Tours/Amsterdam/Private Off-the-beaten-path Countryside Windmill Tour
Private Off-the-beaten-path Countryside Windmill Tour
5.0(7)Amsterdam6 hours
VIATOR5.0(1)TRIPADVISOR5.0(6)
+8 photos
At a glance
Duration
6 hours
Price from
$480 / person
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 7 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Windmillgirl Tours
Description
This Countryside Windmill Tour offers an of the beaten path experience as you travel through the idyllic northern Holland countryside. We’ll drive through the UNESCO-listed Beemster Polder, a stunning example of Dutch ingenuity in land reclamation. We will visit scenic villages, historical windmills, the charming cheese town Edam , indulge in a delicious Gouda and Edam cheese tasting experience and end with a stroll through one of the most beautiful villages Broek in Waterland.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
9:30 AM
Next available
Wed, Oct 14
Adult (ages 18+)
$480
Larger groups pay less per person.
In demand: 9 of the next 30 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Private Off-the-beaten-path Countryside Windmill Tour
Pickup included
Itinerary
Amsterdam
45 min
Pick up from your hotel in Amsterdam
Museummolen Schermer
Admission included30 min
We’ll head to the Schermer
One of the largest regained land areas in Holland, filled with windmills! In the 17th century, the lake Schermeer was drained by 52 mills, resulting in the Schermerpolder. A unique piece of water management from the Golden Age. We’ll visit the Museum mill which you can see from top to bottom. You’ll see how the mill works and how people used to live in windmills.
Schermer Mills
Admission included15 min
A drive on the dikes
Through regained land of the Schermer passing Esther’s family windmill and the surrounding idyllic small villages.
De Rijp
15 min
A visit to De Rijp which was once a busy fishing village famous for its herring fleet and whalers. However, after the surrounding sea got drained the Rijp found itself encircled by land. Jan Adriaanzoon Leeghwater, the famous hydraulic engineer was born here. Free from mass tourism, De Rijp is a beautiful village to visit.
De Beemster
Pass by
We’ll drive through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Beemster with its regained land known as Polders. A system of roads, plots, farms, and canals was carefully planned across the polder after the Beemster Lake was drained. We’ll see the beautiful farmhouses and the green meadows.
Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm by Henri Willig
Admission included40 min
Cheese tasting at a cheese farm in Katwoude
At the cheese farm of Henry Willig we will have a Gouda and Edam cheese tasting. They are in the top 10 of the world cheesemakers. If you are a cheese lover… you are in cheese heaven! They have 30 flavors and develop the cheeses specifically for travel. Always wanted to know how a clog is being made? Join the wooden shoe craft demonstration and find out. You can even try or buy a pair of wooden shoes!
Volendam
60 min
Lunchtime
You can choose where you want to have lunch. As locals, we know a lot of nice places. Whether it’s at a local fish restaurant or a traditional Dutch pancake restaurant, just tell us your preferences and we’ll arrange it for you.
Edam
30 min
Step back in time and discover the charm of Edam, one of the most picturesque towns in the Netherlands. Famous for its world-renowned Edam cheese, this beautifully preserved town offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and Dutch authenticity.
Broek
20 min
Broek in Waterland
This village is surrounded by water and is one of the most beautiful villages in Holland. It is comparable with the famous Dutch water village Giethoorn. We’ll enjoy a pleasant stroll passing the old wooden houses with their preserved original details, like ceremonial doors and carved lintels, and a beautiful restored sixteenth century church. The floor is paved with the tombstones of the formally rich inhabitants of Broek in Waterland.
Amsterdam
30 min
Back at your hotel in Amsterdam
What's included
Included
Private transportation
Entrance fee to a historic windmill
Bottled water
Parking Fees
Cheese tasting
Not included
Lunch
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
7 reviews
5
7
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Amsterdam
Starting price $480 is 62% above the typical $297 for tours of similar length in Amsterdam
Excurgo comparison of 2,107 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Private Off-the-beaten-path Countryside Windmill Tour take?
Private Off-the-beaten-path Countryside Windmill Tour lasts about 6 hours. The itinerary has 10 stops.
How much does Private Off-the-beaten-path Countryside Windmill Tour cost?
Prices start at $480 per person for this Amsterdam experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Private Off-the-beaten-path Countryside Windmill Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:30 AM.
Does Private Off-the-beaten-path Countryside Windmill Tour sell out?
It can: 9 of the next 30 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Private Off-the-beaten-path Countryside Windmill Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup points include ibis Styles Amsterdam Amstel, Treehouse Inn.
What languages is Private Off-the-beaten-path Countryside Windmill Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 6 travellers can book together.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Private Off-the-beaten-path Countryside Windmill Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 7 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Windmillgirl Tours.
Reviews(7)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
G
GlobetrotterCLo
June 3, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Wonderful day tour in the countryside outside of Amsterdam
Leading up to the tour, Esther was easy to work with, very responsive and customized our tour to exactly what worked best for our group. Bianca was our guide for the day - she was super knowledgeable about the area, as she grew up there. She showed us her village and told lots of stories that kept us entertained throughout the day. The windmills and the countryside are adorable, and it was great to get outside of the city. Our lunch was at a fantastic restaurant called Paviljoen Smit Bokkum in a little fishing village. It was the perfect day!
