Netherlands Windmill and Village Tours
Explore iconic windmills and charming Dutch villages, experiencing centuries of history and picturesque landscapes.
Netherlands Windmill and Village Explorations offer a captivating journey into the heart of Dutch heritage. These tours take you beyond the bustling city centers to discover the quintessential Dutch landscape, dotted with iconic windmills and steeped in history. Imagine standing beside a 17th-century polder mill, its sails turning gracefully against a vast sky, or wandering through the cobbled streets of a village like Volendam or Marken, where traditional wooden houses and fishing boats paint a postcard-perfect scene. You'll often have the chance to see cheese farms, clog workshops, and perhaps even the vibrant hues of tulip fields, depending on the season. These excursions provide a tangible connection to the country's past, showcasing how water management, trade, and traditional crafts shaped the Netherlands into the nation it is today. Discover the serene beauty and cultural richness that define this unique corner of Europe.
Featured Windmill and Village Explorations Tours
Discover our top picks for windmill and village explorations in Netherlands
Visit the beautiful windmill village Zaanse Schans. Here you will experience all that is typical Dutch in just a few hours. See the historic working windmills of Zaanse Schans and the wooden green painted houses and shops. Learn about cheese making and watch traditional craftsmen making clogs and other artifacts. A professional, experienced and friendly guide will accompany you throughout the village before you get time to further explore the village on your own.
Unleash your wanderlust and explore the Dutch Countryside in Style! Join our 5-hour guided tour, your ultimate escape from Amsterdam's chaos. Step into a fairytale at Zaanse Schans, where windmills whisper tales of old. Experience tranquility in Volendam's seaside village. Upgrade your adventure with an Amsterdam Canal Cruise ticket and unlock a world of awe-inspiring beauty. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the Netherlands' most picturesque gems. Immerse yourself in Dutch culture and architecture, creating cherished memories that will stand the test of time. Don't miss this captivating experience!
Countryside Bike Tour with electric bike through the astonishing nature area of Waterland with great sceneries, just outside the city of Amsterdam. We have very high quality of E-bikes and very knowledgeable guides. Besides that, we have a lot of experience with tours. Safety for us is number one. During this bike tour, you will explore the typical Dutch landscape and small villages like Broek in Waterland and Monnickendam. The tour starts with a ferry ride and just after that, we will guide you along ancient old villages as well as historical farms with cows and sheep. Besides you will visit a windmill. We will also visit a Cheese farm where you can see how cheese is made and of course taste as many cheeses as you like. E-bikes are unsuitable for persons shorter than 160 cm or 5 feet 3 inches! We have limited number of participants, therefore this tour might be sold out. We have many guides.
Experience Holland with Holland Windmills, our small and local tour company. We are born and raised here and love to show you the best places during your holiday in Holland. We also love telling you stories about Holland! See famous windmills, taste cheese, try wooden shoes and walk through scenic villages. We know the best sights, what to visit and where to eat. Let us take you places where the crowds don't go and explore Holland at your own pace. Cheaper than a taxi, better than a big group tour and a lot more comfortable than organizing everything on your own. Ideal for couples, families and friends!
Enjoy a full-day tour visiting The Most Famous Dutch Iconic villages of Zaanse Schans, Giethoorn and a beautiful Local Farm with an informative guide. Explore traditional windmills ,waterways, landscapes, clog factories and cheese makers up close. Take a boat ride through Geithoorn’s picture-postcard canals with views of the beautiful houses and gardens. You will also have a chance to choose to visit a Dutch dairy farm or a peaceful local fish village. *All tours are designed with great care; *small size groups to guarantee personal attention; *Professional, friendly and knowledgeable tour guides: *Have fun, make new friends world wide; * Plenty of free time for exploring on your own, easy, comfortable and relaxed, * Perfect for all members of the family;
Enjoy a full-day tour visiting The Most Famous Dutch Iconic villages of Zaanse Schans, Giethoorn and an old picturesque Fish Village with an informative guide. Explore traditional windmills ,waterways, landscapes, clog factories and cheese makers up close. Take a boat ride through Geithoorn’s picture-postcard canals with views of the beautiful houses and gardens. Enjoy the scenery of fish village, where you learn facts over landscapes, water management. *All tours are designed with great care; *small size groups to guarantee personal attention; *Professional, friendly and knowledgeable tour guides: *Have fun, make new friends world wide; * Plenty of free time for exploring on your own, easy, comfortable and relaxed, * Perfect for all members of the family;
Enjoy a half day Sightseeing tour to the windmills, the countryside, a local cheese and clogs factory and Volendam. You will visit a unique Dutch park called the Zaanse Schans not far from Amsterdam. Here are the most special windmills of The Netherlands such as the paint windmill, the sawmill, spices mill and peanut oil. Thereafter you will see a demonstration how Dutch clogs are made and there is a possibility to buy clogs/wooden shoes and souvenirs. The second stop will be at the Henri Willig farm where they will teach you how they treat their cows and there is a possibility to see how they milk the cows and you can see and touch the baby cows. Thereafter it is time to taste more than 30 flavors of very nice Dutch cheese for free! At last you will visit Volendam where you can lunch in one of the best fish restaurants in town, buy some very nice Dutch waffles or enjoy the nice Harbor of Volendam. Duration of the tour will be 5 hours and the pick up and drop off is in Amsterdam.
