Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Day Tour with Small Boat Ride

Experience the Charm of Holland in a Day: Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Tour

If you’re eager to take a bite out of the Dutch countryside without sacrificing comfort, this Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans day tour offers a seamless way to explore two of Holland’s most picturesque spots. For $159.88 per person, you’ll spend about nine hours discovering windmills, traditional crafts, and tranquil canals, all while enjoying the ease of round-trip transport from Amsterdam’s city center.

What we love most about this experience is the combination of hands-on demonstrations—like cheese-making, clog workshops, and diamond cutting—and the intimate boat ride through Giethoorn’s serene waterways. Plus, the small-group format ensures you get personal attention and authentic insights from your guides.

However, a consideration is that Zaanse Schans can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist season, which might make some of the more popular stops feel crowded. Still, if you appreciate smaller crowds and a more genuine experience, this tour fits the bill.

This tour is best suited for travelers wanting a balanced mix of Dutch heritage, scenic landscapes, and quiet village life. It’s ideal if you enjoy active participation—fitting wooden shoes, tasting cheese, and steering a boat—and value local stories and expert guides.

Key Points

• Authentic experiences: Participate in cheese-making, wooden shoe crafting, and diamond polishing.
• Small-group intimacy: Max 16 travelers for personalized attention.
• Seamless logistics: Round-trip transfer from Amsterdam with detailed guides.
• Unique boat ride: Drive your own electric boat through Giethoorn’s canals.
• Cultural insights: Learn about Dutch traditions directly from guides.
• Flexible options: Small boats instead of large touristy vessels, adding local flavor.

A Full Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting in Amsterdam: Convenience and Comfort

The adventure begins with a meet-up at the DoubleTree by Hilton near Amsterdam Central Station at 9:30 am. From there, a short drive takes you to your first stop. The small-group setup, limited to 16 people, means your experience is personal, and there’s plenty of room to ask questions or take photos.

Zaanse Schans: Windmills, Wooden Shoes, and Cheese

The first highlight is Zaanse Schans, a beautifully restored 18th and 19th-century village famous for its iconic windmills and traditional wooden houses. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours here, exploring the area at leisure. Key attractions include:

• Windmills: You’ll see the famed Holland windmills, which once powered the region’s industries. Many still operate, making for impressive photo opportunities.
• Wooden Shoe Workshop: Witness a live demonstration of how Dutch clogs are made, and even try fitting a pair on your own feet. Several reviews mention how fun and tactile this experience is—”try fitting wooden shoes to have a feeling of wearing wooden shoes,” said one traveler.
• Cheese Farm: At Catharina Hoeve, you’ll see cheese being made in traditional fashion, followed by a generous tasting of multiple Dutch cheeses. It’s a tasty way to learn about local dairy craftsmanship, with some reviewers noting how much they “loved the cheese tasting and Dutch treats.”

While these stops are rich in tradition, some guests find Zaanse Schans crowded and touristy, especially when large bus groups arrive. Still, the guided demonstrations help you connect to the authentic craftsmanship behind the sights.

On the Road to Giethoorn: A Scenic Journey

After Zaanse Schans, your guide shares fun facts about the IJsselmeer, the largest artificial lake in the Netherlands, and the impressive Enclosing Dike. You also pass the Ketelbrug, an 800-meter-long dike-bridge, illustrating Dutch engineering at its finest. The drive itself offers a glimpse into the country’s water management mastery and scenic rural landscapes.

Giethoorn: The Venice of the Netherlands

The highlight for many is Giethoorn, a village famous for its over 150 arch-shaped wooden bridges and peaceful canals. Here, you’ll hop into a small electric boat—guided and driven by you—to cruise through the waterways.

Travelers love that this isn’t a large, crowded boat—small boats, with a maximum of nine passengers, make the experience much more intimate and relaxed. One reviewer said, “You might find this the most memorable part, driving your own boat and feeling like a local.”

Why the Small Electric Boat Matters

Instead of large tour boats packed with travelers, this tour provides you with a personalized, hands-on boating experience. You even get the chance to drive the boat, which adds a sense of adventure and authenticity. It’s a rare feature that sets this tour apart, with travelers describing it as “the best way to see Giethoorn.”

