Dutch Countryside Tours with Xalam in Amsterdam

Situated in North Holland, Amsterdam serves as an energetic gateway to the Dutch countryside’s iconic landmarks and serene waterways. Xalam Tours offers a unique full-day experience combining two distinct destinations: the historic windmill area of Zaanse Schans and the water village of Giethoorn. This guided combo tour is a rare chance to witness quintessential Dutch culture seamlessly blended with outdoor adventure.

Zaanse Schans is widely recognized for its brightly painted wooden windmills set against a backdrop of sprawling meadows and the calm Zaan River. These 18th- and 19th-century mills still function in traditional ways, grinding spices, oils, and grains. Walking among them, visitors get an intimate look at the craftsmanship that sustained the region for centuries. Xalam Tours brings this history alive, letting travelers watch artisans hand-carve wooden clogs and produce authentic Dutch cheese, ensuring a sensory experience that goes beyond sightseeing.

From there, the journey moves on to Giethoorn, known as the “Venice of the North.” Without roads slicing through its center, this village’s network of canals glides silently under wooden arch bridges and past thatched cottages covered in ivy. The tranquil canal cruise included in the tour highlights a rare lifestyle tied intimately to water, offering a peaceful contrast to Amsterdam’s urban buzz.

This combo tour stands out in the outdoor adventure landscape of the Netherlands by merging cultural immersion with gentle movement through stunning natural and man-made environments. Xalam Tours, operating in this region, elevates visitor experience by emphasizing active engagement—through walking, tasting, and boating—rather than passive observation. For those seeking an accessible but enriching excursion outside city limits, this guided day trip offers authentic connection to Dutch countryside tradition and unique waterways.

Whether you’re drawn by historic industry or idyllic canals, Xalam Tours presents this part of the Netherlands as a living, breathing landscape, perfect for travelers craving meaningful outdoor encounters just a short drive from Amsterdam’s center.