Tour to Windmills, Cheese, Clogs and Volendam from Amsterdam

Experience the Charm of North Holland in a Half-Day Tour from Amsterdam

If you’re looking to get a taste of authentic Dutch traditions without straying too far from the city, this 5-hour guided tour hits the sweet spot. For $318 per person, you’ll visit Zaanse Schans, famous for its historic windmills, explore a traditional cheese farm, see how clogs are made, and stroll through the colorful fishing village of Volendam.

What we love about this tour is its well-balanced mix of sights and tastes—the chance to see inside a windmill and learn about Dutch craftsmanship is a real highlight, and the cheese tasting experience offers a delicious peek into one of the Netherlands’ most famous exports. Plus, lunch at a top fish restaurant makes the entire experience both filling and memorable.

A small potential drawback is that, with only about an hour in Volendam, you might not get as much time to explore independently as some travelers might prefer. Still, for those wanting a quick yet rundown of traditional Dutch culture, this trip fits the bill perfectly.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an efficient, value-packed journey into the Netherlands’ iconic sights and flavors—perfect if you’re short on time but eager to experience authentic local life.

Key Points

• Authentic Dutch sights: Windmills at Zaanse Schans, cheese tasting, clog-making.
• Comfort and convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation.
• Tasty experiences: Lunch at a renowned fish restaurant, Dutch waffles, cheese samples.
• Educational and fun: Learn how traditional clogs are made, see inside a windmill.
• Small group size: Limited to 7 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Journey: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Starting Point: Convenient Pickup from Your Accommodation

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Amsterdam, removing the hassle of figuring out transportation. Your professional driver and host will greet you, and you’ll hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes equipped with Wi-Fi—great for sharing photos or catching up on messages. This personal touch sets a relaxed tone for the day, allowing you to focus on the sights ahead.

The Windmills at Zaanse Schans: A Classic Dutch Icon

Your first stop is Zaanse Schans, a must-see open-air museum that vividly recreates the 18th and 19th-century Dutch landscape. With about 1.5 hours here, you’ll get a close-up look at some of the most iconic windmills in the country, including the paint mill, sawmill, spice mill, and peanut oil mill.

What makes this visit stand out is the admission to the windmill park, including a ticket to go inside a windmill—a rare chance to see its inner workings up close. As you stroll past traditional Dutch houses and the bakery museum, you’ll notice the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread, adding a sensory layer to your experience.

Why We Enjoyed This Part:

The authenticity of seeing working windmills and learning how they functioned historically is compelling. Plus, the chance to see inside a windmill provides a tangible connection to Dutch ingenuity.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Cheese Farm: Tasting and Learning

Next, you’ll visit Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm for about 65 minutes of fun and flavor. Here, we loved the interactive aspect—you can see how farmers milk cows, and if you’re lucky, touch baby calves. The highlight is the cheese tasting, where you can sample over 30 varieties—a cheese lover’s dream.

The farm visit is not just about tasting but also understanding how Dutch cheese is made, which adds depth for those interested in food traditions. You’ll also have the opportunity to buy cheese directly from the farm, making this a practical stop for souvenirs.

Why We Love This Stop:

The free cheese tasting offers excellent value, and the chance to learn about cheese production makes it more than just a snack break. It’s a genuine insight into Dutch culinary pride.

Volendam: Picturesque Fishing Village

Your final main stop is Volendam, a charming fishing village with around 22,000 residents. With about an hour here for free time and sightseeing, you’ll enjoy walking along the harbor, snapping photos of the colorful boats, and browsing traditional shops.

While only a brief visit, it’s enough to soak in the atmosphere of this quaint seaside town. The highlight is the opportunity to try Dutch waffles—crispy, sweet, and fresh, perfect for a quick snack before heading back.

Lunch and Additional Treats

The lunch in one of Holland’s top fish restaurants is included—allowing you to order a single dish with two drinks. This is a great way to comfortably fuel up for the day’s adventures without worrying about extra costs. Many travelers have appreciated the quality of the meal and the relaxed setting.

Return to Amsterdam

After a full but balanced itinerary, your driver will return you to your accommodation, usually within 5 hours total, including travel time. The small group size ensures a more personal experience, and the professional guide helps make the journey informative and enjoyable.

Is This Tour Worth It?

In our view, this experience offers fantastic value for those wanting a snapshot of Dutch culture. The combination of sights, tastes, and stories makes it well worth the price for most travelers. The small-group size and personalized transportation enhance comfort and intimacy.

The main strength lies in the authenticity—the chance to see working windmills, taste real Dutch cheese, and touch traditional clogs. While the limited time in Volendam might feel brief for some, it’s enough to enjoy its charm and grab a snack.

If you’re after a convenient, well-rounded introduction to North Holland’s most iconic sights with a focus on local craftsmanship and cuisine, this tour stands out as an excellent choice.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a quick yet authentic immersion into Dutch culture. It’s ideal if you want to see windmills, taste cheese, and walk through a traditional fishing village—all in just a few hours, comfortably and efficiently.

Those who enjoy learning about local crafts and food will appreciate the inside look at windmills and cheese-making. If you prefer longer explorations or more independent time, you might find the schedule a bit tight, but for most, the balance of sights and tastes is spot on.

Overall, it’s a culturally rich, value-packed experience that leaves you with memorable sights and flavors—perfect for a morning or early afternoon adventure from Amsterdam.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s suitable for most ages, especially since it involves mostly walking, sightseeing, and tasting. The activities like cheese tasting and seeing inside windmills are very family-friendly.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including pickup, visits, and return to your hotel. The actual sightseeing time is roughly 4 hours.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned Mercedes, Wi-Fi and bottled water, admission to the windmill park, a ticket to go inside a windmill, lunch at a top fish restaurant, and local taxes.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in case your plans shift.

Is there free time in Volendam?
Yes, you’ll have about an hour to walk around, take photos, and enjoy local snacks like waffles.

Do I need to prepare anything special?
Just bring comfortable shoes and a camera—most activities are outdoors or involve light walking. The tour is in English, so no language prep is necessary.

This tour offers a well-rounded, authentic peek into Dutch traditions. Perfect for those eager to understand and enjoy Holland’s iconic sights, flavors, and crafts—all in a manageable, engaging package.

You can check availability for your dates here: