Katwoude

Hidden gems

Immerse yourself in the culture of the Netherlands on a tour through the jewels of the Dutch countryside. Visit a cheese producer, a clog factory, a fishing village, and see the iconic windmills. Start your tour at Amsterdam’s Central Station and head in the company of your guide to the first destination of the day, Zaanse Schans. Admire the typical Dutch windmills of the town, and learn about how they are still used today. Next, drive to the Waterland area to arrive at the second stop of the tour, Edam. Walk around some of the town’s most historical sites, including the town square where the famous cheese market used to take place. Then, head to Volendam to visit a local cheese producer, learn about the production of Edam and Gouda cheeses, and try a cheese tasting. Head towards a clog factory next to discover the secrets of this typical Dutch shoe. Finally, travel back in time to the 17th century as you wander through the fishermen’s houses in the Marken, and explore this quintessential fishing village. IMPORTANT The visit to Marken may be substituted for safety reasons in case of bad weather conditions.

Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam by taking a ferry to the countryside and embarking on an e-bike tour just outside the city. You can book this tour with a guide or book a self-guided tour where we will provide the route on our app. Cycle through picturesque villages like Broek in Waterland, Monnickendam, and Zunderkorp past canals, bridges, and historical farms with a guide or by yourself on your own pace. Then, visit an authentic cheese farm to taste as many cheeses as you like. Start your bike tour by taking the ferry to the north side of Amsterdam. See the Amsterdam Tower and the Eye Film Museum, a unique introduction to Amsterdam's Old Holland area. Afterward, cycle through the natural area of Waterland. This flat landscape offers views of moments that feel lost in time, as you encounter expansive fields and traditional Dutch farmers going about their daily lives. Cycle through the ancient villages of Broek, where time seems to have completely stopped. The land is protected by kilometers of dikes and pumping stations, allowing picturesque villages to blossom, and the region to become a hot spot for outdoor activities on land and on water. Finally, visit a windmill, and a local farm that produces cheese that is exported around the world.

Time to try on something that wouldn't normally be in your wardrobe: traditional Volendam wear, including warm baggy trousers for the men and a high, pointed bonnet for the ladies. And of course, no outfit would be complete without Holland's most famous footwear - clogs! Say 'cheeeessseee' and your professional photographer will snap a photo of you and your friends, a souvenir which you can show to everyone at home. After the photo shoot, you can enjoy a guided tour in which you learn how to make a typical Dutch Gouda or Edam cheese. In the clog factory, you will get the chance to see a piece of wood turn into footwear and learn about the different varieties of clogs. In the shop you can have a look at all kinds of souvenirs and taste Dutch biscuits such as stroopwafel, a delicious local fruit wine and of course all kinds of cheeses. Try a rock hard, two-year old cheese or a cheese with cumin seeds, a famous delicacy in Holland. When you are finished perusing the souvenir section your photos will be waiting for you at the checkout. 

Start your tour with a convenient, pick-up service from your accommodation. Here is where your driver will be to pick you up and after a short meet and greet you will hop in your private car and set off on your adventure.  Firstly you will visit the Zaanse Schans, a residential area in which the 18th and 19th-centuries are brought to life. Here are the most special windmills of The Netherlands such as the paint windmill, the sawmill, spices mill and peanut oil. Thereafter you will see how we make the original Dutch clogs and there is a possibility to buy clogs/wooden shoes and souvenirs. Stroll past the bakery museum and enjoy the smell of fresh bread. A day out at the Zaanse Schans in North Holland is fun and educational. The second stop will be at the Henri Willig farm where they will teach you how they treat their cows and there is a possibility to see how they milk the cows and you can see and touch the baby cows. Thereafter it is time to taste more than 30 types of very nice Dutch cheese for free! The last stop is a visit to Volendam, a small fishing village with 22000 citizens. Walk along the beautiful harbor and marvel at the typical Volendam shops and enjoy lunch at one of the best seafood restaurants in Holland. There is also a possibility to buy nice Dutch waffles or enjoy the beautiful harbor of Volendam. After a day full of adventure and excitement you driver will return you back to your accommodation for an evening of well-deserved rest. The total duration of the tour will be approx. 4 hours and the pick up and drop off is in Amsterdam.

Starting out with a block of wood from the Dutch poplar tree, and learn the steps involved in making clogs. Shape the outside of the shoe the old fashioned way, with a big knife, and carve out the inside of the shoe with a sharp spoon. During the workshop, make a wooden shoe per person. You will also receive a beer opener which can be decorated with the help of engraving tools and colorful paint. Next, enjoy a guided tour through the cheese factory and learn how to transform milk into a delicious Dutch Gouda cheese. Discover various types of cheeses and slicers used traditionally. In the shop, marvel at all kinds of souvenirs and taste Dutch biscuits such as stroopwafel, a delicious local fruit wine, and of course all kinds of cheeses.

Starting out with milk from the local cows, learn about the steps involved in making cheese. Mixing, heating, pressing and eventually eating, of course! Make your own little farmer's cheese. This is a very young cheese which can be vacuumed and eaten directly or ripened at home using liquid plastic as a cover around the cheese. While the homemade cheeses are being pressed, enjoy a guided tour through the wooden shoe factory for a chance to learn how to turn a piece of wood into footwear. The varieties of clogs are shown, from historical to modern day clogs. In the shop, marvel at all kinds of souvenirs and taste Dutch biscuits such as stroopwafel, a delicious local fruit wine, and of course all kinds of cheeses.

