Private Excursion to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Amsterdam, Netherlands
- 7 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Venture beyond Amsterdam, and discover more with a private day trip that takes you out of the city. With a guide just for your group, you’ll visit four must-see Dutch sites: the windmills of Zaanse Schans, the cheesemaking town of Edam, the city of Volendam, and Marken island. Ample free time is included, along with all the commentary you need to learn more about the Netherlands.
- Book a tour tailored to you with hotel pickup and personal transport
- Hear about Dutch culture outside of Amsterdam from a local guide
- Avoid feeling rushed with a guide that’s focused on your sole group
- Get tips for sightseeing, shops, and cafes in the city of Volendam
What's Included
- Driver/guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel (only in the city center)
Itinerary
1
Zaanse Schans
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Edam
50 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm by Henri Willig
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Volendam
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Marken
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 425 reviews
tgaglia, Oct 2025
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 Host, Apr 2026
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.
GIOS_G, Aug 2025
We had such a great time on our private tour with Juan to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken. He was super friendly and really knowledgeable—he shared a lot of interesting info about each place without ever making it feel like a lecture.
At Zaanse Schans, we loved checking out the clog-making demo and browsing the cute gift shop. Edam was such a charming little town—it felt so peaceful and picturesque, like something out of a storybook.
Juan recommended a great spot for lunch in Volendam, which was one of the best meals we had. We also enjoyed learning about how the Dutch built and maintained their dykes—those illustrations were really cool. In Marken, Juan gave us a great explanation about the history of flooding in the Netherlands and how the country manages its water today. It gave us a whole new appreciation for how much thought and effort goes into keeping things running here.
He spoke English really well and made sure to guide us along less crowded paths, which we really appreciated. Juan was also super patient and understanding with our group’s needs while keeping it well-paced. We’re really glad we had him as our guide—it made the day feel easy, informative, and fun. Highly recommend!
Scott_H, Jul 2025
We had an incredible tour of Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken with our guide, Enrique. His knowledge of the region’s history—especially how the Dutch transformed wetlands into farmland—was absolutely fascinating. He brought to life the story of these charming towns with insights into their culture, heritage, and the impressive engineering that made them possible.
The visit to the windmills at Zaanse Schans was a highlight, offering a vivid glimpse into traditional Dutch industry. In Edam and Volendam, we experienced the unique character of each town, from cheese markets to quaint fishing villages. Marken was equally charming, with its colorful houses and peaceful atmosphere.
Enrique’s passion for Dutch history and his engaging storytelling made this tour both educational and thoroughly enjoyable. We left with a deep appreciation for the ingenuity, resilience, and culture of the Dutch people. Highly recommend!
Jacquelyn_R, Jul 2025
Enrique was fantastic. We had a wonderful day exploring towns outside of Amsterdam. Learned so many things we would have never known by just visiting ourselves. We enjoyed farms and sights and great spot for lunch! Highly recommend this tour. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for a fantastic day and experience Enrique!!
Samuel_H, Jul 2025
It's maybe one town too many for one day, but overall an excellent experience. Saw and learned a lot
Anne_M, Jun 2025
Our driver was very flexible, friendly and helpful with suggestions. The small towns we visited near Zaanse Schans were fun and interesting. His contacts made it easy to get into places like a busy restaurant and cheese tasting.
Stephen_A, Jun 2025
Tirso was a fabulous and engaging guide. Very prompt and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this private tour.
DOEL_T, Jun 2025
This is the Best way see the outskirts of Amsterdam. Adrian was the perfect guide with plenty of knowledge and attentions. We went through every small town in the tour in a relaxed way. Definitely this was a highlight.
Eric_S, Jun 2025
We had an amazing day seeing working windmills, wooden shoe making and cheese making. The visits to Edam, Volendam and Marken were so charming. Most of all the guide, Enrique, was engaging, knowledgeable and very kind. His ability to answer all our questions about Dutch history, geography, politics and religion in a manner that was both easy to understand and filled with insight was memorable. We will never forget our trip to the Netherlands and our excellent guide Enrique.
HowardR_Z, Jun 2025
We had a great experience with our guide, Enrique. He went over and above to make our visits to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken interesting and enjoyable. Thank you Enrique!
Chad_G, Jun 2025
Might be the best tour we’ve taken. The perfect pace over the course of about 8 hours. We saw so much and it was all gorgeous. Our guide was extremely friendly and knowledgeable!!
Rolandis_H, Apr 2025
We had a little snafu with the communication within the tour operators system, but once it was resolved, we had such a wonderful time! Henry, our guide had so much information about the places we went and was especially tolerant and engaging with my 8 yr. old grandaughter who loved him!
Elizabeth_W, Apr 2025
Tirso was outstanding! He accommodated mobility challenges with grace, provided personal recommendations at each stop and customized the experience to align with our priorities for the day. I HIGHLY recommend this private tour.
