Windmill Tour from Amsterdam, Including Volendam & Marken

When you visit Amsterdam, you might think you’ve seen the best the city has to offer — but stepping outside into the countryside reveals a whole new side of Dutch life. For around $43.50, this half-day tour takes you into the heart of classic Dutch scenery, visiting Zaanse Schans, the seaside village of Volendam, and the picturesque town of Marken. With a duration of about five hours, it offers a well-rounded snapshot of traditional Dutch culture, complete with windmills, cheese, and wooden shoes.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines history, scenery, and authentic crafts in a compact package. The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making each stop engaging and informative. Plus, round-trip transportation from Amsterdam adds a level of convenience that many travelers cherish — no fussing with trains or taxis. However, keep in mind that some reviews mention the tour can feel slightly rushed, especially in the windmill and Marken stops, if you’re eager to explore every detail.

This tour suits travelers who want a quick yet meaningful glimpse of Dutch countryside life, especially if you’re curious about windmills, cheese, and traditional crafts. It’s perfect for those with limited time but a strong desire to soak up some Dutch culture beyond city streets.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines scenic countryside, villages, cheese tasting, and clog making.
• Comfortable transport: Luxurious bus with free Wi-Fi makes the journey as pleasant as the destinations.
• Knowledgeable guides: Consistently praised for their friendliness and explanations.
• Authentic cultural activities: Includes a cheese demonstration, clog-making, and windmill visits.
• Short but packed: Ideal for a quick overview, though some reviews mention limited time at each stop.
• All-inclusive options: Offer extra experiences like boat rides and windmill entry, enhancing the tour’s value.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting in Amsterdam, the tour kicks off with a convenient, air-conditioned bus ride, often Wi-Fi enabled, that whisks you out of the city and into the countryside. The first stop, Zaanse Schans, is a highlight. With free admission, this open-air museum is home to several classic Dutch windmills and traditional wooden houses. Here, you’ll get an up-close look at working windmills that serve various functions, from oil production to sawmilling. Several reviews mention that the windmill demonstration is particularly interesting, especially when the wind picks up, making the blades turn vigorously. One guest pointed out, “because of the blustery wind, we saw an excellent demonstration,” which highlights the unpredictable yet fascinating power of these historic machines.

While some travelers felt the windmill visit was a little brief, the overall impression of Zaanse Schans is that it’s a quintessential Dutch experience, perfect for snapping photos and learning about traditional crafts. You’re free to explore the area, and if you choose the all-inclusive tour, you’ll gain access to an operating windmill and a clog-making demonstration with a steam engine — an authentic glimpse into age-old artisan skills.

Next, the bus takes you to Volendam, a charming fishing village famous for its colorful houses and lively harbor. One of the main attractions here is the cheese farm, where a demonstrator shows how cheese is made, followed by a tasting session. Reviewers repeatedly mention how much they enjoyed the cheese tasting experience, with one saying, “we sampled many kinds of delicious cheeses,” and another noting, “the cheese demonstration was very interesting.” It’s a great chance to try local products and perhaps pick up some souvenirs.

The tour then moves on to Marken, a scenic coastal village known for its traditional wooden houses and maritime history. Depending on your ticket choice, you’ll visit by boat (all-inclusive option), which adds a fun element and offers lovely views across the water. In Marken, you’ll also see a clog-maker at work, creating handcrafted wooden shoes using age-old methods. Several guests appreciate this stop, describing it as authentic and informative, with one calling it “a wonderful visit to a very picturesque town.”

The tour concludes back at Amsterdam’s Central Station, making transportation straightforward. The entire experience is designed to be convenient and educational, with plenty of opportunities for photos, shopping, and soaking in Dutch culture.

The Value and Practicalities

At $43.54 per person, the price point is quite competitive, especially considering the included transportation, guide, and some activities. The all-inclusive option — with boat rides, windmill entry, and clog-making — provides a deeper dive into Dutch customs without additional cost, which many reviewers found worthwhile. The luxurious bus with Wi-Fi ensures a comfortable journey, and the small group size (max. 80 travelers) helps keep the experience intimate enough for questions and interactions.

Some reviews highlight the timing as a potential drawback. Several guests felt that the windmill stop was a bit rushed or that there wasn’t enough time to explore Marken fully. If you’re someone who loves to linger or shop, this might be a consideration. The itinerary is tight on purpose, allowing you to see a lot in a short time, but that means you might need to prioritize what interests you most.

While the tour caters well to families, solo travelers, and couples, those with a particular interest in crafts or photography might wish for more time at each stop. Still, most find the balance of travel and sightseeing satisfactory, especially given the price and convenience.

Authenticity and Experience

What makes this tour stand out are the authentic crafts and rural landscapes. The clog-making demonstration isn’t just a tourist gimmick — it’s a real craft, and seeing an antique steam engine in action is a treat for history buffs. The cheese factory gives you a tangible taste of Dutch dairy traditions, with samples that are often described as “delicious” and “varied.”

The windmills evoke a sense of nostalgia, and many reviewers appreciated how they functioned during the demonstration, sometimes powered by the blustery weather, which added authenticity. The photo opportunities are numerous, from the picturesque houses of Marken to the lively harbor of Volendam.

The guides are consistently praised for their friendly demeanor and knowledge, making each stop educational without feeling like a lecture. Their stories add value, giving context to each location and helping you understand why these places are so cherished in Dutch culture.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal if you’re short on time but want a taste of the Dutch countryside. It’s perfect for first-time visitors eager to see windmills, taste cheese, and experience a traditional clog maker — all in half a day. Families with children seem to enjoy the mix of sights and crafts, especially if they want to see working windmills and try making wooden shoes.

However, if you’re someone who prefers to explore slowly or wants more shopping time in Marken, you might find this tour a little rushed. It’s more about seeing and learning than shopping or relaxing.

In short, it offers good value for the price and a fun, authentic peek into Dutch rural life. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a balanced and engaging excursion that leaves them with memorable images and stories.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately five hours, including transportation and all scheduled stops, making it a manageable half-day outing.

What is included in the all-inclusive tour?
The all-inclusive package adds a boat ride between Volendam and Marken, entrance to an operating windmill, and a clog-making demonstration with a steam engine.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a luxurious, air-conditioned bus with free Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable ride from start to finish.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Some stops, like Marken, are known for craft shops, but some reviewers felt they had limited time for shopping. If shopping is important, consider the tour options or plan extra time.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children up to age 3 travel free if not occupying a seat, and the crafts and scenic stops often appeal to families.

What are the benefits of booking in advance?
Most travelers book about 19 days ahead, which helps secure a spot, especially during peak seasons, and ensures you get the preferred options like the all-inclusive package.

Final Thoughts

This windmill and countryside tour from Amsterdam offers an authentic and affordable way to see some of the Netherlands’ most iconic sights. With friendly guides, a comfortable ride, and a good mix of scenery and crafts, it’s especially suited for those looking for a short cultural escape without needing to plan every detail themselves.

While some might wish for more time at each stop, the tour effectively balances efficiency and authenticity. It’s a great way to step outside the city, breathe in the fresh air of the Dutch landscape, and return with stories and souvenirs — all in half a day.

If you love learning about local traditions, snapping photos of windmills, and sampling cheese, this trip will hit the spot. For travelers wanting an introduction to Dutch country life or to tick off several classic sights effortlessly, it’s worth considering.

Note: Always check your specific tour details for the latest updates, especially regarding timings and inclusions, to maximize your experience.