Private Guided Half Day Tour in Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam

Amsterdam , Netherlands

Private Guided Half Day Tour in Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam

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About this experience

Zaanse Schans: Explore this picturesque, historic village,where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Wander among the iconic wooden houses, and working windmills, while learning about the area's rich history and heritage. Indulge in a Gouda Cheese Tasting, savor local hot chocolate, and enjoy a wooden shoe craft demonstration.

Available options

Private Guided Half Day Tour in Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottle of water

entrance ticket to a windmill

Licensed Tour Guide/Driver

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

9.30: Pick up from your hotel in Amsterdam (or another for you convenient time)

Stop 2

10.00: We arrive at The Zaanse Schans. This is a unique area where people live and work, with museums, windmills, shops and old crafts. The site gives an excellent picture of the Zaanstreek in the 18th and 19th centuries. Walking between the traditional timber houses, warehouses and windmills at the Zaanse Schans, you get the feeling that you’re back in the long-gone past. We walk along the dike next to the river Zaan and enjoy the sight of multiple industrial windmills. As we were brought up in a windmill we can tell you everything about them.

10.15: A visit to the last paint mill in the world “De Kat”. It was originally built in 1781. It is an octagonal mill with a rotating cap and external gallery. Since its restoration and partial rebuild in 1960 it has been fitted out to grind couloring materials as pigments. After a explanation how the windmill works, you have the opportunity to climb up the windmill and make beautiful pictures on the external gallery..

Stop 4

10.45: A visit to the chocolate shop. It is a good chance that you can smell the chocolate already in the air when you enter the Zaan region. For over two centuries the Zaan region has been the largest cocoa industry in the world. Cocoa beans are processed and roasted over here. Do you want to try some local chocolate or make your own hot chocolate from local raw cocoa powder? This is the place to be!

Stop 5

11.00: Cheese tasting: 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 design the cheeses specifically for travel.

Stop 6

11.30: If you want to try the most famous cookie of Holland “Stroopwafel” we can make a stop at the fresh syrup waffle stand.

11.45: Wooden shoe craft demonstration. Always wanted to know how a clog is being made? Join the wooden shoe craft demonstration and find out. In the clog museum we will tell you everything about clogs. You can even try or buy a pair of wooden shoes!

Stop 8

13.00 Return to your hotel in Amsterdam

What's not included

Food&Drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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