Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam
Description
Discover the Best of the Dutch Countryside: Windmills, Cheese, Fishing Villages & Optional Canal Cruise Escape the city and explore the beauty of the Dutch countryside on this unforgettable day trip from Amsterdam. Visit Zaanse Schans, a historic village famous for its iconic windmills, wooden houses, and traditional workshops. Continue to Edam, we will walk through its charming old town, visit the square where the historic Edam that transport you back in time. Then, near the colourful fishing village of Volendam, stop at a family-run cheese farm for a live demonstration on how cheeses and clogs are made. You’ll discover how these iconic wooden shoes are crafted by hand. In Volendam, enjoy free time at the lively harbour and try local specialities like fresh herring or crispy kibbeling. Your final countryside stop is Marken a quiet, authentic destination where Dutch heritage is beautifully preserved. After returning to Amsterdam, enhance your day with an optional city canal cruise.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Step into the charm of the Dutch countryside with a visit to Zaanse Schans, a picture-perfect village where time seems to stand still. Marvel at traditional windmills still in operation today, and snap unforgettable photos of these iconic symbols of the Netherlands. Learn how windmills played a vital role in shaping the country’s history and economy. Wander past wooden houses, quaint shops, and artisan workshops that bring Dutch heritage to life. Just a short trip from Amsterdam, this experience is perfect for culture lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to soak in authentic local traditions.
In the charming town of Edam, you’ll stroll through cobbled streets steeped in history, including the iconic square where the world-famous Cheese Market once brought the village to life. Feel the heritage of this storybook setting as you walk past centuries-old buildings, tranquil canals, and traditional Dutch architecture. This peaceful stop offers a perfect blend of culture, photo opportunities, and authentic local charm—an unmissable highlight for any traveler seeking a true taste of Holland.
Next, near the picturesque village of Volendam, you’ll visit a traditional cheese farm where a local cheese master will reveal the secrets behind crafting the famous Gouda and Edam cheeses. Watch the process up close and enjoy the rich aromas and flavors of authentic Dutch cheese. Then, step into a charming clog workshop to uncover how these iconic wooden shoes are made—an experience that combines culture, craftsmanship, and fun in true Dutch style.
In this charming fishing village, you'll have free time to stroll along the scenic harbor, soak in the maritime atmosphere, and admire the colorful boats bobbing in the water. Savor traditional Dutch delicacies like fresh herring or fried kibbeling, browse quaint shops filled with local crafts and souvenirs, or simply relax and enjoy the coastal charm of Volendam at your own pace.
Our final stop takes you back to the 17th century as you explore the enchanting village of Marken. Wander through narrow lanes lined with charming wooden houses, each with its own story to tell. Visit the peaceful fishing harbor, where time seems to slow down, and admire the simple beauty of the local Protestant church. Marken offers a quiet, authentic glimpse into traditional Dutch life, making it the perfect place to end your journey through the countryside. IMPORTANT The visit to Marken may be substituted for safety reasons in case of bad weather conditions.
Your bus tour ends at A'dam Lookout. You can either take the ferry for free to Amsterdam central station (2-minute ride) or our guide will take those who have booked the cruise to the pier where the 1-hour cruise starts.
After returning to Amsterdam, you have the option to complete your day with a relaxing canal cruise through the heart of the city. Glide past historic bridges, elegant town houses, and iconic landmarks as you discover why Amsterdam is often called the “Venice of the North.” This peaceful boat ride is the perfect way to unwind after your countryside adventure and experience the city from a unique and unforgettable perspective. **Only if the option is booked**
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(5,981)
We had a great day with our tour guide Tony, he is very passionate about Amsterdam and happy to share information and answer any questions. We enjoyed all the locations that we visited and were happy with the time allowance for each stop. Great tour if you want to learn about the history of The Netherlands and visit a few locations in one day. Tony also provided other suggestions to visit/see while in town. Thanks Tony and our bus driver Peter who kept us save and drove us around all day.
What an awesome tour! We loved seeing the countryside and learning more about the Netherlands today and through history. Pia was an excellent guide and Patricia was also wonderful. I highly recommend!
It was well organized and comfortable
It was a quick trip with short stops at each of the locations. Apart from the first stop which could have done with an extra 30mins, the other stops were all very good with the right amount of time. Our guide not being from Netherlands until recently was an interesting perspective but he did well. Would recommend this tour.
Wonderful sights all day at Zaanse Schans (wind mills) Edam, Simonehoeve ( wooden shoes and cheese), followed by time for lunch on the shores of the Zuiderzee in picturesque Volendam.
Great day trip for couples and families. Our tour guide Ilya was a vast treasure of Dutch history, was very engaging, funny and ensured everyone knew exactly what to expect.
Was a good visit. Saw great windmills, cheese shop, coastal town, and island. Toni was a great guide
Our driver was Peter and our tour guide was Tony and they were amazing! Tony was very funny and informative. All the stops were great, with nice tastings and food to eat. Would definitely recommend.
This trip was VERY worth the money! Toni was great and we saw 4 different areas outside Amsterdam. Highly recommended.
Ilya was a college professor - such a great story teller, with funny quips, great history, and a narrative that made it impossible to tune out. The trip was great - he made it exceptional!!