Exploring the Village

While most of your time is spent on the water, you’ll also walk along the quiet streets and quaint cottages, appreciating the thatched roofs and wooden bridges that make Giethoorn so photogenic. It’s a perfect escape from city life, offering a peaceful, fairy-tale setting.

Tour End and Return

After about 3.5 hours in Giethoorn, you’ll head back to Amsterdam, passing along more scenic water and land views. The tour concludes back at your starting point, around 6:30 pm, leaving you with plenty of memories—and probably some cheese and souvenirs.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

The combination of transportation, guided demonstrations, and small-group intimacy makes this experience quite special. For the price, you’re not just ticking off sightseeing spots—you’re engaging with Dutch culture firsthand. Several reviews emphasize how knowledgeable guides like Mukti and Veronica made the day richer with stories and insights, “sharing so much information,” and “making the trip so special.”

Our favorite aspect is the personal touch in the boat ride—steering your own vessel in Giethoorn gives you a sense of connection to the place, rather than just observing from a distance. Plus, the cheese and clog workshops let you touch and learn about local traditions, not just see them.

On the downside, Zaanse Schans can be crowded, especially in peak months. If avoiding crowds is a priority, visiting early or during off-peak times might improve the experience. Also, some found the cheese shop less lively compared to the demonstrations, but it’s still a chance to pick up local goodies.

This tour offers a meaningful, well-rounded glimpse of Dutch rural life, perfect for those who enjoy a mix of culture, scenic beauty, and interactive experiences.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a day trip that balances sightseeing with authentic participation, this is a strong choice. It’s ideal for those who like small-group tours, want to drive their own boat, and are eager to learn about Dutch crafts and traditions firsthand. It suits families, couples, and solo travelers alike, especially if you appreciate personal attention and local stories.

However, if your main goal is to avoid crowds or experience more offbeat, less touristy spots, keep in mind that Zaanse Schans can get busy. Still, the small-group format and guided demonstrations tend to foster a more intimate atmosphere.

Practical Details and Tips

• The tour departs at 9:30 am from DoubleTree near Amsterdam Central and lasts about nine hours, including travel time.
• Price includes all guided demonstrations, the small boat ride, and transportation, making it a good value for those interested in authentic local experiences.
• Lunch isn’t included, so consider bringing a snack or plan to buy something at Zaanse Schans or Giethoorn.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the villages; the boat ride is relaxed but may require some sitting or light steering.
• The tour operates almost year-round, so you can enjoy it during different seasons—though reviews suggest spring and early summer offer especially beautiful scenery.
• Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour isn’t suited for travelers with reduced mobility.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transfer from central Amsterdam is part of the package, making the day hassle-free.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to 16 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience compared to larger bus tours.

Can I drive the boat myself?
Absolutely. Part of the fun is steering your own electric boat through Giethoorn’s canals, guided by your friendly guide.

Are the stops crowded?
Zaanse Schans can get busy, especially during peak times, but the guided visits help make the most of the experience.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan ahead if you want to eat during the day.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat cruise in Giethoorn lasts about an hour, with optional hands-on boat driving.

Will I see authentic Dutch crafts?
Yes, at both Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn, you’ll witness traditional wooden shoe making, cheese crafting, and diamond cutting.

Is this experience suitable for kids?
While children are welcome, the tour isn’t designed for those with mobility issues or very young children who might find boat steering and walking challenging.

Final Thoughts

This Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans day trip offers a thoughtful balance of Dutch tradition, scenic beauty, and interactive fun. It’s a great way to escape the city for a day and come away with engaging stories, beautiful photos, and perhaps a taste of cheese or a wooden shoe or two. The small-group setup and personalized boat experience make it stand out among many Dutch day tours.

If you’re after an authentic, intimate, and educational look at Holland’s countryside and crafts, and don’t mind the occasional busier spot, this tour is well worth considering. It suits travelers who appreciate guided stories, hands-on activities, and scenic waterways, and who want to see more than just the city’s well-worn paths.

Whether you’re celebrating a special trip or just looking to add some Dutch charm to your itinerary, this tour delivers a memorable slice of the Netherlands’ countryside — relaxed, authentic, and beautifully scenic.