Amsterdam private tour to windmills, cheese farm and villages

Amsterdam , Netherlands

Amsterdam private tour to windmills, cheese farm and villages

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About this experience

Experience Holland with Holland Windmills, our small and local tour company. We are born and raised here and love to show you the best places during your holiday in Holland. We also love telling you stories about Holland!

See famous windmills, taste cheese, try wooden shoes and walk through scenic villages. We know the best sights, what to visit and where to eat. Let us take you places where the crowds don't go and explore Holland at your own pace.

Cheaper than a taxi, better than a big group tour and a lot more comfortable than organizing everything on your own. Ideal for couples, families and friends!

Available options

Amsterdam private tour to windmills, cheese farm and villages

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Hotel pick up and return

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Entrance fee to a windmill at The Zaanse Schans

Professional tour guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Here we have the opportunity to visit the best windmills in Holland.

In the Seventeenth Century the Zaanse Schans was the biggest industrial area in the world. A Dutch windmill basically was a little factory. Each windmill was custom build for producing various products like paint, cooking oil, paper and wood.

On the bank of the river Zaan hundreds of windmills were grinding, pounding, sawing and crushing. Products of the Zaanse Schans were exported all over the world.

The dozen windmills on the Zaanse Schans are still fully operational. On a good windy day we’ll see them turning at full speed.

Entrance to one of the windmills is included in this tour.

Stop 2

The village of Edam lies on a dike next to a big fresh water lake. Edam is famous for cheese making. It’s also a good place to try some Dutch seafood, like herring.

At this family owned cheese farm they tell you everything you always wanted to know about cheese and wooden shoes.
Of course there is a large variety of cheeses to taste from as well as fruit whine and typical Dutch cookies and you can buy your favorite cheese, clogs and all kinds of souvenirs.

Monnickendam is one of the oldest towns in Holland and incredibly beautiful. We drive through the old center passing the old church with it’s amazing bell tower and watch typical Dutch vessels in the harbor. Monnickendam is a nice place to have lunch.

In the centre of Waterland is the village of Broek. Although it's only a fifteen minutes drive from Amsterdam, Broek in Waterland feels completely different from the cosmopolitan city. Most of the old houses, farms and even the church were made out of wood. Stone buildings were too heavy for the soft soil.

There are still many beautiful large wooden houses with gardens full of flowers. It’s very peaceful and quiet and we’re pretty much the only touroperator that goes there because large busses with tourists are not even welcome.

Waterland is called the wetlands of Amsterdam, with old villages, fields and hundreds of ditches.

It’s a landscape with narrow waterways called ‘sloten’, meadows, reeds, cows, sheep, horses and birds, farms and church towers on the horizon. This area is mostly peatland and also full of lakes.

The landscape does not get more Dutch than this anywhere else.

What's not included

Lunch

This private tour is not suitable for children under the age of seven years old.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN NL

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

191 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

73 reviews

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Known as the 'Venice of the North,' the city offers a rich blend of art, history, and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Museum 2-3 hours €20

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world.

Museum 1.5-2 hours €20

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II.

Historical 1 hour €16

Dam Square

Dam Square is the central square of Amsterdam and a historic site. It is home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and various other landmarks.

Historical 1 hour Free

Jordaan

Jordaan is a picturesque and lively neighborhood known for its narrow streets, canals, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a great place to explore, shop, and dine.

Neighborhood A few hours to explore Free to explore, varies for shopping and dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Stroopwafel

A thin, round waffle made from two layers of baked dough joined by a caramel-like syrup filling

Dessert Vegetarian, contains wheat and sugar

Bitterballen

Deep-fried, crispy balls filled with a creamy, spiced ragout, typically made from beef or veal

Snack Contains meat, gluten, and dairy

Haring

Raw herring fish, traditionally served with onions and pickles, eaten by holding the fish by its tail and lowering it into your mouth

Dish Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians

Poffertjes

Miniature pancakes made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and yeast, served with powdered sugar and butter

Dessert Vegetarian, contains wheat, eggs, and dairy

Popular Activities

Canal kayaking Bike tours Escape rooms Canal cruises Visiting parks and gardens Spa and wellness treatments Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The peak tourist season in Amsterdam is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, but it's also the busiest and most expensive period.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: English, German, French
English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Amsterdam is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bike theft, can occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey

Getting there

By air

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 17.5 km from city center

By train

Amsterdam Centraal

By bus

Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Getting around

Public transport

Amsterdam's tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with 14 day and night tram lines. A single ticket costs €3.20, and day passes are available.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Amsterdam

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jordaan De Pijp De Wallen (Red Light District) Museumplein Amsterdam-Noord

Day trips

Zaanse Schans

20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day

A picturesque and open-air museum featuring traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and workshops, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of the region.

Haarlem

20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day

A charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and vibrant cultural scene, often considered a smaller and more relaxed version of Amsterdam.

Utrecht

50 km from Amsterdam • Full day

A vibrant and historic city known for its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene, with a unique and charming atmosphere.

Festivals

King's Day (Koningsdag) • April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday) Amsterdam Pride • Late July to early August Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) • Mid-October

Pro tips

Use the OV-chipkaart for seamless and convenient public transport
Rent a bike to explore the city like a local, but be aware of cycling rules and etiquette
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm
Try local specialties, such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and Dutch pancakes