Agustin_C, Nov 2024
Sergio made this trip an outstanding experience, right on time, perfect knowledge of the places we visit and a remarkable and profesional service.
Conner_D, Sep 2024
Enrique was an awesome guide. very knowledgeable and pleasant. we loved strolling through the small villages
Sheila_F, Sep 2024
It was a perfect day of touring with Juan! He did a great job of showing us the signts and providing history of the area. The time in Zaanse Schans was amazing. We were able to get there before alot of the bigger bus tours and crowds to make it more enjoyable. It was also great to see the surrounding areas including Edam and Volendam. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a day trip from Amsterdam.
Suzanne_C, Aug 2024
Another awesome tour with Enrique. It’s like spending the day with an old friend showing you the Dutch countryside. Learned just the right amount about Dutch history and saw so many iconic sites. Thank you again - this was our second tour with you we’ll do another when we’re back.
Charles_R, Jul 2024
Your guide never showed up and Viator did not responded to our request for assistance or apologized
What an unprofessional operation
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Charles,
We sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding and for the consequences it's led to: for some reason, your booking did not appear in our reservation system.
We have contacted you privately to see if we can make it up for you somehow. And of course, we have arranged everything so that the cost of the service is fully reimbursed.
Sorry for the inconveniences.
Camaleon Tours
ismiletampa, Jun 2024
Our guide Enrique was enthusiastic and super informative. He was also super patient with my small children. He took us to all the right places and showed us the greatest spots.
Robert_K, Jun 2024
Our family had a great time together with Juan, and enjoyed his humor mixed with knowledge to ensure all age groups had fun. Got to see the beautiful windmills, learn about the dikes throughout the Netherlands, and the rich culture in the area. Thank you Juan for an amazing time! Highly recommend this tour for your family.
Elaine_H, May 2024
We thoroughly enjoy Zaanse Schans and the windmills. We walked all over the property and went into the lumber mill while in operation. Very interesting to learn so much about the windmills. We walked through Edam, had lunch in Volendam and strolled through Marken. We were quite surprised at how much walking we had signed up for. 22,000 steps each of us! You might want to caution others before they book this tour about the amount of walking. We are elderly, but very mobile so were able to manage. Others might not be so able.
Judi_G, Apr 2024
We loved the small town of voldendam and the fresh fish lunch! Zaanse Schanse was nice but very crowded. Our guide was knowledgeable and catered to our needs nicely. I would recommend some sort of mic system in the van, as those in the back could not hear.
Si_R, Apr 2024
It was a full day excursion and we had a great day with Eduardo. He was knowledgeable and a pleasant person to spend the day with. I would highly recommend this day trip from Amsterdam.
Adriana_W, Sep 2023
The whole tour was fantastic. Enrique was on time. He has so much knowledge or the points of interest. We loved the windmills and that he gave us time to explore. Lunch was fantastic and authentic. This will be a treasured memory for us. Best whole day tour that I have been in.
Patty_D, Sep 2023
Enrique, our guide was wonderful. This was a not to be missed visit to small towns that really helped us understand the Dutch countryside and the people who have lived there for centuries. I would highly recommend this tour and Enrique.
Kathy_B, Jul 2023
Our guide was great, I have some mobility issues he made sure the pace and parking was good for me.
All the stops were interesting and charming.
Lunch was great and the ferry ride was a nice addition.
Definitely will recommend.
Amy_P, Jul 2023
Enrique was amazing! He was punctual picking us up at our hotel, and was a perfect, polite guide. He showed us beautiful places in an unhurried, thoughtful manner, and if a place got too crowded, he expertly steered us toward the next place. There were a few times it was just us, with nary another human in sight. He gave us the time and space to explore without feeling pushed, and told us a lot about both recent and past history, which was gratifying. His presence was a total joy. He's fluent in Spanish, Dutch, and English, so if you're looking for a stellar guide to show you around, be sure to ask for Enrique. :)
Cherylyn_W, Jun 2023
We had a lovely day! Enrique was so friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Beautiful scenery and such a great day during our vacation!
John_Z, Apr 2023
Driver did not show. Called their phone but messages were full. Went to address of the tour company and it was closed. No tour, no call back and no contact.
Sandy_B, Jun 2022
We were looking forward to this tour very much but 45 minutes prior was canceled. Nothing to replace it with any tour company in area. Real bummer that Viator can’t be reached to rebook anything and you are left with nothing!
Response from Host, Jun 2022
Dear Sandy,
We are sorry to hear about your bad experience. The assigned guide tested positive for COVID that same morning and we could not find another free guide who would not have been in contact. We offered you the possibility of doing the excursion the next day but it was not possible for you, so we processed the refund immediately.
We are sorry for the inconveniences. Please understand that we comply with the regulations to ensure your safety.
Camaleon Tours
From $830.32
per group (up to 4)up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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