Escape the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam on a half-day guided tour of the Dutch countryside, starting with a 20-minute drive to the windmill village of Zaanse Schans. This outdoor conservation area is situated on the banks of the River Zaan and is home to original 18th and 19th century architecture, including several still functioning windmills & wooden houses.

Watch live demonstrations of craftsmen at work, including a clog maker crafting the famous wooden shoes of the Netherlands. There will be some free time to explore the village and a visit a windmill on your own, before travelling through the typical Polder-landscapes (reclaimed land from the water).

From there we continue to visit the beautiful village of to Edam, also commonly referred to as the pearl of the former Zuiderzee. Edam’s ancient streets and tranquil canals are lined by beautiful 17th century buildings, including the leaning Carillon tower, the Big Church, and former town hall.

Most famous in Edam beyond any doubt is the public weighing house, where every year in July and August still every Wednesday morning the famous Edam Cheese Market is held.

After a stroll around this historic village, you will have the opportunity to see how Edam’s world-famous cheese is made. And, of course, to taste some cheese in a nearby cheesefarm.

Finally, we will stop in the beautiful seaside village of Volendam. This typical fishing village with its bustling harbour has been a major tourist attraction as early as 1875. People come from all over the world to see the small and houses and learn about the locals with their traditions and traditional Dutch costumes. Your guide will take you on a short walk through the oldest parts of the village, exploring a labyrinth of twists and turns to sites such as St. Vincent’s Church, the wooden Stolphoevekerk and the Visafslag (Fish Auction) Also you can enjoy a walk on top of the Dike with a beautiful view of the IJssel-lake.

Please note that the order of visiting the villages may differ from the description.

Countryside; Volendam, Edam, and Windmills Tour from Amsterdam

Tour Company NL

Countryside; Volendam, Edam, and Windmills Tour from Amsterdam

Tour Company NL