Experience traditional Dutch culture on this 5-hour private journey from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, a clog and cheese factory, and Volendam. After pickup from your accommodation in Amsterdam, your driver and guide will take you to the first destination of the day: Zaanse Schans, a region of the Netherlands full of traditional structures. Tour the wooden dwellings, windmills, and quaint little shops. Above all, you can admire the traditional mills scattered throughout the town, each of which has its own purpose: there's a paint mill, oil mill, saw mill, and more.  The next stops will be the clog factory and cheese farm, two essential elements of any visit to the Netherlands. Learn how the cheese is made and taste some delectable tidbits. Then, you’ll be treated to a demonstration on making wooden clogs. Next, visit Volendam, a fishing village known for its fresh eel and herring. Taste some fresh fish from a traditional cart and admire the old port, full of Dutch ships. Try on a traditional Dutch outfit and have your picture taken as you fit in with the Volendamers. In the center of the town, walk along the dyke (boulevard) and explore the various restaurants and shops. This will be a great opportunity to enjoy a traditional meal after taking in the best of the Netherlands.

Avoid the inconvenience of renting a car and maneuvering through unfamiliar country roads. With a personal driver/host , your tour becomes effortlessly smooth and stress-free. Be Dutch for a day! A day full of windmills, cheese and traditional wooden clogs. Covered with water, cows grazing the fresh grasses, colourful flowers and green-timbered houses, Zaanse Schans is home to what some call the Eighth Wonder of the World: the historic 18th-century windmills. Everybody knows about cheese, but few know how it’s produced. Your private driver/host will take you to the place where the magic happens, where the Dutch dairy gold is crafted. You will visit a local cheese factory in the picturesque fisherman village of Volendam, where you will be taught about the cheese-making craft and enjoy a delicious cheese tasting. With windmills and cheese on board, it’s unthinkable to skip the traditional wooden clogs in this tour. Total Duration: 5 hours 1. Zaanse Schans, windmills and clogs ; 1,5 hour 2. Cheese Farm by Henri Willig ; 30 minutes 3. Volendam, fisherman village ; 1,5 hour

Embark on a journey from Amsterdam to the serene countryside with a full-day private tour of Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn, two quintessential Dutch destinations. After a hotel pickup, be led by your host to your first stop. In Zaanse Schans, discover historic windmills, charming wooden houses, and traditional crafts like cheese-making and clog-carving. Capture timeless photos of this picturesque village and discover the art of making wooden shoes. Next, explore Giethoorn and its tranquil canals, thatched-roof cottages, wooden bridges, and lush landscapes. Glide along the waterways on a boat tour, marveling at the beauty of this car-free village. Enjoy personalized service, convenient transportation, and the expertise of your local host throughout the tour.

8:30 AM – Pick-Up Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel for departure to Zaanse Schans. 9:00 AM – Arrival at Zaanse Schans Zaanse Schans: Explore this picturesque, historic village, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Wander among the iconic wooden houses, and working windmills, while learning about the area's rich history and heritage. Your guide will lead you along the dike next to the river Zaan, passing the iconic windmills and sharing stories about life during the Dutch Golden Age. 9:15 AM – Wooden Shoe Craft Demonstration If you've always been curious about how traditional wooden clogs are made, the Wooden Shoe Craft Demonstration at Zaanse Schans is the perfect opportunity to learn! At the Clog Museum, you’ll dive deeper into the history of Dutch clogs, discovering how they were traditionally worn by farmers, workers, and sailors. The museum showcases a wide variety of clogs, from the simple ones used for daily work to the beautifully decorated ones made for special occasions. 10:00 AM – Cheese Tasting at Henri Willig Cheese Farm Cheese Experience: At the cheese farm of Henri Willig we will taste a variety of Gouda and Edam cheeses. With over 30 flavors, this is a must for cheese lovers. The best part? These cheeses are crafted specifically for travel, so you can bring the flavors of Holland back home, no matter where in the world you’re headed! 10:30 AM – Visit Paint Mill "De Kat" De Kat Windmill: This iconic paint mill, dating back to 1781, is the last working paint mill in the world. Learn about the process of making pigments and the role of windmills in Dutch industry. If you wish, you can climb the windmill and enjoy stunning views from the external gallery. 11:15 AM – Departure to Keukenhof Spring Gardens 12.00 PM – Photo Stop at the Spring Flower/Tulip Fields Capture the vibrant beauty of the famous Dutch tulip fields with a scenic photo stop. The colorful rows of tulips, stretching as far as the eye can see, provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable pictures. 12:30 PM – Arrival at Keukenhof Spring Gardens Immerse yourself for 2 hours in a sea of spring flowers at Keukenhof Gardens. Explore 7 million blooming flowers, capture stunning photos, and enjoy a lunch amidst the vibrant scenery. 2:30 PM – Return to Amsterdam Return to your hotel: After a delightful day exploring Zaanse Schans and admiring millions of tulips and spring flowers, the tour concludes with a return to your hotel in Amsterdam. 3:15 PM – Arrival at the your Hotel