One of the day trips we decided to do from Amsterdam was to Zaanse Schans Windmills, Marken and Volendam. We bought the tour at one of the tourist centers around Amsterdam as part of a package, although you can also buy it online here for $67.

The tour takes you to three Dutch countryside towns with audio commentary on the way and it includes Entrance to a historic windmill in Zaanse Schans, as well as the ferry boat ride between Marken and Volendam. It takes about 6 hours roundtrip so it can be done in “half a day” or as a relaxed full day.

Zaanse Schans

A small neighborhood in the Dutch town of Zaandam, you get to appreciate the old windmills from the 18th century. You can go inside one windmill and see the structure from the inside (and how it used to function) as well as walk around the little artisanal shops in town.

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Volendam

Volendam, a Dutch town on the Markermeer Lake, is very cute, small colorful town. Here, you can eat some fish (since its a fishing town on the lake) or enjoy other little goodies, including cheese! The tour takes you to a cheese factory where they show you how they make the cheese, let you try it and purchase it. I bought some to bring back home and it was incredible!

Must Eat at Woltje’s Backerij

Woltje’s Backerij located in Volendam is one of the best bakeries I’ve visited. It is a delicious way to spend some time in the small town of Volendam. I recommend the chocolate stroopwaffles. Took some home and regret not buying more. Recommended 120%!

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Marken

The final village is Marken. You get here by ferry from Volendam (if the weather permits). There’s not much to do at all, but it is a quaint village to visit. The main attraction here is the wooden shoes factory where you can see the shoes being made, as well as try some on and take some wooden souvenirs home.

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Conclusion: Do it! 🙂

In my opinion, this tour was definitely worth its money. After seeing the city for a few days it was a total different look on the Netherlands and made me wish I had more days (and a car) available to drive around the country a bit more.