Zaanse Schans Windmills, Clogs and Dutch Cheese Small-Group Tour from Amsterdam
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Zaanse Schans Windmills, Clogs and Dutch Cheese Small-Group Tour from Amsterdam
By Zaan Tours
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About
Head out into the Dutch countryside for a day of exploration with this group tour to Zaanse Schans. You'll see typical green wooden houses and real windmills, watch a wooden clog-maker in action, and visit a cheese farm, all with a local guide to provide commentary and enliven your experience.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 1-99, max of 16 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Perfect for fans of culture who want to get away from the city
- A local guide will lead the way
- Entry fees into a windmill are included
- Round-trip transportation from Amsterdam adds convenience
- Local guide
- Round-trip shared transfer
- Entrance fees
- Entry/Admission - Molen De Kat
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Start:
- LOT61 Amsterdam Centraal Station, Oosterdoksstraat 4, 1011 DK Amsterdam, NetherlandsMeet your driver next to Amsterdam Centraal Station outside coffee store LOT61. Coffee store LOT61 is part of hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station. Your tour guide will hold an orange umbrella.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7258P4- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- As seats on this tour are restricted, all travelers should have a ticket
- This tour contains a moderate amount of walking
- Most travellers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7258P4
From
£36.10
per adult
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Itinerary
- Oosterdoksstraat 4, 1011 DK Amsterdam, NetherlandsMeet your driver next to Amsterdam Centraal Station outside coffee store LOT61. Coffee store LOT61 is part of hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station. Your tour guide will hold an orange umbrella.
- 1Pass byZaan Tours
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Explorer7208890 contributionsEuropean River Cruise with APTWe decided to do another European river cruise (previously completed a cruise with Scenic in 2010) after we spotted a 2 for 1 offer through Flight Centre. The cruise was on the AMS Amastella and given we were cruising in November in Europe we knew it would be cold but this didn't interfere with our overall enjoyment on the experience. We were offered an upgrade from a lower level cabin to a top level cabin at a reduced rate 2 weeks before we were due to embark. The new cabin which was located centrally in the boat, offered a much larger size than the lower one and also a balcony. Due to at times excessive engine noise we would not recommend the rear cabins on this boat. We were extremely comfortable in the cabin and Edward, our steward, took great care of us. The food offered was generally of a high standard although the sweets did not offer a lot of variety. All drinks were included throughout the day which was welcomed by all. The staff seemed to 'warm' towards us as the cruise progressed. The music duo on board were outstanding although there was not offered a variety of performers from local areas as we cruised. We had previously enjoyed this when we travelled with Scenic. There was a variety of daily tours on offer so we were able to enjoy some different destinations than we had previously seen through the Scenic cruise. Unfortunately we experienced a 12 hour breakdown with the boat, so we missed out on visiting Rudesheim in Germany. This cruise was simular to the quality of our previous Scenic cruise. We enjoyed meeting some great lifelong friends, and would recommend cruising with APT.Written 18 December 2024
- s00nmeiw0 contributionsTotally worth the money - I am glad we book this tour. Ten of us all enjoyed it thoroughly!We have Caroline as our tour guide. She is a local and grew up in this village that we are visiting . Her English is excellent. Her stories are interesting, and she is super friendly and helpful. She carries a big smile on her face all the time. We love all the itinerary in this tour. Our driver Ajiz (?) is also super. He is friendly, helpful and he is good at his job. All in all worth every penny!Written 2 July 2024
