Private Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills worth booking?
Private Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills is a 10-hour experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from $429 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $429 per person
On this private full-day tour, we combine beautiful landscapes and the historic villages of Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans, see windmills, explore traditional crafts, and taste local delicacies like cheese and cookies. Our experienced guides Eva and Sarah are skilled drivers and great hosts! As we leave Amsterdam early we will be the first visitors in Giethoorn, avoiding the crowds and enjoying private time on the water in a boat or walking along the canal and the bridges, providing for amazing photo opportunities! We have time to shop or for a coffee in an authentic Dutch cafe. In the afternoon we head to the Zaanse Schans: the top Dutch heritage attraction close to Amsterdam! Enjoy the windmills, water and Dutch folklore! Taste cheese and try on some real wooden shoes! Entrance to two mills is included at this top Dutch destination.
What you get
About this experience
On this private full-day tour, we combine beautiful landscapes and the historic villages of Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans, see windmills, explore traditional crafts, and taste local delicacies like cheese and cookies. Our experienced guides Eva and Sarah are skilled drivers and great hosts! As we leave Amsterdam early we will be the first visitors in Giethoorn, avoiding the crowds and enjoying private time on the water in a boat or walking along the canal and the bridges, providing for amazing photo opportunities! We have time to shop or for a coffee in an authentic Dutch cafe. In the afternoon we head to the Zaanse Schans: the top Dutch heritage attraction close to Amsterdam! Enjoy the windmills, water and Dutch folklore! Taste cheese and try on some real wooden shoes! Entrance to two mills is included at this top Dutch destination.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Giethoorn
Known as the "Venice of North," the village of Giethoorn is known for its many canals and picturesque footpaths and bridges. You will explore the fairytale village on foot and experience the scenery on a leisurely trip through the canals on a boat tour!
180 minutes here
Zaanse Schans
Discover the Dutch countryside driving to historic open-air museum Zaanse Schans: see windmills, waterlands, cheese makers, and clog factories up close, and learn about the region’s rich history. Visit Zaanse Schans traditional wooden windmills and distinctive green wooden houses which were relocated there to recreate the atmosphere of an 18th/19th-century village. Here oil, paint, mustard, and paper were produced. We will spend about 3 hours including a boat tour, demonstrations of wooden shoe making, and a visit to a cheese factory. A photo stop at the bank of Zaan River for the best panoramic view of all the windmills is of course included!
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Dutch Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- infants seats on request, need to contact before
- For babies and children under 6 please bring or ask for an appropriate car seat!
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
הנה התרגום: A wonderful private day trip from Amsterdam.
It was a fun and entertaining day, just as you would expect with grandparents and three teenage granddaughters. Eva, our guide, adapted herself wonderfully to our slightly complex group.
Response from the operator: It was not only a fun day for you Tali! I spent a wonderful day with you and your lovely family. The girls were so curious, I really enjoyed all their questions and their company. Looking forward to the moment our paths will cross again one day! All the best, Eva - Dutch Tours
via Tripadvisor
Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans
Our family had a fabulous day at Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans. Eva is super friendly and knowledgeable, and her insider tips helped us make the most of the day. The peaceful boat ride was a highlight of the trip. It was great to enjoy the village earlier in the day when there are fewer tourists. We would love to do more tours with her company in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Unique experience
Giethorn was a unique experience visiting a quaint village with just waterways in a picturesque landscape. Thanks Ibrahim for the wonderful arrangement throughout the trip till our point of drop!
Response from the operator: Glad you liked it! Giethoorn is indeed a magical village, even in winter! Safe travels! Sarah, Dutch Tours
via Tripadvisor
Dutch Tours was absolutely fabulous to work with!!! 5 stars plus!!!!
Dutch Tours was absolutely fabulous to work with! There aren't enough stars to rate our private day tour to Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans...5 stars plus!!!!! It was AMAZING! Having a private van and FANTASTIC guide (Eva) was the best way to go for this experience for our family of 7. Very professional, personal, knowledgeable, helpful and enjoyable company in Holland / Netherlands / Amsterdam! Plus, Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans are absolutely stunning and charming places to visit!
via Tripadvisor
Incredible Private Tours!
Our family of 4 adults and three children (ages 12, 11 and 9) had the pleasure of going on two private tours organized by Dutch Tours last week. The first was a full day tour to Giethoorn village and Zaanse Schans and the following day a half day tour to De Haar Castle and lunch at a nearby goat farm. I would have written this review sooner, but I have been struggling to find enough superlatives to convey just how wonderful these experiences were. Our tour guide for both days was Eva and she was everything you could ask for in a tour guide and more. The 90 minute drive to Giethoorn from our hotel flew by as Eva shared interesting stories and anecdotes as well as patiently answering our many questions about Dutch history and culture. She arranged our boat ride through the village (the cost for all admissions were included in the tour price) and gave us expert tips on how to make the most of our time there. In Zaanse Schans she knew the best places to take us and even took countless pictures of our group for us. The next day when Eva met us at our hotel, it was like greeting an old friend! Her expertise at De Haar Castle really shone through as she regaled us with interesting and sometimes funny stories that helped keep the children engaged throughout the tour. Lunch at the goat farm was such a pleasant surprise and we were thrilled to visit a place that seemed to be off the beaten path and frequented more by locals than tourists. I had mentioned to Eva that I was concerned about getting transportation to the airport for our large group in a few days because the area our hotel was in wasn’t frequented by many taxis. While at the goat farm, Eva made a call and arranged a driver to pick us up at our hotel on travel day! She even called us through the taxi company as we were on our way to the airport to make sure everything went smoothly and wish us safe travels! We learned so much on both tours and all of us were so thankful that we chose Dutch Tours as our guides. The company is owned by two women who care deeply about providing the best possible experiences for their clients and it shows! Communication during the booking process was great with fast responses to my (many) questions. Our only regret was that we didn’t have more time to so more tours with them. You can’t go wrong choosing Dutch Tours and whether your guide is Eva or Sarah, you will be so glad you chose them !
Response from the operator: Wow Linda, thank you so much for this beaming review! I am so very happy that you enjoyed the two days we have spent together so much. As I already said: for me this was an easy one. Spending two days doing fun things with your wonderful family was such a joy for me too! Thank you for that. Hopefully you will be able to come back one day, to do all the other things that you missed this time. I'll be looking forward to that day! All the best to you all, Eva - Dutch Tours
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Dutch Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.8.
See everything Dutch Tours runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Amsterdam.
How much does Private Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills cost?
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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 Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 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 Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills?
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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 Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills?
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Around 2 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills 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?
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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?
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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 Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills?
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Included: Bottled water; All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 469 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 Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills offered in?
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It runs in English. 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 Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills?
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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 Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and infants seats on request, need to contact before. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Private Tour to Giethoorn with boat and Zaanse Schans windmills?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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