Private Waterland & Zaanse Schans Tour
Escape the city and discover the authentic Dutch countryside.
Visit Zaanse Schans, explore the charming villages of Broek in Waterland and Monnickendam, enjoy traditional Dutch cheese at Henri Willig and relax in the fishing village of Volendam.
Tour Overview
Leave Amsterdam behind and spend the day exploring the countryside just north of the city. This private tour combines the famous windmills of Zaanse Schans with the quiet villages of Broek in Waterland and Monnickendam, a traditional cheese tasting at Henri Willig and free time in Volendam.
The day is relaxed and flexible, with hotel pickup, comfortable private transport and enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
Tour Highlights
- Hotel pickup and return in Amsterdam
- Visit to the windmills of Zaanse Schans
- Walk through Broek in Waterland
- Explore historic Monnickendam
- Cheese tasting at Henri Willig
- Free time for lunch and sightseeing in Volendam
- Private vehicle and flexible itinerary
Private Tours
Choose the Right Group Size
Prices are per vehicle, not per person.
Perfect for couples & families
Most popular choice
Ideal for larger groups
How Your Day Unfolds
Every private tour is relaxed and flexible. The itinerary below shows a typical day, while allowing enough time to explore, take photos and enjoy every destination at your own pace.
Pickup from Your Hotel
Your driver will collect you from your hotel or another agreed location in Amsterdam at around 09:30. From there, the city quickly gives way to open fields, waterways and the low, wide horizons of the Dutch countryside.
Visit Zaanse Schans
The first stop is Zaanse Schans, where historic windmills stand beside green wooden houses on the banks of the River Zaan. Walk through the village, watch a traditional clog-making demonstration and see how the areaβs industrial past still shapes its character today.
Broek in Waterland
Broek in Waterland offers a gentler side of the Netherlands. Its wooden houses, narrow canals and small bridges sit just a short drive from Amsterdam, yet the village feels calm, residential and largely untouched by mass tourism.
Walk Through Monnickendam
Continue to Monnickendam, an old harbour town with brick houses, canals and traces of its maritime history. A short walk through the centre reveals a place that still feels lived-in rather than staged for visitors.
Henri Willig Cheese Farm
At the Henri Willig farm, you will learn more about Dutch cheese production, visit the modern barn and see the Jersey cows. The visit includes a tasting of several Gouda cheeses made in a range of flavours and styles.
Volendam
The final main stop is Volendam, known for its harbour, seafood restaurants and lively waterfront. You will have time to walk along the promenade, have lunch, browse the local shops or simply watch the boats from one of the cafΓ©s by the water.
Hotel Drop-Off
After Volendam, your driver will take you back to Amsterdam and drop you off at your hotel or another agreed location.
The route shown above reflects the usual order of the day. Depending on seasonal opening hours, traffic and your preferences, the order of the stops and the time spent at each location may be adjusted.
Five Places You Wonβt Want to Miss
From the windmills of Zaanse Schans and the peaceful villages of Waterland to a traditional cheese farm, the historic harbour of Monnickendam and the lively waterfront of Volendam, each stop offers a different side of the Netherlands.
Zaanse Schans
Broek in Waterland
Monnickendam
Henri Willig Cheese Farm
Volendam
Whatβs Included in Your Private Tour
Everything you need for a relaxing day exploring the Dutch countryside is included. From hotel pickup to visits to five of the Netherlandsβ most charming destinations, weβve taken care of the details so you can simply enjoy the experience.
What’s Included
- Hotel pickup and return anywhere in Amsterdam
- Comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle
- Experienced local driver with insights throughout the day
- Visit to Zaanse Schans
- Visit to Broek in Waterland
- Walk through historic Monnickendam
- Visit to Henri Willig Cheese Farm
- Traditional Dutch cheese tasting
- Live wooden clog-making demonstration
- Free time in Volendam
- Time to enjoy lunch, cafΓ©s and local shops
Not Included
- Lunch and drinks during the tour
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
- Optional entrance to a historic working windmill at Zaanse Schans (tickets available on site)
- Optional purchases at Henri Willig Cheese Farm
Frequently Asked Questions
Find practical answers about the itinerary, pickup, payment and what to expect during your private tour.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. This is a private tour exclusively for your group. Youβll travel in a comfortable private vehicle, and the day is designed around your interests and preferred pace.
Can we customise the itinerary?
Absolutely. The suggested itinerary is flexible. If youβd like to spend more time in Volendam, stop for lunch by the harbour, or make small adjustments along the way, weβll do our best to accommodate your wishes whenever possible.
How can we pay for the tour?
Payment is easy and secure. You can pay by credit or debit card in advance, or simply pay by card in the vehicle on the day of your tour.
Where do you pick us up?
We offer pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Amsterdam. If you’re staying nearby, just let us know your address and we’ll confirm the most convenient pickup location before your tour.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. Families with children are very welcome. The windmills, cheese farm, wooden clog demonstration and charming fishing villages make this a fun day out for all ages.
Will we see how wooden clogs are made?
Yes. During your visit to Zaanse Schans youβll watch a traditional wooden clog making demonstration and discover how this famous Dutch craft is still practiced today.
Will we taste Dutch cheese?
Yes. Youβll visit the Henri Willig Cheese Farm, where you can enjoy a complimentary tasting of a variety of traditional Dutch cheeses while learning about local cheese-making.
What happens if it rains?
The tour runs in all weather conditions. Fortunately, the Netherlands is well prepared for changing weather, and most stops can still be enjoyed with an umbrella or a short break indoors. A little Dutch rain rarely gets in the way of a great day out.
What is your cancellation policy?
Plans can change, and we understand that. You can cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before your scheduled tour. If you cancel within 48 hours of the tour, 50% of the total booking amount will be retained, and the remaining 50% will be refunded.
Can we bring our luggage on the tour?
Absolutely. You can bring your luggage with you and make the most of your travel day. Many guests choose to enjoy the tour straight after arriving at Schiphol Airport or before their departing flight. Your luggage will be safely stored in the vehicle, and we can finish the tour with a convenient drop-off at Schiphol Airport.
Book Your Private Tour in 3 Simple Steps
1. Send us a message on WhatsApp
2. We'll confirm all the details
3. Relax and enjoy your tour
Ready to Plan Your Private Tour?
We’ll answer your questions, confirm all the details and take care of the rest.