When visiting Holland, this tour offers the perfect introduction of everything Holland has to offer. In one day, you'll explore iconic windmills, see clogs being made, indulge in a Gouda cheese tasting and learn about the South Sea reclamation. Visit the charming fishing village of Volendam, stroll through its harbor, and enjoy a scenic ferry ride to the peninsula of Marken, a place where time seems to stand still. Known for its traditional wooden houses, Marken offers a glimpse into old Dutch life, with its picturesque streets.
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel for departure to Zaanse Schans.
Zaanse Schans: Explore this picturesque, historic village, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Wander among the iconic wooden houses, and working windmills, while learning about the area's rich history and heritage. Your guide will lead you along the dike next to the river Zaan, passing the iconic windmills and sharing stories about life during the Dutch Golden Age.
De Kat Windmill: This iconic paint mill, dating back to 1781, is the last working paint mill in the world. As a miller's daughter, Esther can tell you everything about the windmills, sharing fascinating insights into their history, operation, and the vital role they played in Dutch life. Learn about the process of making pigments and the role of windmills in Dutch industry. If you wish, you can climb the windmill and enjoy stunning views from the external gallery.
If you've always been curious about how traditional wooden clogs are made, the Wooden Shoe Craft Demonstration is the perfect opportunity to learn. At the Clog Museum, you’ll dive deeper into the history of Dutch clogs, discovering how they were traditionally worn by farmers, workers, and sailors. The museum showcases a wide variety of clogs, from the simple ones used for daily work to the beautifully decorated ones made for special occasions.
Cheese Experience: At Henri Willig's cheese farm, you'll taste a variety of Gouda and Edam cheeses, with over 30 different flavors to explore. This experience is a must for cheese lovers. The best part? These cheeses are specially crafted for travel, so you can take the authentic flavors of Holland home, no matter where you're going.
Enjoy a local fish tasting at the best fish restaurant in Volendam, Smit-Bokkum, where you can savor Herring and freshly smoked fish, including their famous local delicacy smoked eel, prepared using a secret smoking process passed down through six generations. If you're not a fan of fish, don't worry! As locals, we know plenty of other great restaurants to suit your preferences.
Hop on a ferry across the IJsselmeer to Marken, a quant village that was once an island in the Zuiderzee. Marken charms visitors with its traditional wooden houses and drawbridges.
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We’ll take a brief walk through this picturesque village, enjoying its unique atmosphere. Connected to the mainland by a dam since 1957, Marken offers a glimpse into the past.
Return to your hotel: After a delightful half day exploring Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken and a Cheese farm the tour concludes with a return to your hotel in Amsterdam.
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Prices are the same for all our tours. All tours include private pick up, windmill entries & a complimentary bottle of water.