Explore Zaanse Schans Windmills, Volendam with Ferry to Marken

Amsterdam , Netherlands

Explore Zaanse Schans Windmills, Volendam with Ferry to Marken

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About this experience

After meeting your guide at the designated location, head for Zaanse Schans, an outdoor museum including wooden homes, shops, and operational windmills from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the Clog Museum to observe traditional craftsmanship and wooden shoemakers in action. Learn the craft of making cheese in the Netherlands by visiting a cheese farm in Catharina Hoeve.

Then a visit Edam and learn more about its iconic Edam “cheese balls”. After that, we will drive to the charming town of Volendam where you can appreciate and absorbe the culture. Following this visit, you will be going to Marken where you will walk around and get a perspective of the life and history of this town. No doubt that for a short period you will be caught in the time warp.

The tour ends at the designated departure location.

We will pick up passengers from their hotel in the Amsterdam area. Cruise ports: Amsterdam or Ijmuiden.

Minivan is not adequate for wheelchair users.

Available options

Private tour for 9 - 15 people

Sprinter<br/>Driver and tour guide<br/>Pickup included

Private tour for 1 - 8 people

Minivan<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Driver guide

Tickets to the Marker Museum

Bottled water

Volendam-Marken ferry ticket

Tickets to one windmill at Zaanse Schans.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

In the 18th and 19th centuries, a collection of functional windmills, wooden homes, stables, and shops may be seen in the windmill town of Zaanse Schans, which is an outdoor museum. All of these structures were relocated here starting in 1961, revitalizing the Zaan region’s most profitable era.

Enter one windmill which is included in your excursion, and see how these wind-powered industries operate. Get out on the balcony to experience the power of the wind yourself and to enjoy the lovely view of the countryside.

Access ticket to one of these windmills: Oil mill: De Bonte Hen or De Zoeker. Sawmill Het Jonge Schaap or dye mill De Kat.

Still manufacturing wooden shoes using the same old machinery that was used more than a century ago. Both young and elderly find the process to be a fascinating spectacle.

Nothing says “Dutch” like cheese! Visit the Catharina Hoeve Farm to sample some.

Stop 4

You will visit the iconic dike in Volendam with a view on the lakeside. Volendam is a former fishing town and known for its great fish specialties, the famous Dutch “Salty Haring’, ‘Smoked Eel”and Smoked Mackerel which you can purchase or arrange a lunch at a restaurant with us.

It’s time to get onboard the local ferry in Volendam to cross the serene waters to Marken. Admire the stunning landscapes along the way. You will feel like you have stepped into a Dutch painting. The boat will take you right to the old and idyllic harbour of Marken.

Visit the old traditional island Marken and its old harbour house of Sytje Boes. Admire the typical Marken houses and the ‘Church Neighbourhood’ (Kerkbuurt). You’ll step right into the history of this beautiful island.

You will feel as if you have travelled back in time. Admire the stunning landscapes along the way, you’ll feel like you have stepped into a Dutch painting.

What's not included

Lunch

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN NL

Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The remaining tour time is allotted for the travel time from pick up until drop off.

Minivan is not adequate for transporting wheelchairs.

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