Countryside and windmills tour from Amsterdam
Location
Essentials
- Wander among the windmills at Zaanse Schans
- Taste Dutch cheese at the Cheese Factory Volendam
- See how wooden shoes are made with an antique steam engine
- Unique to the All-in Countryside & Windmill tour: sail across the IJsselmeer!
Practical info
Classic Tour includes
The traditional Dutch experience in Volendam & Marken
An up-close look at the windmills of Zaanse Schans
Taste Dutch cheese
English and Spanish speaking guide
Audio guide on the bus with 16 languages and free earphones
All-in Tour includes
Everything from the Classic tour, and
A 30 minute boat tour between Volendam & Marken unique to this tour
See how clogs are made with an antique steam engine
Visit a windmill still in operation
Check-in
Check-in 30 minutes before departure at the Tours & Tickets shop (click here for map)
Children
Child ticket for 4-13 year olds
Ticket information
Ticket directly available on smartphone
Ticket can be rescheduled or cancelled up to 8 hours in advance
You can reschedule your tickets yourself via our self rebook page up to 24 hours in advance
More information
Note: this is a demanding tour, with a lot of walking, some places visited are not accessible for wheelchairs
Tour takes about 5.5 hours, including approx. 90 minute driving time in stages
For questions about the product, please contact [email protected]
Accessibility
Getting there
Public Transport
Check-in for tour at Tours & Tickets shop at Amsterdam Central Station.
About
Iconic Dutch sights
If you ask anybody what pops into their mind when they think of the Netherlands, most people will say windmills, tulip fields and the lively centre of Amsterdam. Its picturesque canals, historic buildings, exotic nightlife, and open-minded culture stand out. And while Amsterdam is undeniably one of the country’s most fascinating tourist destinations, the scenic Dutch countryside and windmills in the surrounding area are often overlooked.
Fortunately, you can easily combine your visit to the country’s bustling capital with a phenomenal countryside and windmills tour from Amsterdam. The peaceful villages of Zaanse Schans, Marken and Volendam are only a short drive from the city centre. There you’ll be able to enjoy the tranquillity of the area and immerse yourself in the old way of life as you admire the colourful Dutch windmills.
An open-air museum
When you get outside the Dutch capital you enter a different world, with most of the small towns surrounding the city appearing like open-air museums. The Dutch Countryside and Windmills Tour will take you from Amsterdam to the villages of Zaanse Schans, Volendam and to the former island of Marken; the order of tour can change.
A visit to Zaanse Schans means you can get your fill of historical windmills. Over ten windmills line the banks of the Zaan river and the area around them is free for you to wonder around in as it really is an open-air museum. You can enter some of the windmills at a small extra charge. Zaanse Schans is one of the best places to see windmills in Holland.
Volendam is a typical Dutch fishing village and taking a walk along De Dijk and through the harbour area will not disappoint. Here you will visit the Cheese Factory to taste delicious cheese and if there is time learn how it is made, too. If you are staying in town for lunch, we recommend the freshly caught fish.
The third location visited on the tour is the village of Marken, a former island in the Markermeer, now a peninsula. You'll travel between Marken and Volendam by boat, with a scenic, 30 minutes trip across the IJsselmeer. Enjoy the view as you sail past the towns of Monnickendam and Katwoude.
When you walk among the houses on Marken, be careful to stay on the road because before you know it you're in someone's garden. A visit to a traditional clog, or wooden shoe, maker completes our tour. Here clogs are still made according to a 100-year-old tradition with steam powered tools. They are surprisingly comfortable as you will be able to try for yourself.
An unforgettable experience
During this Amsterdam day trip you will discover a world unlike any other, an experience that is sure to be cherished by adults and kids alike. Take a break from the commotion of the city and unwind as you visit one of the Netherlands’ best-kept secrets.
The Amsterdam countryside is waiting to welcome and introduce you to a completely other side of the Netherlands compared to its bustling capital city. You can buy your ticket for a fun-filled Netherlands windmills tour adventure right here.
Reviews
28 reviews
We had a lovely time on this excursion. Our tour guide Astrid, driver Frankie and their coworker Laura made the experience fun and informative. Especially liked Astrid's commentary as we made our way through the countryside. We also found some unique souvenirs to bring back with us.
Very entertaining and informative experience.
It was one of the best day trips I have ever taken. The bus driver, Stefan and guide, Tony were knowledgable and entertaining - plenty of life music on this bus. It was a full day and they accommodated me when I couldn’t go into one windmill due to an allergy. Cannot recommend them high enough. We came back and booked another trip with this company straight away.
