Amsterdam: Traditional Cheese Market Tour - The Transportation and Group Size

Amsterdam: Traditional Cheese Market Tour

Imagine spending a day wandering through picturesque towns with centuries-old traditions—where the air is filled with the lively chatter of cheese traders, and the scent of freshly made cheese lingers in the breeze. This is what you’ll get on the Amsterdam: Traditional Cheese Market Tour, offered by Holland Ticket Services. For around 8 hours, you’ll visit one of three famous cheese markets—Edam, Gouda, or Alkmaar—each with its own special flavor and atmosphere. Prices are reasonable for the experience, and the day includes comfortable transportation, free time to explore, and the chance to taste authentic Dutch cheeses.

What we love most about this tour is how it captures the lively spirit of Dutch cheese trading—from the iconic cheese girls handling huge wheels of Gouda to the traditional trading handclaps. Plus, the free time in each town means you can wander at your own pace, soaking up the ambiance and discovering local crafts and delicacies. The only thing to consider is that the timing is fixed, so if you’re a morning person or prefer a more flexible schedule, plan accordingly. This tour is perfect for anyone who appreciates culinary traditions, charming small towns, and authentic local culture—especially cheese lovers and curious travelers eager to see a lively side of Holland.

Key Points

  • Authentic cheese markets with lively trading demonstrations
  • Visit Edam, Gouda, or Alkmaar on different days of the week
  • Includes transportation and free time for exploration
  • Opportunity to taste and shop for local Dutch cheeses and artisanal products
  • Comfortable luxury coach with an English-speaking driver
  • Not suitable for wheelchair users but great for most other travelers
You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What Makes This Tour Special

Amsterdam: Traditional Cheese Market Tour - The Itinerary: What Makes This Tour Special

Your day begins with an 8:30 am departure from Amsterdam, where you’ll board a comfortable luxury coach. The journey is smooth and designed to maximize your time at the destination. Depending on the day of the week, you’ll visit either the Edam, Gouda, or Alkmaar cheese market, each offering a slightly different flavor of Dutch tradition.

Edam (Wednesday)

On Wednesdays, the tour heads to Edam, famous worldwide for its iconic spherical cheese wheels and the town’s graceful canals. Here, you’ll see cheese traders engaging in traditional handclaps—a lively signal that a sale has been made, and a sight that encapsulates centuries of trading customs. Edam’s charm lies in its medieval streets, scenic waterways, and the famous cheese that has been shipped around the world.

Gouda (Thursday)

Thursdays bring you to Gouda, a town that’s almost synonymous with cheese. As you arrive, you’ll experience the bustling, lively atmosphere of the market, with cheese girls skillfully handling massive wheels of Gouda, surrounded by crowds eager to watch. Gouda offers a perfect blend of medieval architecture and lively market stalls, with plenty of opportunities to taste the famous mild, creamy cheeses and browse for souvenirs.

Alkmaar (Friday)

Fridays take you to Alkmaar, where the traditional Friday Cheese Market has been a tradition for over 400 years. Alkmaar’s market is particularly famous for its colorful, historic setting and the cheerful atmosphere created by traders and visitors alike. You’ll find a lively crafts market alongside the cheese trading, offering a chance to pick up local delicacies and traditional Dutch crafts.

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What to Expect at the Markets

Amsterdam: Traditional Cheese Market Tour - What to Expect at the Markets

Expect to be greeted by the sound of traders clapping, which signals a sale in this lively tradition. The cheese girls—dressed in traditional costumes—demonstrate their skillful handling of the cheese wheels, drawing crowds of curious onlookers. We loved the way each town maintains its historical customs, giving you a genuine sense of Dutch culture.

Throughout the market, you’ll see stalls brimming with cheeses—from crumbly Edam to rich Gouda—offering tastings to savor on the spot. The cheese trading demonstrations are both fascinating and fun, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the traditional Dutch cheese economy.

Additional Attractions and Free Time

After the morning market, you’ll have free time (about two hours) to wander the streets, browse local shops, and discover the towns’ unique atmospheres. You might find artisanal cheese shops, craft stalls, or cozy cafés perfect for a quick coffee or lunch. A helpful map with tips is provided, guiding you to the best spots for photos, snacks, and souvenirs.

In Gouda, for example, you can stroll along the historic canals and visit the famous Goudse Waag (cheese weight house). In Alkmaar, don’t miss the Waagplein square, home to traditional buildings and lively markets.

The Transportation and Group Size

Amsterdam: Traditional Cheese Market Tour - The Transportation and Group Size

The ride in a luxury coach ensures comfort, and the tour maintains a moderate group size for a more personalized experience. The driver speaks English, and the schedule is tight but flexible enough to allow meaningful exploration.

The Value of This Tour

Amsterdam: Traditional Cheese Market Tour - The Value of This Tour

For about 8 hours, you get not only a glimpse into Dutch cheese traditions but also the chance to explore charming towns that are steeped in history. The combination of cultural demonstrations, tasting opportunities, and free exploration makes this tour an excellent value. The included transportation and detailed maps mean you won’t have to worry about logistics—a big plus given the busy nature of these historic sites.

Whether you’re a cheese fanatic, history buff, or just looking for a scenic day out, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate authentic local customs and want to avoid the hassle of planning individual visits. The fixed schedule ensures you see the key sights without the stress of navigating transport or finding your way.

If you’re interested in Dutch culture, enjoy tasting local specialties, or want to see a lively side of Holland’s small towns, this trip hits the mark. It’s also a great way to break up your time in Amsterdam with a day of fresh air, traditional sights, and delightful flavors.

This tour is perfect for travelers who desire a convenient, well-organized day trip that combines cultural insight with culinary delights. It suits those who enjoy local traditions and want to see the authentic side of Dutch small-town life. Cheese lovers will especially appreciate the tastings and demonstrations, while anyone seeking a photo-worthy, charming escape from the city will find plenty to love.

Remember, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and food and drinks are not included, so consider bringing snacks or extra cash for additional treats. With its blend of history, taste, and scenic towns, this experience offers a memorable slice of Holland that you’ll be talking about long after you return home.

What towns does this tour visit?
Depending on the day, you’ll visit Edam, Gouda, or Alkmaar, each offering a unique take on Dutch cheese and town ambiance.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes transportation in a luxury coach, free time in each town, and a map with tips. Food and drinks are not part of the package.

How long is the free time in each town?
You’ll have roughly two hours to explore after the market demonstration, which is enough to walk around, shop, or grab a snack.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers will find it enjoyable, especially cheese enthusiasts. However, those with mobility issues should note it’s not wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended for a day spent outdoors exploring charming Dutch towns.

Can I customize the visit?
The schedule is fixed, but the free time allows you to explore at your own pace. You might want to plan ahead using the provided map for recommended spots.

This tour offers a delightful peek into Dutch cheese culture while providing plenty of opportunities for exploration and tasting. It’s an authentic, lively experience that will appeal to those curious about local traditions and scenic small towns. Whether you’re here for the cheese, the scenery, or the history, you’ll find this day trip a satisfying and memorable part of your Dutch adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: