Zaanse Schans Tours - page 4
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The scenic Dutch village of Zaanse Schans is most famous for its windmills, once used to power everything from paint-making to paper production. Today, the Zaanse Schans is set up like an open-air museum, with five working windmills open to visitors. Wander the village, view the preserved architecture, and watch the locals at work—in their traditional wooden shoes and Dutch garb, naturally. Green wooden houses, a historic shipyard, and a pewter factory are among the village’s top attractions.
The Basics
The Zaanse Schans is a popular day trip destination from Amsterdam; the scenic drive through the Dutch countryside—past lovely fields, green pastures, and winding canals—is a tour highlight in and of itself. Visit on a half- or full-day tour to explore the five Dutch Golden Age windmills, including some that serve as a sawmill and an oil mill, and visit the workshops of local craftspeople. Cheese-making and clog-making demonstrations are other key experiences, in addition to pewter-casting and mustard-making demos. For a fun photo souvenir, stop by a shoemaker’s shop and try on traditional Dutch clogs and costumes. When you get hungry, pop into a bakery for a taste of the sweet white duivekater bread, head to the cheese factory for some famous Edam cheese, or step inside Albert Heijn—the village’s oldest shop—for a bag of sweets. A boat trip or a canal cruise is another excellent way to see the Zaanse Schans and the surrounding villages.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Zaanse Schans is a must-see for visitors interested in learning about traditional Dutch culture.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the outdoor area.
- The Zaanse Schans is free to visit, but some individual attractions may require fees.
- Not all areas are wheelchair accessible due to the historic nature of the area, but accessible bridges and parking are available. Jonge Schaap is the only wheelchair-accessible windmill.
- Most shops and restaurants in the neighborhood accept credit and debit cards; ATMs are located at the Zaanse Schans parking office.
How to Get There
The Zaanse Schans neighborhood is set in Zaandam, near Zaandijk, about 13 miles (21 kilometers) northwest of Amsterdam. The village, located on the eastern bank of the Zaan river, is easily accessible from Amsterdam’s Centraal Station by transit—it takes less than an hour to get there by bus, train, or car. Fee-based parking is available.
When to Get There
Though there is plenty to do year-round in the Zaanse Schans, much of the village’s charm lies in its outdoor attractions, making late spring and summer the best times to visit. Winters in the Netherlands are known to be rainy and windy, so if you’re visiting then, wear warm layers under a waterproof jacket.
The Dutch and Their Bicycles
It’s said that there are 1.5 bicycles for every inhabitant of the Netherlands. The Dutch love their bikes and can be found pedaling them to work, school, the grocery store, and everywhere else in between. Renting a bicycle is a great way to see Holland like a local. In summer, a bike tour from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans is a popular way to experience the quaint village and the bucolic countryside.
Address: Zaandam, North Holland Province, Netherlands
119 Tours and Activities to Experience Zaanse Schans
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Semi-Private Tour to Windmills and Countryside Villages from Amsterdam
Venture away from the busy streets of Amsterdam and take a trip into the Dutch countryside during this half-day tour. Enjoy a peaceful day exploring typical Dutch villages including the windmill village of Zaanse Schans, the fishing village of Volendam, the oldest town in Holland—Monnickendam, and Broek in the Amsterdam “wetlands.” Discover Dutch history and culture as you explore and enjoy your guide’s undivided attention on this small-group tour.
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From
$105.25
From
$105.25
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Customized Day Tour in the Netherlands with Art Historian
Gain intimate insight into the Netherlands’ artistic heritage on this private tour from Amsterdam, led by a professional art historian. Benefit from your guide’s insider knowledge to create a fully personalized itinerary and choose from a vast range of museums, galleries, and attractions across the region, such as the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery in The Hague, or Keukenhof Gardens.
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From
$540.55
per group
From
$540.55
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

Old Holland windmill cycling tour
In a small group you will cycle at an easy pace through the landscape and visit hidden windmills that tell the special story of the industry in the 17th century around Amsterdam. Visit an original neighbourhood with 17th century workers' houses and discover what makes the merchant houses in the zaan region so special. You will also visit the Zaanse Schans with its clog factory and cheese tasting.
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From
$35.91
From
$35.91

Private Countryside & Windmills day tour by Car
This wonderful tour covers the magnificent Dutch polder landscape with its ribbons of farmland north of Amsterdam. You will please yourself with the visit of fishing villages marked by windmills, lakes, dikes and dams.This tour allows you to visit a working windmill, a visit to a wooden shoe manufactory and cheese farm!
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From
$303.36
Price varies by group size
From
$303.36
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Private Holland Tour
Enjoy a full day private sightseeing to the northern part of the Netherlands. A short city tour or tulip tour can be included in this 8 hour tour . See and learn with your private guide all about the typical Dutch Polderland with the beautiful landscape, the windmills, canals and lakes. During the spring time several tulip fields can be spotted on route. As a private tour, your guide can personalize the tour according to your own preferences.
-From 21 March 2019 till 19th of May the flower gardens of " Keukenhof" can be visited, entrance fees are not included.-
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From
$401.59
Price varies by group size
From
$401.59
Price varies by group size

Amsterdam City & Countryside Tour: The Best of both Worlds
The perfect day trip: Amsterdam’s highlights and the idyllic Dutch countryside. Learn about the young Jewish writer Anne Frank and explore the masters of the Golden Age, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals and Steen. Admire the line-up of 19 historical windmills in the spellbinding town of Zaanse Schans. Visit a working windmill, a cheese farm and watch a shoemaker craft clogs!
We know there is a lot to discover in Amsterdam and its surrounding countryside. That’s why you can extend your Amsterdam City & Countryside Tour at any given moment. You might want to explore the fisherman village of Volendam or step on the former island of Marken. Just let your chauffeur guide know what you would like to see and he will bring you there. The staff of Dutch Tours and Transfers is determined to provide you with the best personally customized service for you to experience the wonders of Amsterdam city and its sublime surroundings.
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From
$426.69
per group
From
$426.69
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Exquisite North Holland and Amsterdam Canal Tour
Discover Dutch delights including cheese, wooden clogs, and windmills, and enjoy a cruise along Amsterdam’s canals. On this tour, visit the traditional village of Zaanse Schans, tour a clog factory, and admire 18th- and 19th-century windmills. Continue to Edam, home of the world-famous cheese, and picturesque Volendam, before returning to the city for scenic canal cruise.
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From
$127.18
From
$127.18

Holland Dutch Golden Age Private Tour (Choice of your Own Itineraries)
Choose your own adventure on this fully customizable private tour of the Netherlands. Choose from a list of top destinations; pick three that interest you the most to build your itinerary. Travel in a luxury minivan with your private group, which makes it easy to get between sites. Your guide will provide insightful commentary and answer any questions.
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From
$775.14
per group
From
$775.14
per group

Eat Dutch cheese, explore the countryside and windmills on this private tour
This itinerary is 100% adaptable for you, and there is a maximum of 4 people on this tour, so it is just you and your group! You can visit a local cheese farm and the windmills in the beautiful areas, Edam, Volendam Zaanse Schans and Marken. You will see beautiful landscape, typical Dutch wooden green houses, and the way cheese is made the traditional way!
You will be taken to see the beautiful windmills of Zaanse Schans, the tiny villages of Marken and Volendam and the famous lands under sea level. We will also visit a famous cheese farm and see how they made the traditional clogs in Marken. Then after you are finished, you will be dropped off at your hotel safe and sound.
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER
Please inform us if you have any accessibility issues
A maximum of 8 people permitted per tour allowed
Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
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From
$468.51
Price varies by group size
From
$468.51
Price varies by group size

Private countryside tour: the highlights of Holland with guide and transport
Immerse yourself in Dutch culture, history, and cuisine on a private 6- to 7-hour countryside tour. Comfortable and swift transportation takes you from the tourist crowds of Amsterdam and into the heart of Holland. Enjoy engaging commentary from your guide as you taste local cheese, stroll past windmills, and try on wooden shoes. Tour highlights include Zaanse Schans, the fishing village of Marken, Volendam, Church Broek, and more.
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From
$555.95
per group
From
$555.95
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Escape the city crowds and dive into the scenic Dutch countryside-private
Escape the city crowds and take a glimpse into the Netherlands’ industrial past at the Zaanse Schans while walking past traditional houses, windmills, old warehouses and visiting a traditional bakery.
Enjoy watching cheese bearers and cheese traders at the world-famous Alkmaar cheese market and its vibrant city center. Look inside a historical windmill. You can climb all the way to the top and enjoy the view.
Immerse yourself in the authentic scenery of 2 characteristic old fishing villages. Watch a real clog maker, taste local food and wonder through picturesque spots in an atmosphere of history and romance. All this right at Amsterdam’s doorstep.
Highlights
Enjoy the historical Alkmaar Cheese market (only available fridays 27/03 - 25/09)
Look inside a historical windmill (only available on saturday & sunday)
Watch the art of making clogs
Discover Netherlands's industrial past at the Zaanse Schans
Visit an authentic bakery
All entrance fees included so no surprises
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From
$334.66
From
$334.66

