• Zaanse Schans - Luxurious tour of the Dutch countryside by private car

1. Zaans Schans

2. Edam

3. Volendam

4. Marken

Zaanse Schans
⭐ What to Expect

Zaanse Schans: Wander among 17th-century wooden houses and operational mills.

Explore Zaanse Schans, a distinctive village nestled in the heart of Kalverpolder, surrounded by peat meadows and 17th-century homes. Meander through historic windmills, traditional clog workshops, and the delightful scent of cocoa. Discover how these mills were instrumental in draining polders, producing paper, grinding grain, and sawing wood. Today, only 1,000 of the original 9,000 mills remain, preserved by this open-air museum. Book your tour and immerse yourself in the authentic traditional Netherlands.

• Klompenmakerij - Wooden Clog Workshop “Klompenmakerij”

Visit the historic wooden clog workshop in Zaanse Schans, situated in De Vrede, an 18th-century warehouse. Uncover the traditional craft of Dutch clog making, preserved through original machinery and the dedication of artisans like Jaap Kooijman. A century ago, over 8,000 people were employed in this industry; today, only a few masters remain. Learn about its history and try on these iconic clogs, a symbol of rural life in the Netherlands.

Skip the Lines

• Wijdewormer - This route takes us through a polder with numerous farms, villas, and expansive farmland, passing through Wijdewormer with the Natura 2000 area of Twiske.

In the Middle Ages, Wijdewormer was an inland sea known as “Wormermeer,” with the village of “Nek,” now the village of Neck, as a fishing village. In 1626, the “Wormer” was reclaimed, becoming the 1,666-hectare land that Wijdewormer is today. Unlike many other reclaimed lands in North Holland, Wijdewormer was filled with fresh water, with no ebb and flow, and no open connection to the sea. During the 17th century, Wijdewormer became a granary for the Zaan region, where ships were constructed.

• Edam - Experience the enchantment of Edam, one of the Netherlands’ most charming villages, where canals, Renaissance mansions, hydrangea gardens, and picturesque tea houses create a fairytale-like setting.

Its history dates back to the 12th century, with peasants and fishermen settling along the riverbanks. The establishment of 33 shipyards, their fleet of vessels, and fishing fueled a thriving foreign trade, making Edam one of Holland’s wealthiest cities. The perfectly preserved 18th-century facades testify to their grandeur. Edam is world-renowned for its cheese, with its weekly fair significantly boosting the local economy. On this tour, stroll through its history-filled streets and savor authentic Edam cheese in a unique setting.

Book your private tour now and fall in love with the flavors of the most authentic Holland.

• Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm by Henri Willig - Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm and Jersey Organic Farm

Katwoude is located on the IJsselmeerdijk between Monnickendam and Volendam. The rural setting with farms is typical of the North Holland polder, the breeding ground for the famous Dutch cheeses. At the base of the dike lies the charming Jacobs Hoeve. Upon arrival, staff in traditional costumes will demonstrate cheese-making. The cozy shop offers a wide selection of exclusive cheeses, souvenirs, and typical Dutch delicacies.

Enjoy a complimentary tasting of over 35 types of Dutch cheeses from sheep, cow, goat, and mixed cheeses. Pair this with a delightful Dutch beer or wine. (Drinks are subject to charge)

• Volendam - On the shores of the Markermeer, the picturesque fishing village of Volendam retains its charm with traditional costumes, folk music, and exceptional marine cuisine. Its streets of wooden houses and unique mosaics transport us back in time as we stroll through De Dijk, facing one of Europe’s largest lakes.

Souvenir shops and restaurants, open year-round, offer an authentic atmosphere and fresh fish and seafood dishes, straight from the water to the table. The historic port still remembers the 1934 fish auction, and you can taste herring, eel, or cod at its local stalls.

Looking for a special memory? Dress in a traditional Volendam costume and capture a unique souvenir photo.

Included in our private tour of the Dutch countryside, so you can experience the true tradition of the Netherlands.

