"The service made our sightseeing day much easier. We enjoyed comfortable seats, excellent city views, and convenient stops that allowed us to explore attractions without unnecessary travel."
Volendam, Marken & Windmills Day Trip (All Inclusive): From Amsterdam
Overview
In the Netherlands, innovation and tradition are seamlessly intertwined. The picturesque tulip fields, time-honored windmills, artistic treasures, and charming cafes entice tourists from every corner of the globe. This tour allows participants to witness the beauty of the Dutch countryside and its age-old windmills. If you have a passion for cheese, this tour presents an excellent opportunity to tour a cheese factory and discover how cheese is made.
About the activity
Free Cancellation
Mobile Voucher
Family Friendly
Instant Confirmation
Live Guide
English
Spanish
Highlights
- Uncover the Dutch customs in Volendam, Zaanse Schans, and Marken
- Examine the windmills at Zaanse Schans in detail
- Investigate the production of stroopwafels, clogs, and cheese
- Delight in a boat excursion on Lake Ijsselmeer
Itinerary
Iconic Dutch sights
Ask anyone what comes to mind when they think of the Netherlands, and the answer is likely windmills, tulip fields, and the lively centre of Amsterdam. The city’s picturesque canals, historic buildings, vibrant nightlife, and open-minded culture make it one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. Yet beyond the capital lies a scenic countryside that is often overlooked by visitors.
Fortunately, it’s easy to combine a city break with a journey into the Dutch countryside. On this countryside and windmills tour from Amsterdam, you’ll visit the peaceful villages of Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken, all located just a short drive from the city centre. Here, you can slow down, enjoy the tranquillity, and step back in time as you admire colourful windmills and traditional village life.
An open-air museum
Once you leave Amsterdam behind, you enter a completely different world. Many of the surrounding villages feel like living open-air museums. This Dutch Countryside and Windmills Tour takes you to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and the former island of Marken (the order of visits may vary).
At Zaanse Schans, you’ll find more than ten historic windmills lining the banks of the Zaan River. The area is free to explore and truly feels like an open-air museum. Several windmills can also be entered for a small additional fee. Zaanse Schans is one of the best places in the Netherlands to experience traditional windmills up close.
Next, you’ll visit Volendam, a classic Dutch fishing village. A stroll along De Dijk and through the harbour area is a highlight in itself. You’ll visit a cheese factory to sample delicious Dutch cheeses and, if time allows, learn how they are made. Staying for lunch? We highly recommend trying the freshly caught fish.
The final stop is Marken, a former island in the Markermeer that is now connected to the mainland by a causeway. Travel between Volendam and Marken by boat on a scenic 30-minute cruise across the IJsselmeer, passing towns such as Monnickendam and Katwoude along the way.
Walking through Marken feels like stepping into a storybook village. Be sure to stay on the paths—before you know it, you may find yourself in someone’s garden. The visit concludes with a stop at a traditional clog maker, where wooden shoes are still produced using steam-powered tools following a 100-year-old tradition. And yes, you can try them on—they’re surprisingly comfortable.
An unforgettable experience
This Amsterdam day trip offers a unique experience that appeals to both adults and children alike. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind as you explore one of the Netherlands’ best-kept secrets.
The Dutch countryside is ready to welcome you and show you a completely different side of the Netherlands—far removed from the energy of its capital. Book your ticket here and enjoy a memorable windmills tour through traditional villages and timeless landscapes.
What's Included
What's Included
- The traditional Dutch experience in Volendam & Marken
- An up-close look at the windmills of Zaanse Schans
- Cheese making demonstration with tasting
- See how clogs are made with an antique steam engine
- Audio guide on the bus with 16 languages and free earphones
- A 30 minute boat tour between Volendam & Marken unique to this tour
- Traditional stroopwafel making demonstration
- Visit a windmill still in operation
- Visit to a traditional wooden house in Marken
Schedule
- Start Time: Please refer calendar
- Duration: 6 Hours
- Departure Location: Tours & Tickets shop located at De Ruijterkade 34A in the IJ hall of Central Station.
Redemption Info
- You may present your mobile or printed voucher at the Tours & Tickets shop situated at De Ruijterkade 34A within the IJ hall of Central Station.
