Windmills Tour: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken
Windmills Tour: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken
The tour meets at the indicated time in the center of Amsterdam, where we'll board our bus on the way to visit the famous windmills of Zaanse Schans and the Westerland: the famous image of traditional Holland!
Zaanse Schans comes first, a town known for its windmills – the lasting mark left by the industry that drove the region in the 17th and 18th centuries. These windmills were used to produce oil, paint, mustard and paper, among other goods, and you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of them to see how they work.
The area is also home to one of the country's most iconic products: clogs! On the tour you'll also visit a workshop which still makes this traditional footwear – much appreciated by peasants and workers in the middle ages, and still worn by some even to this day.
Then it's on to the towns of Edam and Volendam. Edam is famous around the world for its cheese, but in the middle ages it was one of Europe's most important ports. Here, we'll visit a dairy farm and try its star product for ourselves.
And then we move on to Volendam, which despite its rural charm is known as one of the most vibrant cities in the north of Holland. Here you can explore its picturesque streets and famous fishing port. You'll also have some free time here to grab a bite to eat and continue exploring on your own.
Next up? Marken, a rural fishing village unique for its location as a peninsula (almost island!) jutting out into the bay near Amsterdam. Its greenery blends into the traditional wooden houses painted the same color, and it retains its traditional air, giving you the feeling of stepping back into Holland's history.
Finally, we start our return journey, arriving back in Amsterdam about eight hours after departure.
More Information
Duration
8 hours.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.
Included
English–speaking guide
Transport by bus
Cheese tasting
Live clog making demonstration
Not included
Lunch (optional): € 14 (US$ 16.30)
Ferry ride from Volendam to the island of Marken (optional): € 8.50 (US$ 9.89)
When to book?
You can book up to the tour start time subject to availability. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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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.
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Q - How long does the bus ride from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans take?
A - The bus ride takes about 30 minutes.
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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.
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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.
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Q - Is the optional ferry ride between Volendam and Marken recommended, and what views does it offer?
A - Yes, the ferry ride between Volendam and Marken is a highly recommended, scenic 30-minute boat trip that offers excellent views of the traditional fishing villages, colorful fishermen's houses, the IJsselmeer Lake coastline, and the countryside.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
Free cancellation
De Ruijterkade 153