Operator response
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! It was a pleasure helping you create a tour that worked perfectly for your group, and I’m so happy to hear that you had such a great day with Bianca.
Bianca really enjoyed showing you her own village and sharing her local stories and knowledge. I’m delighted that you enjoyed getting out of Amsterdam and exploring the beautiful countryside and windmills.
And I’m so glad you enjoyed lunch at Paviljoen Smit Bokkum. It’s one of our favorite places to stop in Volendam!
We hope to welcome you back to Holland again!
Warm regards,
Esther
J
Jeremy M
May 17, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Outstanding Tour
We were an extended family of 9, and the tour exceeded expectations. Certainly off the beaten path, visiting places with not many tourists. One of the best private tours we have done in Europe.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review Jeremy!
I’m especially happy that you and your lovely family enjoyed discovering the quieter, lesser-known places away from the crowds. It was a pleasure showing you a different side of Holland, and I’m honored that you consider it one of the best private tours you’ve done in Europe!
We hope to welcome you and your family back to Holland someday!
Warm regards,
Esther
P
princess1218
April 21, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Dutch countryside dream day tour!
Our tour with Esther was the most special part of our visit to the Netherlands. We were a group of 14 ladies, and we did a private tour of the Dutch countryside including off the beaten path stops to see tulips, windmills and so much more. Esther is a local miller's daughter and had so much to show us and teach us, and she made us feel as though we were visiting a friend. I would not recommend using anyone else to show you this beautiful area. Thank you Esther!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your beautiful review!
It was such a pleasure spending the day with your wonderful group of 14 ladies. I’m so happy to hear that your countryside tour became such a special part of your visit to the Netherlands.
Sharing the tulips, windmills, and the hidden local places I grew up with is something I truly love, and it means a lot to hear that it felt like visiting a friend. That is exactly the experience I always hope to create.
Thank you for your kind words and your trust. I hope to welcome you all back again for another beautiful Dutch adventure!
Warm regards,
Esther
D
D9844BSdianek
April 21, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience!
We had an amazing time with Esther! Prior to our tour she communicated with us very easily about the logistics and what we would like to see. She met us at our apartment and we immediately knew the day would be a success! It was a bit drizzly so she made sure to get us to the gardens and local fields before it got very wet. She actually found local fields in an area where the weather was better so that we could enjoy. We LOVED that she took us to places that had no crowds yet had gorgeous flowers. We then learned about the windmills and had a tour from her father! She grew up living in a windmill so her insights into what that is like were so interesting. We had a lovely lakeside lunch where she explained about some of the smoked fish we were eating and continued to learn more about the Dutch culture. Our tour ended with a wonderful cheese tasting and more personal stories and insights about The Netherlands. We took our two teenagers (15 and 16) and all of use loved it!
Operator response
Thank you so much for this lovely review Diane! I am glad to hear that the whole family enjoyed the: off the beaten path Tulip& Windmill Tour. So much better to beat the crowds ;) and enjoy the flowers in peace! Have a safe flight home! Warm regards, Esther
2
202tamih
April 19, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Beautiful tour away from the crowds!
Perfect day with Esther! My husband and I booked a private, customized tour in the northern countryside. Esther picked us up at our Amsterdam hotel in her immaculate van. We drove north to Poldertuin Garden to see the gorgeous tulips at their peak. We toured the museum windmill, sampled cheeses at a cheese shoppe and even stopped to see the tulip farms. Esther took lovely photos of us all day! We ended the tour with a great seafood lunch. Very relaxing, and away from the huge crowds of other areas. Highly recommend!
Operator response
Thank you so much Tami! I really enjoyed spending the day with you! I am glad I could customize the day for you and that it worked out wonderfull! Always welcome :) warm regards, Esther
L
Lisa_A
January 16, 2025 · via Viator
Thank you an inspiring day
Esther was amazing. She showed us areas that we would have never seen otherwise. I highly recommend this tour and hope you are lucky enough to find availability.
Operator response
Thank you so much Lisa! I am glad you enjoyed my off the beaten path countryside tour. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Amsterdam. Hope we meet again! Warm regards, Esther
P
patmQ7436XV
October 3, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended!
My husband and I recently spent an absolutely wonderful day with Maaike on the Windmill Girls Countryside Tour. This private tour is designed to avoid the crowded tourist destinations and allow you to experience some of the gorgeous little villages and stunning countryside of central Netherlands in a more intimate way. We stopped at the Windmill Museum with its working windmill, visited a cheese maker to learn the process and sample amazing Dutch cheese, wandered through picturesque villages, walked on dikes and over lift bridges, drove through the lush farmland and witness the ingenuity of the canal systems. All along the way, lovely Maaike provided interesting information about the local area, its history and people. Lunch was at a local fish restaurant and smoke house operated by the same family for six generations, so they certainly knew how to serve delicious fish! A most enjoyable and highly recommended Tour!
Operator response
Thanks Pat for this Golden review! I appreciate it very much. Warm regards Maaike
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Tour
Duration
Rating
Price
Private Off-the-beaten-path Countryside Windmill Tour