Amsterdam: Cheese Market Tour Edam, Gouda or Alkmaar

Exploring the rich cheese culture of the Netherlands is a delightful experience, and a tour to the iconic cheese markets of Edam, Gouda, or Alkmaar offers a captivating glimpse into this beloved tradition. Departing from Amsterdam, visitors can witness the time-honored rituals of cheese trading, indulge in local tastings, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of these unique towns. With flexible booking options and free cancellation, this tour presents an engaging opportunity to uncover the secrets of Dutch cheese-making. What awaits those who embark on this journey is a sensory delight that transcends the ordinary.

Key Points

• The tour offers a day trip from Amsterdam to explore the cheese markets in Edam, Gouda, or Alkmaar.
• Prices range from $64.71 to $58.24 per person with up to 10% savings and free cancellation.
• The tour schedule follows a weekly rotation, with Edam on Wednesdays, Gouda on Thursdays, and Alkmaar on Fridays.
• Visitors can experience cheese tastings, trading demonstrations, and explore the vibrant cultural atmosphere of each market.
• The tour includes transfers to the markets, free exploration time, and a map with tips, but does not include food and drinks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Experience world-famous cheese markets in Edam, Gouda, or Alkmaar on a day trip from Amsterdam.

Explore renowned Dutch cheese markets on a day trip from Amsterdam.

This 8-hour tour offers savings of up to 10%, with prices ranging from $64.71 to $58.24 per person.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now, pay later options, it’s a flexible and convenient way to explore Dutch cheese culture.

The tour includes transfers to the cheese markets, free time to explore the cities, and a map with tips.

Food and drinks aren’t included, and the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Itinerary and Schedule

The tour visits the world-famous cheese markets on a set schedule, with Wednesdays in Edam, Thursdays in Gouda, and Fridays in Alkmaar.

Departing Amsterdam at 8:30 AM, visitors arrive at the cheese markets around 10 AM. They then have 2 hours of free time to explore the cities and enjoy the vibrant cheese culture.

At 2 PM, the group departs the cheese markets and returns to Amsterdam by 3:30 PM. A map with highlights and tips is provided to enhance the experience.

Experience and Activities

What does the cheese market tour offer visitors? The tour immerses guests in Dutch cheese culture, allowing them to taste local cheeses and witness traditional cheese trading demonstrations.

A tour that immerses guests in Dutch cheese culture, allowing them to taste local cheeses and witness traditional cheese trading demonstrations.

Visitors can explore:

1. Bustling cheese trading, where they’ll see the iconic handclaps between cheese traders and farmers.

2. Cheese-making demonstrations that showcase the time-honored techniques used to craft these iconic Dutch delicacies.

3. Vibrant crafts markets featuring local delicacies and artisanal products, providing a glimpse into the rich heritage of each unique town.

Each cheese market town offers its own distinct atmosphere and attractions, making the tour a truly immersive cultural experience.

Inclusions and Amenities

The cheese market tour includes transfer to the cheese market, free time in the city, a map with tips, and transportation via luxury coach.

Visitors can enjoy the Dutch cheese culture and taste the local cheeses. While food and drinks aren’t included, guests can explore the vibrant crafts markets and try the local delicacies and artisanal products.

Comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and pets aren’t allowed, except for assistance dogs.

Visitors should check availability to see the starting times.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information and Recommendations

One key consideration is that the cheese market tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Plus, visitors are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear, as there will be a significant amount of walking.

Recommended items to bring include:

1. A hat to protect against the sun

2. A camera to capture the vibrant scenes

3. Sunscreen and water to stay hydrated

Pets aren’t allowed on the tour, with the exception of service animals.

Participants should check availability to confirm the starting times, as these may vary.

Exploring Edam’s Cheese Market

Although the Edam Cheese Market may not be as well-known as its Gouda counterpart, it offers a uniquely charming experience for cheese enthusiasts visiting Amsterdam. Held every Wednesday, the market showcases the rich history and traditions of Dutch cheesemaking. Visitors can witness the iconic "cheese throwing" demonstrations, where traders toss wheels of cheese to one another, and browse the bustling stalls selling a variety of local cheeses, dairy products, and artisanal crafts. To fully immerse yourself, consider this helpful guide:

| Edam Cheese Market Highlights |

| — | — |

| Cheese Throwing Demonstrations | Artisanal Cheese Tastings |

| Traditional Dutch Costumes | Vibrant Crafts and Souvenirs |

| Live Music and Street Performers | Bustling Atmosphere and Culture |

Discovering the Charm of Gouda’s Cheese Market

While the Edam Cheese Market may capture the hearts of many visitors, the vibrant Gouda Cheese Market, held every Thursday, offers a truly immersive and time-honored experience.

The vibrant Gouda Cheese Market, held every Thursday, offers a truly immersive and time-honored experience.

Visitors can:

1. Witness the lively trading rituals as local farmers and merchants showcase their finest cheeses, engaging in a centuries-old tradition of handclaps and negotiation.

2. Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of Gouda’s renowned cheeses, from the classic aged varieties to the innovative flavored offerings.

3. Explore the charming streets and historic buildings of Gouda, soaking in the quaint Dutch ambiance and browsing the lively crafts market.

Taking in the Alkmaar Cheese Market Experience

Situated just 30 minutes north of Amsterdam, the Alkmaar Cheese Market offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the Netherlands’ storied cheese-making heritage.

Every Friday, this historic marketplace comes alive with the lively spectacle of traditional cheese trading. Witness the iconic "cheese carrier" handclap ritual as traders negotiate prices, then browse the surrounding stalls selling an array of local delicacies and artisanal products.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, savor the flavors of Alkmaar’s renowned Gouda and Edam cheeses, and soak up the unique charm of this quaint Dutch town.

It’s an unforgettable cultural experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Payment Methods Accepted for the Tour?

For this tour, customers can reserve their spot and pay nothing today. Guests have the option to pay later at the time of the tour.

Is Guided Commentary Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not include guided commentary. It provides a map with highlights and tips to explore the cheese markets independently. Participants can enjoy the local cheese culture and traditions at their own pace.

Can I Request Special Dietary Accommodations?

While the tour doesn’t include food or drinks, you can request special dietary accommodations. Just let the tour operator know about any dietary needs when booking, and they’ll do their best to accommodate you.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. However, visitors can explore the cheese markets and cities at their own pace during the scheduled free time from 12:00 to 14:00.

Are Children Eligible for Discounted Tickets?

Children are eligible for discounted tickets, typically 10-20% off the adult price. Prices and availability for child tickets can be checked when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

This cheese market tour offers an immersive glimpse into the rich Dutch cheese culture. Visitors can witness traditional trading rituals, indulge in local tastings, and explore the vibrant atmospheres of Edam, Gouda, or Alkmaar. With flexible booking options and free cancellation, this tour provides an engaging and unforgettable experience for anyone interested in exploring the iconic cheese heritage of the Netherlands.

You can check availability for your dates here: