You will be in awe of the sights of the surroundings, ducking under picturesque bridges the captain will tell you the impressive history of the Giethoorn. You will have time explore the village on your own, on foot or by bike, You can also enjoy a delicious meal!
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Zaanse Schans
See a typical Dutch clog shop and learn how and why these wooden shoes were made. Visit the cheese factory.
Giethoorn
Next stop is Giethoorn, typically referred to as ‘Venice of the North’. As cars aren’t allowed, transportation is traditionally on foot, by bike, or by boat. You can experience how the Dutch live with and on the water. Learn about the outstanding water-management techniques of the Dutch and you can see the beautiful farmhouses and the many picturesque bridges of this idyllic village with merely 2500 inhabitants. After your boat tour, you'll have time at leisure to explore Giethoorn. Stroll around centuries of history of traditional Dutch craftsmanship. Discover the unique Dutch culture with guidance and recommendations from your personal guide.
What‘s Included
1-Hour Boat Cruise
Driver/guide
Tour of the cheese factory + clog factory
Live commentary on board
Gratuities
Options
Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans Windmills Guided Day Trip from Amsterdam
Reviews
1,053 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful day for family
Rehan P,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Rashid , our driver and guide was simply amazing. His local knowledge of not only our two destinations but places along the way made our day more enjoyable and interesting. He was accommodating of my old mum and very helpful to her as well. Both destinations had something to offer for both myself and my mum , from history to food and drink. I would definitely recommend this days experience to anyone who has a day free in Amsterdam.
Rashid as an excellent guide
pandorabox 89,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rashid was an excellent guide. During the long drive, he went above and beyond to give us background of Amsterdam during the drive to make the experience more memorable.
Excellent intro to beautiful Amsterdam
D7433SPgabriellet,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing trip round some interesting areas of the Netherlands that we wldnt have normally seen. Tue windmills were amazing examples of early engineering feats and the village on the canals was sooo pretty. Our guide, Ibrahim, was one of the nicest people we've met on our tours so far. Went out of his way to make our tour memorable and had so much knowledge to share. Would highly recommend the trip and Ibrahim as the guide to anyone looking for a tour outside of Amsterdam central.
Place is heaven on 🌎
567mitalik,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonder experience. Rashith, who was the guide was helpful and friendly. The place is like a fairyland. A must visit. Loved it 💕💕💕
Amazing tour
Z2726VRtanyak,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rashid driver was very good , he helped a lot to us for travel . He was very enthusiast and helped us taste the fruits , old windmilss cheese
Great tour!
aswoner07,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was great! Abrahim was the best guide I’ve ever had on any tour! He is knowledgeable and takes care of small details like taking your packages to the bus, giving recommendations for restaurants and activities, and making sure there is access to toilets when needed. Our bus driver (can’t remember his name) was great as well. The villages are beautiful and the tour is well planned. Highly recommended this tour!
Awesome tour experience
Lisa M,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide got us ahead of the big bus tours making for a lovely experience. Great information provided in a wonderful atmosphere.
Fantastic!
Deb B,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It is a fun-filled day with rich experiences to enjoy dutch history, culture, food and fun. Our guide, Ibrahim was over the top - the best Knowledgable and accommodating. I learned so much, had a variety of experiences and had fun. Highly recommend this tour and Ibrahim!
Worth the day trip
Kate A,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Be prepared for a long day. Tour guide was great and knowledgable. Unfortunately the day we went it was foggy the entire day so by the time we got to Zaanse Schans for the boat tour it was so cold and you really could not see anything. A little surprised that there were no lights on the boat for safety purposes. Even though we had bad weather I would still do the tour.
Great tour
Scott G,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour. My wife and I really enjoyed it. It was a great opportunity to see historic windmills without having to go too far from Amsterdam. Wandering along the canals in Giethoorn was a highlight of our trip.
From €115.00
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Operated by Dutchtrips