Tours & tickets

Wooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans

From Amsterdam: Daytrip to the windmill village Zaanse Schans and Keukenhof Set off on a self-guided day trip from Amsterdam and immerse yourself in Dutch culture. Discover the world's largest flower garden at Keukenhof and visit the traditional windmill village, Zaanse Schans where you can admire the windmills, sample some Dutch cheese, and see the Wooden Shoe Museum. Depart from Amsterdam and transfer to the Zaanse Schans. Go at your own pace and check out the activities on offer including wooden shoe-making and clog painting workshops (at your own expense). Use our Free Map and great app for a walking tour and tips from locals. Try some Dutch cheese and see the historic buildings and windmills that the Netherlands is so well known for. It is also possible to visit the windmills, entrance fee is 7.50 pp Head to Keukenhof and admire millions of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils in bloom. Enjoy the flower shows, visit special exhibitions, and take part in different activities. The garden also features a sculpture park, a maze, and a fairytale garden. Stay as long as you like in Keukenhof. Return to Amsterdam at your leisure. Schedule: Schedule A 08.00: Departure from Amsterdam 08.30: Arrival Zaanse Schans 11.00: Departure Zaanse Schans to Keukenhof 12.00: Arrival Keukenhof -- Stay as long as you like in Keukenhof, last bus back at 18:30 Schedule B 10.30: Departure from Amsterdam 11.00: Arrival Zaanse Schans 13.30: Departure Zaanse Schans to Keukenhof 14.30: Keukenhof -- Stay as long as you like in Keukenhof, last bus back at 18:30

After you arrive, your guide will lead you on an introductory tour of the town. You'll have the chance to visit a Wooden Shoemaker's Shop, where they'll offer a live demonstration of crafting wooden shoes. Following that, you'll experience a demonstration at an authentic Dutch Cheese Farm. You can taste as much cheese as you want at the shop! Once you're ready to explore Zaanse Schans independently, your guide will share more insights about the village's uniqueness, local history, and culture. They'll also provide insider recommendations for activities and destinations. With this information, you're all set to embark on your self-guided exploration before returning to Amsterdam Amsterdam Canal Cruise Embark on the Amsterdam Canal Cruise, a leisurely journey that showcases the city's iconic attractions, including the historic Canal houses from the Golden Age, the Westerkerk, and the Anne Frank House. Delight in a relaxing and immersive sightseeing experience as you glide past these renowned landmarks, discovering the charm of Amsterdam from a unique perspective.

Experience a full day filled with Dutch flowering fields and spectacular gardens on this guided tour of the Keukenhof Gardens. See rows of tulips, daffodils, and crocuses, all growing in different colors and sizes. Taste local cheese and observe the traditional method of making wooden shoes. When you arrive at Keukenhof Gardens, you will receive a 45-minute guided tour through the park, leaving you enough free time to explore at your own leisure. Your guide will explain how each type of flower is cultivated and its history and significance within Dutch culture.  After soaking up the garden vistas, continue to Zaanse Schans, the famous windmill village. Tour the town with your guide. Visit the wooden shoemaker shop for a live demonstration of how wooden shoes are crafted, followed by a cheese-making demonstration and tasting. Before you set off to discover Zaanse Schans on your own, your guide will give you further information on what makes it a unique village, inform you about local history and culture, and provide you with insider tips about the area. You can upgrade your tour to include the Amsterdam Canal Cruise, gliding past the city’s famous attractions such as canal houses from the Golden Age, the Westerkerk, the Anne Frank, and more. Alternatively, get a This is Holland Voucher to experience a 5D flight experience of the Netherlands.

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Dutch countryside, where expansive fields of vibrant tulips stretch as far as the eye can see. Your first stop brings you to an iconic windmill, where you have the opportunity to step inside and discover the inner workings of these majestic structures that have played a vital role in Dutch history for centuries. Next, you'll visit a traditional cheese farm. Here, you'll witness the art of cheese-making firsthand, as skilled artisans demonstrate the age-old techniques passed down through generations. Sample an array of exquisite cheeses, from creamy Gouda to tangy Edam, and learn how each variety reflects the unique terroir of the region. At a clog workshop, you'll watch as master craftsmen carve and shape these iconic Dutch shoes, transforming rough blocks of wood into functional works of art. Then, it's your turn to try them on for size and experience the time-honored tradition of clog-walking for yourself. But the highlight of your journey awaits in the enchanting village of Giethoorn, known as the Venice of the North. Here, you'll embark on a leisurely boat ride along tranquil canals flanked by charming thatched-roof cottages and lush greenery. Glide past picturesque bridges and colorful gardens. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape, you'll bid farewell to Giethoorn and make your way back to your starting point.

Explore Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum in the Netherlands on a day tour from Amsterdam. See the cheese farm, clog factory, and more before a cruise tour through Giethoorn. You will pass through the small canals, beautiful houses, and cobbled stone lanes of the Dutch village. Your experience begins as your guide meets you near Amsterdam's Central Station, from where you travel to the typical Dutch windmill village of Zaanse Schans. Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum complete with a cheese farm, clog factory, diamond museum, bakery museum, and Kuiperij, where barrels were made to transport goods, green timber houses, traditional crafts, and windmills. Next, head to the unique Dutch village of Giethoorn, heading further north out of Amsterdam. As you travel, listen to learn about the history and significant elements in the Giethoorn region. The journey will take roughly 2 hours, with a break included ensuring a pleasant journey. Giethoorn is beautiful in all seasons and contains a simple beauty that hardly seems real. Discover this as you glide gently through its small canals, passing old but pretty thatched-roof farmhouses. Your captain will serve as a guide throughout this 1-hour boat trip around town. Get to know everything about Giethoorn, with extra time after your boat trip to walk or bike along a narrow footpath, or to learn how to operate the ''whisper boat'', an electric-motor boat. In the evening, arrive back in Amsterdam's center with the rest of your night to look forward to.

There is no better way to enjoy an afternoon in the Netherlands than checking out the Zaanse Schans windmills, the economic engine of the country between the 16th and 18th centuries when the Dutch took advantage of wind power to grind the spices they brought from the colonies and make oils, mustards, and more. Learn about the history of this scenic and economically-significant spot as you tour the mills with your friendly, knowledgeable guide. First, take a walking tour of a mill to learn how it was operated and the history of industry in the Netherlands. Then visit a clog workshop to get acquainted with the manufacturing of traditional Dutch footwear. Stop in at a cheese factory to try a variety of traditional Dutch cheeses and learn about the cheese-making process. Enjoy free time to explore the scenic area, say hi to the farm animals, and snap some photos before returning to Amsterdam.

After gathering at the small headquarters next to Central Station where you will get your bikes, you'll go on a 3-hour tour with a friendly and experienced guide. The banks of the Zaan River, a few kilometers north of Amsterdam, is the set of one of the most photogenic village of windmills in the Netherlands. The famous painter Claude Monet, during his stay in Holland, found here his main source of inspiration. It is your turn to discover this unique place, a postcard setting which represents perfectly the Holland of old times. The village of windmills has become a protected regional reserve, the perfect location for a splendid bike tour, led by one of the tour guides who will share with you the history and traditions of Holland. Ride on top of the Dutch bikes from the brand Batavus. These bikes are reknown for their comfort so you can focus on sightseeing only and on the stories of the guides.

Experience the beauty of the Dutch countryside on an unforgettable e-bike tour from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans (and back). Ride along scenic dikes and canals, pedal beneath expansive skies, and pass charming green-painted houses that define the area. Explore historic windmills and visit a cheese farm, clog workshop, and more in this picturesque heritage village. Your adventure begins with a ferry ride across the River IJ, followed by a leisurely cycle through scenic landscapes. As you pedal beneath open skies, your guide will share intriguing tales about this traditional Dutch countryside. Upon reaching Zaandam, stop for a perfect photo op at the fairytale-like InnTel hotel before heading further north. When you first glimpse the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans, it will be a true "wow" moment as they stand proudly against the backdrop of the water. Once at Zaanse Schans, you'll have time to explore its historic windmills, visit a cheese farm, watch clog-making in action, and discover museums, including the Netherlands' oldest supermarket. With plenty of spots for a snack and a wealth of history to uncover, this is a quintessential Dutch experience. On your return journey, cycle through the tranquil countryside, passing the medieval village of Haaldersbroek and the stunning Twiske nature park. A final ferry ride across the IJ brings you back to the heart of Amsterdam, completing your scenic journey through Dutch tradition and history.

