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Volendam, Edam & Windmills (English Guide)

Volendam, Edam & Windmills (English Guide)

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From the churning windmills in the Zaanse Schans to the cheese weighing house in Edam, this tour in English highlights everything typical Dutch. 

See the beautiful landscapes of North Holland and explore the traditional fisherman village of Volendam on a 5-hour guided tour from Amsterdam. Learn about clog making in the wooden shoe shop and try some tasteful Edam cheese.

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 Zaan River and is home to traditional 18th and 19th century architecture, including several functioning windmills.

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 on your own, before traveling through the distinctive polders (land reclaimed from the water) of the Beemster area.

From there continue on to Edam, also commonly referred to as the pearl of the Zuiderzee. Edam’s ancient streets and tranquil canals are lined by beautiful 17th century buildings, including the leaning Carillon tower, the Great Church, and town hall. Most famous in Edam is beyond any doubt the public weighing house, where in summer still every Wednesday the famous Edam Cheese is being sold.

After a stroll around this history-rich town, you’ll have the opportunity to see how Edam’s world-famous cheese is made and, of course, to taste it in a closeby cheesefarm.

Finally, you will stop in the beautiful seaside village of Volendam. This typical fishing village with its bustling harbor has been a major tourist attraction as early as 1875. People come from all over to see the small buildings and houses and take in the locals in their traditional Dutch clothing. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs for those at home or a memento for yourself, and to have photos taken in traditional Dutch costume. Your guide will take you on a short walk through the oldest parts of the city, exploring a labyrinth of twists and turns to sites such as St. Vincent’s Church, the wooden Stolphoevekerk and the Visafslag (Fish Auction).

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

Highlights:

  • Explore the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans
  • See the cheese weighing house in Edam 
  • Learn how Dutch cheese is being made in an old farm
  • Stroll the twisting streets of Volendam, and soak up the fishing village atmosphere
  • Watch traditional craftsmen at work, making clogs and other artifacts
  • Marvel at the landmark monuments of Volendam, including the old fish auction rooms
  • Instant Confirmation
  • All entrance fees included
  • Pickup from a centrally located meeting point
  • Informative, friendly and professional guide
  • Perfect for all ages and skill level


Included:

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Transport by air-conditioned coach
  • Live commentary on board


Excluded:

  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Food and drinks

Departure Location and Time:


Departure point: 

1.Heineken Experience bus stop, Stadhouderskade 78, Wait on the side of the main entrance of the Heineken Experience, not on the water side)
2. THIS IS HOLLAND – Overhoeksplein 51, opposite central station. How to get here: A free shuttle ferry to Buiksloterweg runs 24/7 from Amsterdam Central Station to the north shore of the river IJ. Journey time is three minutes). Embark via the two middle pontoons. On disembarking, turn left. It’s two minutes’ walk to THIS IS HOLLAND.

Departure time:

From November,4 till May,10
Heineken Experience bus stop at 10:00am
THIS IS HOLLAND at 10:30 am
From May,11 till November,1
Heineken Experience bus stop at 08:30am
THIS IS HOLLAND at 09:00 am

Please note: 
Return Location of this tour is the THIS IS HOLLAND, behind Amsterdam central station. (No drop - off at the Heineken Experience)

Important to know

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
  • A small amount of walking is involved. 


Languages

English, Spanish and German

Additional information

This tour involves a small amount of walking. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.