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(6,201)
It was a great way to see other parts of The Netherlands out of our home base in Amsterdam. Eduardo, our guide was wonderful and informative! Our driver was also exceptional and we always felt safe.
Great way to spend a day. Lots to see. Way more walking than I thought. Great job by guide Augustine
We had a fabulous day and thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Our guide Patricia was amazing. She was well organised and very informative. They accommodated us by allowing us to join the earlier tour as we arrived early. Patricia led us to a wonderful fish restaurant for lunch which we really enjoyed. Overall great experience.
This was a great day trip! Iliya was a fantastic guide. We loved the locations and learned a lot about the area. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
Patricia was an excellent guide. Loved this trip and the boat tour.
This tour is a MUST DO while in Amsterdam. The tour guide is extremely knowledgeable ( I’m sorry brother, I forgot your name—handsome Spaniard, you’ll find him). 😉 I used Viator. Hr managed the group very well and watched the time to optimize our trip. You’ll see smaller towns and get a feel for the country and history that is essential for a well rounded Dutch experience. The cost was very reasonable for well over a 6 hour trip, and the scenery is postcard worthy. The bus transport wad very comfortable and punctual. Be on time! Eat the cheese, it’s delicious; and learn how it’s made fresh daily, learn the inner workings of the windmills, the solutions created for water management, wooden shoes (fascinating practical reasons for wood as opposed to leather shoes). They’re not just a Dutch souvenir—they actually have historical significance. Learn and watch how they’re made. You’ll visit the coast, smell the salt air, seafood, and stroopwaffles. You will have the opportunity to shop and enjoy a lovely lunch where locals eat—no McDonald’s here. Have a beer, relax. 5 stars for sure! I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and highly recommend it.
Our tour guide (who I’ve forgotten the name of) was so so so knowledgeable. My partner and I really enjoyed the history and knowledge she shared with us. Parts of the trip were quite “touristy” such as the old fishing village which isn’t actually used for fishing now. In saying that, we are tourists so it suited us and we got to learn about the history. The cheese shop was a delicious treat, however this was again quite touristy and discussed at a high level how they made cheese and clogs. Overall we loved the trip and would recommend it to those looking for a day outside of the city and to those who would like to learn more about the history of the Netherlands. The bus was super comfy too!
It was a great day. We got to see smaller towns and the more rural areas near Amsterdam. The guide was personable and informative.
The guide made the day trip worth it with his insights, knowledge, and humor.
It was a great way to spend a day in all the cities you'd want to visit outside of Amsterdam. The tour guide was great. The bus was nice. Would recommend
