Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam
Overview
Available languages
6 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover the Best of the Dutch Countryside: Windmills, Cheese, Fishing Villages & Optional Canal Cruise
Escape the city and explore the beauty of the Dutch countryside on this unforgettable day trip from Amsterdam.
Visit Zaanse Schans, a historic village famous for its iconic windmills, wooden houses, and traditional workshops.
Continue to Edam, we will walk through its charming old town, visit the square where the historic Edam that transport you back in time.
Then, near the colourful fishing village of Volendam, stop at a family-run cheese farm for a live demonstration on how cheeses and clogs are made. You’ll discover how these iconic wooden shoes are crafted by hand.
In Volendam, enjoy free time at the lively harbour and try local specialities like fresh herring or crispy kibbeling.
Your final countryside stop is Marken a quiet, authentic destination where Dutch heritage is beautifully preserved.
After returning to Amsterdam, enhance your day with an optional city canal cruise.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Zaanse Schans
Step into the charm of the Dutch countryside with a visit to Zaanse Schans, a picture-perfect village where time seems to stand still. Marvel at traditional windmills still in operation today, and snap unforgettable photos of these iconic symbols of the Netherlands. Learn how windmills played a vital role in shaping the country’s history and economy. Wander past wooden houses, quaint shops, and artisan workshops that bring Dutch heritage to life. Just a short trip from Amsterdam, this experience is perfect for culture lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to soak in authentic local traditions.
Edam
In the charming town of Edam, you’ll stroll through cobbled streets steeped in history, including the iconic square where the world-famous Cheese Market once brought the village to life. Feel the heritage of this storybook setting as you walk past centuries-old buildings, tranquil canals, and traditional Dutch architecture. This peaceful stop offers a perfect blend of culture, photo opportunities, and authentic local charm—an unmissable highlight for any traveler seeking a true taste of Holland.
Options
Tour in English With Cruise
Countryside tour + 1h cruise: After the Countryside tour, you will join to our 1-hour Amsterdam canal cruise which show you the best of the city at 15:00.
Tour in Spanish With Cruise
Countryside tour + 1h cruise: After the Countryside tour, you will join to our 1-hour Amsterdam canal cruise which show you the best of the city at 15:00
Tour in English Without Cruise
Tour in Spanish Without Cruise
What‘s Included
Professional guide
1-Hour Amsterdam canal cruise with audioguide (if option selected)
Transfer by coach
Tasting of local cheese and other products like cookies , fruits wine
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
6,025 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was pretty good. I wish we has stayed at least and extra 1/2 in the first city where the windmills are located. Tour guide wa
Felicita F,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I enjoy that tour; however, would have preferred more time in the city with the winmills. Thank you.
More walking than...
karenlonge,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00More walking than expected based on description. Needed more flexibility to see things on your own without being embarrassed about it.
Loved our guide!
1joec1,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Richard, was great! He was warm, funny, and informative. The tour moved quickly, which I liked. It was a great way to spend our last day in Amsterdam.
Windmill was the next part, wish we could stay there longer
Hun M,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great to have 1 day out of the city, beautiful countryside at the windmills - I wish we got to stay here an extra hour longer. The windmill was the highlight, and the other towns were not as interesting but still overall covered a lot of ground. Your guide Augustin was very friendly, sincere and hard working.
Good stops, could be excellent tour with some modifications
Cara J,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Pros: The stops along this tour were well-timed relative to the other tours in the area; it seemed like we were leaving just as other bus loads were arriving. The towns we visited were interesting and provided a nice overview of all of our Holland want-to-sees (windmills, cheese, wooden shoes). The tour started early in the morning, so it was cooler and more pleasant than starting in the middle of the day. Cons: Our tour group was very large. We were on a double-decker bus with another group. So even though we had a fairly good sized group ourselves (51), the group on the first floor added that many more people that had to find their ways back to the bus on time. We spent a fair amount of time waiting. Our tour guide was okay. He was friendly enough, but most of the information was read and it wasn't super exciting to listen to, even though it was good information. Tips for upcoming travelers: Bathrooms. As in most of Europe, you have to pay for the public toilets. Some are credit card, some are exact change (50 cent piece) only. Only free bathroom was in the restaurant and on the boat (more on that later). Plan accordingly. Restaurant: The tour recommended restaurant was fine, but it was 50 euros for the two of us for lunch and we still didn't have time for sightseeing (the major selling point for this place). There were other places on the strip to get a quick meal. It was nice to talk with some other group members though. I'd pass on the boat ride if I had it to do over. It was very warm, had already been a long day, she the narration was automated. Again, boring.
Well worth it
Yvonne M,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was great and gave us a look at traditional areas outside of Amsterdam central. Pia was a great guide and extremely knowledgeable
Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken
Alicia P,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Richard was our tour guide and very informative and educational about each area we visited. From visiting the windmills and watching wooden clogs made and sampling cheese, to the recommendations of herring and smoked eel - we enjoyed it all. Theres walking involved. Some hills and others flat locations - but good walking shoes are a must. We attended the cruise after the tour. It was nice but not really as nice as I would have liked. The closed windows (non open air cruise) didn’t provide a great experience for seeing things because we had onshore seats with other strangers and at their mercy to allow window sights.
Day trip outside of Amsterdam
johnsE8794BY,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was very well planned and our guide. Richard was quite knowledgeable and very well spoken. The countryside scenery was beautiful and there was plenty of time spent at each location.
Nice to see the villages
ChrisTaylerNT,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This was a lovely day trip from Amsterdam and a great way to see a different side of the Netherlands. Zaanse Schans was beautiful, with the windmills, traditional houses, and charming village feel. Edam was peaceful and pretty, and Volendam was colourful and lively by the water. It was a nice mix of scenery, history, cheese, local culture, and photo opportunities. The tour was well worth doing, especially if you only have limited time and want to see more than just Amsterdam. The only reason I would give it four stars instead of five is that parts of the day felt a little rushed and touristy, but overall it was a very enjoyable and memorable experience.
Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken
Dawn H,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I highly recommend this excursion. We saw and learned a lot! I'd consider this a full day trip, and we did not book the canal boat ride afterwards. A few things to note. In Edam we were told it would be about a 10 minute walk. It is very beautiful but at least a one mile walk. In Volendam, which is a beautiful area right on the water you have an hour and 45 minutes for shopping and lunch, on your own. We did not go to the restaurant our tour guide was taking the whole bus to. In Marken, there is a lot of walking also. Also, very beautiful and a lot to learn. At the end of this excursion we were not dropped off where we were picked up. We had to walk to a ferry to take us back to Amsterdam's Central train station. Great excursion but beware of your limitations.
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Operated by Amsterdam Guías & Tours