Small Group Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans w/ Pickup & Small Boat

4.6
(251 reviews)
Amsterdam, Netherlands

9 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Enjoy easy hotel pickup on this small-group day tour from Amsterdam, visiting the idyllic canal village of Giethoorn, known as the “Dutch Venice,” with a photo stop at the iconic Lego Hotel in Zaandam, and the historic village of Zaanse Schans.

Explore Zaanse Schans with a traditional clog and cheese factory demonstration, try on wooden clogs, taste Dutch cheese, see iconic windmills and visit a diamond factory. Admire the green wooden houses along the River Zaan and capture Instagram-worthy photos while learning about 18th- and 19th-century Dutch village life.

Cruise Giethoorn’s canals on a small electric boat guided by a friendly expert—you can even navigate the boat yourself for an authentic local experience, avoiding crowds and enjoying open views. Wander past charming thatched-roof houses, wooden bridges, and scenic canals.

This full day small-group tour combines scenic beauty, culture, history, and hands-on experiences for a seamless, unforgettable day in the Netherlands.

What's Included

Boat trip on a small electric boat in Giethoorn, guided and drive your own boat experience.
Hotel Pickup for two or more participants at one location
Professional guide
Tour coach or van
Guided tour in clogs, cheese and diamond factory in Zaanse Schans.
Gratuities
Lunch
Big touristy 40-seater boat, at own cost and own arrangement. We offer small boat local experience.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station

Meet at the pick up area at the canal side of Double Tree by Hilton Hotel. Pls provide mobile contact and connect on WhatsApp for free calls with Wi-Fi or internet. In case we do not see you there, we call you.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 9 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Zaanse Schans

    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. Duration is about 1.5 hours including visits with demonstrations at cheese factory and wooden shoes factory. Photo stop at the bank of Zaan River for the best panoramic view of all the windmills.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Kooijman Souvenirs & Clogs Wooden Shoe Workshop

    (This part is included in Zaanse Schans) Visit wooden shoes factory to learn about history of traditional Dutch clogs. Attend a workshop with demonstration of how clogs are made. Try fitting wooden shoes to have a feeling of wearing wooden shoes. Some free time for souvenirs shopping.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm

    (This part is included in Zaanse Schans) Attend a professional demonstration of quality cheese-making by the staff in traditional Dutch costumes. Followed by free tasting of a wide cheese selection, and other typical Dutch treats. Free time for Dutch delights shopping.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • IJsselmeer (Lake IJssel) (Pass by)

    On the way to Giethoorn, enjoy interesting facts and stories from our friendly guides pointing out of significant sights including the largest artificial lake in the Netherlands - IJsselmeer. IJsselmeer is a closed off inland bay, bordered by the Afsluitdijk (Enclosing Dike) which is the largest dike in the Netherlands with 32KM long, constructed during 1927-1932, being part of the Delta Works, Seven Modern Wonders. We will also pass by Ketelbrug, it is a bridge also a dike to get a good feeling of a dike. Unlike the largest one Enclosing dike, it is only 800-metre-long (2,600 ft) bridge opened on 15 June 1970.

    Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Giethoorn

    Discover a Dutch village only accessible by boat on a day trip to Giethoorn from Amsterdam. Experience the "Venice of the Netherlands" where there are no main roads and all transport is on the water of the many canals. Take 1-hour small electric boat (9 people maximum) led by our friendly guide cruising around the village. Be your own captain, you can even drive the boat to experience a real local lifestyle. See the unique traditional thatch-roof cottages connected to arch-shape wooden bridges (there are over 150 arch-shape wooden bridges in the Giethoorn).

    3 hours 30 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • If you come with luggage, strollers, or bulk items, please inform the tour operator Cherry Tours in advance.
Supplied by Cherry Travel & Tours
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Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Excellent Quality
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.6 Based on 251 251 reviews
5 stars
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