Charming Holland - All inclusive private tour
Our travel designers will plan for you a daytrip of a lifetime. Whilst some of our customers want to base their tailor-made experience on one of our standard tours, with a few additions or alterations, others wish to do something completely different.
Of course all of our tailored tours are true to our Dutch Touring spirit: where possible we will travel through the back roads, experiencing unique scenery while driving, we will make sure you enjoy a nice balance between guided walking and leisurely time, the transport will be premium and you will have a truly authentic experience from the food you eat to the places we visit.
Your driver/private tour guide will be an integral part of the experience and will be on-hand to ensure all of your personal requirements are met. You can literally sit back and enjoy the ride, safe in the knowledge that all of the planning and logistics have been taken care of.
Of course you can also book our standard tour for a private group.
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From
$414.97
From
$414.97

Private Amsterdam City & Countryside Tour: modern culture and local folklore
Discover modern Amsterdam and the traditional Dutch countryside in this Private Half Day Tour.
Canals, cozy squares, museums, windmills and... cheese!
At your own pace, surrounded by comfort in a luxury vehicle with private driver. Your local chauffeur knows the region like the back of his hand.
Is there anything particular you would like to see or do? Just let us know!
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From
$401.59
per group
From
$401.59
per group

Private Day Trip Tour to Zanse Schans with a local
You will go on a private day trip on a public transport to Zaanse Schans, a residential area in which the 18th and 19th centuries are brought to life, you will stroll past the bakery museum and enjoy the smell of fresh cookies, take a look at the warehouse where clogs are made. You will also visit the cheese factory, pewter foundry and the various windmills, you will go inside a windmill also. The Zaanse Schans is a unique part of the Netherlands, full of wooden houses, mills, barns and workshops. A day out at the Zaanse Schans in North Holland is fun and educational.Our fun and entertaining guide will make this a memorable experience for you. It is one of the best experiences to immerse yourself into the dutch culture and to fall in love with Holland even more.
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From
$92.87
From
$92.87

Amsterdam Holland Flower auction ,Cheese farm and Windmills Tour.
On this guided tour, we will meet you at your hotel and take you on this private tour along Holland's highlights, meaning: flowers, cheese and windmills. Our experienced guide will show you around and explain all details of the destinations that we will visit in a relaxed atmosphere.
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From
$962.73
per group
$240.68 savings
From
$962.73
per group
$240.68 savings

Shun Shun exclusive customized minibus itinerary (Benelux: 1 day: multi-day also available)
1. Select 9-seater coaches throughout the journey to provide high-quality shuttle and sightseeing services (working 10 hours a day, based on continuous calculation)
2. The driver and tour guide (mainly in Mandarin) borrowed by Huahua throughout the journey, with rich experience and attentive service
3. Multi-day itinerary: Arrange 3-star hotel accommodation (double standard room) and daily breakfast (single room surcharge, 35 Euro per room per night)
4. Accommodation arrangements for the director
5. Toll, petrol and parking fees on the itinerary
6. 5 days tour includes 4 nights hotel accommodation, 6 days tour includes 5 nights hotel accommodation, and so on
7. Prices are negotiable during peak season and exhibition
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From
$681.01
From
$681.01

Countryside: Windmills, Cheese & Wooden Shoes
This private day tour brings you back to the historical Dutch lifestyle and heritage. You will see the old houses, the windmills, the wooden shoes, the beautiful landscapes and other things that can’t be missed on a day out in the countryside of the Netherlands. On top of that we will see demonstrations of the Wooden Shoe process and the making of cheese (including tasting all Dutch cheeses!)
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From
$501.98
per group
From
$501.98
per group

