Non touristic Private Sightseeing Countryside Windmill Tour

Discovering the Dutch Countryside with the Windmill Girls

This private, non-touristy windmill tour in Amsterdam offers a refreshing alternative to crowded sightseeing. Led by two passionate local guides who grew up among windmills, this six-hour journey takes you through scenic villages, historic windmills, and iconic polders. The tour balances authentic experiences with picturesque views, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking for a deeper, more personal taste of Holland’s rural charm.

One of the standout features is the tour’s focus on less touristy gems like De Rijp and Broek in Waterland, places often missed on conventional routes. The guides’ genuine knowledge and personal stories about windmills and local history add a warm, engaging touch. However, with a price of around $400 per person, this experience is best suited for those eager to explore the countryside at a relaxed pace with tailored insights.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and you love combining scenic landscapes with cultural insights and unique tastings, this tour will be a highlight of your Amsterdam trip. Just be prepared for a full day of discovery—it’s a bit more luxe than your typical group outing but truly rewarding.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Led by local guides who were raised around windmills, offering genuine stories and insider knowledge.
• Hidden Gems: Visits to less touristy villages like De Rijp and Broek in Waterland, plus a scenic drive through reclaimed land.
• Cultural & Historical Insights: Explore historic windmills from the 17th century and learn about Dutch water management.
• Tasty Highlights: Gouda cheese tasting at a top cheese farm, with 30 flavors to sample—perfect for cheese lovers.
• Flexible & Private: Only your group participates, with hotel pickup and drop-off, making it personalized and comfortable.
• Value for Money: A comprehensive 6-hour tour blending scenery, history, food, and local stories at a premium price.

An In-Depth Look at the Windmill Countryside Tour

Starting Out: Pickup and First Impressions

The day begins with a convenient hotel pickup in Amsterdam around 9:30 am. Private transportation ensures a stress-free start, with your guides—known as the Windmill Girls—welcoming you aboard. Their enthusiasm for the area is contagious, and they have a knack for sharing stories that bring the landscape and history alive.

This personalized approach means fewer travelers, more tailored attention, and an authentic feel that larger group tours often lack. Plus, bottled water and parking fees are included, adding to the overall ease of the experience.

Exploring the Museum Mill at Schermer

Your first stop is at the Museum Mill in Schermer, one of the largest reclaimed land areas in Holland. Here, you’ll see the impressive 17th-century windmill responsible for draining the lakes and creating the Schermerpolder. The guided visit inside the mill offers fascinating insights into water management technology from the Golden Age, a crucial part of Dutch history.

The guide’s knowledge shines as they explain how these giant wooden structures operated—something that many travelers might only glimpse from the outside elsewhere. The fact that admission is included means you can take your time exploring, and one reviewer even mentioned that the guides showed areas they wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

Scenic Drive on the Dikes and Village Visits

Next, you’ll traverse the dikes that surround the reclaimed land, passing by the Esthers family windmill, which adds a personal touch to the landscape. The drive offers stunning views of green meadows, waterways, and charming farmhouses, giving you a real sense of rural life.

The trip includes a visit to De Rijp, a surprisingly quiet fishing village with a storied past as a hub for herring fleets and whalers. Unlike heavily commercialized towns, De Rijp feels like stepping back in time—narrow streets, historic houses, and a peaceful atmosphere. As one reviewer said, it’s an “enchanting village to visit” free from mass tourism.

Passing Through UNESCO Heritage: The Beemster Polder

Driving through the Beemster, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you get a glimpse of Dutch ingenuity—an carefully planned system of roads, farms, and canals designed after the lake was drained. The views of traditional farmhouses and lush meadows highlight the impressive land reclamation that makes the Netherlands unique.

