Private Tour to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Private Tour to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken

Outty Ranking 56 5.0 · 5 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $518
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Outty Ranking

56/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

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

Private Tour to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken is a 6-hour experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from $518 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
56 / 100
Rating
5/5 (5)
Duration
6 hours
From
$518 per person

When visiting Holland, this tour offers the perfect introduction of everything Holland has to offer. In one day, you'll explore iconic windmills, see clogs being made, indulge in a Gouda cheese tasting and learn about the South Sea reclamation. Visit the charming fishing village of Volendam, stroll through it's harbor, and enjoy a scenic ferry ride to the peninsula of Marken, a place where time seems to stand still. Known for its traditional wooden houses, Marken offers a glimpse into old Dutch life, with its picturesque streets.

What you get

    About this experience

    When visiting Holland, this tour offers the perfect introduction of everything Holland has to offer. In one day, you'll explore iconic windmills, see clogs being made, indulge in a Gouda cheese tasting and learn about the South Sea reclamation. Visit the charming fishing village of Volendam, stroll through it's harbor, and enjoy a scenic ferry ride to the peninsula of Marken, a place where time seems to stand still. Known for its traditional wooden houses, Marken offers a glimpse into old Dutch life, with its picturesque streets.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Bottled water
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Entrance ticket to a windmill
    • Guide
    • Parking fees

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. 9:00 Pick up from your hotel in Amsterdam. A short drive from the city to the Zaanse Schans

      30 minutes here

    2. Zaanse Schans

      9.30: We arrive at The Zaanse Schans. This is a preservation village with a variety of historical houses, warehouses, and working industrial windmills. It feels like you’re traveling back in time! You will experience how life was between the 18th and 19th centuries, and join a wooden shoe workshop to see how clogs are made, concluding with a visit to a working windmill.

      120 minutes here

    3. Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm by Henri Willig

      At the cheese farm of Henry Willig we will have a Gouda Cheese tasting. They are in the top 10 of the world cheesemakers. If you are a cheese lover… you are in cheese heaven! They have 30 flavors of cheese to taste. 29 are pasteurized so you can travel with the cheese all over the world. They also have options to ship the cheese. So you don’t have to worry about picking only one favorite.

      40 minutes here

    4. Volendam

      12:30 We’ll head to The famous fishermen’s village of Volendam.

      15 minutes here

    5. Haven Volendam

      13.00: Lunchtime In Volendam. You can choose where you want to have lunch. As locals, we know a lot of nice places. Whether it’s at a local fish restaurant or just a snack.14.00 : A walk through Volendam, which is known as the most popular fishing village in Holland. The charm of Volendam rests in its harbour and the authentic fishermen’s houses. The maze is the oldest part of Volendam. This is where we’ll see small fishermen’s houses and narrow streets. What’s unique about the maze is that the houses were built without any street pattern. We’ll take a small stroll in the maze and on the famous dike of Volendam. 14.15: A ferry ride on the IJselmeer (former south sea) to the peninsula of Marken, once an island in the South sea.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Kerkbuurt Marken

      14.45: Arrival on Marken. Marken is a tiny village with colorful wooden houses, drawbridges, a small harbor located on a former island. We will make a small stroll through the village.

      30 minutes here

    7. Amsterdam

      15.00: Back at your hotel in Amsterdam

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 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
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Windmillgirl Tours

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

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

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 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.

    The guide

    2 mentions

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

    Value for money

    1 mention

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Food and drink

    1 mention

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

    Good for families

    1 mention

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

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    5
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    Leslie M · March 2026

    Don’t miss this tour!

    Our day with Esther was the highlight of our trip. She did an amazing job of guiding us through culture, history, food, and so much more. Her personal connection to windmills, farming, and the people at each stop added such depth to the tour. She was such a pleasure to spend the day with. This is a must do if you’re coming to Amsterdam or the surrounding area. Worth every penny!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much Leslie! I’m so happy to hear that the day was the highlight of your trip. It was such a pleasure spending time together and sharing the culture, history, and local stories with you. I’m especially glad that my personal connection to the windmills and countryside added something special to your experience. Thank you again for your trust and enthusiasm. I would love to welcome you and your family back anytime! Warm regards, Esther

    via Tripadvisor

    Kelly E · March 2025

    Amazing family day out.

    Perfect day out with Esther. We saw so many wonderful things and the information Esther shared along the was amazing. We walked along paths through villages that had we been in our own we would have never thought we could go down. Esther was not only our tour guide she warm, charming and also a great photographer. She captured images of our tour and shared them with us at the end of the tour. Could not recommend this tour enough. If you are in Amsterdam, do yourself a favour and book one of the tours.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much Kelly for this lovely review ♥️. I am so glad your family enjoyed our day together! Always welcome! Warm regards, Esther

    via Tripadvisor

    Margaret_W · January 2025

    Windmills are amazing!

    We spent a lovely day with our tour guide, Esther. She is warm, friendly and knowledgeable. We had many questions and she had answers and stories that turned the areas into living history with charm and filled with lived experiences. Because it was a private tour we could go at our own pace and had the flexibility to modify our schedule when we found something that really fascinated us. Esther really is the BEST!! We couldn’t be happier about our day of learning and experiencing this wonderful area of Holland.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this lovely review! Hope to see you again in tulip season! Happy New Year! Warm regards, Esther

    via Viator

    Margaret W · December 2024

    A private tour is the best of the best!

    From the moment Ester greeted us in our hotel lobby we knew we were going to have a great day. She is warm, friendly and knowledgeable about Holland. We had the best time visiting the windmills, villages and cheese shops. We had many questions and Esther had answers for all of the. She shared stories that made the history come to life. This was a private tour and therefore we were able to be flexible with the schedule. Everything worked out perfectly for us. I highly recommend taking a private tour with Esther, she is wonderful and you will have the best experience!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words Margareth! You are such a sweet couple, and it was truly a pleasure to show you the beauty of Holland! Warm regards, Esther

    via Tripadvisor

    srh615 · September 2024

    Great day with The Windmill Girls!

    Did some searching for a private tour to the windmills, wooden shoes and cheese countryside, not wanting the typical larger group type tour. So happy to have found the Windmill Girls! From the start communication was easy and responsive. We spent a wonderful day with Maaike today and met Esther as well while we were out exploring. They are both friendly, knowledgeable and fun to spend a day with. I highly recommend the Windmill Girls!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your beautiful review Susan. It was such a nice day. Hope to see you another time to show you our beautiful country.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 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
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Windmillgirl Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.4.

    See everything Windmillgirl Tours runs

    Why this scores 56

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)83
    Review evidence (18% weight)23
    Booking momentum (14% weight)16
    Value for money (12% weight)38
    Listing quality (10% weight)75
    Local standing (8% weight)57
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

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

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

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

    +

    Prices start at $518 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 Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken take?

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    Plan for about 6 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 Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 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 Zaanse Schans, 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 Tour to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

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

    +

    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?

    +

    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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

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

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Tour to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken?

    +

    Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; In-vehicle air conditioning; Entrance ticket to a windmill; and Guide. Not included: Lunch; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

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

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 467 listed pickup locations in and around Amsterdam. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

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

    +

    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 Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken?

    +

    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 Tour to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Tour to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken?

    +

    Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, small groups, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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