Tours in Zaandam

Explore the best tours, activities, and attractions in Zaandam to make your trip unforgettable.

Top 5 most popular tours and activities in Zaandam

4.8231Tour to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken

Tour to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken

Discover the Best of the Dutch Countryside: Windmills, Cheese, Fishing Villages & Optional Canal CruiseEscape the city and explore the beauty of the Dutch countryside on this unforgettable day trip from Amsterdam. Visit Zaanse Schans, a historic village famous for its iconic windmills, wooden houses, and traditional workshops. Learn how these powerful structures helped shape the Netherlands and snap amazing photos of one of the country’s most photogenic sights.Continue to Edam, renowned for its world-famous cheese. Walk through its charming old town, visit the square where the historic Edam Cheese Market once thrived, and admire picturesque canals and 17th-century architecture that transport you back in time.Then, near the colorful fishing village of Volendam, stop at a family-run cheese farm for a live demonstration on how Gouda and Edam cheeses are made. Taste authentic Dutch flavors and step into a clog workshop, where you’ll discover how these iconic wooden shoes are crafted by hand.In Volendam, enjoy free time at the lively harbor. Try local specialties like fresh herring or crispy kibbeling, shop for souvenirs, or take in the peaceful maritime scenery.Your final countryside stop is Marken, a storybook village with cozy wooden houses, a quaint fishing harbor, and a traditional Protestant church. It’s a quiet, authentic destination where Dutch heritage is beautifully preserved.After returning to Amsterdam, enhance your day with an optional canal cruise. Float past historic buildings, charming bridges, and city landmarks on this relaxing journey through Amsterdam’s famous waterways—an ideal way to experience the city from a unique perspective.IMPORTANTThe visit to Marken may be substituted for safety reasons in bad weather conditions.Please note that this tour is designed to give you a panoramic overview of the Dutch countryside without spending the whole day away from Amsterdam. The idea is to have you back in the city in time to make the most of your afternoon—whether you need to catch a train, head to the airport, join another activity, or simply enjoy Amsterdam at your own pace.That’s why we leave early, and the total duration of the tour is 6.5 hours. It’s a fast-paced itinerary (in a good way 😄), created to help you see several highlights in half day.  

6 hours and 30 minutes
easy
From$41
512Luxury Private Boat Trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans the Windmill Village Full Day Tour (around 5.5 hours)

Luxury Private Boat Trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans the Windmill Village Full Day Tour (around 5.5 hours)

Embark on an unforgettable journey from the bustling heart of Amsterdam to the picturesque, open-air museum of Zaanse Schans. Forget the crowds and enjoy the exclusivity of a luxury private boat transfer, offering unparalleled views and comfort as you glide through charming waterways.Your 90-minute scenic transfer one-way will treat you to a unique perspective of the Dutch landscape, transitioning from historic Amsterdam canals to the tranquil Zaan region. Along the way, you'll witness the evolving beauty of the Dutch countryside, eventually arriving at the iconic windmill village.Upon arrival at Zaanse Schans, a knowledgeable local guide will be waiting to lead you on an insightful 2 to 2.5-hour exploration. This isn't just a walk through a village; it's a step back in time. Your guide will bring to life the stories behind the magnificent windmills – once the engines of the Dutch industrial revolution – explaining their functions, from sawing wood to grinding spices and pressing oil.You'll have the opportunity to delve into traditional Dutch crafts and culture, visiting charming wooden houses, workshops, and museums. Witness live demonstrations of clog making, taste freshly made Dutch cheese, and perhaps even step inside an active windmill to understand its inner workings. Your guide will tailor the experience to your interests, ensuring you discover the hidden gems and fascinating history that make Zaanse Schans so special.After your enriching visit, your luxury private boat will be ready to whisk you back to Amsterdam, completing your memorable day out. For your convenience, hotel pick-up is available if your accommodation is located in the city center of Amsterdam, ensuring a seamless start and end to your exclusive adventure.Indulge in a truly unique Dutch experience, combining luxury, comfort, and cultural immersion with our private boat transfer to Zaanse Schans.

1 hour
easy
From$1298
5Zaanse Schans Windmills Guided Tour - Half Day from Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans Windmills Guided Tour - Half Day from Amsterdam

After meeting your guide at the designated location, head for Zaanse Schans, an outdoor museum including wooden homes, shops, and operational windmills from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the Clog Museum to observe traditional craftsmanship and wooden shoemakers in action. Learn the craft of making cheese in the Netherlands by visiting a cheese farm in Catharina Hoeve.The tour ends at the designated departure location.

4 hours
easy
From$525
10Zaanse Schans Windmills, Edam, Volendam and Marken

Zaanse Schans Windmills, Edam, Volendam and Marken

After meeting your guide at the designated location, head for Zaanse Schans, an outdoor museum including wooden homes, shops, and operational windmills from the 18th and 19th centuries. Enter a saw windmill in operation and learn all about how the Dutch people use them for in the past. Visit the Clog Museum to observe traditional craftsmanship and wooden shoemakers in action. Learn the craft of making cheese in the Netherlands by visiting a cheese farm in Catharina Hoeve.Then a visit Edam and learn more about its iconic Edam “cheese balls”. After that, we will drive to the charming town of Volendam where you can walk and absorbe the culture. Following this visit, you will be going to Marken where you will walk around and get a perspective of the life and history of this town. No doubt that for a short period you will be caught in the time warp.Visit the iconic and charming villages of Volendam and Marken.The tour ends at the designated departure location.

8 hours
easy
From$1032
7Zaanse Schans Windmills Village, Volendam and Ferry to Marken

Zaanse Schans Windmills Village, Volendam and Ferry to Marken

Upon meeting your guide at the designated location, head for Zaanse Schans, an outdoor museum including wooden homes, shops, and operational windmills from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the Clog Museum to observe traditional craftsmanship and wooden shoemakers in action. Learn the craft of making cheese in the Netherlands by visiting a cheese farm in Catharina Hoeve.Enter a saw windmill and see how it works. Everything will be explained by the windmill master. Ticket is included in this excursion. Then a visit to the charming town of Volendam where you can walk and absorb the culture. Volendam is a former fishing town and known for its great fish specialties, the famous Dutch “Salty Haring’, ‘Smoked Eel”and Smoked Mackerel. Here you can have a traditional fish for lunch (not included).Take the ferry to Marken where you’ll walk around and learn more about the life and history of this town. Ticket is included in this excursion. 

8 hours
easy
From$1035