This unique bike tour offers a refreshing escape from the busy tourist areas, taking you through Amsterdam’s more authentic, off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods and tranquil countryside. Led by a professional local guide, you’ll cycle through peaceful, charming areas where you can experience the city's rich history and culture in a more relaxed, personal way. Along the route, you'll pass picturesque dikes, traditional wooden houses, farms and iconic windmills, all while gaining insider knowledge of these hidden gems. What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to explore the quieter, lesser-known parts of Amsterdam—places where locals live and work—allowing you to connect with the true spirit of The Netherlands, far from the crowds of the busy city center. It is the perfect choice for active travelers looking for an immersive and authentic local experience.
Hardly you will be able to find a windmill complex like Kinderdijk anywhere else in the world. Kinderdijk is a UNESCO-listed site with 19 preserved in perfect condition windmills. You can walk endlessly along small canals and windmills standing in a row, making beautiful photos. After Kinderdijk you will visit the old Dutch city of Gouda, famous for its Gouda cheese and stroopwafels.
Enjoy a half day Sightseeing tour to the windmills, the countryside, a local cheese and clogs factory and Volendam. You will visit a unique Dutch park called the Zaanse Schans not far from Amsterdam. Here are the most special windmills of The Netherlands such as the paint windmill, the sawmill, spices mill and peanut oil. Thereafter you will see how we make the original Dutch clogs and there is a possibility to buy clogs/wooden shoes and souvenirs. The second stop will be at the Henri Willig farm where they will teach you how they treat their cows and there is a possibility to see how they milk the cows and you can see and touch the baby cows. Thereafter it is time to taste more than 30 flavors of very nice Dutch cheese for free! At last you will visit Volendam where you can lunch in one of the best fish restaurants in town, buy some very nice Dutch waffles or enjoy the nice Harbor of Volendam. Duration of the tour will be 4 hours and the pick up and drop off is in Amsterdam.
Wooden windmills and traditional greenhouses lining the water, fields of colourful tulips and craft shops dating back to the 18th-century: The heritage site Zaanse Schans is as picturesque as it can get. The village houses a collection of centuries-old windmills and charming wooden houses, most of which were moved there in the 1960s to preserve their cultural heritage. Yet Zaanse Schans is not a museum, there are actual people living in the houses and several windmills are still working. There is also a clog-factory, a bakery museum, and a traditional farm where you can sample delicious Dutch cheeses. www.dezaanseschans.nl Enter a traditional windmill and taste some delicious cheese. Explore the windmill village lining the water, learn how clogs are made, taste some cheese, and enter a working windmill. There are also a few museums, like the Zaans Museum where you can see traditional costumes and utensils from the past.
Our first stop on this tour is the heritage sight Zaanse Schans, a picturesque village with wooden windmills and charming green wooden houses from the 18th and 19th century lining the water, 25 minutes from Amsterdam. Explore the windmill village lining the water, learn how clogs are made, taste some cheese, and enter a working windmill. After this, we will continue to the fishing village Volendam at lake Markermeer, where you can see the traditional fishing boats and the folklorist costumes of the Volendam people. Here you can have a stroll in the village, shop for souvenirs or eat a delicious fish lunch. Also, there are a few museums worth a visit. From Volendam you can take a boat to the former island village of Marken, connected since 1957 to the mainland by a causeway. This peaceful fishing village in lake Markermeer is famous for its wooden greenhouses built on stilts, its typical drawbridges, and the traditional life of the (former) islanders.
Enjoy a sightseeing tour to the windmills, the countryside, a local cheese and clogs factory, Volendam and Marken. You will visit a unique Dutch park called the Zaanse Schans not far from Amsterdam. Here are the most special windmills of The Netherlands such as the paint windmill, the sawmill, spices mill and peanut oil. Thereafter you will see how we make the original Dutch clogs and there is a possibility to buy clogs/wooden shoes and souvenirs. The second stop will be at the Henri Willig farm where they will teach you how they treat their cows and there is a possibility to see how they milk the cows and you can see and touch the baby cows. Thereafter it is time to taste more than 30 flavors of nice Dutch cheese for free! Your next stop will be Volendam where you can lunch in one of the best fish restaurants in town, buy some very nice Dutch waffles or enjoy the nice Harbor of Volendam. After this you will take a ferry ride to Marken, a small island with houses on wooden stilts.