Relaxing and fun
Was a good day out and enjoyed it. Were not at the one place for too long either which is good because some other tours leave you at the one spot for too long and you end up waiting around.
Wonderful Experience
Great experience and very helpful guide by Pia, Mercedez and Stef the bus driver (comedian). We took the 4dec23 morning trip
Great tour
Great tour, we loved it. Saw heaps of stuff but didn't feel rushed. Great afternoon our of the city which was also bice, the countryside is beautiful.
Fascinating Tour
Our team Vladimir (the driver) and Carolina and Charley were amazing. Friendly, funny and informative. I learnt a lot on this trip !! The planned visits and demonstrations from the windmill, cheese factory, waffle making and clog making were all well presented and fascinating. The whole trip was relaxed and unlike tours i have been on in different countries, we had plenty of time at each stop to eat, drink, browse and take the sights in. I would 100% definitely recommend and use again.
Fun day in windmill country
Great tour, made even more enjoyable by the bus driver Steve who entertained us throughout the day. Highly recommend!
Highly recommended.
Very good trip. Did what it said it would do. Comfy coach, lovely guides, interesting places to visit. It was cold and blustery but that didn't dampen our spirits. Loved the boat trip. The windmill was amazing. We enjoyed the cheese tasting and the demonstration. The clog factory was good as was the demonstration. The only negative was the waiting around for half an hour before we set off. Didn't understand why that was necessary especially as there was not where to sit out of the cold wind.
The outskirts of amsterdam guided tour
Cheese demonstration, Clog making with steam engine, and Peanut/Paint oil and chalk making windmill village was very educational and delightful. I'd like to say the windmill village was beautiful and the food recommended by our tour guide (Ian, I believe) at volendam was fantastic. The boat ride over to marked was amazing as well. 10 out of 10!
Slow Down
The tour and the places we went were great, I loved Volendam and Marken the most. The tour guide however was very strict about time and the tour itself was rushed. The guide walked off leaving the rest of the group in the dust even though people told her she was walking too fast and they couldn't keep up. She was constantly so far ahead of the group that people were asking where did she go. I'm not sure if the audio on the bus was having issues or not but it seemed to randomly cut out. If you take the 245 tour and chose the all inclusive option for the boat ride make sure to bring a hat, jacket, and gloves as it gets very windy and cold on the outer decks.
Fast paced tour
This day trip offered a lot. It was packed so full with attractions that the time allotted for each stop did not provide enough time to do much tourist exploration in the little shops. I gave it 4 stars only because I wish I had time to go in and out of the many shops at both stops. This was not possible. The windmills, clog making, and cheese factory were very interesting. The guides, Adrianna, Frankie and particularly Xiaoli were friendly, helpful, humorous and made the time spent together enjoyable. I could have spent 2hrs on the island of Volendam but only had time for a quick lunch and very brief visit to a shop next to the restaurant before having to leave. It felt very rushed. Time to eat and then explore the many shops in Volendam would have been perfect.
Windmills
We booked to see the windmills etc, what a great afternoon we had! With Steff and Astrid we had a fab time. We would definitely recommend
ESENCIA DE HOLANDA
Nos ha encantado y sobre todo millones de gracias a Carolina, Mercedes y Germán, sin ellos no hubiera sido la gran experiencia que ha sido.
Gran tour, el mejor staff
Hemos tomado diferentes tour en viaje por Europa pero debemos decir que es uno de los mejores que hemos tenido. Nuestros guías Diana, Erick y el conductor Haans fueron más que fabulosos. Hicieron que todo el tour fuera entretenido, lleno de información y sobre todo amables. En cada momento se notaba una sonrisa y siempre ayudaron a todos, incluyendo a una señora que venia en silla de ruedas, Haans estuvo siempre apoyándola. Gran equipo y seres humanos, divertidos y amables. Así mismo el tour es fabuloso, tiempo exacto para comocer las ciudades, se disfrutan enormemente y muy bien explicadas. Con pruebas de degudtacion en cada actividad. Si están en Ámsterdam no duden en contratar y busquen a este gran staff! Gracias y como dicen ustedes, Dag Dag 😁
Pinceladas cultura campestre
Un buen modo de conocer la cultura rural del país. Un aserradero de madera en un Molino, fabrica de zuecos, de quesos y dulces típicos Pia,, una maravillosa guía que nos que nos dio gran parte de las visitas en español. Si no hubiera sido por ella no nos habríamos enterado de las visitas, que eran en inglés La acompañaba Susana como huía de apoyo. Recomendable
Buena eleccion
Muy buena atencion de la empresa Tickets y Tours. Los guias Nico y Romi muy amables y correctos. Los lugares visitados bien tradicionales y muy bonitos. El chofer excelente. Me gusto mucho, feliz de realizarla. En la demostracion de la fabricacion de zuecos eramos muchos, todos apilados y no alcance a ver mucho.
