Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Cheese Tasting & Volendam Tour

Exploring the Netherlands Beyond Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Cheese Tasting & Volendam Tour

If you’re visiting Amsterdam and craving a genuine taste of traditional Dutch life, this tour offers a compact yet immersive glimpse into the country’s iconic countryside. For just $14 per person, you’ll get to wander through historic windmills, sample classic cheeses, and stroll through a picture-perfect fishing village—all in a comfortably paced 5-hour trip. What we love most is how this tour balances fun and education, making it perfect for travelers seeking to understand Dutch culture without feeling overwhelmed.

One aspect to consider is the tour’s duration; while it’s ideal for a quick escape from city life, those looking for a deep-dive into every aspect of Dutch traditions might find it a bit brief. Still, the small-group format (max. 30 guests) keeps things intimate, friendly, and easy to navigate. This experience is ideal for curious travelers, families, or anyone wanting a snapshot of the Dutch countryside combined with practical, engaging activities.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visit a traditional windmill village and see live demonstrations of Dutch crafts.
• Cultural Insights: Enjoy a bilingual video guide that shares amusing facts and history.
• Tasty Delights: Sample a variety of cheeses at a centuries-old cheese farm.
• Charming Town: Explore the colorful fishing village of Volendam at your own pace.
• Comfortable Travel: Travel in a midibus with a small, manageable group for a relaxed atmosphere.
• Flexible Exploration: Free time at each stop allows for photos, shopping, or just soaking in the scene.

A Close Look at the Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at De Ruijterkade 151, conveniently located behind Amsterdam Central Station. From there, you’ll hop onto a comfortable midibus, which is a key advantage—smaller buses mean less time spent in transit and more time exploring. The journey to Zaanse Schans takes about 30 minutes, during which an onboard video guide provides entertaining and educational commentary. Expect a light-hearted tone, with fun facts and stories that make the trip more engaging rather than just a transfer.

Zaanse Schans: Windmills and Workshops

The highlight of the tour is the Zaanse Schans, a windmill village that feels like stepping back into a fairytale. With about 1.5 hours of free time, you can wander past historic windmills, explore green wooden houses, and peek into workshops where traditional crafts—like clog making—still happen.

What makes Zaanse Schans special is its authenticity. You’re not just observing; you’re witnessing a living tradition. Some reviews mention the live Dutch cheese-making demo, which really enriches the experience. Seeing cheese made in real-time, then tasting a variety of cheeses—ranging from soft young Gouda to aged varieties—is a treat that makes the visit memorable. One reviewer noted, “The cheese tasting was fantastic; I felt like a local sampling all these delicious flavors.”

Cheese Tasting: A Traditional Affair

After exploring Zaanse Schans, the tour continues with a cheese tasting at a traditional farm. For about 25 minutes, you’ll enjoy sampling a selection of Dutch cheeses, each with its own story. The demonstration is straightforward but informative, giving you insight into centuries-old cheese-making techniques. The experience isn’t just about flavor; it’s about understanding the craftsmanship behind these iconic products.

Volendam: The Picture-Perfect Fishing Village

Next, you’ll head to Volendam, a vibrant fishing town bursting with color. With around 1.5 hours of free time, you can stroll along the harbor, browse local shops, or try some famous Dutch snacks like freshly fried fish or stroopwafels. A fun option, cherished by many travelers, is dressing up in traditional Dutch clothing for a quick photo—adding a playful touch to your visit.

The town exudes charm, with narrow streets lined with cozy cafés and souvenir shops. One reviewer shared, “Volendam felt like stepping into a postcard—so colorful and welcoming. I loved wandering around at my own pace.”

Return Journey and Final Impressions

After your exploration, the bus departs back to Amsterdam, arriving at the starting point after roughly 30 minutes. Throughout the trip, the onboard video guide continues to deliver witty, insightful commentary, making the journey both entertaining and educational.

Practical Details and Why They Matter

Value for Money

At just $14, this tour offers remarkable value. For a fraction of what other guided excursions might cost, you get transportation, a professional guide (via video), and visits to multiple iconic sites. The inclusion of a cheese tasting and small-group setting enhances the personal feel, making it more than just a bus ride.

Timing and Duration

Spanning 5 hours, the tour is perfectly paced for those with limited time but eager to experience the countryside. The schedule allows for ample exploration at each stop without feeling rushed, giving you the flexibility to take photos, shop for souvenirs, or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a midibus with a maximum of 30 guests keeps things intimate. Smaller groups tend to be more flexible and less crowded, which enhances comfort and interaction. The transportation is direct and hassle-free, making the transition between sites smooth.

Accessibility and Comfort

The tour is wheelchair accessible, a plus for travelers with mobility needs. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes—both Zaanse Schans and Volendam involve some strolling—and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as Dutch weather can be unpredictable.

What We Think Could Be Improved

While the tour hits many high notes, some might find the 5-hour window a tad brief if they’re avid explorers or want more in-depth experiences. Plus, since hotel pickup isn’t included, travelers need to arrange their own transport to the meeting point, which is quite straightforward given its central location.

Final Reflection

This tour is an excellent pick for travelers who want an authentic taste of Dutch life without dedicating an entire day. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate small-group settings, practical insights, and a mix of sightseeing, tasting, and light cultural activities. If your goal is to understand what makes the Netherlands unique—its windmills, cheeses, and charming villages—this experience delivers those essentials perfectly.

What makes it stand out is how accessible and straightforward it is, making it ideal for families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a relaxed, informative escape from busy Amsterdam. You’ll leave with plenty of photos, a few tasty cheeses, and a deeper appreciation of Dutch traditions—all for a budget-friendly price.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including transportation, visits, and free exploration time.

Where does the tour start?
Meet at De Ruijterkade 151, near the Aloha Bowling entrance, behind Amsterdam Central Station. Arrive 10-15 minutes early.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a midibus that’s cozy and suitable for small groups, ensuring a relaxed ride with minimal stops.

Are the guides bilingual?
The onboard video guide provides insights in both English and Spanish, making it accessible for a diverse group of travelers.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation, the visit to Zaanse Schans, cheese farm entry, cheese-making demonstration, cheese tasting, and time in Volendam.

Are there options for free time?
Absolutely. You’ll have free time at Zaanse Schans and Volendam to explore, shop, or take photos at your own pace.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, but it’s advisable to confirm specific mobility needs with the provider beforehand.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, water, and personal ID or passport.

Can I dress up in traditional Dutch clothing?
Yes, during your time in Volendam, you can dress up for fun photos in traditional costumes.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included—only the cheese tasting. You can purchase food at the stops if desired.

To sum it up, this tour offers a fantastic snapshot of classic Dutch culture—windmills, cheese, and charming towns—at an unbeatable price. It’s ideal for those seeking a balanced, authentic, and fun introduction to the Netherlands’ countryside. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking for a quick cultural fix, this experience can enrich your understanding of Dutch traditions while keeping things light and enjoyable.