- Travel334803566190 contributionsAbsolutely Spectacular TourThe nine (9) hour Keukenhof Tulip Gardens and Zaanse Windmill Tour was spectacular. We spent the morning in Zaanse viewing the windmills and historical village, and visiting a local dairy farm/ cheese and wooden clog manufacturing facility. Each stop provided its own historical interest and photographic opportunities. We then traveled on our private bus to the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. Let me start by saying that we missed the height of the blooming season by several weeks (an early Spring in the Netherlands). That said the gardens are spectacular. It is hard to believe that the gardens are only open 2.5 months each year during the blooming season. Even without the full glory of the tulips the grounds are beautiful. To compensate for an early Spring, the gardens provided hundreds of temporary planters filled with beautiful tulips and daffodils to appease the late flock of tourists. The sculpture and rhododendrons (and other woody flowering bushes) are amazing. We took hundreds of photographs to remember the experience. To top off our experience, we purchased five dozen tulip and daffodil bulbs that will be shipped to my home in October that I will enjoy for years to come. A wonderful day well worth the price.Written 23 May 2024
- Karin U0 contributionsSurpassed my high expectationsVisiting Amsterdam during tulip season was on my bucket list and even though we went at the tail end of the bloom, Keukenhof was amazing. So much color, so many thoughtful and creative vignettes to experience. The bus ride there was easy and relaxing and the ability to take a shuttle back to the city at our leisure made this a perfect day.Written 21 May 2024
- jacqualync20210 contributionsWonderful experience. Thank youKALEM our guide was excellent. He knew everything when we asked questions. We had fun time. He made us feel like he had known us for a long time. He is good at his job.Written 16 May 2024
- johntZ1885OO0 contributionsA must see tour of the highlights outside of Amsterdam city!Great locations with ample time in each. Callum was an amazing guide and the small group size ensured we skipped the lines and received personalized demonstrations and explanations.Written 9 May 2024
- 906billym0 contributionsFantastic small group tourThis small group tour was so enjoyable. We visited an operating windmill and learned about the different uses of windmills. We saw how the wooden shoes were made and how they are made now. We learned about chocolate beans being made into chocolate and how the Netherlands is a major producer. We enjoyed our time at the huge tulip gardens. The tour bus driver was able to drop us off very close to our hotel since it was on his way.Written 9 May 2024
- sdsubiologist0 contributionsFabulous tourWonderful day seeing the beautiful tulips and then visiting the windmills. The cheese tasting was delicious and we bought some to take with us.Written 29 April 2024
- kellyeD7104OH0 contributionsExcellent!The tour guide was very informative and had the best attitude so helpful. The windmills and the tulips were amazing.Highly recommend booking!Written 25 April 2024
- K3524KPkerrim0 contributionsFun filled day with flowers, windmills, clogs and cheeseAbsolutely breathtaking. Our whole day was amazing. Everything was well-paced and easy accommodations for older adults. The guides were fantastic and friendly. As an American we look at these places in books, online and in magazines and those images pale in comparison to seeing it in person. I can’t recommend this highly enough. Come do this!!!!Written 22 April 2024
- arletteu20240 contributionsTulips and Windmills AmsterdamTour did not let us know they were running late. They eventually responded when I contacted thru Trip Advisor. We started 30 minutes late but duration of tour was not extended to make up for it. Instead the time was cut off of Keukenhof tulips. Never had that happen on any tour before and we have toured extensively. Initially in 2 vans. Part of group wanted loud music and to sing so driver allowed without considering needs of others. At end of tour same driver took 10 of the people back to their hotel but not the remaining 3 of us, even though everyone arrived at tour departure site on their own. No issue with this if they had offered this courtesy to everyone but they did not. Callum, the guide, was knowledgeable and kind.Written 16 April 2024
- Mobile099598514570 contributionsWindmills and TulipsLovely visit to Zaanse Schan in spring sunshine . Excellent guide took us round the pretty village with stops at clog demo, cheese shop and working windmill. Beautiful location well worth a visit . Subsequently dropped off at Keukenhof gardens for 3 hours to see spectacular Tulip displays in lovely woodland setting . 2-2.5 hrs would have been sufficient as return journey started after 7pmWritten 15 April 2024
- ksM3532IS0 contributionsHorrible experienceI do not recommend this tour company. Horrible experience. Guide was not at designated pick up. Finally found her and got on bus. I specifically choose a small group tour for an intimate and personalize experience. Ability to hear information and ask questions, etc. Also larger tours often have delays due to group size (often 50+ppl) and often difficult to hear guide when narrating during tour or answer questions. Our group was 12 to start. No narrative on 40+min ride. Upon arrival we were left at gate w/ticket and map. Given lactation and time for pick up. Told we would eat at next stop but grab a light snack if we wanted. Everyone met on time however no show by guide and bus! Another passenger finally heard back they were running late. 45 min later a different guide showed up with the same bus driver and bus. Again 30min + drive w/no narrative about country or what we were to see. We were now way behind schedule and rushed. 4 of our group had to leave and Uber back at a high price due to other tour obligations. No time to eat (as stated earlier by guide) so many of us were starving. The guide seemed surprised we didn’t have “snacks with us to eat”. No we were told there would be time to have lunch. It was 3:30 and we were to leave at 430. We had rushed demos combo with other groups because our group was late. Missed out on a demo because we had to meet back for bus pick up. However bus AGAIN was late by almost an hour. Mean while we were about to fully walk and see sights because guide was told it would here in 10 -15 min, multiple time (actually being about an hr). The topper was at about 530 pm we are picked up only to have driver and guide swapped out. Then bus stalled. Finally stated and on our way. The beer that was offered as consultation prize for horrible experience was not available (or even water), but wait for it…the bus takes a 10 min detour to drop off the guide to her car!! It was so astonishing and unbelievable. She got off the bus leaving us with the driver to return to our drop off 30+ min away. Whole experience was unbelievable. I would not recommend this company at all. Viator was contacted and informed. I am hopeful for a refund as this was NOT what was advertised.Written 15 April 2024
- Amy V0 contributionsWonderful Tour🌷This was on my sister in law’s bucket list and we were all fortunate to experience this beautiful tour. TheTulip portion of the tour is self guided but so easy to walk around at your leisure. They give you plenty of time before you meet back at the pickup spot. The windmill, cheese and wooden shoe places were fantastic and also had free time to look around before heading back on the bus. If you want to see the beautiful tulips and more don’t hesitate to book this tour. It doesn’t disappoint😊Written 14 April 2024
- mcturners0 contributionsGood experience.Our tour guide with Zaan was very informative. She kept a good pace. The gardens were VERY busy but the tulips were blooming but the tour group was good.Written 30 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
522 reviews
Excellent
435
Very good
66
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12
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6
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3
armorison83
Overland Park, KS3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Our tour guide, I believe her name was Estel, was very friendly, helpful, and passionate about this tour as she herself is a water miller. It was incredible to see how clogs were made, taste some of the cheese, and go inside and to the top of a windmill while the millers were changing the sails on the windmill. The only cons were it being crowded within the shops making it difficult to taste the cheese or shop in a short amount of time. I'm not sure if the 5-hour tour allows more shopping and walking around time, but if it does, I would recommend that one as I was in a bit of a rush to finish shopping, grabbing something to eat, and looking around at areas that weren't on the tour.
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
casey
Edinburgh, UK1,975 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
This tour was one of the highlights of my solo trip to Amsterdam. The meeting place was opposite central station so easy to get to and the tour bus was easy to spot with Zaan tours written in big letters on the side. Mikey was a great tour guide donning clogs and wooly socks for our benefit. She told us some facts on our journey, well at least I think she did, I couldn't hear her so I cant be sure and I'm not sure how to solve this issue. But otherwise she was friendly and informative and gave us time to venture off on our own to do our own thing: get food or take pictures or do a bit shopping whatever we fancied but also showed us the highlights of Zaanse schans and I enjoyed the demonstration of the clog making and the cheese farm and trying loads of different cheese. We also visited a working windmill that grinds pigments and dye to make paint which was interesting and there is an opportunity to climb the windmill for amazing views but I chose not to do this. Food and drink is not included so make sure you bring water on a hot day and a snack but a great tour and well worth the money, I'm glad I did it!
