Windmills Tour: Zaanse Schans and Volendam

Windmills Tour

Leaving from the centre of Amsterdam, this tour takes the hamlet of Zaanse Schans globally renowned for its perfectly preserved antique windmills. One of the symbols of Holland itself, you'll see inside a windmill and learn how these wooden structures have aided (and continue to aid), in the production of products such as oil, grain, dye and mustard. In the 1960s and 1970s these mills were moved from all over the region to the Zaanse Schans, creating in the process one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands.

To immerse yourselves in all things Dutch, we'll head to the Edam-Volendam municipality to visit a cheese factory and enjoy a tasting of the delicious end product, as well as seeing a demonstration from a traditional clog maker, and the making of Holland's sweetest treat: the stroopwafel.

The tour also takes a boat trip to the former island of Marken: in the IJsselmeer bay. The isolation of this place over many hundreds of years makes it perfect as an insight into traditional Dutch culture. Think painted wooden houses, quaint fishing boats and a beautiful lighthouse. The tour gives you free time to eat, and we highly recommend that you try some of the traditional Dutch herring!

After 5 and a half hours immersed in the traditional Dutch way of life, the tour drops you off back in the centre of Amsterdam.

Canal Cruise

If you wish, you can take a free cruise of the Amsterdam canals, included in the price of the activity. This cruise leaves from Prins Hendrikkade 25, and runs regularly from 9:30 am to 9 pm. This activity can be taken separately from the main tour, and at a time of your choosing, without reservation.