Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Cheese Tasting & Volendam Tour
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
History
Zaanse Schans preserves the 18th–19th century industrial heart of the Netherlands, where over 600 windmills once powered sawmills, oil presses, and paint production. This open-air museum revives authentic Dutch craftsmanship.
Volendam, a historic Catholic fishing village, thrived on herring trade in the Zuiderzee before the 1932 dam transformed it into a serene cultural gem known for traditional dress and smoked eel.
Highlights
- Wander among iconic working windmills at Zaanse Schans
- Watch a live cheese-making demo and taste fresh Dutch varieties
- Explore the charming harbor and shops of Volendam at leisure
- Travel in a small midibus (max 30 guests) with bilingual video guide
- Immerse in authentic Dutch crafts, costumes, and countryside
Full Description
Escape Amsterdam for a half-day journey into classic Dutch heritage. In just 25 minutes, arrive at Zaanse Schans—a living village of creaking windmills, green wooden houses, and artisan workshops. Enjoy 1.5 hours of free exploration: photograph spinning sails, peek into clog-carving studios, and breathe the fresh polder air.
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Next, visit a family-run cheese farm for a live demonstration and generous tasting of young Gouda, aged wheels, and flavored varieties. Then, spend 1.5 hours in picturesque Volendam—stroll the dike, snap photos in traditional costume (optional), or savor fried fish by the harbor.
A witty onboard video guide in English and Spanish shares quirky facts throughout. With a small group and comfortable midibus, this tour delivers authentic Netherlands in a relaxed, story-filled package.
Why Choose This Experience?
This small-group tour strikes the perfect balance: structured highlights with generous free time to explore at your own pace. The bilingual video guide adds fun, bite-sized insights without crowding your day with live commentary.
Ideal for first-timers wanting windmills, cheese, and village charm without the hassle of public transport. Wheelchair-accessible and family-friendly, it’s a refreshing, authentic escape from the city.
What’s Included
- Round-trip transport in air-conditioned midibus (max 30 guests)
- Professional driver/host
- Onboard video guide (English & Spanish)
- Entry to Zaanse Schans windmill village
- 1.5 hours free time at Zaanse Schans
- Visit to traditional cheese farm
- Live cheese-making demonstration
- Cheese tasting (multiple varieties)
- 1.5 hours free time in Volendam
- All taxes and fuel surcharges
Itinerary
- Starting location: De Ruijterkade 151 (ALOHA, behind Central Station)
- Bus/coach to Zaanse Schans (25 minutes)
- Zaanse Schans: Self-guided walk, windmills, workshops (1.5 hours)
- Bus/coach to cheese farm near Volendam (25 minutes)
- Cheese farm: Demo and tasting (45 minutes)
- Bus/coach to Volendam center (5 minutes)
- Volendam: Free time for harbor, shops, photos (1.5 hours)
- Bus/coach back to Amsterdam (30 minutes)
- Arrive back at: De Ruijterkade 151
Pricing
From $24 per person
Meeting Point
De Ruijterkade 151, behind Amsterdam Central Station near ALOHA Bowling entrance. Look for the small white coach with a blue-green “Timing Tours” flag. Arrive 10–15 minutes early.
How to get there
- Walk 5 minutes from Central Station via the north exit (IJzijde)
- Free ferry from behind Central Station to reach nearby parking
- Tram 26 to Muziekgebouw, then 3-minute walk
- Metro 51/53/54 to Centraal, exit toward IJ
Good to Know
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (rain jacket, hat)
- Camera or smartphone
- Water bottle
Know before you go
- Tour operates rain or shine
- Wheelchair accessible (midibus with lift)
- Restrooms available at Zaanse Schans and Volendam
- Optional costume photos in Volendam (~€10)
Reviews
- Zaanse Schans was stunning—even with crowds, we had plenty of space to wander and enjoy the windmills.
- Great way to escape the city; the cheese tasting was delicious and Volendam felt like stepping into a postcard.
- Excellent driver and smooth journey; the video guide was fun and informative—highly recommend this half-day trip.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
Is entrance to the windmills included?
No, entry to windmill interiors is optional and costs €5–7 each (paid on-site). The village itself is free to explore, and you’ll see windmills up close from outside. Most guests enjoy the views, workshops, and atmosphere without entering. The tour focuses on the open-air experience and free time. Some windmills offer demos visible from ground level. Budget extra if you want to climb inside. The exterior sights and photo ops are the main highlight. You’ll still get the full Zaanse Schans magic.
Can I buy cheese or souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, both the cheese farm and Volendam offer shops with fresh cheese, stroopwafels, clogs, and Delft pottery. The farm sells vacuum-packed wheels perfect for travel. Volendam’s harbor street is lined with gift shops and food stalls. You’ll have time during free periods to browse and purchase. Cards and cash are accepted. Many items are cheaper here than in Amsterdam. The bus has space for small bags. Take home authentic Dutch treats.
Is the tour narrated live or just the video?
The main guidance comes from the entertaining onboard video in English and Spanish—full of humor, history, and tips. The driver focuses on safe travel and logistics, not live commentary. This keeps the group small and the experience relaxed. You’re free to watch, listen via headphones, or simply enjoy the views. The video pauses during free time. It’s witty, not overwhelming. Perfect for independent explorers who want context without a, Set-Cancelled, a guide.
Are meals or drinks included?
No meals are included, but you’ll have the cheese tasting (generous samples) and time in Volendam to buy lunch—try fish, kibbeling, or poffertjes by the harbor. Cafes and snack stands are plentiful. Bring water or purchase onboard. The schedule allows a relaxed meal during free time. Budget €10–15 for food. Vegetarian options are available. The focus is on tasting and exploring, not full dining. You won’t go hungry with cheese and local treats.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Absolutely—kids love the windmills, cheese tasting, and Volendam’s playful vibe. The video guide keeps them engaged with fun facts. Free time allows breaks as needed. The midibus has seat belts; booster seats are available on request. Strollers fit in the luggage area. Costume photos in Volendam are a hit with little ones. No minimum age, and the pace is easy. Many families call it a highlight. Just bring snacks and weather gear.