MUY RECOMENDABLE
Una excursión PERFECTA! nuestra guía, Xiaoli ESPECTACULAR, una suerte que nos tocara ella 😀 y Josy muuuuy atenta y amable con todos también! En una ratito vimos un montón de cosas, mi familia y yo os recomendaremos, sin duda! Mil gracias!
Best day to spend und Amsterdam
- Vor allem waren die Guids sehr nett, freundlich und wussten vieles. Sylvia war die Chef von der Tour. Es lohnt sich. Wir konnten in einer Windmühle rein, Käse probieren usw… Mehr sag ich nicht aber es lohnt sich
Gita nelle campagne olandesi
Bella gita consigliata per chi vuole visitare posti unici. La guida molto gentile e disponibile, l’unica pecca è che in poche ore hanno concentrato un sacco di cose ma sicuramente ne vale la pena
Pomeriggio piacevole
Siamo andati con Tours &ticket , sono molto puntuali e la giornata era molto bella . Il pullman era pieno ma sono comunque riuscite a farci vedere tutto e in modo molto piacevole , forse ci voleva un po’ più di tempo nella zona dei mulini per girare con più calma . Le ragazze Silvia e Andrea sono state brave e simpatiche e ci hanno portato a visitare l’interno di un mulino segheria, sia alla fabbrica di formaggi e poi abbiamo avuto anche del tempo libero a Volendam paesino molto grazioso sul lago dolce artificiale. L’autista forse di nome Carl ha guidato bene e in tranquillità. Lo rifarei volentieri
Belle journée
Très bien une belle journée avec une équipe fantastiques Très bien organisé Ils sont très très très agréable merci a tout le équipe tour ticket Merci a bientôt
La guida era un ragazzo molto carino e gentile.La sua spiegazione era precisa .E stata una bellissima esperienza la raccomando fortemente
Très chouette visite
Tres chouette visite je recommande ces 3 villes moulins musées bateau visite à pieds un peu touristique mais c'est 1 pru partout pareil Ces 3 petites villes sont tres jolies
Villaggio di pescatori
Piccolo villaggio molto ordinato. Visitato in un giorno grigio e piovoso che rendeva molto l'atmosfera del mare del Nord. Tanti negozietti e ristoranti. Mangiato un ottimo fish and Chips. Ottimo per mezza giornata fuori porta
Super tour e super guida
Super Super tour. Straconsigliato. Solo il tempo ha rovinato un po le cose, ma la guida Silvy,Ian e anche bus-driver erano super friendly. i villaggi che andate a visitare eranno davvero unici,per non parlare del formaggio che abbiamo comprato. Suggerisco di comprare il formaggio con coconut,era davero speciale. Questo tour e un must.
Schönes Städtchen mit historischen Flair
Sind durch eine Busreise hierhergekommen. Geburtsort des Sängers Jan Smit (Klubbb3). Romantische Promenade. Häuser von anno dazumal. War vorher ein Fischerdorf. Heute klar mehr Touristik. Klare Empfehlung für den der sich für die Niederlande interessiert. Auf alle Fälle ein Besuch wert. Einkehr ist in den vielen kleinen Bistros und Cafés möglich.
Super Tagesausflug mit tollem Tourguide
Toller Tag ! Gestartet mit dem Bus ab Centraal Station, mit dem super netten Fahrer FrAnk und dem Tourguide Steff. Dieser spielte zum Anfang erst einmal Piano (!) im Bus. Insgesamt alles super organisiert, 6 Stunden gingen schnell vorbei. Windmühlen, Holzschuh Fabrik, Käse verkosten und Stropwaffels genascht. Dazu 30 Minuten mit der Fähre übers Isselmeer nach Volemdamm. 45,00€ alles inkl. Man kann auch weniger zahlen, und entscheidet vor , ob man jeweils für ca. 5.00€ eine Attraktion hinzubucht. Kein Zwang! Steff ist als Tourguide sehr zu empfehlen, sehr lustiger Typ, der die Ruhe weg hat.
Schöner Tagesausflug
Schöner Tagesausflug - Käserei Besuch - Bäckerei Besuch - Holzschuhmuseum - Promenade mit Mittagessen (Essen exklusive) - Windmühlen
Having doubts? You can cancel or reschedule this booking up to 8 hours in advance for free.
