Amsterdam in 1 Day for Couples - Experience a charming 18th-century village with well-preserved windmills
In Collaboration with Holland Experience. Updated on February 24, 2026.
Full-day guided tour from Amsterdam visiting the historic windmills and craft demonstrations at Zaanse Schans, followed by the canals and thatched cottages of Giethoorn with a covered canal cruise. Includes round-trip transport and local guide; walking, food tasting and demonstrations are included as described.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Holland Experience, inspired by the tour Amsterdam: Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans with Canal Cruise. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Experience a charming 18th-century village with well-preserved windmills
- Explore the enchanting village of Giethoorn, known as the “Venice of the North”
- Witness traditional wooden shoemaking, cheesemaking, and indulge in cheese-tasting
- Canal cruise in Giethoorn past thatched-roof houses
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day itinerary starting and ending in central Amsterdam (LOVERS Cafe meeting point). Total tour duration: 8 hours (official start 08:30).
Meet at LOVERS Cafe – check-in and boarding
Group meets at the arranged meeting point in central Amsterdam for check-in and a brief safety & logistics briefing before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at the meeting point by 08:15 to allow time for check-in and to use restrooms before departure.
- LOVERS Cafe sits on Prins Hendrikkade; look for the guide who will be holding the tour manifest near the café frontage.
- Carry any small personal items you’ll want on the boat (camera, light jacket) in a daypack — luggage will remain on the vehicle.
Drive from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans
Comfortable, air-conditioned transfer from the meeting point in Amsterdam to the open-air museum at Zaanse Schans.
Tips from local experts:
- Windows are useful for photos of the Dutch countryside; keep phones charged and ready.
- If you feel chilly during the drive, keep a light layer handy — spring mornings can be cool.
- Restrooms are limited between stops; use the facilities before leaving the vehicle if needed.
Visit Zaanse Schans – windmills, clog & cheese demonstrations
Guided time at Zaanse Schans to see working windmills, watch demonstrations (clog making, cheese making), and sample local cheese. Includes time for photos and short walks between exhibits.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled paths and short staircases inside some windmills.
- Demonstrations run on a schedule; stay with the guide to make sure you catch the clog and cheese presentations.
- Buy any souvenirs (wooden clogs, cheese) near the main visitor area; most vendors accept cards but small cash amounts can be handy.
Drive from Zaanse Schans to Giethoorn
Longer transfer from Zaandam area to the village of Giethoorn. Relax on board; guide will provide commentary about the route and local history.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this transfer time to relax and recharge devices; there is limited time for photos during transfers.
- If you need motion-sickness remedies, take them before the transfer — the roads are rural in places.
- Keep a light outer layer handy when arriving in Giethoorn; canalside breezes can be cool even on sunny days.
Giethoorn – walking time and lunch at a canal-side cafe
Arrive in Giethoorn for a relaxed walk along the footpaths and bridges, with time to sit at a canal-side café for lunch (food/drinks not included unless specified). The guide will point out highlights and suggest photo spots.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a café with covered seating if the forecast predicts rain; many have terraces overlooking the canals.
- Paths can be narrow; walk single-file on bridges and give way to local small boats.
- Bring a small daypack and keep valuables secure — Giethoorn is safe but bridges and steps are uneven.
Covered canal cruise in Giethoorn
Scenic covered boat cruise through Giethoorn’s canals to view thatched-roof houses and gardens from the water. Seating is on a shared covered cruiser.
Tips from local experts:
- The covered boat protects from sun and light rain; bring a light jacket for cooler canal breezes.
- Keep cameras or phones on hand for low-angle shots of houses from the boat — avoid standing at all times for safety.
- Follow the guide’s instructions when boarding and disembarking — boats and gangways can be slippery.
Return transfer to Amsterdam and drop-off at LOVERS Cafe
Return drive to Amsterdam. Drop-off at the original meeting point (Prins Hendrikkade). End of the guided experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect arrival back in Amsterdam around 16:30; traffic can vary so times are approximate.
- Collect any personal items placed on the vehicle before disembarking; the guide will do a final headcount.
- If you plan a dinner reservation in Amsterdam, allow extra time after arrival for travel to the restaurant.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Experience |
