Zaanse Schans Volendam Windmills and Fishing Villages
A nostalgic visit to the northern part of the Netherlands, also known as Old Holland, is truly memorable. It offers an enriching glimpse into the old-world charm of Dutch culture and traditions. Apart from exploring windmills and the harbor and watching clog-making, you also get to taste authentic Dutch cheese, tantalizing your taste buds. Since you have a trained driver who is well-versed in the local language, you have the time to explore this historical side of Amsterdam’s countryside as per your will and choice.
Amsterdam Countryside, Windmills & Fishing Villages
Book a private day tour from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans & Volendam Windmills and Fishing Villages. Driven by a professional chauffeur, get ready to sit back and experience a luxurious drive to Zaanse Schans and then to Volendam. The journey starts from Amsterdam in a premium sedan or minibus. You will be picked up from your hotel directly, and as you drive down the lanes, you will be wowed by the rustic Amsterdam countryside. A complimentary water bottle awaits you as you settle comfortably in the car.
A 20-minute drive from Amsterdam to the North takes you to the picturesque Old Holland region. The first stop is Zaanse Schans. As a part of the private tour, you are free to discover the countryside at your own pace, assisted by a private driver who is well-versed in the local language and the routes. The bespoke Amsterdam countryside tour lets you get closer to the traditional Dutch culture, windmills, and craftsmanship. All these sites are superb for clicking some Instagrammable-worthy pictures.
Experience the Charm of Amsterdam’s Countryside
Get ready to discover the 18th and 19th centuries at Zaanse Schans and Volendam. It is a part of the Netherlands where vintage wooden houses are still common. Windmills and barns are present at every corner. The landscape is ultra-classical and traditional, yet you will discover that people still reside here, basking in the timeless elegance of the place.
Start from Amsterdam
The Zaanse Schans Windmills tour starts from Amsterdam. You are picked up from your hotel in a luxury car driven by a trained private chauffeur. This 20-minute drive will allow you to witness scenic routes and enjoy the journey.
Arrival in Zaanse Schans and Volendam
When you arrive in Zaanse Schans, the region’s vintage feel will greet you. The private driver will curate a customized itinerary for your Amsterdam countryside tour, including visiting the Zaans Museum, World of Windmills, wooden shoe workshop, and Dutch cheese factory. This tailored itinerary will ensure you do not miss any iconic spots of this charming place.
After filling your heart with the vintage feel, you are driven to the final destination, Volendam, the fishing village near Amsterdam. It just takes 25 minutes from Zaanse Schans. This place not only represents Dutch culture and traditions but also connects you with Old Holland. What to see in Volendam? The key highlights of this tour are the Volendam’s Museum, bakery, harbor, canals, and photography in traditional Dutch costume.
Major Attractions & Activities In Zaanse Schans
- Free -Time & Sightseeing in Zaanse Schans
After arriving in Zaanse Schans, you will have an excellent opportunity to explore this beautiful region for about 1.5 hours. You can relax by the water’s edge or enjoy some serene moments amidst the scenic surroundings. The combination of natural beauty and cultural treasures of Zaanse Schans offers an unforgettable experience, especially if you want to discover authentic Dutch life.
- Zaanse Schans museum
If you are interested in discovering the rich history of Zaanse Schans, you must explore the Zaanse Schans Museum. This 45-minute visit will offer insights into the region’s industrial heritage through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
- World of Windmills (Zaanse Schans Windmills)
The Amsterdam countryside tour is incomplete without stopping by the iconic Dutch windmills, a living testament to the glorious past of the Netherlands. These windmills in Amsterdam stand tall as historical structures, powering the countryside sustainably. These traditional mills dot the skyline of this rustic place and are a matter of great pride for the local community. Your private chauffeur can fill in more details as you stop by these mills.
- Wooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans
Uplift your Amsterdam countryside tour experience by attending a Wooden shoe workshop in Zaanse Schans. This 30-minute live workshop will help you explore how wooden clogs are designed, providing a beautiful glimpse into traditional Dutch craftsmanship.
