Amsterdam in 1 Day for Seniors - Historic windmills and wooden houses at Zaanse Schans
In Collaboration with AMSTAXIHOLLAND. Updated on February 18, 2026.
Discover the Dutch countryside on a guided full-day trip from central Amsterdam. Visit Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken with hotel pick-up and drop-off, see working windmills, watch clog making, taste local cheeses, and travel between villages by comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle. Optionally finish with a canal sightseeing tour in Amsterdam if selected at booking.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with AMSTAXIHOLLAND, inspired by the tour Full Day Tour in Dutch Countryside from Amsterdam. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Historic windmills and wooden houses at Zaanse Schans
- Live clog-making and cheese tasting demonstrations
- Picturesque harbor and traditional costumes in Volendam
- Stilted wooden houses and drawbridges on Marken
Itinerary
Day 1
Door-to-door round-trip transfer from central Amsterdam visiting Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken. The schedule below is paced for comfort with short drives and ample seating/rest buffers.
Hotel pickup — Amsterdam (central area)
Driver-led hotel or central-area pickup in Amsterdam. Vehicle: air-conditioned Mercedes. Driver will call on arrival to confirm pick-up location.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in the hotel lobby 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time; the driver will call from a local number when nearby.
- If staying near Amsterdam Centraal, confirm whether pickup will be at your hotel's main entrance or a nearby curbside spot to avoid delays.
- Have any mobility aids folded and ready; the vehicle offers step-in assistance but space is limited for large mobility equipment.
Visit Zaanse Schans — windmills and craft demonstrations
Explore the historic windmill village by the water. See traditional green wooden houses, step inside a working windmill, watch clog-making, and taste local cheeses at included interior demonstrations and tastings.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable, flat shoes — paths can be uneven along the waterfront and inside windmills have low thresholds.
- Plan for a restroom stop at the visitor facilities near the main parking area; seating benches are available around the village.
- If you need level access, request assistance from the guide before entering mills or historic houses; some interiors have steps.
Drive to Volendam — short transfer
Comfortable drive from Zaanse Schans to the fishing village of Volendam. Short rest and preparation time before the village stroll and optional fish lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this transfer time to visit the onboard restroom beforehand; village streets in Volendam can be narrow with limited public restrooms.
- Keep a light jacket handy — breezes off the Markermeer can be cooler than in Amsterdam, even in summer.
- Seat belts must be worn during transfers; if you need frequent stops, tell the driver so they can plan a brief break.
Volendam — harbor stroll and local museums
Walk the harbor to see traditional fishing boats and folkloric costumes. Time for souvenir shopping and an included tasting; noted museums are available to visit independently during the stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller- and wheelchair-users: main harbor promenade is mostly level, but some side streets have cobbles—ask your guide for the smoothest route.
- If you prefer a low-salt meal for dietary reasons, mention this to restaurant staff; many venues accommodate simple dietary needs.
- Carry small change for market-style souvenir stalls; many accept cards but smaller vendors may prefer cash.
Boat transfer or short drive to Marken
From Volendam take the short scheduled boat (or short road transfer depending on conditions) to Marken. This is the connection to the former island village known for stilt houses and drawbridges.
Tips from local experts:
- Boat transfers are weather-dependent; bring a light waterproof layer and hold onto handrails when boarding or disembarking.
- If you have mobility limitations, request the driver/guide to arrange the easiest boarding location in Volendam.
- Keep cameras and personal items secured on board; sudden breezes near the lake can be stronger than on land.
Marken — village walk and local sights
Short guided walk around Marken to view wooden houses on stilts, characteristic drawbridges and the quiet village streets. Time for photos and a final local tasting or quick refreshment.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths in Marken can be narrow; wear comfortable shoes and step carefully on wooden walkways and small bridges.
- Seating is limited in the village; if you need to sit frequently, inform the guide so rest stops can be scheduled.
- Souvenir shops here are small; if you want something specific (e.g., local wooden crafts), buy while on the visit as options are limited afterwards.
Return transfer to original Amsterdam pickup point
Driver returns guests to their original pickup location in central Amsterdam. Drop-off completes the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect to arrive back at the original drop-off point used at pickup; if you need a different central drop-off, advise the guide in advance.
- Collect any personal items from the vehicle before disembarking; drivers will check the vehicle but it's best to verify your belongings.
- If you plan to continue sightseeing in Amsterdam, ask the driver or guide for a short recommended route to your next stop based on current traffic.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Neighborhood |