Explore a different side of the Netherlands with this private 9-hour trip to Zaanse Schans and Rotterdam. Get picked up at your hotel and get personal service by a professional guide that will drive you around. Your guide will drive you to the countryside of the Netherlands to explore the Zaanse Schans, a must see when visiting the Netherlands. Explore these beautiful windmills and also see the original wooden houses, barns and shops. Your guide will take you inside one of these windmills. You also get the option to visit a cheese-making factory and stroopwafel factory. Here you can see how the Dutch cheese and waffles are made. Then drive to the second city of the Netherlands called Rotterdam and explore the modern architecture.
Looking for a nice private tour from Amsterdam? Enjoy a 6-hour day tour of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands, such as windmills, tulips, small villages and the countryside. OR Experience Dutch countryside highlights on a beautiful cheese, clogs, flowers and windmills tour. Sample authentic Dutch cheese on a traditional farm, explore the beautiful Keukenhof gardens and discover the typical Dutch windmills.
Why Choose Windmill and Village Explorations in Netherlands?
Iconic Dutch Scenery
Witness the quintessential Dutch landscape, featuring working windmills and picturesque canals that have defined the country for centuries.
Authentic Village Life
Explore charming, historic villages like Volendam, Marken, and Edam, experiencing their unique traditions, architecture, and local culture.
Unforgettable Photo Opportunities
Capture breathtaking images of historic windmills, traditional houses, and vibrant Dutch landscapes that are world-renowned.
Rich Cultural Insights
Gain a deeper understanding of Dutch history, from water management and trade to traditional crafts like cheese making and clog production.
Small Group Experiences
Many tours focus on smaller groups, allowing for a more personal and immersive exploration of each location.
Scenic Canal Routes
Often includes scenic travel by boat or bus along picturesque waterways, offering unique perspectives of the countryside.
Types of Windmill and Village Explorations in Netherlands
Windmill Village & Canal Cruise Combos
These tours combine visits to historic windmill sites, such as Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans, with relaxing canal cruises.
Traditional Village & Craft Tours
Focus on immersive experiences in villages known for their enduring traditions, including cheese markets and clog-making demonstrations.
Full-Day Countryside Expeditions
Comprehensive tours covering multiple iconic windmills, charming villages, and significant cultural sites in a single day.
Budget-Friendly Half-Day Excursions
Shorter tours providing a taste of the Dutch countryside, focusing on a key windmill location or a single charming village.
What to Expect on Netherlands Windmill and Village Tours
Duration
Tours typically range from 3-4 hours for focused excursions to full-day experiences lasting 8-10 hours.
Key Locations
Expect visits to world-renowned sites like Zaanse Schans with its iconic green wooden houses and working windmills, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk with its 19 historic windmills, and picturesque fishing villages such as Volendam and Marken.
Group Size
Tours vary, from large coach tours to intimate small-group experiences, offering different levels of interaction and personalization.
Weather Considerations
The Netherlands weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for sunshine, wind, and rain. Layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Inclusions & Costs
Tour prices generally include transportation, guide services, and entrance fees to certain attractions. Meals and personal purchases are usually extra.
Transportation
Travel is typically by comfortable coach, often including scenic routes. Some tours incorporate boat trips along canals or waterways for a unique perspective.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Consider visiting Zaanse Schans or Kinderdijk during weekdays to avoid larger crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
If your tour includes a visit to a cheese farm, don't miss the opportunity to sample and purchase local Dutch cheeses.
Wear comfortable, waterproof footwear. Cobblestone streets and potentially damp environments are common in villages and around windmills.
Factor in seasonal variations; spring offers the possibility of seeing tulip fields, while autumn provides beautiful foliage.
Bring a reusable water bottle. Many tours allow you to refill at designated points, and it's an eco-friendly practice.
Learn a few basic Dutch phrases like 'goedendag' (good day) and 'dank u wel' (thank you) – it's always appreciated by locals.
Check if your tour includes a visit to a clog workshop; watching the demonstration is a fascinating insight into a traditional Dutch craft.
Be sure to allocate time for spontaneous stops. Many villages have charming independent shops and cafes worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What are the most popular windmill locations visited on tours?
A: The most frequently visited windmill locations on tours are Zaanse Schans and Kinderdijk. Zaanse Schans, located near Amsterdam, showcases a collection of historic windmills, traditional crafts, and characteristic green wooden houses, offering a picturesque glimpse into 18th and 19th-century Dutch life. Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features an impressive array of 19 authentic windmills built around 1740, designed to pump water out of the surrounding polder. Tours often include guided walks through these sites and provide insights into their historical significance and the ingenuity of Dutch water management systems. Other popular spots might include smaller, individual windmills integrated into village landscapes.
Q:What kind of villages are typically included in these tours?
A: Netherlands Windmill and Village Explorations often feature visits to traditional fishing villages along the IJsselmeer coast, such as Volendam and Marken. These villages are known for their well-preserved historical architecture, including distinctive wooden houses and harbors filled with fishing boats. You'll typically find opportunities to observe local life, sample regional specialties like smoked fish in Volendam, and see traditional costumes still worn by some residents. Other village tours might focus on historic towns with artisanal traditions, like Delft, famous for its blue pottery, or Edam, renowned for its cheese market. The aim is to provide an authentic experience of Dutch rural and coastal heritage.
Q:What is the best time of year to book a windmill and village tour?
A: The best time of year for a Netherlands windmill and village tour depends on your preferences. Spring (April to May) is spectacular if you wish to see the vibrant tulip fields blooming alongside the windmills and villages. Summer (June to August) offers the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, ideal for exploring outdoors, though it is also the busiest season. Autumn (September to October) brings beautiful foliage and fewer crowds, providing a more tranquil experience. Even winter can be charming, with cozy villages and the potential for snow-covered landscapes, though some outdoor attractions might have reduced hours.
Q:Do tours include transportation from Amsterdam?
A: Yes, the majority of Netherlands Windmill and Village Exploration tours offer convenient transportation from Amsterdam, typically departing from or returning to central locations within the city. This is especially common for day trips and half-day excursions, making it easy for travelers based in the capital to access the countryside. Transportation is usually via comfortable, air-conditioned coaches, and tour itineraries are structured to efficiently visit multiple sites without excessive travel time. Always check the specific tour details for exact pick-up points and times when booking.
Q:What should I wear and bring on a windmill and village tour?
A: Comfort is key for these tours. Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain, cobblestone streets, and potentially muddy paths around windmills. Layering clothing is advisable as Dutch weather can change quickly; include a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Depending on the season, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen might be necessary. Bringing a camera is essential for capturing the picturesque scenery. A reusable water bottle is also recommended. If you plan to purchase souvenirs like cheese or Delftware, consider bringing a small bag or backpack.
Q:Are there opportunities for food tasting or purchasing local products?
A: Absolutely. Many windmill and village tours incorporate opportunities to experience and purchase local Dutch products. You can often visit working cheese farms for tastings and purchase varieties like Gouda or Edam. Smoked fish from Volendam is a popular tasting experience. Some tours may include visits to traditional bakeries for Dutch pastries or local markets where you can buy artisanal goods. These culinary experiences offer a delicious way to connect with the region's heritage and support local producers.
Q:Can I visit these locations independently without a tour?
A: Yes, it is certainly possible to visit these windmill locations and villages independently. Public transport options, including trains and buses, connect many of these areas to major cities like Amsterdam. Renting a car also provides flexibility. However, taking a guided tour offers significant advantages, especially for those with limited time or who prefer not to navigate public transport. Tours provide efficient transportation, knowledgeable guides who share historical context and local insights, and often pre-arranged access to attractions, which can streamline your experience and enhance your understanding of Dutch culture and history.
Q:What is the typical price range for these tours?
A: The price for Netherlands Windmill and Village Exploration tours can vary significantly based on duration, inclusions, and the provider. Shorter, half-day tours focusing on a single site like Zaanse Schans typically start from around €50-€70 per person. Full-day excursions that cover multiple locations, include lunch, or offer more specialized activities can range from €80 to €150 or more. Prices often include transportation from Amsterdam, guided commentary, and entrance fees to specified attractions. It is advisable to compare different tour options to find one that best suits your budget and interests.
Why Visit Netherlands?
Explore iconic windmills and vibrant tulip fields, a quintessential Dutch experience.
Discover charming canals and historic gabled houses in Amsterdam and beyond.
Enjoy world-class cycling paths, making getting around Netherlands a breeze.
Immerse yourself in art history with masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Savor authentic Dutch cheese markets and stroopwafels straight from the source.
Experience the friendly 'gezelligheid' spirit that makes the Netherlands so welcoming.
Best Time to Visit
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for the best time to visit.
Best Months
Spring and fall offer the best weather for most destinations.
Peak Season
Summer months are typically the peak season with higher prices and crowds.
Off Season
Winter months offer lower prices and fewer crowds, though weather may be less ideal.
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Plan Your Netherlands Trip
Transportation Tips
Getting around Netherlands is incredibly efficient and enjoyable, primarily by train. NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) connects most major cities and towns with frequent, reliable services. For shorter distances or exploring cities, cycling is the quintessential Dutch experience; bike rental shops are abundant. Trams and buses are also common within urban areas. Consider an OV-chipkaart for easy payment on public transport. Driving is an option, but parking can be challenging and expensive in historic centers.
Car Rental Deals in Netherlands
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Where to Stay
Find the perfect accommodation for your Netherlands adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.
Best Hotel Deals in Netherlands
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