Private Zaanse Schans & Giethoorn Day Trip from Amsterdam
Spend the day exploring two of the Netherlands’ most loved destinations. Walk among historic windmills at Zaanse Schans before heading to the peaceful canals of Giethoorn, where boats replace roads and life moves at a slower pace.
Tour Overview
Leave Amsterdam for a day that shows two very different sides of the Netherlands. Start at Zaanse Schans, where historic windmills, wooden houses and traditional workshops bring the country’s industrial past to life. From there, continue north to Giethoorn, a village shaped by canals, footbridges and thatched-roof homes. Take time to walk through the village, enjoy lunch and, if you wish, explore the waterways by boat before returning to Amsterdam.
Tour Highlights
- Walk among the historic windmills and wooden houses of Zaanse Schans
- See traditional Dutch crafts, including cheese making and wooden clogs
- Travel comfortably from Zaanse Schans to Giethoorn in a private vehicle
- Explore Giethoorn’s canals, wooden bridges and thatched-roof houses
- Enjoy time for lunch and a relaxed walk through the village
- Add an optional boat trip through Giethoorn’s waterways
- Hotel pickup and return from Amsterdam included
- Enjoy a flexible private itinerary with time to explore at your own pace
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
Leave Amsterdam behind for a relaxed day exploring two of the Netherlands’ most famous destinations. Start among the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans before continuing to the peaceful canals of Giethoorn. With private transport throughout the day, you’ll have plenty of time to explore, take photos, enjoy lunch and experience the Dutch countryside at your own pace.t beautiful landscapes and hidden gems.
Pickup from Your Hotel
Your private driver will collect you directly from your hotel or another agreed location in Amsterdam. Once everyone is comfortably settled, you’ll leave the city behind and head towards the Dutch countryside.
Explore Zaanse Schans
Begin your day at Zaanse Schans, one of the Netherlands’ best-known heritage villages. Walk past working windmills, traditional wooden houses, small museums and craft workshops. Watch wooden clog making, sample Dutch cheese and enjoy free time to explore the village at your own pace.
Scenic Drive to Giethoorn
After visiting Zaanse Schans, relax during the drive through the Dutch countryside on the way to Giethoorn. Along the route you’ll pass green meadows, canals, farms and quiet villages before arriving at one of the country’s most beautiful destinations.
Discover Giethoorn
Spend several hours exploring Giethoorn, where canals replace streets in the oldest part of the village. Walk across the wooden bridges, admire the traditional thatched-roof houses, browse local shops and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Cruise Through the Canals
If you would like, you can add a boat trip through Giethoorn’s canals. Whether you choose a private whisper boat or a small canal cruise, it’s one of the best ways to experience the village from the water.
Lunch at Your Own Pace
Choose one of the cafés or waterfront restaurants for lunch. Whether you prefer a light snack or a full Dutch meal, you’ll have plenty of free time to relax before continuing your visit.
Drive Back to Amsterdam
After your time in Giethoorn, sit back and enjoy the comfortable drive back to Amsterdam. Depending on traffic and the pace of the day, there may also be time for a short comfort stop along the way.
Return to Your Hotel
At the end of the tour, your driver will take you back to your hotel or another agreed location in Amsterdam, making the journey home as easy as the start of your day.
This itinerary shows how the tour usually unfolds. Departure time, the order of the stops and the time spent at each location can all be adjusted whenever possible to suit your preferences, traffic conditions and the pace of the day.
Discover the Highlights
From a storybook castle and peaceful countryside to authentic Dutch flavours and a charming fishing village, discover the unforgettable experiences that make this private day tour one of our favourites.
Zaanse Schans
Walk among historic windmills, traditional wooden houses and working craft workshops. Watch clog making, sample Dutch cheese and take time to explore the village at a relaxed pace.
Giethoorn Canals
Boat Experience
What’s Included & Optional Extras
Everything you need for a comfortable day exploring Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn. Below you’ll find what’s included in your private tour and which extras you can choose to add.
What’s Included
- Hotel pickup and return
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Experienced local driver and host
- Visit to Zaanse Schans
- Time to explore the historic windmills and traditional wooden houses
- Cheese tasting and traditional clog-making demonstration
- Visit to Giethoorn
- Free time to explore the canals, bridges and village
- Time for lunch in Giethoorn
- Flexible private itinerary
- Secure card payments accepted
Not Included
- Giethoorn boat trip (optional and can be arranged for you)
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
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 fully private tour for your group only. You’ll travel in a comfortable private vehicle with your own local driver, allowing you to explore each destination at a relaxed pace.
Can we customise the itinerary?
Absolutely. As this is a private tour, we can adjust the schedule whenever possible. If you have a special request, simply let us know before your tour.
Can you arrange a boat trip in Giethoorn?
Yes. We can arrange an optional boat rental or a guided canal cruise in Giethoorn. Just let us know when booking and we’ll take care of the arrangements.
Where do you pick us up?
We offer pickup from hotels, apartments and other agreed locations in Amsterdam. If you’re staying outside Amsterdam, please contact us before booking to discuss the available options.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. Families are very welcome. The pace of the day is flexible, and we can adjust the itinerary to make the experience enjoyable for both children and adults.
How much walking is involved during the tour?
The amount of walking is entirely up to you. Most guests enjoy leisurely walks around Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn, with plenty of opportunities to stop, relax and take photos.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included, giving you the freedom to choose where and what you’d like to eat. Giethoorn offers a variety of cafés and waterfront restaurants.
What happens if it rains?
The tour operates in almost all weather conditions. The Netherlands is known for changing weather, so we recommend bringing a light waterproof jacket or umbrella. The itinerary can often be adjusted if needed.
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.
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.
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.
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?