Adventure Collective
Countryside & Cultural Tours with Private Day Tours Amsterdam - Amsterdam

Countryside & Cultural Tours with Private Day Tours Amsterdam

Amsterdameasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

6–8 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking mostly on flat terrain.

Overview

Step beyond Amsterdam's city limits for a private day trip through North Holland’s working windmills, UNESCO polder lands, and historic fishing villages.

Bus Tour
Fishing
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

Zaanse Schans Windmills, Countryside & Fishing Villages

Starting from €540 | 7 Hours | Visit beautiful countryside just outside of Amsterdam

Select participants and date

Adventure Photos

Zaanse Schans Windmills, Countryside & Fishing Villages photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience the enchanting Dutch countryside on a private tour of Zaanse Schans and its picturesque fishing villages. Discover working windmills, traditional manufacturing, and the rich history of the Beemster. Stroll through charming streets in Volendam and Marken, immersing yourself in the serene beauty and heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Zaanse Schans Windmills, Countryside & Fishing Villages

Embark on a delightful private tour that takes you through the charming Dutch countryside. We’ll stroll through picturesque fishing villages and even visit a working windmill. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll witness the beauty of ribbons of farmland, lakes, dikes, and dams. At the Dutch heritage site of Zaanse Schans, you’ll gain insights into how the Golden Age shaped Amsterdam’s urban development. Witness fascinating demonstrations of traditional manufacturing processes and visit a charming wooden shoe factory.


Price

1 Person (Ages 7+) €540 2 People (Ages 7+) €590 3 People (Ages 7+) €630 4 People (Ages 7+) €690 5 People (Ages 7+) €740 6 People (Ages 7+) €790 **7-8 people on request


Tour duration

7 hours


Car

1-6 people: Chrysler Minivan 7-8 people: on request


Good to know

The itinerary is flexible, we do not rush guests around and we walk at your pace Dress comfortably in layers and bring a jacket Cobblestones and steps may be involved in your excursion All admission fees and parking costs are inclusive All tours begin and end in Amsterdam at your holiday accommodation We are certified guides and licensed Dekra D1 chauffeurs The car is an airconditioned Chrysler minivan Please refrain from bringing take-away beverages into the car Bottled water is available for your convenience. Lunch, beverages and gratuities are exclusive Traffic can cause delays Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted


Itinerary & Highlights

Your private guide will whisk you away to the Zaanse Schans, a charming Dutch heritage site. Get up close and personal with famous aspects of Dutch manufacturing, marvel at the old working windmills, and learn how products were crafted in the 17th and 18th centuries. After your visit to the Zaanse Schans, your guide will take you on a scenic drive through the Beemster, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll have the chance to visit an authentic working windmill. Next, your guide will take you to the fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, where you’ll embark on an off-the-beaten-path walking tour.

Zaanse Schans

After you bid farewell to Amsterdam, your guide will take you on a scenic drive through dutch countryside scattered with peat bogs, where the sea level can drop to an astonishing 9 feet in some spots! Throughout history, people from all over the world have been captivated by the Zaan region, with notable figures like Tsar Peter the Great and the renowned impressionist Claude Monet being among its early admirers. Today, the Zaanse Schans stands as a testament to Dutch heritage, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s manufacturing past. You’ll witness the intricate process of product creation and shipbuilding during the 17th and 18th centuries, making it an unforgettable experience.

The Beemster

Join us on a journey through charming 17th-century Dutch villages nestled along the ‘Beemster’, a picturesque lake that was the first land to be reclaimed using windmills back in the 17th century. Discover the fascinating history behind these iconic windmills, learn how they function, and even step inside a fully operational 17th-century windmill, a UNESCO heritage site!

Volendam

Join your guide on a delightful stroll through this charming fishing village. With its winding streets and cozy houses, you’ll find some truly special spots that are off the beaten path. Enjoy the view at Lake IJssel (Ijsselmeer) and stroll along the iconic dike. Here, you’ll discover a delightful array of charming restaurants, cozy bars, and unique souvenir shops.

Marken

Step into this hidden gem, a former island that was lost to the world until it was reunited with the mainland in the 1950s. Join your guide on a charming walking tour and unravel the secrets of this quaint fishing village. Wander through its serene streets and immerse yourself in its rich history.

Adventure Tips

Comfortable walking shoes recommended

The tour involves walking on cobblestones and uneven paths in villages and around windmills.

Bring a rain jacket

Weather in North Holland can change quickly, so packing waterproof gear is wise year-round.

Carry some cash

Some local shops and artisans may not accept cards, especially in smaller villages like Marken.

Prepare for limited cell service

Mobile reception can be spotty in rural areas; download maps or guides before departure.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Common kingfisher along the waterways
  • European hare spotted in open fields

History

The Beemster polder was reclaimed from the sea in 1612, making it one of the first major land reclamation projects in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Conservation

Efforts in this area focus on maintaining the balance between traditional land use and wetland conservation, supporting biodiversity while preserving cultural landscapes.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Amsterdam

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof jacket

Essential

Protects against sudden rain showers common in Northern Netherlands.

spring specific

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Provides support on cobblestone streets and grassy paths.

Camera or smartphone

Essential

Captures the iconic windmills, historic buildings, and scenic views.

Reusable water bottle

Keeps you hydrated during long summer days outdoors.

summer specific