Zaandam is a treasure trove for travelers eager to explore authentic Dutch culture and scenery just outside Amsterdam. Unlike many tourist spots, Zaandam offers a genuine taste of the countryside, with traditional windmills, wooden shoe workshops, and fishing villages that feel like stepping back in time. Our favorite experience is the Zaanse Schans & Volendam Small-Group Tour from Amsterdam, which combines visiting iconic windmills with a walk through a picture-perfect seaside town—perfect for those wanting an immersive introduction with personal touches. Other options, like the Windmill Audio Guide with Dutch Lunch, make tasting Dutch flavors part of the journey, while private tours offer tailored days to suit your pace. Whether you’re after a quick visit or a full-day adventure, Zaandam has a variety of experiences that make for memorable days out.
Quick Overview
Our list features a range of guided group tours, private excursions, and self-guided experiences. Expect half-day trips to explore windmills and cheese farms, a private full-day tour covering Zaandam, Volendam, and Marken, and cultural walks through the traditional Dutch villages. Each offers a unique angle, from small-group intimacy to fully customized private adventures. For more details, see the Zaanse Schans & Volendam Small-Group Tour, which ranks highly for its personal approach and comprehensive experience. Now, let’s explore each tour in detail.
1. Zaanse Schans & Volendam Small-Group Tour from Amsterdam
At number 1, this small-group tour is an excellent way to see some of the most iconic sights near Amsterdam. For about $125.61 per person, you get a roughly three-hour trip that includes hotel pickup, private transport, and all entrance fees. The small group (maximum of 7 travelers) ensures an intimate experience, allowing you to ask questions and enjoy a personalized journey. The tour starts at Zaanse Schans, where you’ll walk through the recreated 18th/19th-century Dutch village. Here, you can watch clog makers at work and visit a cheese factory demonstration—staff dressed in traditional costumes. Don’t forget to snap a photo in the giant wooden shoe! Next, the tour moves to Volendam, a charming fishing village with wooden houses and lovely waterfront views. You’ll sample cheese, waffles, and pancakes, adding an authentic taste of Dutch cuisine. Highlights also include local crafts, wooden shoe shopping, and a walk through the scenic streets.
Guests love the personal touch and seamless logistics. Reviewers mention the guide’s knowledge and the chance to learn about Dutch traditions firsthand. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, high-value experience with plenty of authentic moments.
Bottom Line: Ideal for small groups wanting a comprehensive, culturally rich outing with local flavor.
2. Zaanse Schans: Windmill Audio Guide with Dutch Lunch
Number 2 on our list offers a different flavor—an audio-guided exploration of Zaanse Schans combined with a hearty Dutch lunch. Priced for a day’s worth of fun, this tour allows you to experience the village at your own pace with detailed commentary. The audio guide takes you through the historic windmills, traditional craft shops, and scenic streets, making it perfect for those who enjoy self-guided discovery but still want expert insights. The meal at D’Swarte Walvis is a highlight—feast on a sandwich, homemade soup, and a Dutch croquette, all while enjoying views of the windmills.
Reviews highlight the beauty of the scenery and the delicious lunch, with visitors appreciating the flexibility of exploring when and how they want. This experience suits travelers who prefer independence but still want quality guidance and authentic Dutch flavors.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice if you want a flexible, self-paced tour with local food and cultural commentary.
3. Des moulins, sabots et du Gouda excursion privée en français
For those preferring a private, customizable experience, this French-language tour offers a tailored 3-hour journey through Dutch highlights. Starting from Amsterdam, you’ll be picked up in an electric car, traveling comfortably through the countryside. The tour focuses on windmills, wooden shoes, cheese, and tulips—famous symbols of Holland—and is flexible to your interests. During the 2.5-hour Zaanse Schans visit, you’ll see clog-making, visit a cheese farm, and explore traditional crafts. The private guide, experienced and engaging, makes the experience lively and personalized.
Guests praise the flexibility of the start times and the convenience of a private vehicle, making this ideal for couples or small groups wanting a bespoke day. The tour’s personal touch and the professional guide ensure you get a rich, customized experience without feeling rushed or lost in a crowd.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a private, flexible introduction to Dutch culture with a knowledgeable guide.
