Amsterdam: Giethoorn, Volendam, and Zaanse Schans Tour

Taking a day to explore North Holland’s iconic sights is a fantastic way to experience the essence of Dutch culture and scenery. This 10-hour guided tour, offered by Xavaria Experience, takes you through three of the most picturesque destinations: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Giethoorn. It promises a blend of windmills, traditional crafts, vibrant fishing villages, and tranquil canals. With a solid 4.7-star rating from over 600 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this trip worth their time and money.

One thing we especially appreciate about this tour is the chance to see authentic Dutch craftsmanship—from cheese and clogs to windmill workings—and to do so in a small-group setting, which often makes for a more personal experience. However, some might find the packed itinerary a little rushed, especially if you love spending more time at each stop. If you’re after a quick but comprehensive taste of Dutch heritage, this tour hits the mark. It’s best suited for travelers who want a well-organized day trip, appreciate storytelling from guides, and are happy to walk and stand in the sun or rain.

Key Points

• Authentic Dutch sites: Windmills, clog workshops, cheese farms, and charming fishing villages.
• Diverse experiences: Canal cruises, walking tours, cheese tasting, traditional crafts.
• Small-group format: Offers a more intimate, engaging atmosphere with knowledgeable guides.
• All-in-one day: Covers three major destinations, perfect for a quick yet thorough introduction to North Holland.
• Value for money: At $158, this trip offers a lot—transport, guided tours, tastings, and boat rides.
• Weather considerations: The tour takes place rain or shine, so come prepared for all weather.

What to Expect from the Tour

This experience is designed to give you a well-rounded snapshot of Dutch life, history, and scenery in just one day. Starting at De Ruijterkade 99, the tour kicks off early, departing at 8:30 AM, and whisks you through three distinct destinations. The focus is on quality, not quantity, meaning you get to truly experience each place rather than rushing through.

Zaanse Schans: A Living Museum of Windmills and Crafts

The first stop is Zaanse Schans, a snapshot of the Netherlands in the golden age when windmills powered industry and land reclamation. Here, you’ll see well-preserved windmills and traditional Dutch houses. Visitors often highlight the guided tour and free time (about 105 minutes) as a perfect way to explore. Expect to see artisans demonstrating wooden shoe making and to taste fresh Dutch cheese at the local farm.

Reviewers love the visual appeal of Zaanse Schans. One mentioned how impressive the windmills are, especially when you get inside to see the ancient milling techniques still being demonstrated. The aroma of cheese and the sight of colorful tulip fields nearby add to the charm. Many note that the cheese tasting is a real highlight, especially as the farm uses centuries-old methods.

Charming Volendam: The Iconic Fishing Village

Next, the tour moves to Volendam, a lively harbor town that’s been a tourist magnet since 1875. Here, you’ll have about 90 minutes to explore. The narrow streets are filled with traditional houses painted in bright colors, and the lively harbor buzzes with fishermen bringing in their catches. Visitors enjoy strolling along the waterfront and snapping photos of the lighthouse, a symbol of the village’s maritime history.

Local guides often emphasize the vibrant atmosphere of Volendam and encourage visitors to try some local street food or shop for souvenirs. Several reviews mention the friendly locals dressed in traditional costumes—a fun photo opportunity and a chance to connect with Dutch traditions. One reviewer noted, “It’s bursting with character and authenticity, perfect for a quick cultural snapshot.”

Giethoorn: The Serene ‘Venice of the North’

The final destination is Giethoorn, known for its beautiful canals, thatched-roof farmhouses, and peaceful vibe. The highlight here is the canal cruise—a tranquil ride through the village’s winding waterways, often dubbed the “Venice of the North.” Visitors get about 2.5 hours in Giethoorn, which includes some free time to wander the streets, explore cozy cafes, or take photos.

Reviewers often describe Giethoorn as magical and calming. One mentioned how photos don’t do justice to the breathtaking views they experienced in person. The boat ride is praised as a peaceful way to see the village’s unique architecture and lush surroundings, with many feeling it’s the perfect ending to the day.

The Practicalities: Transportation, Guides, and Timing

Transportation is by comfortable minivan or bus, with pickups at De Ruijterkade—a convenient location near Amsterdam Central Station. The tour departs promptly at 8:30 AM, so arriving 15 minutes early is advised.

The tour is guided in English and Dutch, with many reviews praising the guides’ depth of knowledge, friendliness, and humor. Names like Adonis, Igor, Antonis, Berke, and Tomi come up repeatedly as guides who make the experience engaging and informative.

Group sizes tend to be small—often just 6 to 8 people—which enhances interaction and comfort. Reviewers frequently comment on how guides share local secrets, interesting stories, and recommendations for food and photos, making it feel more like a day out with friends than a generic tour.

Timing and Pacing

The itinerary is quite tight, with 105 minutes at Zaanse Schans, 90 minutes at Volendam, and 2.5 hours in Giethoorn. While this structure maximizes the sights, some travelers find it a bit rushed, especially if they love taking longer photos or exploring in depth. A common suggestion from reviews is to add more time for photos, especially at Giethoorn, where the scenery is particularly photogenic.

Cost and Value

At $158 per person, this tour offers full-day transportation, a canal cruise, guided commentary, cheese, and clog demonstrations—all important highlights included in the price. Many reviewers praise the value for money, especially when considering the small-group setting and local guide expertise.

Some note that additional expenses like meals or souvenirs aren’t included, which is typical, but the tastings and demonstrations are quite generous, giving a true taste of Dutch culture.

Authentic Experiences That Stand Out

What truly makes this tour shine is the combination of authentic craftsmanship, scenic beauty, and lively villages. Reviewers often mention that they loved seeing how traditional Dutch clogs are made and sampling fresh cheese made using centuries-old techniques. The boat ride in Giethoorn is consistently described as peaceful and picturesque—a highlight that many say exceeds expectations.

Several reviews mention the knowledgeable guides, who make the trip memorable with fun facts, stories, and helpful tips. For example, one reviewer said, “Antonis is an excellent guide—he shared so many stories and made the entire day entertaining.”

A Few Considerations

While most travelers had positive experiences, a few pointed out that the itinerary can feel a little rushed, especially for those who prefer to linger longer at each site. The tour’s strict schedule means you should be ready for a lot of walking and standing in the elements. It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for possible rain, as the tour runs rain or shine.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive, guided introduction to North Holland’s most photogenic and culturally rich sites. It’s perfect for those who enjoy small-group settings, appreciate local craftsmanship, and don’t mind a busy day packed with sightseeing. Families, couples, and solo travelers who want to see windmills, traditional villages, and serene canals will find excellent value here.

However, if you crave more leisurely exploration or are traveling with mobility challenges, you might find the schedule a bit brisk. It’s also suitable if you’re short on time but still want to tick off the Netherlands’ top sights in one go.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting early at 8:30 AM and ending back at the meeting point in the early evening.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation, a guided tour in English and Dutch, a canal cruise in Giethoorn, cheese tasting, and demonstrations of clog making are included. Meals and personal expenses are not.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
While most people enjoy it, the tour involves quite a bit of walking and standing, so it’s less suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (raincoat or umbrella), and a camera for all the scenic shots.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, there are shopping opportunities at Zaanse Schans and Volendam, with souvenirs like wooden clogs, cheese, and crafts.

What’s the guide like?
Reviewers consistently praise guides such as Antonis, Igor, and Adonis for their knowledge, friendliness, and sense of humor, making the experience both educational and fun.

Final Thoughts

This guided tour of Giethoorn, Volendam, and Zaanse Schans offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and authentic crafts. For around $158, you get a full day of exploration, guided commentary, tastings, and boat rides—making it an excellent value for travelers wanting an immersive Dutch experience without the hassle of planning every detail.

It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy small-group tours, want to learn about traditional Dutch life, and appreciate beautiful, photo-worthy locations. While the schedule is packed, many find the variety and depth of experiences worth the quick pace, especially with an engaging guide leading the way.

Whether you’re snapping photos of windmills, sampling cheese straight from the farm, or drifting through Giethoorn’s peaceful canals, this tour promises memories that capture the heart and charm of the Netherlands.