Explore Hidden Holland: Private Tour of Ancient Towns, Windmills & Lakes Near Amsterdam
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; light walking required at each stop.
Overview
Escape the crowds of Amsterdam and discover Holland’s hidden gems—ancient fortified towns, secret windmills, and Europe’s largest freshwater lake—on a private seven-hour guided tour off the beaten path.
Amsterdam private tour Off the beaten path
See the hidden highlights of undiscovered Holland
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on a unique private tour of Holland, exploring hidden gems away from the crowds. Discover ancient towns, stunning windmills, and the largest freshwater lake in Europe. With expert guides, delve into Dutch ingenuity in water management and agriculture, all while enjoying picturesque landscapes and local culture.
Duration: 8 hours
Starting time: 9.00am
Group size 1-5 people
This is a seasonal tour which we only run in springtime, during March, April and the first weeks of May. On this tour you'll experience the best Holland has to offer in spring: tulips, windmills and countryside. Join us on our wonderful tulip tour through the famous flower fields of Holland near Lisse and the Keukenhof.
We drive with a small van, so we can take you to the best viewpoints and places where the big tour busses can't come. The flower fields around Lisse and Hillegom bloom depending weather circumstances like temperature, rain and sunshine. Of course we also visit the Keukenhof, the biggest flower garden in the world.
After this amazing flower experience we drive to the windmills of the Zaanse Schans. This is the best place in Holland to see old windmills. On our way back to Amsterdam we stop at cheese farm Simonehoeve to taste cheese. We’re flexible so we can adjust the tour to your wishes and lunch is not included but you can decide when and where you want to eat.
Highlights
- Tulips at Keukenhof flower experience
- Windmills at Zaanse Schans
- Dutch countryside
Includes
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Pickup details
Pick up time is 9:00am. We pick up from any hotel, Airbnb address or location in Amsterdam within a radius of 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the city center. For a pickup (and/or return) from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport or another location outside the 6 miles radius we charge €30,-.
Important to Know
This private tour is not suitable for children under the age of 7 years old.
Meeting Point
Your hotel or Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Adventure Tips
Bring comfortable walking shoes
Several stops include walking around historic towns and windmill sites with uneven cobblestone streets.
Dress for variable weather
Weather in the Netherlands can change quickly; layers help you stay comfortable throughout the day.
Carry a reusable water bottle
Although bottled water is provided, having your own helps reduce plastic waste on the tour.
Charge your camera or phone
You’ll want to capture the picturesque windmills, lakes, and charming towns on this scenic private tour.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mute swans on the freshwater lakes
- Common kingfisher along the canals
History
The fortified town of Naarden is one of the best-preserved star forts in Europe, dating back to the 17th century as part of Dutch defense against invasions.
Conservation
This tour highlights Dutch water management efforts crucial in environmental protection and maintains small group sizes to minimize impacts on fragile rural sites.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Amsterdam
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Ideal for exploring historic towns with cobblestone streets and uneven terrain.
Light waterproof jacket
spring specific
Camera or smartphone
For capturing the scenic views of windmills, lakes, and countryside.
Reusable water bottle
Helps stay hydrated while minimizing plastic use during the tour.