Discover the picturesque Dutch countryside just outside Amsterdam. This day trip explores the charming towns of Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken, offering a glimpse into the nation’s rich heritage and traditions. From iconic windmills to quaint fishing villages, the journey promises an immersive cultural experience. Whether you’re intrigued by traditional crafts or simply seeking stunning scenery, this well-rated tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to venture beyond the city limits.
Key Points
- Explore Zaanse Schans, a living history museum with well-preserved windmills, traditional crafts, and cheese-making demonstrations.
- Visit the fishing village of Marken to learn about local architecture, observe a wooden shoe factory, and take an optional boat ride.
- Discover the lively harbor and waterfront of Volendam, including a cheese factory tour and opportunity to sample regional specialties.
- The 6-hour day trip from Amsterdam provides an immersive experience in Dutch heritage and countryside, with transportation via air-conditioned bus.
- The tour offers an affordable and convenient way to visit multiple picturesque destinations, with options for an all-inclusive package with additional activities.
Overview of the Day Trip
This day trip from Amsterdam offers visitors the chance to explore the quaint villages of Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken, each with its own unique cultural and historical charm.
The 6-hour tour departs from the city center and costs from $40.71 per person. Popular highlights include windmills, traditional crafts, wooden shoe factories, and a cheese demonstration.
An optional all-inclusive package is available, featuring a boat ride, windmill visit, and clog-making demo. Transportation is via air-conditioned bus with free Wi-Fi.
The highly-rated tour has earned 4.4/5 stars across 14,500+ reviews for its knowledgeable guides and immersive cultural experiences.
Looking for more options in Zaanse Schans? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Exploring Zaanse Schans
The day trip begins with a visit to Zaanse Schans, a living history museum renowned for its well-preserved windmills and traditional crafts.
Visitors can explore the historic windmills, some of which are still in operation, and learn about the region’s rich history of wood-working, cheese-making, and other local industries.
Visitors can explore historic windmills, some still in operation, and learn about the region’s rich history of traditional crafts.
The area offers a unique opportunity to take in Dutch heritage, with charming wooden houses, working artisans, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Guests can watch demonstrations of clog-making, visit a working windmill, and stroll along the picturesque canals, providing a glimpse into the Netherlands’ iconic pastoral landscapes.
Visiting Marken: Wooden Shoes and Traditional Homes
After exploring the iconic windmills and crafts of Zaanse Schans, the day trip continues with a visit to the charming fishing village of Marken.
Nestled on a small peninsula, Marken offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch life. Visitors can:
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Tour a wooden shoe factory and watch a clog-making demonstration powered by an antique steam engine.
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Step inside a typical Marker house to learn about the local architecture and way of living.
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Enjoy a 30-minute boat ride between Volendam and Marken, included in the all-inclusive tour option.
Discovering Volendam: Fishing Village and Cheese Tasting
Next, the day trip takes visitors to the charming fishing village of Volendam. Here, you’ll explore the town’s lively harbor and waterfront.
Stop by a local cheese factory for a demonstration on traditional cheese-making techniques. Then, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of Volendam’s restaurants, sampling fresh seafood and regional specialties at your own expense.
Afterward, you’ll have free time to wander the quaint streets, admire the colorful houses, and perhaps visit a wooden shoe workshop to see the age-old craft of clog-making.
More Great Tours NearbyTransportation and Meeting Point
For this day trip, transportation is provided via a luxurious air-conditioned bus with free Wi-Fi.
The meeting point is the Tours and Tickets office located in Amsterdam Central Station, which is easily accessible by public transport such as the Metro and tram lines.
The tour includes:
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Comfortable bus transportation to and from the destinations.
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Free Wi-Fi on the bus for your convenience.
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Easy access to the meeting point via public transportation.
Travelers can enjoy a seamless and enjoyable journey as they explore the enchanting locations of Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
The day trip includes several key experiences and amenities to enhance the overall tour.
Visitors will see the famous windmills and traditional crafts at Zaanse Schans. In Marken, they’ll tour a wooden shoe factory and traditional Marker house.
Witness the iconic windmills and traditional crafts of Zaanse Schans, and explore a wooden shoe factory and Marker house in Marken.
The optional all-inclusive package adds a 30-minute boat ride between Volendam and Marken, a visit to an operating windmill, and a clog-making demonstration.
Lunch in Volendam is at the traveler’s own expense.
The tour provides air-conditioned transportation with free Wi-Fi, an expert guide, and access to audio guides in multiple languages.
Children under 3 can join for free without a separate seat.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the day trip from Amsterdam, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on over 14,500 reviews.
Highlights of the customer experience include:
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Knowledgeable and friendly guides, providing insightful commentary and cultural exposure.
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Comfortable and efficient transportation, with an average rating of 4.7 for the air-conditioned buses.
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Overall value for money, earning a 4.3 rating for the diverse attractions and experiences included in the tour.
The tour’s popularity and positive reviews suggest it offers an engaging and well-organized introduction to the charming Dutch countryside surrounding Amsterdam.
Important Details and Policies
Along With the positive customer experiences, the day trip from Amsterdam also comes with important details and policies for travelers to be aware of. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Audio guides are provided in multiple languages. Key details are summarized in the table below:
| Detail | Policy |
| — | — |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for wheelchair users |
| Pets | Not allowed on the tour |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance |
| Audio Guide | Available in multiple languages |
| Children | 3 years or younger free of charge (no separate seat) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour, but the operator suggests purchasing lunch at the stop in Volendam to fully experience the local cuisine and culture.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The day trip is a fixed 6-hour excursion. Extending the time would require booking a separate, longer tour or planning additional activities on your own after the day trip ends.
Do I Need to Make Any Advance Reservations for the Optional Activities?
The optional activities, such as the boat ride and windmill visit, require advance reservations. Booking the all-inclusive tour option ensures access to these popular experiences and avoids potential disappointment on the day of the tour.
Can I Take a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
Yes, you can take a private tour instead of a group tour. Private tours are available and can be booked in advance, providing a more personalized experience. Prices may vary from the standard group tour option.
Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour With Other Attractions?
You can’t get a discount for booking this tour with other attractions. However, the tour operator offers an optional all-inclusive package that includes a boat ride, windmill visit, and clog-making demonstration for an additional fee.
The Sum Up
This day trip from Amsterdam offers a captivating glimpse into Dutch heritage and culture. Visitors can enjoy the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans, discover the quaint fishing villages of Marken and Volendam, and enjoy local culinary delights. With comfortable transportation and expert guidance, this well-reviewed tour promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the authentic heart of the Netherlands.
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