Countryside, Windmills & Fishing Villages

Zaanse Schans 
After leaving Amsterdam your guide will drive you through countryside carpeted with peat bogs where sea level can dip below 6ft in some places. There have always been people from abroad who wanted to discover the Zaan region, the best known being Tsar Peter the Great and the famous impressionist Claude Monet. The Zaanse Schans is now a Dutch heritage site, here you will experience famous aspects of Dutch manufacturing, visit an old working windmill and learn about how products were fabricated in the 17th and 18th century.

Volendam 
Stroll with your guide around this lively fishing village with its labyrinth of streets and houses to discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Enjoy the view over Lake IJssel (IJsselmeer) and walk along the famous dike with its little restaurants, bars and souvenir shops.

Monnickendam
Once a wealthy trading port of the Middle Ages, now a protected heritage site with a treasure trove of medieval architecture and canals. Stroll around its small harbour, enjoy a Jenever in the Waag? or maybe visit the Medieval Weighing House!

Marken
Discover this pearl, a former island hidden away from the world until it was reconnected to the mainland in the 1950’s. Discover this little fishing village on a walking tour with your guide, uncover its history and explore its quiet streets.

Your private guide will drive you directly to the Zaanse Schans and walk you through this picturesque Dutch heritage site. Experience many famous aspects of Dutch manufacturing and visit an old working windmill to learn about how products were fabricated in the 17th and 18th century. After your visit to the Zaanse Schans your guide will drive you to the fishing village of Volendam. Join your guide on a walking tour, if you’re feeling hungry try some typically Dutch herring, smoked eel, dutch shrimps or kibbeling. In the afternoon your guide will take you to a family-owned cheese farm and wooden clog manufactory. Finally a visit to Monnickendam, a historic former trading town from 1350 or Marken a former island where time stood still.

The itinerary is flexible, we do not rush guests around and we walk at your pace
Dress comfortably in layers and bring a jacket
Cobblestones and steps may be involved in your excursion
All admission fees and parking costs are inclusive
All tours begin and end in Amsterdam at your holiday accommodation
We are certified guides and licensed Dekra D1 chauffeurs
The car is an airconditioned Chrysler minivan
Traffic can cause delays
Lunch / Dinner and Gratuities are exclusive
Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted