Windmills Tour: Zaanse Schans and Volendam
This windmills tour leaves Amsterdam behind and steps back in time as you head to the serene Dutch countryside for a taste of the real Zaanse Schans experience.
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.
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, between the 18th of March and the 27th of October (inclusive) you can take a 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.
Price
More Information
Duration
5.5 hours.
Language
This is a bilingual (English/Spanish) guided tour.
Included
English speaking guide.
Transport.
Up close visit to the Zaanse Schans windmills.
Visit to a cheese factory with tasting.
Clog making demonstration.
Stroopwafel making demonstration.
Boat trip to Marken.
Amsterdam canal cruise.
Not included
Lunch.
When to book?
Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
You can book up until the previous day (12:00 PM local time) if there are still places available.
Ticket
Once your booking has been confirmed, you will receive an email containing your booking voucher. Please print it out or download on your smartphone/tablet to show on the day of the activity.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
If you still have more questions, check out our section on frequently asked questions. If you need help to book an activity or have any enquiries, please contact us.
Meeting point
Amsterdam Central Station: IJ-Hal, De Ruijterkade 34 a