Welcome to an unforgettable journey through the picturesque Netherlands, where every moment is tailor-made for your pleasure. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Dutch countryside, where expansive fields of vibrant tulips stretch as far as the eye can see. As you wind through narrow country lanes, your knowledgeable guide regales you with fascinating tales of local history and culture, painting a vivid picture of life in this charming land. Your first stop brings you to an iconic windmill, where you have the opportunity to step inside and discover the inner workings of these majestic structures that have played a vital role in Dutch history for centuries. From grinding grain to pumping water, you'll learn how these windmills have shaped the landscape and livelihoods of the Dutch people. Next, you'll visit a traditional cheese farm nestled in the heart of the countryside. Here, you'll witness the art of cheese-making firsthand, as skilled artisans demonstrate the age-old techniques passed down through generations. Sample an array of exquisite cheeses, from creamy Gouda to tangy Edam, and learn how each variety reflects the unique terroir of the region. No visit to the Netherlands would be complete without slipping into a pair of authentic wooden clogs. At a local workshop, you'll watch as master craftsmen carve and shape these iconic Dutch shoes, transforming rough blocks of wood into functional works of art. Then, it's your turn to try them on for size and experience the time-honored tradition of clog-walking for yourself. But the highlight of your journey awaits in the enchanting village of Giethoorn, known as the Venice of the North. Here, you'll embark on a leisurely boat ride along tranquil canals flanked by charming thatched-roof cottages and lush greenery. Glide past picturesque bridges and colorful gardens, soaking in the serene beauty of this idyllic waterborne paradise. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape, you'll bid farewell to Giethoorn and make your way back to your starting point. Reflecting on the day's adventures, you'll cherish the memories created during your personalized tour of the Netherlands—a journey filled with laughter, discovery, and the magic of authentic Dutch culture.

Your private driver is ready for a special day trip to the Dutch Countryside and Fishing Villages. We'll pick you up in a Premium Car at your Amsterdam hotel, with a driver dressed nicely in a suit. Windmill Wonders at Zaanse Schans See the huge, amazing windmills that define the Dutch landscape. Discover the various types, including paint, sawmill, spices, and peanut oil windmills, that bring the 18th and 19th centuries to life. It's a unique peek into historical Dutch engineering and lifestyle. Fishing Village Volendam: Next, your driver brings you to explore Volendam, a super cute town with colorful houses and friendly people. Walk around, take lots of photos, and maybe even try some yummy local food. It's like being in a cozy little world! Dress Up in Old Volendam Style: You can dress up in traditional Dutch clothes. It's fun! Wear old-style dresses, hats, and more. Take pictures to remember your special day. It feels like traveling back in time! Paling Smokehouse: See how eel is smoked at the Paling Smokehouse. Smell and taste the smoky eel. It's a special Dutch treat! Woodenshoe Factory: See how Dutch wooden shoes are made (clogs). Witness the craft of turning wood into iconic shoes at a clog-making demonstration. Try them on for a fun photo opportunity or choose a pair as a memorable keepsake. Cheese Factory: Mmm, cheese time! We'll visit a place where they make all sorts of cheese. See how they do it, try 30 different kinds, and find your favorite. It's not just tasty. it's super fun! The Chocolate Museum (Verkade Experience) Enjoy a visit to the Verkade Chocolate Museum. Learn how chocolate and cookies are made. Taste different chocolates and find your favorite. It's a fun and yummy stop! Bakery Museum: Get a whiff of nostalgia and the sweet smell of fresh bread as you pass by the bakery museum. It's a sensory delight that adds a tasty layer to your cultural exploration. Home Sweet Home After a day full of adventure, sit back and relax. We'll drive you back to your hotel in the same fancy car, ending your day just as special as it started. What a perfect way to say goodbye to an amazing day! Ready to have the best day ever? Windmills, clogs, cheese, dams, bread and cute villages.