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‘s Included
1-Hour Boat Cruise
Driver/guide
Tour of the cheese factory + clog factory
Live commentary on board
Gratuities
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.
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Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans Windmills Guided Day Trip from Amsterdam
Reviews
1,015 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We had a fantastic time....
Dennis C,
Sep 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a fantastic time. Our tour guy is friendly, knowledgeable and fun. Absolutely recommend it. Cheers!
Jay is a great guide!
Lena S,
Sep 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00I went with my Mom and we had such a wonderful time! Jay was amazing and went above and beyond to explain more about Dutch Culture and the Netherlands to us! He was a very funny tour guide and everyone seemed to be relaxed and have a good time with him as the guide.
Netherlands beyond Amsterdam
Tanu C,
Aug 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00This tour was an absolute highlight of my time in the Netherlands! The itinerary perfectly balanced two unique experiences: the charming, fairytale-like village of Giethoorn and the iconic Dutch windmills at Zaanse Schans. Giethoorn felt like stepping into another world – peaceful canals, traditional thatched houses, and no cars in sight. The guided boat ride was a wonderful way to see the village, and the 2 hours of free time were perfect for wandering on foot, enjoying a pasta and wine with a view, and soaking up the magical atmosphere. Zaanse Schans was equally fascinating, with its historic windmills, wooden houses, and artisan workshops. Watching demonstrations of traditional crafts like cheese making and wooden clogs really brought Dutch heritage to life. Our guide, Ibrahim, was knowledgeable, engaging, and ensured the group was comfortable and well looked after throughout the day. Transportation was smooth and relaxing, which made the full-day experience enjoyable without feeling rushed. If you want to see the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam and truly experience its culture, history, and beauty in one day, I can’t recommend this tour enough!
Great way to see beautiful rural areas just outside Amsterdam.
John K,
Aug 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00Fantastic blend of activities and demonstrations in 2 different areas outside of Amsterdam. We made this our “rural” day away from Central ring of Amsterdam and would highly recommend this trip.
Perfect Day trip
Robert S,
Aug 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Ibrahim was an amazing tour guide full of life and animation as he described Amsterdam and Gaithorne.
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Operated by Dutchtrips