This tour isn’t just a trip, it’s a window into the soul of the Netherlands. You’ll explore the old-world charm of Zaanse Schans, the coastal character of Volendam, and the fairytale peace of Giethoorn. Each place tells its own story, shaped by wind, water, and time. If you want to feel the heartbeat of Holland, this journey is where you start. The Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans Volendam and Giethoorn Tour lets you make memories you’ll never forget.
Step outside Amsterdam and you’ll find a different rhythm. Life flows slower here, carried by the wind through blades of wooden windmills and across the surface of quiet canals. On this guided tour, you’ll visit three of the most iconic spots in the Dutch countryside. Zaanse Schans shows you the power of craftsmanship and tradition. Volendam introduces you to a fishing village where life is steeped in culture and fresh seafood. Giethoorn takes you off the road and onto the water, where boats glide silently past old thatched-roof houses.
You won’t just see these places, you’ll feel them.
Zaanse Schans sits just north of Amsterdam, but it feels like a step back in time. This small village is an open-air museum, keeping the spirit of the 18th and 19th centuries alive. The skyline is marked by windmills still grinding spices, oil, and flour. Their sails cut through the breeze like they did hundreds of years ago.
Walk the cobbled paths and peek inside workshops. See how traditional wooden clogs are made by hand. Watch cheese-makers in action and taste the sharp, creamy flavors of Dutch gouda and edam. You’ll smell the smoke from wood-fired ovens and see artisans carving, painting, and turning raw materials into heritage.
Every building, from the green-painted houses to the old barns, has been preserved or rebuilt to reflect the past. Zaanse Schans doesn’t just show you history—it lets you walk through it.
As the bus rolls into Volendam, you’ll notice the bright boats bobbing in the harbor and the line of seafood stalls offering herring, kibbeling, and fresh eel. This is a village that knows the sea and has lived with it for centuries.
Volendam’s people are proud of their roots. Many still wear traditional Dutch dress for festivals, and local museums showcase the region’s customs and music. The village has a creative spirit too—you’ll find artists sketching the harbor and musicians playing folk tunes on the streets.
Walk along the dike, order a plate of fried fish, and feel the wind coming off the IJsselmeer. It’s not about rushing through sights here. It’s about slowing down and taking it in.
Giethoorn doesn’t have traffic lights or car horns. Instead, it has canals, wooden bridges, and silence. Tucked in the province of Overijssel, this peaceful place moves at the speed of a whisper. Locals use boats to get around, and visitors are welcome to do the same.
A boat ride through Giethoorn feels like floating through a dream. Reeds sway on the banks, ducks glide across the water, and each cottage looks like a painting. Most of the homes are centuries old, with thatched roofs and colorful gardens. You’ll pass under footbridges that link the walking paths across the canals.
There are no loud sounds—just the soft splash of water and the occasional call of a bird. When your boat tour ends, take a walk through the village. Stop at a small café, sip Dutch coffee, and watch life go by without rush or noise.
This full-day Holland Experience tour from Amsterdam is made for travelers who want more than city lights. You’ll need comfortable shoes, a camera with plenty of space, and an open mind. Each stop offers a different slice of Dutch culture—from the wind-powered industry of Zaanse Schans to the sea-hardened traditions of Volendam and the water-bound serenity of Giethoorn.
You won’t just see the Netherlands. You’ll live it, one village at a time. Don’t wait until the last minute, book your Zaanse Schans Volendam and Giethoorn Tour today…
Address: Prins Hendrikkade 20B – 1012 TL Amsterdam
In front of Lovers Canal Cruises Cafe.
Please wait for your transportation at the designated pickup location. Please arrive for check-in between 08:00 and 08:15, as we will be departing promptly at 08:30 AM.
I was delighted with this tour today. The tour guide was very funny and entertaining… but the most important thing is those three destinations. classy, charming, and gorgeous… highly recommended.
The tour with Holland Experience was great! Our guide, Mr. Naufal, and the driver, Pete, were both super kind and friendly. Mr. Naufal shared lots of helpful tips during the ride—like where to find free restrooms and some great vegetarian restaurant options. The trip covered all three cities without feeling rushed. We started around 9 AM and had plenty of time at each stop, including the wooden shoe and cheese factory, and got back around 7:30 PM. Definitely recommend it!
8 to 9 hours | Canal cruise |
9 to 10 hours | Canal cruise |
Discover Keukenhof Gardens and Giethoorn on a magical day trip from Amsterdam through tulip gardens and the Dutch countryside.
Max. 10 hours | Upto 8 PAX |
Escape Amsterdam for a day and explore windmills, canals, and fishing villages in Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Giethoorn with Holland Experience.
From | € 139 / person |
Start time | 08:30 am |
Duration | 9 to 10 hours (approx.) |
Advantages | Skip the line |
Guide | Live tour guide |
Free cancellation | Up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time) |