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kwes
Staffordshire, UK14 contributions
Had a great day, even though it was raining all day. Nice minibus ride from Amsterdam (around 25 minutes). We had a lovely guide (Caroline) who was really knowledgeable about the area, made sure we were looked after and gave us plenty of time to see everything. We saw clog making demonstrations, a cheese making talk (and cheese tasting) and a visit inside a windmill. Would really recommend this tour and is a great and easy way of seeing more of the wider area if you are staying in Amsterdam.
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan V
Louisville, KY119 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
This day trip from Amsterdam offers everything one would expect to see in Holland. Zaanse Schans offers cheese making tours and a cheese shop, as well as a wooden shoes workshop with live demonstrations. There are many windmills to view and several offer access and tours inside. There are several shops and eating options located throughout the park. It is a very popular area and I recommend getting to Zaanse Schans as early in the morning as possible. Plan for an all day trip. There is a lot to see and do.
Written 31 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate W
2 contributions
Mar 2023
If you only have a short time in Amsterdam, then this tour is a must. Small group tour was perfect, only 20 minute bus ride out of the city centre. Would recommend morning tour rather than afternoon as less visitors there, much busier by time we left at lunchtime. Our guide, David, was knowledgeable and very patient, never rushing us when visiting the shops. Clog workshop was fascinating and array of clogs on display was mind-boggling. Cheese making presentation informative and cheese tasting delicious. Visit into the windmill was interesting and a new experience for us - ladder up and down to the viewing platform was a little challenging for some but worth it. Unfortunately the sails weren't going round as there was no wind but this didn't detract from the experience. Lots of photo opportunities. Would highly recommend this tour.
Written 9 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan G
16 contributions
Our guide was knowledgeable, passionate, and was very clear with communication and gathering the group! It’s a very good value for money, and included a clog making demonstration, cheese tasting, windmill tour, and chocolate shop. The area was very crowded, but we went in a weekend, The bus had AC which was a perk!!
Written 1 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robyn C
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Couples
What started out as a windy, rainy day ended up being a very enjoyable, sunny day with beautiful sights and bits of history lessons. This trip had lots to offer and we were accompanied by a great guide - Natahsa, a local Dutchwoman who had wonderful knowledge and insight into Dutch culture, history, and an overall zest when speaking about each stop (from windmills to traditional housing, and clogs). Callum, our driver was very kind and offered a wonderful suggestion for lunch Kam Yin in the city of Amsterdam. Yummy Surinamese food! A worthwhile trip and an appropriate amount of time to get a short escape from the busy, bustling city and see a little bit more of the Holland that we picture from old storybooks. Was an incredible delight to learn that the windmill is still in operation that creates natural pigments, as paint colors were originally made, for art restoration of many of the great artists.
Written 23 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kennethbL5886SN
3 contributions
Sept 2022
The Zaanse Schans Windmills, Clogs and Dutch Cheese Small-Group Tour from Amsterdam was outstanding!! The tour included excellent demonstrations of local craftspeople and their skills which you would not see in any other setting. Additionally, our tour guide, Bart Sluiter, was a native who was personable and shared many interesting facts about the Dutch Culture and geography as he lead us through the charming village .I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who visits Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was well worth the price!!
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rkjm
Yeovil, England59 contributions
Although the weather was less than perfect it did not detract from this tour, led by the amiable and excellent tour guide David. Although most of the tourists arrived at the agreed time at the meeting point, there were some that due to traffic were late. It would have been within the company 's right to set off having waited some additional time, but they kindly waited long enough for our late arrivals to join the tour. This was good customer service and to be commended. Our tour guide David was very knowledgeable and clearly enjoyed acting as your guide for an area close to his heart. Yes, the weather was drizzly, but it didn't make the trip any less enjoyable. The quaint houses, working windmills, clog and cheese making were very interesting. There are more than enough gift shops with some great gift ideas and sensible prices. We would recommend this tour and thank David for acting as an excellent tour guide.
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephTravels
West Sussex, UK879 contributions
This tour was one of my favourite things we did.
Our tour guide Mikey was funny and knowledgable, I learnt a lot from her and she easily answered everyone’s questions.
The town is really cute and you get to see a series of windmills, including the last paint mill in existence. It was cool to see inside the windmill and watch the cogs turn as we climbed up to the top!
The clog making demo was really fascinating and was by a great gift shop!
We also saw a cheese making demo and got to try out the cheeses which was great (not so sure on lavender cheese though).
We had 3 lots of 10-20 min of free time where we could sample the cheese, peruse the gift shop, take photos etc… although I feel my only criticism is that we could have done with slightly longer free time (30 mins would be ideal) in order to get everything done!
It was fascinating to see, educational and cultural!
Our tour guide Mikey was funny and knowledgable, I learnt a lot from her and she easily answered everyone’s questions.
The town is really cute and you get to see a series of windmills, including the last paint mill in existence. It was cool to see inside the windmill and watch the cogs turn as we climbed up to the top!
The clog making demo was really fascinating and was by a great gift shop!
We also saw a cheese making demo and got to try out the cheeses which was great (not so sure on lavender cheese though).
We had 3 lots of 10-20 min of free time where we could sample the cheese, peruse the gift shop, take photos etc… although I feel my only criticism is that we could have done with slightly longer free time (30 mins would be ideal) in order to get everything done!
It was fascinating to see, educational and cultural!
Written 6 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, can I bring my cats on the trip as Zaane Schans official websites states pets are allowed if they are leashed. I would brining them in pet carrier.
Written 16 August 2024
Does the tour bus take you to all 4 places mentioned or it stops at one place and we need to walk. There is an older person traveling and hence asking
Written 25 July 2023
It’s one bus ride and then walk. There are seats available at the cheese making and wooden shoes factory, but it’s mostly on foot.
Written 26 July 2023
I want to come with my 2 children (aged 11 & 14). How do I book that? The site asks only about the number of adults...
Written 23 May 2023
We just showed up across from Central train station where they pick up. I suspect though as they will take seat on the bus they will be counted as adults.
Written 24 May 2023
I think so, the trip is very nice, just don’t recommend to climb the mill, u must get down backwards like going on a boat.
Written 12 May 2022
Hi - a friend (in USA) has recommended this tour to us (pre-COVID). My husband and I are coming into Amsterdam on Friday, 27/08/21 and would like to take the tour on 28/08.21 before we board our AMA Waterways Rhine River cruise. We can drop our bags at the ship at 9 AM, and are wondering if the tour can pick us up at the ships pier and drop us back at the same location (before 3PM)? Is that all a possibility?
Thank you. J. Wedding-Scott
Written 22 August 2021
Hi, I understand that this tour lasts for 3 hours. But I can't seem to find information about the starting time of this tour. Are there multiple starting time?
Written 7 October 2019
Tour began at 10 am in front of a hotel Barbizon by a canal. Small bus/vans pick you up at the bus stop in front. About 15 mins. travel into the countryside to the windmills, river and small village. Cheese, wooden shoes and several other items specifically Dutch handmade on site while you are on tour. 3 hours includes tour inside a working grist grinding windmill. Not mobility difficulty friendly. Cobblestones and a lot of walking. Bikes travel thru the village at a high rate of speed. Dangerous for mobility impaired visitors. But it is the home of or a public thruway on the way to locals homes. We loved it despite the difficulties.
Written 7 October 2019
We have 10 people in our group and we will have our carry on luggage with us... we arrive at 8 am with an Eight hr layover... what time do the tours leave and how will we get to the departure location?? And we wo like to see a bit of the city too... are there any accommodations for that.. i tried to see availability for 10 and only included 9?? Our Date is Sept 25, 2019
Written 8 August 2019
Don’t think this tour could accommodate carry-on luggage to take along. They use a van that seats about 8 passengers and a taxi to seat additional people so the group size is about 14-15.
Written 8 August 2019
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