4. From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken Private Tour
Number 4 is a full-day private tour that covers all the classic sights—Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken. Lasting about 8 hours, it offers a comprehensive look at Dutch traditions with plenty of time at each location. You’ll start with a scenic drive through the countryside to Zaanse Schans, where a guided tour reveals windmills, clog workshops, and cheese farms. Afterward, you’ll have free time in Volendam to stroll and sample local foods before heading to Marken, an island known for its wooden houses and scenic harbor.
The private nature of this tour allows for relaxed exploration and personalized stops. Reviewers mention the scenic drive and the ability to customize the day. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a thorough, private introduction to Holland’s iconic villages.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting an in-depth, private experience with local guides and flexible pacing.
5. Zaanse Schans: the windmills village tour in Italian
Number 5 features a 4-hour guided walk with an Italian expert at Zaanse Schans, starting from Amsterdam’s Centraal Station. This tour offers a compact but rich experience of the windmill village, with detailed explanations about the history and functioning of the mills. You’ll visit the Indie’s Welvaren Spice Warehouse, which is a highlight, learning about traditional Dutch spice trade and shopping for local products. The walking tour covers scenic views, local houses, and the craft of wooden shoe making, perfect for travelers who enjoy storytelling and a more cultural insight.
Reviews commend the detailed commentary from the Italian guide and the walk’s leisurely pace. It’s suited for those who want a culturally immersive experience with a language preference.
Bottom Line: Great for Italian-speaking travelers or those who prefer a guided walk over a self-guided visit.
6. Zaanse Schans, Windmill house, Volendam, Marken Private Tour
This 7.5-hour private tour combines iconic Dutch villages, windmills, and scenic drives. Starting in Amsterdam, you’ll head in a comfortable van to Zaanse Schans, where you’ll see working windmills, visit a traditional windmill house, and learn about clog making. Next, a scenic drive takes you to Volendam, where you can walk through the fishing village, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy local foods. The tour finishes on the island of Marken, famous for its wooden houses and harbor views.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want to see multiple highlights comfortably in one day, with the flexibility to pause and explore as they wish. The reviews highlight the personalized service and scenic drives.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers with limited time who want a private, all-in-one experience.
7. 日本語での見学：Zaansche Schans
Number 7 offers a Japanese-language tour of Zaansche Schans, perfect for Japanese-speaking visitors. For $142, the tour lasts about 4 hours, starting from De Ruijterkade 24a. It includes a train ride, guided walk, and visits to local attractions like the spice warehouse and windmills, making it ideal for those who prefer to explore with explanations in their native language. Reviewers note the well-organized schedule and the chance to see traditional Dutch crafts with commentary.
This experience suits travelers who want to fully understand the cultural significance of each site without language barriers, combining convenience with cultural insight.
Bottom Line: Excellent for Japanese-speaking visitors wanting a guided, immersive visit.
8. Excursion to Windmills and Amsterdam Boat Ride
Last but not least, this combo tour combines a visit to Zaanse Schans with a relaxing boat ride through Amsterdam’s canals. Priced at $71 per person, it offers a straightforward way to see windmills and enjoy Amsterdam from the water. The tour includes a visit to a traditional cheese factory, where Gouda and Edam cheeses are tasted, and a demonstration of wooden clog manufacturing.
The boat ride offers a different perspective on the city, with scenic views of historic buildings and bridges. Reviews praise the balance of land and water activities and the convenience of transportation.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a budget-friendly, combined land-and-water experience.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your Zaandam experience, consider your budget, time availability, language preference, and interest in private vs. group settings. The small-group tour is best for intimacy and culture, while the private full-day tour offers flexibility and a comprehensive view. If you prefer self-guided exploration, the audio guide with Dutch lunch combines independence with cultural insight. For those with language needs, the Japanese or Italian-guided options ensure a smooth experience, and the boat-and-windmill combo is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want variety.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private and small-group tours, to secure your preferred times and ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Zaandam offers a variety of ways for travelers to enjoy its windmills, charming villages, and traditional crafts. Whether you want a small-group experience with local guides, a private customized day, or a self-guided adventure, there’s an option for you. For those seeking a rich cultural experience mixed with scenic beauty, the Zaanse Schans & Volendam Small-Group Tour and the full private tour stand out as top choices. If you prefer flexibility and local flavors, the audio guide and Dutch lunch will serve you well.
Remember, the best experience depends on your interests, schedule, and language preferences. Early booking will help you lock in the perfect tour for your trip. Enjoy your adventure exploring the best of Holland’s iconic windmills and seaside villages!