• Volendam Haven - On the shores of the Markermeer, the picturesque fishing village of Volendam retains its charm with traditional costumes, folk music, and exceptional marine cuisine. Its streets of wooden houses and unique mosaics transport us back in time as we stroll through De Dijk, facing one of Europe’s largest lakes.

Delight in Volendam’s gastronomy, with numerous restaurants and fish stands.

It is the most renowned fishing village in the region. Due to its location on the water, fish is one of Volendam’s flagship products, so here we will taste some of its typical delicious fish dishes such as kibbeling, herring/haring, smoked fish paling, salmon, and oysters. Treat your palate, all accompanied by a fine wine or champagne. To finish, enjoy a lush dessert of pofertjes or Stroop Wafels.

• Waterland - From Volendam to Marken, we will circle Europe’s largest artificial freshwater lake. Due to a significant flood in 1916, which washed away much of Waterland, leaving Marken with floating houses, casualties, and destroyed villages, the Netherlands decided to close itself off from the sea. The Zuiderzee became the IJsselmeer. Lives were protected, but all the fishermen, sailors, and sailmakers were left without work. Many attempted to establish fishing in the North Sea, but this was not sustainable long-term due to the distance. Before the closure, the Zuiderzee was a vital source of income for fishermen, especially for herring and anchovy fishing. After the completion of the 32 km Afsluitdijk, the saltwater gradually became fresher. As a result, most fish disappeared, with only eel, pikeperch, and smelt surviving. In this lake, we will observe part of the world’s migratory birds.

• Marken - Discover Marken, a historic gem that was an island until 1957 when a levee connected it to the peninsula. In the 13th century, priests and fishermen settled here, cultivating the land and living off the sea. To withstand floods, its inhabitants built wooden houses on stilts, a unique piece of Dutch engineering.

Today, Marken retains its authentic traditional culture, with picturesque houses, grazing sheep, and colorful boats on the lake. Walking through its streets is like entering a story, surrounded by idyllic landscapes that seem to be taken from a postcard.

Included in our private tour of the Dutch countryside, so you can experience the history and beauty of one of the Netherlands’ most charming villages.

• Marken - Zeedijk Marken

The former island of Marken, now connected by a dam to the mainland, is now linked to Waterland. On this route, discover the special character of this former island. There are many beautiful historic buildings to see here, and almost all of Marken enjoys a protected townscape! On the way to Marken, you can quietly reach it via the dike and enjoy the view of Marken, which is slowly approaching. We will see along the water: on one side the Gouwzee and on the other the IJsselmeer lake.

Werven

Marken was originally built on quays: artificial hills two or three meters high that residents used to throw manure, grass, and household waste on to protect themselves from flooding. Since the construction of the Afsluitdijk in 1932, the danger of flooding has passed, but the quays remain, as do the characteristic wooden houses on stilts.

• Private transportation
• Water
• Demonstration of how traditional wooden clogs are made in the region
• Tasting of typical Dutch cookies
• Snacks
• Guide

• Lunch or dinner
• Tips

Private Tour of the Dutch Countryside – VIP

Exclusive Benefits

• Complete privacy for you and your group.
• An official Spanish-speaking guide with expertise in history, architecture, and engineering, known for their great sense of humor.
• Luxury transportation with pick-up from your hotel or chosen location.
• Full flexibility to tailor the route and schedule to your preferences.
• Access to genuine spots that large tours often miss.

Begin your journey with ease: You will be picked up directly from your hotel and travel in a high-end private vehicle. From there, embark on an exclusive adventure through the Dutch countryside, free from rush and crowds, featuring picturesque villages, cheese tasting, and a personalized tour with an official Spanish-speaking guide.

The guide will explain the fascinating language of windmills: their operation, production, role in draining entire lakes, and their crucial importance in the country’s history.

• Child seats or chairs are available upon request and advance notice.
• It is possible to go in a wheelchair if someone can push the chair or she can do it herself and get in and out of the car alone.
• It is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking on a large scale.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.