Windmills Tour: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken

Q - What's the difference between a windmill and a watermill?

A - In Holland, mills are distinguished mainly by their function, rather than by the type of energy they use, as most of the mills you'll see on this tour are windmills. Although watermills also exist and use the power of water to move a mechanism, in Dutch history, windmills have been the main protagonists. The windmills you'll see in Zaanse Schans were used for industrial purposes. We'll tell you more about them on the day of the tour!

Q - Do we visit factories even on Sundays?

A - The Dutch clog and cheese factories are open every day, so they can be visited on Sundays.

Q - Is it better to take the trip mid week or on the weekend?

A - There are always more tourists at all the destinations we visit on this trip at weekends, so it might be better to go during the week.

Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

A - Camaleón Tours Corporate name: Camaleón Tours B.V. Registered Office: Bernhard Eilershof 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): NL857567020B01 Contact information Email: reservas@camaleontours.com Phone: +31 615 467 640 This supplier is commited to providing services in accordance with applicable European Union laws.

Q - During the visit to Zaaanse Schans, will we visit the inside of any windmills? Will there be free time in this village to visit any museums?

A - At Zaanse Schans, you can visit the inside of a windmill, and there is also free time to take a stroll or visit the Zaanse Museum, for example.

Q - Will we see the entire cheese-making process at the cheese factory?

A - During the trip, we'll visit a cheese factory where you'll learn about the stages of the process and the tools used to make cheese, but you won't see the entire process. At the end, you'll be able to taste approximately 20 different cheeses (soft, cured, smoked, cow, goat, sheep, etc.).

Q - How long is the bus journey?

A - The journey between Amsterdam and Zaanse Schans takes 25 minutes; from Zaanse Schans to Edam, 25 minutes; from Edam to Volendam, 10 minutes; from Marken to Amsterdam, 30 minutes.

Q - Can we leave our luggage on the bus?

A - You may use the luggage compartment on the bus to store small or medium-sized suitcases. If you're travelling with small children, you may also store your pushchair during the journey.

Q - Is there much difference in duration between taking the tour by bus or by ferry?

A - No, the duration is practically the same.

Q - How much free time will we have in Volendam and what can we do there?

A - You'll have 1 hour free time in Volendam. During this time, you can stroll around the harbour, take photos in traditional costumes, visit souvenir shops and sample the local cuisine.

Q - Where does the tour end?

A - Next to Amsterdam Central Station.

Q - Are there any gluten free or vegetarian options for the lunch?

A - Yes, we have menus for coeliacs and vegetarians. Please let us know when you arrive at the restaurant.

Q - Is it necessary to book tickets for the Zaanse Schans windmills in advance?

A - It's not necessary to book a ticket to enter the Zaanse Schans, as access is free of charge. However, if you want to visit the inside of a windmill, you'll need to buy a ticket. We recommend that you buy your ticket directly there, as most of the windmills do not offer the possibility of booking in advance. This will also give you more freedom to choose which windmill to visit. The entrance fee is usually around €4 per person.

Q - What type of shoes should we wear?

A - Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended for this tour, as there is a lot of walking in the villages and rural areas. The paths in the villages and around the windmills of the Zaanse Schans can be uneven or gravelly, so thick-soled, non-slip shoes will come in handy.

Q - What should I do if I'm travelling with luggage?

A - You may keep your luggage on the bus during this tour. The buses are private and will keep your belongings safe while you enjoy the visit.

Q - What are polders and why are they so important to the Netherlands?

A - Polders are the land reclaimed from the sea. Holland, whose official name is the Netherlands, faces a unique geographical challenge, as much of its territory is below sea level. To combat flooding and make use of the land, the Dutch developed this engineering system. If you want to find out more, sign up for this tour, and we'll tell you all about it.

Q - Can cheese and clogs be purchased at the factories during the trip?

A - Yes, in most of the factories you visit during the tour, such as the cheese factories in Edam and the clog factory in Zaanse Schans, there are shops where you can buy the products and other souvenirs. At the cheese factories, you can taste the different flavours before deciding what to buy.

Q - Is it advisable to bring some food or water? Can we buy something in Volendam if we don't book the option with food?

A - Although the tour includes free time for lunch in Volendam, we recommend bringing a bottle of water and a snack. If you book the tour without lunch, you can have lunch at the restaurant of your choice in Volendam. However, the restaurant we work with gives us preference and a very fast service, which ensures that no time is lost on the tour.

Q - When is the best time of year to visit Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken and Edam?

A - Spring (late March to May) and summer (June to August) are the best times to visit these villages. During these months, the weather is more pleasant, the days are longer, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful, especially in spring when the tulips are in bloom. The high season (June to August) is ideal if you're looking for a lively atmosphere, but it's also when there are the most tourists. If you prefer a quieter trip, the low season (autumn and winter) is a great option. Although it will be colder and the days are shorter, you can enjoy a more intimate atmosphere without the large crowds.

Q - If we choose the ferry option, what panoramic views will we be able to enjoy?

A - If you opt for the ferry option, you'll enjoy a unique perspective of the region known as Waterland. During the journey, which takes about 30 minutes, you'll see Volendam and Marken from the water, the IJsselmeer lake and the rural landscapes of the area.

Q - Are there bathrooms available during the tour stops?

A - Yes, at all the main stops (Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken) there are public toilets or toilets in shops.

Q - Will the guide accompany us on the ferry?

A - If a large group is leaving for the ferry, yes. Otherwise, the guide will accompany the clients who are going by ferry to the quay and will pick them up at Marken harbour.

Q - How long does the bus ride from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans take?

A - The bus ride takes about 30 minutes.

Q - Are the windmills at Zaanse Schans still operating, and can we go inside one?

A - Yes, serveral are still operating, with most of the windmills open to visitors from April to October.

Q - How much walking is involved, and is the terrain suitable for all travelers?

A - The activity involves a moderate amount of walking over flat, paved terrain in the villages and along canals, making it generally suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility concerns.

Q - What makes Edam cheese unique compared to other Dutch cheeses?

A - Edam cheese is unique due to its distinctive red wax-coated, spherical shape, its milder, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor that sharpens with age, and its firmer, drier texture with a lower fat content compared to other Dutch cheeses like Gouda.

Q - Why are the wooden houses in Marken painted in uniform colors?

A - The houses in Marken are not painted in uniform colors; instead, they are known for their distinctive uniform black and white painting with red accents, a style that developed over time due to local traditions.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.