From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Marken Day Trip

History

The Dutch countryside around Amsterdam is rich in tradition, culture, and iconic landmarks that reflect centuries of heritage. Zaanse Schans, established as a living museum, preserves historical windmills, wooden houses, and artisan workshops, giving visitors a glimpse into 18th and 19th-century Dutch life. Volendam and Marken, historic fishing villages, have maintained their cultural identity over the years, from traditional costumes to cheese-making and boat building.

This day trip offers an immersive journey into the Netherlands’ past and present, combining scenic landscapes, hands-on demonstrations, and small-town charm. Travelers experience local traditions, historic architecture, and regional delicacies, making it a quintessential Dutch adventure.

Highlights

• Explore Zaanse Schans, home to perfectly preserved windmills and quaint Dutch houses
• Visit the fishing village of Volendam and enjoy traditional Dutch cheese tasting
• Stop at the island community of Marken for a scenic boat ride
• Experience a working windmill and a clog-making demonstration
• View iconic Dutch landmarks like the Peace Palace and Madurodam miniature park

Full Description

Embark on a full-day excursion from Amsterdam into the Dutch countryside, combining cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and authentic experiences. Start at Zaanse Schans, where you can wander among historical windmills, explore old houses, and capture classic Dutch scenery.

Continue to Volendam, a lively fishing village, to witness traditional cheese-making and enjoy a presentation of locally made cheeses. Visitors have the option to enjoy a meal in a fish restaurant before exploring more of Volendam’s charms.

From there, travel by boat to Marken, a picturesque island community. Here, you can visit a traditional Marker house, experience a working windmill, and watch an antique steam-powered clog-making demonstration. The tour provides ample opportunities to immerse yourself in Dutch traditions while enjoying the serene countryside and waterways.

Please note that the itinerary may change due to traffic conditions, roadworks, or other unforeseen circumstances.

What’s Included

• Transportation by luxurious air-conditioned bus with free Wi-Fi
• Traditional Dutch experiences in Volendam & Marken
• Up-close visit to the windmills of Zaanse Schans
• Cheese demonstration
• Visit to a traditional Marker house (All-inclusive option)
• 30-minute boat tour between Volendam and Marken (All-inclusive option)
• Operating windmill visit and clog-making demonstration (All-inclusive option)

Meeting Point

Tours and Tickets office, IJ Hall, Amsterdam Central Station. Look for the poster with red letters. The office is at the back of the station, near the water.

How to get there:

• Metro: Lines 51, 52, 53, 54 to Amsterdam Central Station
• Tram: Lines 4, 14, 24, 26 stop nearby
• On Foot: Accessible from the station’s main hall

Price

From $44 per person

Traveler Reviews

“A great experience, the guides were nice and very informative.”
“Great time had by all, guides were excellent. I couldn’t fault it.”
“Very good trip, the coach was comfortable, and the attractions we visited were excellent.”