- Cheese tasting at Cheese Factory
Authentic Dutch cheese is filled with rich flavors and worthy of a taste that you definitely don’t want to overlook. The cheese factory will offer an extraordinary culinary experience for which your taste buds will thank you. Don’t forget to try this traditional hand-made 30 varieties of cheese.
Major Attractions & Activities In Volendam
- Free Time & Sightseeing
Once you’ve explored Zaans Schans, it’s time to witness the beauty of the fishing village of Volendam. Initially, you will have approximately 2 hours of free time to discover and capture the awe-inspiring views at the waterfront. Make the most of these 2 hours by wandering around the charming village so you can take home some ultimate memories.
- Smit-Bokkum (Lunch)
After sightseeing, you will have a delightful lunch experience at Smit-Bokkum, which is famous for its traditional smoked eel delicacies. Spend an hour indulging in the rich flavors of freshly cooked seafood dishes and local specialties.
- Foto De Boer (Dress up like a true Volendammer in Traditional Dutch Costume)
In this fishing village near Amsterdam, you can visit a traditional eel smokehouse where you can dress up like a true Volendammer, followed by a ride to the Isle of Marken in your luxury car or by boat (optional). You can then stroll down the Volendam harbor and devour the scenic beauty of houses and fishing boats.
- Volendam Harbor
Your Private Countryside Tour of Amsterdam offers breathtaking views of the rural Dutch landscape. The harbor is the main attraction of the lively hamlet. The nostalgic allure of fishing vessels and yachts as they lazily bond seems like a picture from a different world. This fishing village near Amsterdam greets you with tiny wooden houses. What you cannot miss is the maze of narrow streets behind the dyke.
- Volendams Museum
Take a 30-minute visit to Volendams Museum to explore the village’s maritime history, colorful costumes, and local art. You will have a great time in knowing about Volendam’s past.
- Woltje’s Backerij (Bakery Visit)
Lastly, you can visit Woltje’s Backerij, a famous bakery in Volendam. The delightful aroma of freshly baked treats will definitely make you crave them. Discover the ultimate Dutch baking style through this 30-minute bakery visit.
Your chauffeur ensures a rewarding experience throughout the private countryside tour of Amsterdam with personalized attention. From experiencing the rustic beauty, traditional craftwork, and historical engineering, the itinerary is crafted according to your interests and availability. With this, your countryside tour is completed, and you return to Amsterdam in your private car.
Tips and Recommendations
Follow these tips to make your journey truly enjoyable.
Best Times to Visit the Countryside
You can visit Zaanse Schans Volendam any time of the year, but the place is majestic during the day. Early morning visits will be the ideal choice.
Extra Payments
The itinerary does not include tickets and entry fees, wherever applicable. If the itinerary is pre-defined, the tickets can be booked upfront. However, with a private tour, the advantage is that you can choose where you want to visit at your own pace.
Conclusion
With a private chauffeur, your tour to Zaanse Schans Volendam is all about personalized experiences. The entire Amsterdam countryside tour is conducted by a super-luxury vehicle with a professional driver accompanying you. Our tours are all about personalization, the freedom to explore all the places at your comfort and pace.
More day trips with private driver available
If you like this tour, you will also love Giethoorn. That is also a place where time has stood still. Would you rather visit an old city that is less like an open air museum? We are happy to take you to the beautiful cities of Delft and The Hague.
William Brown (verified owner) –
The personalized touches on our private tour, such as surprise treats and insider tips, made us feel like we were experiencing the city through the eyes of a local friend.
Harper Simmons (verified owner) –
Our guide’s passion for their city was palpable on our private tour, making it an unforgettable journey of discovery and adventure.
Jessica Williams (verified owner) –
The personalized itinerary of our private tour allowed us to delve deep into the aspects of the city that interested us most, creating a truly tailored experience.
Lucas Hendriks (verified owner) –
We were blown away by the depth of knowledge our guide possessed, making our private tour not only informative but also incredibly engaging and entertaining.