Private Tour from Amsterdam to the Windmills, Cheese & Clogs (Roundtrip)(4hrs)
In our high luxury vehicles you will be visiting the famous Zaanse Schans. On this tour your group will be the only customer for this transfer to Zaanse Schans. With our high luxury vehicles/minivan you will picked up by your hotel, cruiseport or Schiphol Airport and go on your way to the Zaanse Schans in Zaandam.
Your guide will tell you on the way all about the waterlands that you will be passing. A unique history of people creating land. The windmills are a
symbol of the Netherlands, but why? Lear all about it and see a windmill from inside. The private guide will take you to the cheese shops where you can see the whole process of cheese making. Of course there will be time to try the cheeses and buy some of that dutch gold. Learn all about wooden shoes and see how they are made at a life presentation. The guide will be with you the whole time, will provide you with all information you need and of course makes sure you have a fun and comfortable experience
…More
From
$225.90
Price varies by group size
From
$225.90
Price varies by group size

Private Transfer from Amsterdam to the Windmills, Cheese and Clogs (4hrs)
In our high luxury vehicles you will be visiting the famous Zaanse Schans. On this tour your group will be the only customer for this transfer to Zaanse Schans. With our high luxury vehicles/minivan you will picked up by your hotel, cruiseport or Schiphol Airport and go on your way to the Zaanse Schans in Zaandam. Enjoying the luxury style of our cars and the Dutch countryside passing your window, you will arriving in less than 30-60 min by the Zaanse Schans.
You’ll have about 2,5 hours of free time at Zaanse Schans to explore the Zaanse Schans, admiring the windmills, visit the small traditional shop, take the cheese tasting tour and you can see how they make the Woodenshoes. And when you are ready for your return your chauffeur is waiting for you to bring you back to Amsterdam.
LXRYTours Amsterdam is specialized in Luxury Customized Private Tours in The Netherlands & Belgium.
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From
$235.30
Price varies by group size
From
$235.30
Price varies by group size

Private Guided Tour to the Windmills, Cheese and Clogs, Edam & Volendam (5hrs)
In our high luxury vehicles you will be visiting the famous Zaanse Schans,Edam & Volendam. On this tour your group will be the only customer for this private tour. With our high luxury vehicles/minivan you will picked up by your hotel, cruiseport or Schiphol Airport and go on your way to the Zaanse Schans in Zaandam.
Your guide will tell you on the way all about the waterlands that you will be passing. A unique history of people creating land. The windmills are a
symbol of the Netherlands, but why? Lear all about it and see a windmill from inside. The private guide will take you to the cheese shops where you can see the whole process of cheese making. Of course there will be time to try the cheeses and buy some of that dutch gold. Learn all about wooden shoes and see how they are made at a life presentation. The guide will be with you the whole time, will provide you with all information you need and of course makes sure you have a fun and comfortable experience
…More
From
$501.98
Price varies by group size
From
$501.98
Price varies by group size

Private Holland Tours
Private Tours with the most luxury cars of the world.
Lamborghini Urus
Rolls - Royce Classic / Phantom / Ex Dutch Royal RR
about 19 Rolls-Royces available
…More
From
$3,095.51
per group
From
$3,095.51
per group

Bus tour to Volendam, Edam and the Windmills incl. Amsterdam Canal Cruise
If you want to leave the tourist traps in Amsterdam behind for the day, hop on this bus for a guided scenic tour of the Dutch countryside. Experience the churning windmills in Zaanse Schans, watch craftspeople at work, the cheese weighing house in Edam, and the seaside village of Volendam. A knowledgeable guide will teach you all about Dutch culture.
…More
From
$77.39
From
$77.39
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Bus Tour to the Windmill Village Zaanse Schans & Amsterdam Canal Cruise
You want to leave the big city for the day and see what life is like in a traditional Dutch village. Zaanse Schans is a preserved 18th and 19th century village, and a comfortable bus will take you right from central Amsterdam so you don’t need to worry about navigating trains. In just a few hours, you’ll experience traditional Dutch culture - from wearing wooden shoes, to seeing windmills at work.
…More
From
$65.01
From
$65.01
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Keukenhof & Flower fields, Volendam and Windmills & Canal cruise
Trade the bustling city of Amsterdam for a trip to the tulip fields on this small-group tour. Visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens to see thousands of colorful tulips and flowers. Then travel to Zaanse Schans, Edam, and Volendam to learn about Dutch culture including windmills, cheese, and clogs. At the end of your tour, receive a voucher for an Amsterdam canal cruise to use at your leisure.
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From
$216.69
From
$216.69
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Things to do near Amsterdam
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