Cheese Tasting at Jacobs Hoeve

No Dutch countryside tour is complete without cheese, and here you’ll visit the Henri Willig cheese farm in Katwoude. With 30 flavors of Gouda and Edam, this tasting is a highlight—cheese lovers will find themselves in heaven, especially since the cheeses are crafted explicitly for travelers. You might find the friendly cheese farm staff happy to demonstrate how wooden shoes are made or even sell you a pair as a keepsake, adding a charming local touch.

According to a review, the cheese tasting is “delightful,” and the opportunity to try 30 flavors makes it a standout feature.

Lunch in Volendam

For lunch, guides are happy to recommend their favorite local spots, whether that’s a fish restaurant or a traditional Dutch pancake place. This flexibility lets you tailor the experience to your tastes, and it’s a pleasant chance to relax and soak in the harbor views.

Exploring Volendam and Broek in Waterland

Post-lunch, you’ll explore Volendam, one of Holland’s most iconic fishing villages. The harbor, with its colorful boats and historic houses, offers picture-perfect moments. The maze-like old town—built without a planned pattern—feels like stepping into a fairytale, with narrow streets and small fisherman’s houses lining the water.

Finally, a visit to Broek, a village surrounded by water and comparable to Giethoorn, rounds out the day. With its old wooden houses, ceremonial doors, and a charming 16th-century church, Broek provides a peaceful, scenic walk—something one reviewer described as “beautiful” with “original details preserved.”

Return to Amsterdam

The tour wraps up with a comfortable drive back to your hotel around 4 pm. The overall pacing is well-balanced, allowing enough time at each stop without feeling rushed.

Practical Aspects & Value

At around $400, this tour is on the higher end, but the inclusion of private transportation, multiple exclusive stops, and personalized guides justify the cost for many travelers. The six-hour duration offers a good balance between sightseeing and relaxation, with flexible options for lunch.

The tour’s small group/private nature means more meaningful conversations and tailored experiences. The guides’ enthusiasm and local upbringing make a noticeable difference—they’re not just narrators but passionate storytellers.

While the tour is quite comprehensive, it does exclude lunch, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred spot—something many travelers appreciate.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who are eager to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, appreciating history, scenic beauty, and local culture. It’s perfect for those who want to learn about Dutch water management and windmill technology from knowledgeable guides. If you love cheese, picturesque villages, and storytelling, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

It’s also ideal for visitors who prefer a private, personalized experience over group tours, and for those with a full day to dedicate to exploring the countryside at a relaxed pace.

The Sum Up

This private windmill tour offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse of Holland’s scenic countryside. Led by guides who are passionate and knowledgeable, you’ll visit hidden villages, historic windmills, and enjoy delicious cheese tastings—all at a leisurely pace. The combination of scenic drives, cultural insights, and charming stops makes it a fantastic choice for travelers wanting a genuine experience away from the crowds.

While the price reflects the personalized nature and private transport, many will find the quality, depth, and authenticity well worth the investment. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply someone who loves scenic landscapes, this tour offers a lovely balance of everything that makes Dutch countryside so special.

If you treasure authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences with local guides who truly care, this is a tour you’ll cherish. It’s a peaceful, insightful day out that leaves you with stories and sights to remember long after you return home.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Amsterdam, making it very convenient and stress-free.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, from pickup to return, allowing plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred local restaurant during the stop in Volendam.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. It’s a private tour, so it accommodates individual needs better than large group excursions.

What’s special about the guides?
The guides, known as the Windmill Girls, are passionate locals who grew up around windmills. Their stories and insider knowledge greatly enrich the experience.

Can I visit the inside of the windmills?
Yes, at the Museum Mill in Schermer, you can go inside and see how the mill works—admission is included.

How much walking is involved?
The tour involves some walking through villages like De Rijp and Broek, but it’s generally a relaxed pace suitable for most visitors.

In short, this private countryside windmill tour is a meaningful, scenic, and delicious way to discover Holland’s less touristy side. Perfect for those seeking cultural depth, authentic villages, and stunning views—all led by guides who truly love their homeland.