Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Tour: Explore Dutch Venice and Traditional Windmills
4.6
158 Ratings
Amsterdam
Experience the best of the Netherlands with a tour of Giethoorn, the 'Dutch Venice', and Zaanse Schans, home to traditional windmills. Cruise the canals of Giethoorn, explore charming farmhouses and bridges, and visit a clog factory, cheese factory, and diamond factory in Zaanse Schans.
Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Zaanse Schans - Visit Zaanse Schans traditional wooden windmills and distinctive green wooden houses which were relocated there to recreate the atmosphere of an 18th/19th-century village. Duration is about 1.5 hours including visits with demonstrations at cheese factory and wooden shoes factory. Photo stop at the bank of Zaan River for the best panoramic view of all the windmills.
  • Kooijman Souvenirs & Clogs Wooden Shoe Workshop - (This part is included in Zaanse Schans) Visit wooden shoes factory to learn about history of traditional Dutch clogs. Attend a workshop with demonstration of how clogs are made. Try fitting wooden shoes to have a feeling of wearing wooden shoes. Some free time for souvenirs shopping.
  • Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm - (This part is included in Zaanse Schans) Attend a professional demonstration of quality cheese-making by the staff in traditional Dutch costumes. Followed by free tasting of a wide cheese selection, and other typical Dutch treats. Free time for Dutch delights shopping.
  • IJsselmeer (Lake IJssel) - On the way to Giethoorn, enjoy interesting facts and stories from our friendly guides pointing out of significant sights including the largest artificial lake in the Netherlands - IJsselmeer. IJsselmeer is a closed off inland bay, bordered by the Afsluitdijk (Enclosing Dike) which is the largest dike in the Netherlands with 32KM long, constructed during 1927-1932, being part of the Delta Works, Seven Modern Wonders.

We will also pass by Ketelbrug, it is a bridge also a dike to get a good feeling of a dike. Unlike the largest one Enclosing dike, it is only 800-metre-long (2,600 ft) bridge opened on 15 June 1970.

  • Giethoorn - Discover a Dutch village only accessible by boat on a day trip to Giethoorn from Amsterdam. Experience the “Venice of the Netherlands” where there are no main roads and all transport is on the water of the many canals. Take 1-hour small electric boat (9 people maximum) led by our friendly guide cruising around the village. Be your own captain, you can even drive the boat to experience a real local lifestyle. See the unique traditional thatch-roof cottages connected to arch-shape wooden bridges (there are over 150 arch-shape wooden bridges in the Giethoorn).
What's Included
  • 1-hour boat trip on a Whisper Boat in Giethoorn
  • Opportunity to drive the boat
  • Professional guide included
  • Travel via tour coach or van
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Discover two of the top tourist spots near Amsterdam in one day. Embark on a guided expedition to Zaanse Schans traditional shoe factory, witness wooden footwear creation, windmills, a diamond factory, and a cheese factory with a demonstration and complimentary tasting.

Take in the view of the unique green wooden homes positioned along the Zaan River, a favorite spot for taking photos. Experience the life of a regular 18th/19th-century Dutch village.

Explore the picturesque canal-based village ‘Dutch Venice’ Giethoorn, live a distinctive lifestyle in a Dutch village devoid of main roads, attractive thatched-roof farmhouses and rounded wooden bridges. Traverse the canals in Giethoorn with a novel experience of piloting your own boat.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • If you come with luggage, strollers, or bulk items, please inform the tour operator Cherry Tours in advance.
  • Children younger than 12 years need car seats, infants need baby chair provided by travellers.
  • Cancellations within 24 hours due to failure to inform tour operator for special arrangement will not get refund.
  • Infant with less than 6 years old, we do not recommend this tour.
  • Cancellation due to any of the above unfulfilled conditions, will not be refunded.
  • The trip offers small open boat, if customers wish to take a big boat (covered, with 40 passengers on board, shared with other groups), an extra cost of €5 per person to be paid in cash.
  • Not recommended for travellers with reduced mobility.
Location
Hotel NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace
Prins Hendrikkade
We meet in front of NH Barbizon Hotel 5 mins in advance. Pls provide mobile contact in case we do not see you there, we call you.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.6
(158 Ratings)
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Ziyil550
May 10, 2024
Unforgettable experience - The view is amazing! We take lots of photos with friends. The tour guide was warm-hearted and introduced many stories about Amsterdam. Nice experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_c
May 3, 2024
Fabolous Tour - Victoria was fabulous and had so much knowledge. I can't say enough great things about this tour. Take this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Voyager525168
May 3, 2024
Magical tour w/Victoria - Victoria was amazing and so informative! I would highly recommend this tour. You learn so much history and get to see beautiful sites that look like they are out of a storybook. Thank you for a great tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
6sylviae
Apr 29, 2024
Canals and windmills - Great trip Safe driver Guide very sweet Met nice people Suggest more information about guiding boats ahead of time Recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Koml337
Apr 24, 2024
Amazing Tour in Amsterdam!!! - The views are amazing. We got to see many different places in Amsterdam. We took so many photos. The tour guide is humorous, nice and kind. We have a wonderful time during the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Neelam_j
Apr 23, 2024
Best part of visiting Netherlands - Rory was really good polite and very helpful..just had a fun time..Day well spent..food suggestion was great.
Review provided by Viator
Jojoplamg
Apr 8, 2024
Fantastic - Cherry did a fabulous job for us. She personally took care us to Geithroon trip and it was great trip. Well done Cherry…tc
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ameera
May 19, 2024
Well done - Excellent ..kind guidance.with patient. I like it...i enjoy the trip in the boat. The visit of factories of cheese and wooden shoes
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sophiafq761va
Apr 8, 2024
Nice trip - Cherry is very patient and helpful during the whole trip. Learned the story of these beautiful villages and the open boat is also very picture-taking friendly. Overall An memorable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rita_l
Apr 28, 2024
Not worth the cost. - Spent half the time driving. Cherry added little value or description to either stop. Could have done on my own for a lot less.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
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June 2024
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