Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam

Outty Ranking 61 4.7 · 10 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $429
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam worth booking?

Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam is a 8-hour experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from $429 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (10)
Duration
8 hours
From
$429 per person

Discover in a full day private sightseeing tour our most beautiful places in Holland: Giethoorn and the Zaanse Schans. First 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. Your driver/host will take you to the unique wooden shoe factory where you will see how we make the original Dutch clogs. There is a possibility to buy clogs/wooden shoes and some nice souvenirs as well. Thereafter it is time to taste more than 30 types of very nice Dutch cheese for free! Your next stop will be Giethoorn, the Dutch Venice. You will have a guided canal cruise in a large boat or you can choose to drive a small boat by yourself. Please inform your driver/host what you prefer.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover in a full day private sightseeing tour our most beautiful places in Holland: Giethoorn and the Zaanse Schans. First 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. Your driver/host will take you to the unique wooden shoe factory where you will see how we make the original Dutch clogs. There is a possibility to buy clogs/wooden shoes and some nice souvenirs as well. Thereafter it is time to taste more than 30 types of very nice Dutch cheese for free! Your next stop will be Giethoorn, the Dutch Venice. You will have a guided canal cruise in a large boat or you can choose to drive a small boat by yourself. Please inform your driver/host what you prefer.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel pick up and drop off by a private air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle
    • Possibility to taste the best cheese for free and to buy cheese, fresh waffles and clogs
    • Pick up by a private air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle with Wifi an bottled water on board
    • Tickets for a guided canal cruise in Giethoorn and tickets to see a windmill from inside
    • Professional driver/host
    • Possibility to drive a small boat by yourself

    Not included

    • Professional Guide
    • Tip (optional)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Zaanse Schans

      Discover the great Dutch Windmills and make some nice pictures of it. There are 7 windmills left at the Zaanse Schans and a few are open to visit. You can visit the paint windmill (that is where Rembrandt the great Dutch artist purchased his paint), a saw mill, a spice mill and many more. Admission to the windmill park and parking costs are included in this tour.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Zaanse Schans

      Learn more about the Dutch wooden shoe making and see a demonstration how they make the Dutch clogs now. There is a possibility to buy the wooden shoes, the clogs and other souvenirs in the wooden shoe factory as well.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Molen De Kat

      See the special paint mill from inside. This is the last working windmill on earth who can produce paint. Rembrandt the great Dutch artist purchased his paint at this windmill.

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Taste one of the best special Gouda cheese now! You can eat as much cheese as you want for free. There are more than 30 different types of cheese, so enjoy! There is a possibility to buy the cheese and if you don't have enough room in your suitcase you can let them ship the cheese to your country.

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Giethoorn

      Visit the nice and most beautiful places in The Netherlands: Giethoorn the Dutch Venice village. Enjoy the peacefulness and nature of this idyllic village. Take a guided boat tour of 1c hour underneath the linden trees, admire the typical wooden bridges and the old farmhouses. You can also drive a small boat by yourself. If you prefer to drive the boat by yourself please inform your driver so he can arrange that for you. After the canal cruise you can have a nice lunch in one of the nice restaurants in town or you can stroll in the nice Giethoorn village.

      60 minutes here

    6. Smit Giethoorn

      Possibility to have a nice lunch in one of the best restaurants in Giethoorn.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 7 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    VIP Travel & Limousine Services

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please contact us if you are with more then 7 people so we can make a special tour for you.
    • Please provide us your departure up time and pick up address
    • We provide 24/7 services and to confirm bookings or for questions please contact us during our opening times from Monday - Friday from 08:30 AM till 06:00 PM CET. Saturday and Sunday our office is closed.
    • This is a private tour so no other people will join in the car.

    Photos

    Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam, photo 2Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam, photo 3Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam, photo 4Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam, photo 5Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam, photo 6Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Small groups

    3 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    10 verified traveler reviews for Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    8
    4 star
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    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
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    Sort
    Urmi_B · June 2026

    We had an excellent...

    We had an excellent experience with Martijn at Zaans Schans and Geithoorn today. Martijn is also a great photographer. We highly recommend this tour.

    via Viator

    Richard_T · May 2026

    Way too much driving time.

    The tour spends too much time driving from one place to another. Our driver knew very little about the sites we saw. His command of the English language was less than average and not what was needed. Our driver/tour guide drove entirely too fast and we felt that we were in danger due to his driving.

    Response from the operator: Dear Richard, Thank you for your review. I spoke with your driver/host and he just let me know that you gave you a lot of information about the Windmills and Giethoorn. On the canal cruise in Giethoorn the driver of the boat gave you the information about Giethoorn and guided you. Correct the drive from Amsterdam to Giethoorn is approx 80 minutes but we can't do anything about the distance.

    via Viator

    Ali_Y · August 2025

    An unforgettable adventure

    To start off. Viator made booking our Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam a breeze. Our driver Hamza was very prompt and our pick up was a breeze. Hamza was very thoughtful and attentive thru out our trip. He ensured that our experience was a 5 star one. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. My family and I (kids 8 and 14) had an amazing time. Giethoorn was beautiful and the windmills were amazing. The whole experience is one that we will never forget. Highly recommend you book this private tour and ask for Hamza when you do.

    via Viator

    Erin_W · July 2025

    Great tour guide

    My family and I had a great day with Hamza! He was very friendly, great with our kids and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

    Response from the operator: Dear Erin, Thank you for your review. Good to hear that you had a great time and that you are satisfied about our driver/host.

    via Viator

    Christine_D · August 2024

    Pleasant and fun

    Gavin was great - he gave us the time we desired at each location and also offered the option for a private boat tour which he helped reserve before we got to Giethoorn.

    Response from the operator: Dear, Thank you for your review. I am happy that you enjoyed your tour and that you are satisfied about our service!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $429 to $725
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by VIP Travel & Limousine Services, who run 77 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 46.6.

    See everything VIP Travel & Limousine Services runs

    Why this scores 61

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)31
    Booking momentum (14% weight)24
    Value for money (12% weight)65
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam cost?

    +

    Prices start at $429 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 Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam take?

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    Plan for about 8 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 Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 10 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 Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam?

    +

    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 Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam?

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    Around 4 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?

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    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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam 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?

    +

    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 Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam?

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    Included: Hotel pick up and drop off by a private air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle; Possibility to taste the best cheese for free and to buy cheese, fresh waffles and clogs; Pick up by a private air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle with Wifi an bottled water on board; Tickets for a guided canal cruise in Giethoorn and tickets to see a windmill from inside; and Professional driver/host. Not included: Professional Guide; and Tip (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 440 listed pickup locations in and around Amsterdam. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam?

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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.

    Is Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam 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 Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam?

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    Across 10 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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