Private Tours to Zaanse Schans, windmill house, Volendam, Marken





Description
At Zaanse Schans, stroll past working windmills, traditional wooden houses, cheese farms, and clog workshops. It's a living museum of Dutch craftsmanship and rural life that feels like stepping back in time. Next, dive deeper into Dutch engineering heritage at the Museummolen Schermer, a fully functioning 17th-century windmill nestled in quiet farmland. Learn how the Dutch mastered water management and land reclamation — a fascinating and often overlooked chapter of the Netherlands’ story. Continue to Volendam, a colorful fishing village known for its old harbor, traditional costumes, and fresh seafood. It’s a great place for lunch, local treats, and postcard-worthy views of the IJsselmeer. End the day on Marken, a peaceful island-turned-peninsula with wooden houses, narrow lanes, and a strong sense of preserved culture. It's one of the few places where the spirit of old Holland still lives.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the enchanting beauty of Zaanse Schans, a captivating destination in the Netherlands that will transport you back in time. Immerse yourself in a world of stunning windmills, charming traditional Dutch architecture, and a rich cultural heritage. Marvel at the iconic windmills as they gracefully turn against the backdrop of serene landscapes. Step into a clog workshop and witness skilled artisans crafting these iconic Dutch wooden shoes. Indulge your senses with the tantalizing aroma and taste of freshly-made cheese at a local farm. Uncover the fascinating history of the region's industrial prowess at the insightful museums. Zaanse Schans offers an extraordinary opportunity to embrace the quintessential Dutch experience and capture lifelong memories. Book your private tour today and embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Dutch heritage and charm.
Immerse yourself in the captivating architecture of the Intel Hotel and its stunning surroundings in Zaandam. This architectural gem seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional Dutch influences, creating a visual feast for the eyes. Marvel at the intricate details and vibrant colors that adorn the facade, reflecting the rich heritage of the region.
OUR TREAT! Step inside a working windmill from 1634! At Museummolen Schermerhorn, you're not just looking at history — you’re walking through it. This authentic Dutch windmill helped drain an entire lake in the 17th century, creating the land you’re standing on today. Inside, you’ll climb narrow wooden stairs, see giant wooden gears in motion, and discover how wind power was used to pump water. The rooms are furnished just like they were when a miller and his family lived here — simple, cozy, and full of character. What makes this place truly special is the chance to experience a real polder mill from the inside, feel the wind turn the sails, and learn how the Dutch reclaimed land from the sea. It's a hands-on, authentic slice of Dutch heritage — far from the crowds.
Discover the picturesque village of Volendam on a private tour that will transport you to a world of authentic Dutch charm. Stroll along the colorful streets lined with traditional wooden houses and immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere of the bustling harbor. Indulge your taste buds with delicious freshly caught herring or smoked eel, savoring the flavors of local culinary delights. Explore the lively markets, brimming with traditional crafts and unique souvenirs. Capture the perfect photo in traditional Dutch costumes and create cherished memories. Dive into the rich cultural heritage of Volendam at the Volendams Museum, where you can uncover the fascinating history of this captivating village. Embark on a scenic boat ride across the shimmering Ijsselmeer, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. With its timeless beauty and authentic ambiance, Volendam offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. Enjoy authentic local Lunch here.
Marken, a captivating island near Volendam, is a must-visit destination. With its quaint charm and preserved heritage, Marken offers a unique experience. Explore picturesque streets adorned with colorful wooden houses, capturing the essence of traditional Dutch architecture. Immerse yourself in the island's tranquil atmosphere and visit the Marker Museum to discover its maritime history. Indulge in local delicacies like freshly baked apple pies and smoked fish. From its scenic landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, Marken beckons with its authentic Dutch allure. Choose to travel by car or ferry at own cost from Volendam for an unforgettable journey to this enchanting island.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick you up from any location in or nearby Amsterdam with your preferred time. Please give us the specific address of your hotel so that there won't be any confusion with hotel name.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A moderate amount of walking is involved but negotiable
Reviews(2)
We used Shireli for our trip to Amsterdam before getting on our cruise ship. Shireli made the whole trip outstanding from the moment he picked us up at the airport. Shireli was waiting on us at the location he asked us to meet him at once our plane arrived. Shireli helped us with our bags as my mom uses a mobility scooter. Shireli greeted us like he was a friend. On the way to our hotel Shireli pointed out sites to look at as well as telling us about the art festival going on by our hotel. Once we arrived at the hotel, Shireli spoke with the hotel and went to get my mother's mobility scooter for her as well as helping us with our luggage. Shireli told us some restaurants within walking distance if we were hungry before telling us he would see us at 9am the next day for our 10 hour tour. We had hired Shireli to pick us up at the airport to take us to the hotel, 4 days of tours, take us to the cruise ship, then pick us up at the cruise ship and take us back to the airport for our return flight home. Each day Shireli did not disappoint us. One day we went to the Anne Frank Museum, Van Gogh Museum. Red Light District, lunch plus other little stops. Next day we went to the windmills, cheese & clogs tours at a few different locations, lunch, an impromptu flea market we asked to stop at, a stop at McDonalds as we like to see what other areas have, touring around all over. The next day we went all over the place for a lot of impromptu stops including the Pancake Club restaurant that was recommended by our family doctor. This was an excellent treat with all kind of good treats. Shireli stayed with us at all the stops. Shireli was taking pictures of us while we were touring and surprised us with the pictures at the end of our tours with him. Shireli was always on time, has a very comfortable vehicle, Shireli let us choose everywhere we went and recommended a lot of things to see that we forgot about, exceptionally nice and from the moment we meet him Shireli was like a friend we had not seen in a long time. We will always use Shireli when we go to Amsterdam. You can not go wrong with using Shireli.
Thank you so much for your incredible review! It has been awhile, how are you? I missed you guys. It was truly a pleasure spending those days with you and your family here in Amsterdam. I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed all the tours — from the windmills and charming villages of Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken, to the museums and hidden spots around the city. Your kind words mean a lot, and I really appreciate the trust you placed in me to make your trip smooth and enjoyable — especially making sure your mom was comfortable throughout the journey. It felt like traveling with friends, not clients. I hope to see you all again on your next visit to Amsterdam. Until then, wishing you safe travels and many more great adventures ahead! Warm regards, Shireli SCHIR private tours Amsterdam
Outstanding tour and tour guide. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the Netherlands.
Thank you so much for your kind words. And thanks again for your generosity. I am glad that I could meet your expectations. It was a great sunny day to visit beautiful countrysides of Amsterdam. Enjoy the charming Amsterdam and Bruges. Who knows one day you will be here again with your family. Cheers and all the best . :)



