Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken

Outty Ranking 74 4.8 · 449 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $795
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Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 449 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken worth booking?

Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken is a 7-hour experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from $795 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 449 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (449)
Duration
7 hours
From
$795 per person

Explore the heart of Holland on this beautiful journey to the Dutch countryside. We'll start our trip in Zaanse Schans, a perfectly preserved Golden Age town that is home to one of the most impressive collection of windmills in The Netherlands. We'll continue our journey into the quiet and peaceful Edam, a fairy-tale village where time seems to have stopped centuries ago. Here, cheese is carefully crafted into a art form, so we could not leave the area without a visit to a real cheese farm to see how cheese is made and, what's most important, to have a taste of it. We'll move on to Volendam, an iconic fishing town that seems taken out of a movie set and the best place in Holland to have a taste of the local fish. After the lunch break, we'll visit Marken, an ancient island with amazing landscapes and a unique lifestyle.

What you get

    About this experience

    Explore the heart of Holland on this beautiful journey to the Dutch countryside. We'll start our trip in Zaanse Schans, a perfectly preserved Golden Age town that is home to one of the most impressive collection of windmills in The Netherlands. We'll continue our journey into the quiet and peaceful Edam, a fairy-tale village where time seems to have stopped centuries ago. Here, cheese is carefully crafted into a art form, so we could not leave the area without a visit to a real cheese farm to see how cheese is made and, what's most important, to have a taste of it. We'll move on to Volendam, an iconic fishing town that seems taken out of a movie set and the best place in Holland to have a taste of the local fish. After the lunch break, we'll visit Marken, an ancient island with amazing landscapes and a unique lifestyle.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional guide
    • Driver/guide
    • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

    Not included

    • Food and drinks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Zaanse Schans

      Home to an impressive windmill landscape and a unique place to see how wooden shoes are made

      90 minutes here

    2. Edam

      A fairy-tale town where life has a different pace

      50 minutes here

    3. Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm by Henri Willig

      A real cheese farm where you can taste the best Edam and Gouda cheese

      30 minutes here

    4. Volendam

      The harbor, the maze and a gentle view to the Ijsselmeer: pure Dutch tradition

      90 minutes here

    5. Marken

      A former island with a unique charm

      45 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Tour en español hasta 8 pax

      Pickup included

    • English Tour up to 8 persons

      Pickup included

    • English tour up to 4 persons

      Pickup included

    • Tour en español hasta 4 pax

      Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Camaleon Tours

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

    Photos

    Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken in Amsterdam, photo 2Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken in Amsterdam, photo 3Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken in Amsterdam, photo 4Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken in Amsterdam, photo 5Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken in Amsterdam, photo 6Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken in Amsterdam, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 448 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    448 verified traveler reviews for Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    396
    4 star
    28
    3 star
    7
    2 star
    3
    1 star
    14
    Sort
    DavidA359 · August 2026

    Great excursion from Amsterdam to see the country side

    Great excursion to 4 beautiful villages. Learned how they make cheese and watched the craftsman make wooden shoes. Our guide Amna, was amazing.

    via Tripadvisor

    Michelle_L · May 2026

    Lovely day exploring four places

    Anma was awesome guide for our day. Very knowledgeable and fun to hang out with as we visited four places- we changed up one location because we visited on another tour and she was very accommodating.

    Response from the operator: We’re delighted to hear that you had a great day with Anma and that you found her both knowledgeable and enjoyable to spend the day with. It’s also great to know that she was flexible in adjusting the itinerary to better suit your needs — we really value that kind of attentive guiding. We will make sure to pass your lovely comments on to her, as feedback like yours is very motivating for our team. Thank you again for sharing your experience.

    via Viator

    aurorac569 · April 2026

    Great tour of the towns close to Amsterdam

    We had an absolutely fantastic time on our Amsterdam towns tour, and a big part of that was thanks to Enrique. He did an amazing job from start to finish—knowledgeable, engaging, and incredibly friendly. He made everyone feel welcome and comfortable, and you could tell he genuinely cared about making the experience special for us. His insights and storytelling really brought the places to life. Highly recommend this tour, especially if you’re lucky enough to have Enrique as your guide!

    Response from the operator: We’re delighted to hear that you had an absolutely fantastic time on your Amsterdam towns tour and that Enrique played such an important role in making your experience special. It’s great to know that his knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling helped bring the destinations to life and made everyone feel welcome and comfortable throughout the day. We will be very happy to pass your kind words on to Enrique — feedback like yours is truly appreciated and very motivating for our guides. Thank you again for recommending the tour, and we hope to welcome you back in the future.

    via Tripadvisor

    carollynnew2022 · November 2025

    Great day trip

    Our tour guide, Tir, was fantastic! He tailored the day to what we wanted to see and showed us places that we wouldn’t have gotten to see. It was fun, informative, and made a perfect family day tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    tgaglia · October 2025

    Tour provided was not provided as advertised.

    We did not go to Marken as we were told that the road was blocked and they don't take the detour. Very disappointed and a substitute destination was not offered. I learned from the locals at Volendam that the road had been blocked for at least a month so why sell me the tour and not want to take us to Marken because the detour was an inconvenience to the driver. Guide was not that informative and just mostly dropped us off at each stop which were just tourist traps. Didn't inform us much about each destination. Very disappointed. In reality we could have just hired a driver because that is what we got instead of a tour guide. In Volendam we texted the driver that we were finished and he didn't respond so I had to ask the restaurant that he wanted us to eat at which we chose not to, to get in touch with him. He claimed he didn't see our text. During the ride he didn't inform of us sights. Not happy!

    Response from the operator: We are sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations on this occasion. In some cases, unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, such as route disruptions, can affect the planned itinerary. We truly appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Your comments are very valuable and will be taken into account as we continue working to improve our customers’ experience and the quality of our services. Thank you very much for sharing your feedback with us.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    157
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Camaleon Tours, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.4.

    See everything Camaleon Tours runs

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)78
    Booking momentum (14% weight)74
    Value for money (12% weight)22
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)61
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Amsterdam.

    How much does Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken cost?

    +

    Prices start at $795 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Amsterdam usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken take?

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    Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Amsterdam is not rushed.

    Is Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 449 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Amsterdam, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken?

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    Around 157 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Amsterdam can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Amsterdam and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Amsterdam within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Amsterdam?

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    On Outty we rank every Amsterdam experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour with 10 Tastings, Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Local Guide and Small Group, Amsterdam 90 minutes Canal Cruise with bar and snacks on board.. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Amsterdam?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken?

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    Included: Professional guide; Driver/guide; and Hotel pick-up and drop-off. Not included: Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 366 listed pickup locations in and around Amsterdam. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Amsterdam. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken?

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    Across 449 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken?

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    There are 4 options to choose from, including Tour en español hasta 8 pax, English Tour up to 8 persons, English tour up to 4 persons, Tour en español hasta 4 pax. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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