Zaanse Schans and Zaandijk: old windmills, chocolate & brewery

Overview

Step outside Amsterdam and discover the traditional side of the Netherlands at Zaanse Schans. This private tour is perfect if you want to experience classic Dutch landscapes, historic windmills, and local craftsmanship just a short journey from the city. We’ll meet at Stationsplein and travel directly to Zaanse Schans, where you’ll explore iconic windmills — each with a different purpose, from oil and sawmills to spice grinding — along with traditional green wooden houses that show what life in this region looked like centuries ago. Along the way, we’ll visit a cheese shop for tastings of authentic Dutch cheeses and step inside a workshop to see how traditional wooden shoes are made. There will also be time for souvenir shopping and enjoying the scenic surroundings before heading back to Amsterdam. At the end, we’ll visit a local brewery to enjoy fresh beer. A relaxed and cultural experience designed to show you a different, more traditional side of the Netherlands beyond the city.

What's included

• ✓1 fresh hot chocolate milk per person
• ✓Tickets for public transport are included
• ✓Private guide
• ✓1 beer per person
• ✓Ticket to the windmill is included
• ✓Cheese shop visit
• ✓Private tour - only you and your local tour guide

What you'll do

1. 1

   Amsterdam Central Station is a striking historic building sitting on artificial islands along the water. Designed in a grand 19th-century style, it serves as the main entrance to the city for millions of visitors arriving every year.

   ⏱ 5 min
2. 2

   Zaandijk is a small, cozy town on the river Zaan, known for its wooden houses and old industrial charm. Nearby factories sometimes fill the air with the smell of chocolate and cocoa, while traditional windmills stand just across the water.

   ⏱ 30 min
3. 3

   Zaanse Schans is one of the most iconic Dutch heritage areas, where traditional windmills, wooden houses, and old workshops are preserved to show what life in the Netherlands looked like in past centuries. Today, it’s a living open-air museum where you can explore windmills, cheese making, clogs, and classic Dutch craftsmanship.

   ⏱ 3 hours
4. 4

   De Kat windmill is a unique 18th-century paint mill where wind energy is still used to grind natural pigments into paint. It’s the only working windmill of its kind in the world, and visiting inside gives you a real look at traditional Dutch craftsmanship in action.

   ⏱ 20 min
5. 5

   Brouwerij HOOP is a local craft brewery in Zaandijk, where you can relax after the tour and enjoy a freshly brewed Dutch beer.

   ⏱ 40 min

Availability & pricing

Pick your exact date & check live availability on the booking page.

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.