- In the event of a lost voucher or ticket, the company shall not be responsible for any refunds.
- The ticket or voucher remains valid for the travel date you select.
Know Before You Go
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you’ll explore villages on foot. Dress in layers and carry a light jacket, as weather in the Netherlands can change quickly.
- Many tours include transportation, a professional guide, visits to windmills, cheese farms, and traditional workshops. Always check your ticket details for exact inclusions.
- Food is usually not included, but there will be stops where you can purchase local snacks, seafood, or Dutch treats in Volendam.
- Bring your camera or smartphone—this tour offers some of the most picturesque spots in the Dutch countryside, from historic windmills to charming waterfront views.
Cancellation Policy
- To get the full refund, you must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the activity/tour start time.
- If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the activity/ tour start time, you will not get any refund.
- Modifications/ changes are allowed at least 24 hours before the activity/ tour start time.
- You must contact us through email. The activity/tour's local start time determines the cut-off times.
Disclaimer
- The tour operator/ service provider reserves the right to alter, close, or cancel shows, attractions, entertainments, restaurants, shops, or ancillary facilities without prior notice due to city events or force majeure.
- All tours can be modified or cancelled without further notice.
- The itinerary can be changed without prior notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can easily book tours and activities through our website. Simply browse our destinations, select your preferred tour, choose your date and number of participants, and complete the secure online payment process. You'll receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase.
After booking, you'll receive a voucher via email. For hop-on-hop-off tours, exchange your voucher with the bus driver or staff at any designated stop to receive your physical ticket. For other activities, present your voucher (digital or printed) at the meeting point specified in your booking confirmation. Keep your ticket safe throughout the tour validity period.
We accept all major credit/debit cards. You can pay with a VISA debit or credit card, a MasterCard debit or credit card, Maestro, Visa Electron or American Express card.
Please note: We are based in the United Kingdom. Depending on your bank, an international transaction fee may apply. For more details about potential charges, please contact your card provider directly.
Yes. Your payment is absolutely safe with us. All transactions are protected with SSL encryption and processed securely. With our secure online payment system, your information is encrypted and protected against fraud. We use industry-standard SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocols to safeguard data transfer, and all personal information is stored in secure environments not accessible to the public.
You will receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase. If you do not receive it within a few minutes, please check your spam/junk folder.If any activity requires manual confirmation from the supplier/ tour operator, your booking will be confirmed within 24 hours.
Still haven’t received it? Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com and our team will be happy to assist you.
Your reference number will be displayed on the confirmation page after you complete your booking and in the confirmation email you receive once your tour is confirmed. All booking reference numbers begin with “ACTXXXX”.
If you don't receive your confirmation email within 30 minutes of booking, please check your spam/junk folder first. If it's not there, contact our customer support at booking@activity-crest.com with your payment details and booking information. We'll resend your confirmation and voucher immediately.
Yes. You can modify your booking after purchase. Modifications depend on the specific tour's terms and conditions. Some bookings allow date changes up to 24-48 hours before the tour, while others may have stricter policies. Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com as soon as possible if you need to modify your booking. Please note that changes may be subject to availability and additional fees.
Please bring a printed copy of your ticket voucher. Some local suppliers also accept vouchers shown on a mobile device (check the activity page for details). A valid photo ID is required for the traveler named on the ticket. For certain activities, a valid ID for each participant may be required – this will be clearly stated on your ticket.
Our cancellation policy varies by tours. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. For specific cancellation terms and refund conditions, please check the individual tour page before booking. To cancel your booking, contact us at booking@activity-crest.com with your booking reference number.
Customer Reviews
4.5
based on 2,226 reviews
Rating Distribution
"The entire tour was enjoyable from beginning to end. Beautiful views, helpful commentary, and convenient stops made it easy to experience the city without feeling rushed."
"We loved seeing the city from the upper deck. The route covered many interesting areas, and the freedom to hop off whenever we wanted was extremely useful."
"This tour was a convenient way to explore popular attractions. We enjoyed informative commentary, comfortable transportation, and the flexibility to spend extra time at places we liked."
"The hop on hop off service made exploring the city straightforward. We saw several landmarks, enjoyed great views, and appreciated being able to continue our journey whenever convenient."
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