• Scenic waterfront with traditional Dutch windmills view
  • Group in traditional Dutch costumes posing indoors in Volendam
  • A group of people enjoys a canal cruise through Giethoorn.
  • Person exploring cheese in storage room shelves
  • A picturesque view of the Volendam harbor.
  • Private tour Zaanse Schans Volendam and Giethoorn
  • A group of tourists poses for a photo in front of the windmill at Zaanse Schans.
  • Walking along the charming streets of the Old Harbour in Volendam.
  • The bustling canal scene in Giethoorn.

Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans Volendam and Giethoorn Tour

Discover Three Dutch Treasures in One Day

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.


A Full-Day Journey Through Dutch Heritage

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: Windmills and Wooden Shoes

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.


Volendam: A Village by the Water

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: The Quiet Village with No Roads

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.


Plan Your Day the Dutch Way

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…

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Highlights

  • Experience a charming 18th-century village with well-preserved windmills
  • Stroll through Volendam harbor, a top tourist spot since 1875
  • Explore the enchanting village of Giethoorn, known as the “Venice of the North”
  • Witness traditional wooden shoemaking, cheesemaking, & indulge in cheese tasting
  • Cruise the canals and see the village’s thatched-roof houses.

Included

  • Round-trip transport from Amsterdam by air-conditioned car/minivan/coach
  • English-speaking guide with deep local knowledge
  • Live demonstration for clog factory and cheese factory in Zaanse Schans
  • Food tasting
  • Walking tour/free time in Volendam
  • Walking tour/free time in Giethoorn
  • Canal cruise in Giethoorn

Excluded

  • Food and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Anything else that is not mentioned on “Included”

Meeting point

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.

Know before you go

  • This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and wheelchair users.
  • This tour will take place rain or shine.
  • Please wear comfortable shoes.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • This tour involves a fair amount of walking.
  • Times are subject to alteration based on traffic conditions in the area.
  • Children under 24 months old are admitted free of charge (if they do not occupy a seat).
  • This experience requires a minimum number of 4 travelers (if it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund)

Why travelers loved this

5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 37 reviews)
Excellent97%
Very good3%
Average0%
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Top experience

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.

Lina

Definitely recommend it!

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!

Supraja

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