Amsterdam: Giethoorn, Afsluitdijk and Zaanse Schans Day Trip

Taking a day trip from Amsterdam to tour the best of Dutch countryside and iconic sights sounds like a dream, but how does this experience really stack up? We’ve gathered the lowdown on a guided tour that promises to combine windmills, cheese, wooden shoes, and picturesque canals—all in one epic 10-hour journey.

What we love about this tour is its comprehensive itinerary—covering everything from traditional crafts to breathtaking dams—at a price that feels fair. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making each stop lively and engaging. Plus, the boat cruise through Giethoorn’s signature canals promises plenty of photo-worthy moments.

On the flip side, some travelers note that the cheese tasting and clog demonstrations could be a bit more interactive. Also, with a busy schedule, there’s limited time at each location, which might leave some wishing for a more relaxed pace.

This trip is perfect for those who want a well-rounded taste of Dutch culture and scenic beauty without the hassle of planning each stop. If you love picturesque villages, historic windmills, and fascinating engineering feats, this tour is likely to hit the spot.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Visits to Zaanse Schans, Giethoorn, and Afsluitdijk offer a balanced mix of culture, nature, and engineering.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised guides like Eric and Leidse bring history and local insights to life.
• Authentic Dutch Crafts: Clog-making, cheese tasting, and diamond demonstrations are hands-on and memorable.
• Scenic Boat Cruise: Cruise through Giethoorn’s peaceful canals, a highlight loved by many travelers.
• Valuable Inclusion: Hotel pickup, water, and all entrance fees included add to the overall value.
• Limited Free Time: Each stop is well-organized but may feel hurried, especially during busy seasons.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What to Expect from the Tour

This full-day journey kicks off with a convenient hotel pickup inside the Amsterdam highway ring, making it an easy start. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable minivan for the roughly 30-minute drive to your first stop—Zaanse Schans.

Zaanse Schans: Windmills, Wooden Shoes, and Cheese

The iconic windmill village is a must-see, with its charming wooden houses and traditional Dutch scenery. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour that includes a clog-making workshop and a visit to a cheese factory. Expect to learn about these crafts firsthand—reviewers mention that guides like Eric and Leidse are especially knowledgeable and engaging, making the experience stand out.

Though some reviews note that the cheese demo could be more interactive, most praise the cheese tasting as a highlight. The windmills themselves are spectacular, especially on a clear day, offering fantastic photo opportunities.

Tip: Take your time exploring the area—it’s a classic Dutch postcard setting, and you’ll want some photos of the scenic windmills against the sky.

Afsluitdijk: Engineering Marvel and Photo Spot

Next, you’ll make a 40-minute drive to the Afsluitdijk, the Netherlands’ most impressive dam and causeway. This massive engineering feat stretches over 32 km and is crucial for flood protection. Here, you’ll have a quick photo stop and a short guided overview, giving you context about its importance.

While the stop itself is brief—about 30 minutes—it’s enough to marvel at how Dutch ingenuity keeps the low-lying country dry. The reviews mention that the views are spectacular, and the structure looks imposing from afar.

Giethoorn: The Venice of the North

The final major stop is Giethoorn, a car-free village famed for its serene canals and charming thatched-roof cottages. The highlight here is the boat cruise—about an hour of gliding through its peaceful waterways, passing under quaint bridges and along lush banks.

Travelers have raved about the boat experience, describing it as “beautiful” and “worry-free,” with guides like Kim and Eric ensuring everyone is comfortable. Some reviews mention that the guide went above and beyond, helping inexperienced boaters and making the trip worry-free.

Food & Free Time: After the cruise, you’ll have some free time for photos, exploring on foot, or grabbing a local snack. The tour often includes a lunch option, making the most of your time in this picture-perfect village.

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Returning to Amsterdam

The journey wraps up with a 1.5-hour drive back to your hotel, giving you time to relax and reflect on the day. Many travelers express satisfaction with the well-organized schedule and the friendly, informative guides.

Transportation & Group Dynamics

The tour uses a luxury minivan for comfortable travel, with small group sizes that foster a more personalized experience. Guides like Eric and Leidse are frequently praised for their engaging storytelling, attention to detail, and helpfulness.

Pickup is included from hotels within the highway ring of Amsterdam, excluding the north side of the IJ River, but there’s a free ferry bus option to central station if you’re staying north.

Value for Money

At around 10 hours, with all major sights covered, guided commentary, and included activities like cheese tasting and a boat cruise, the price reflects good value. A notable perk is that lunch is not included, so you can choose to dine at local spots or bring snacks—this flexibility appeals to many travelers.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides—like Eric and Leidse—who go out of their way to enhance the experience. One reviewer mentions Eric “held lines, jumped into action to help inexperienced boaters,” making the boat cruise worry-free.

Many travelers also highlight the scenic vistas, especially the windmills at Zaanse Schans and the canals of Giethoorn, which feel like scenes from a storybook. The cheese tasting and clog-making demonstrations are also appreciated, though some suggest they could be more interactive.

The small group setting ensures personalized attention, with guides remembering everyone’s name and making the trip feel intimate. Reviewers also note that the timing is well-managed, avoiding overly crowded spots or long waits.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This guided day trip offers a well-balanced combination of culture, nature, and engineering marvels, making it ideal for travelers who want to see the highlights without a complicated plan. The small group size and friendly guides create a warm, engaging atmosphere, while the scenic stops provide countless photo opportunities.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic crafts, picturesque villages, and impressive dams, this tour will meet your expectations. The boat cruise through Giethoorn is particularly charming—perfect for those seeking a peaceful, postcard-worthy experience.

While the schedule might feel a bit packed for those craving a slow-paced day, the value and variety offered are hard to beat. It’s a great choice for first-time visitors eager to tick off multiple iconic sights in one go.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is provided for hotels within the highway ring A10, excluding the north side of the IJ River. If staying north, a free ferry bus to central station is available.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, from pickup in the morning to return in the late afternoon or early evening.

Are lunch and drinks included?
Lunch is not included, giving you flexibility to choose your meal. The tour includes a water bottle per guest and a few tasting sessions.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is guided in English, and guides like Eric and Leidse are praised for their clear, engaging explanations.

Can I join if I am not confident on boats?
The boat cruise in Giethoorn is generally considered worry-free and suitable for most, especially with guides helping inexperienced boaters, according to reviews.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most stops are scenic and involve walking or boat riding, so it should suit a wide age range. However, the overall duration and pace may be best for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

Are small groups available?
Yes, private or small group options are offered, which can make the experience more personalized and flexible.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility in planning.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While the review doesn’t specify seasons, the best weather for scenic views and boat rides is typically from spring to early autumn.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees, including cheese tasting, clog workshops, and diamond demonstrations, are included.

This day trip from Amsterdam is a well-rounded journey into Dutch culture and scenery, perfect for those seeking authenticity, comfort, and memorable views. Whether you’re marveling at windmills, cruising peaceful canals, or snapping photos at the dam, you’ll come away with plenty of stories—and plenty of stunning pictures.

You can check availability for your dates here: