Dutch Countryside Tour: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken

Amsterdam , Netherlands

Dutch Countryside Tour: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken

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About this experience

Escape Amsterdam for a day and discover the beauty of the Dutch countryside. Visit Zaanse Schans to see iconic windmills and traditional workshops, then explore Edam, famous for its historic cheese market and charming canals. Stop near Volendam for a cheese-making demonstration, a clog workshop, and free time at the lively harbor to enjoy local treats. End the day in the picturesque village of Marken, with its cozy houses and peaceful harbor. Optionally, return to Amsterdam with a relaxing canal cruise through the city’s scenic waterways.

Available options

Dutch Countryside Tour: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken

What's included

Professional guide

Transfer by coach

Tasting of local cheese and other products like cookies , fruits wine

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Zaanse Schans is a picturesque Dutch village near Amsterdam, famous for its historic windmills, traditional wooden houses, and artisan workshops. Visitors can explore working windmills, watch cheese and clog making, and step back in time to experience life in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Stop 2

Edam is a charming Dutch town famous for its cheese heritage. Stroll through its historic streets, admire 17th-century architecture, and visit the square where the traditional Edam Cheese Market once took place. Its picturesque canals and quaint buildings make it a delightful stop in the Dutch countryside.

Simonehoeve is a family-run farm near Volendam, known for its cheese-making demonstrations and traditional Dutch experiences. Visitors can see how Gouda and Edam cheeses are crafted, taste fresh products, and explore a clog workshop to learn about the making of iconic wooden shoes. It’s a hands-on stop to experience authentic Dutch culture.

Stop 4

Volendam is a charming Dutch fishing village on the IJsselmeer, known for its colorful harbor, traditional wooden houses, and lively maritime atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, sample local specialties like fresh herring, shop for souvenirs, and soak in the picturesque scenery that captures the essence of the Netherlands.

Marken is a quaint Dutch village on a small peninsula, famous for its traditional wooden houses, peaceful harbor, and preserved cultural heritage. With its scenic streets and historic Protestant church, Marken offers a glimpse into authentic Dutch village life and a serene contrast to the busier tourist spots.

Stop 6 Pass by

A’DAM Lookout is a modern observation deck in Amsterdam offering panoramic views of the city and its waterways. Thrill-seekers can try the “Over the Edge” swing, which dangles visitors over the edge of the building for a unique perspective, while everyone can enjoy the rooftop bar, interactive exhibits, and stunning photo opportunities.

Stop 7

Amsterdam Centraal Station is the city’s main railway hub, designed by Pierre Cuypers and opened in 1889. Located on the waterfront, it serves as a gateway to the city with connections to trains, trams, buses, and ferries, and is an architectural landmark admired for its Neo-Renaissance style.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure at the bus stop on De Ruijterkade 151 (next to Aloha Bowling by the riverside). The bus will depart on time, without exceptions. Look for the blue umbrellas with our logo, “Amsterdam Guides & Tours”, to find your guide.

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