Discover the quintessential Dutch experience with a small-group tour that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage. Enjoy the historic crafts of Zaanse Schans, where skilled artisans demonstrate the art of cheesemaking, wooden clog production, and diamond polishing. Then, embark on a serene boat cruise through the charming, car-free town of Giethoorn, taking in the picturesque thatched-roof cottages and lush greenery. With hassle-free transportation and guided tours, this tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the Netherlands’ unique traditions and scenic landscapes. But there’s more to this experience than meets the eye.
Key Points
- This full-day small-group tour (maximum 19 travelers) visits Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn, allowing you to learn about traditional Dutch crafts and take a boat cruise.
- At Zaanse Schans, you’ll explore workshops and factories, witnessing skilled artisans in action and gaining a deeper appreciation for cheese-making, wooden clog production, and diamond polishing.
- The tranquil boat cruise through the car-free town of Giethoorn offers unobstructed views of the quaint thatched-roof cottages and lush greenery, immersing you in the town’s serene ambiance.
- The tour includes transportation, guided tours, and hotel pickup and drop-off options, providing a hassle-free experience.
- The tour schedule spans approximately 8 hours, allowing ample time to explore both Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn, with an opportunity for free time to wander and soak up the unique atmosphere of each destination.
Tour Overview
This full-day small-group tour (maximum 19 travelers) combines visits to two of the Netherlands’ most interesting historical and cultural attractions: Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn.
It includes transportation, guided tours, and a boat cruise.
At Zaanse Schans, you’ll learn about traditional Dutch crafts like cheese, clogs, and diamonds, and get a guided tour of a cheese factory, wooden shoes workshop, and diamond polishing facility.
In Giethoorn, you’ll take a peaceful boat cruise around the charming car-free town, allowing you to soak in the scenery at your own pace.
With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off options, this tour provides a hassle-free way to experience these distinctive Dutch destinations.
Zaanse Schans Highlights
At Zaanse Schans, visitors explore the historical Dutch crafts that have defined the region for centuries.
They’ll learn about the traditional production of cheese, wooden clogs, and diamond polishing during a guided tour of the various workshops and factories.
The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to witness skilled artisans at work and gain a deeper appreciation for these time-honored techniques.
Whether it’s watching a cheese maker shape and age the perfect Gouda or observing a diamond polisher meticulously refine a rough gem, the Zaanse Schans tour offers a captivating glimpse into the Netherlands’ rich cultural heritage.
Visitors depart with a newfound understanding and respect for these enduring crafts.
Giethoorn Boat Cruise
After exploring the historic crafts at Zaanse Schans, travelers embark on a tranquil boat cruise through the charming, car-free town of Giethoorn.
From the comfort of the boat, they glide along the town’s picturesque canals, marveling at the quaint thatched-roof cottages and lush greenery lining the waterways.
This serene boat tour provides a unique perspective of Giethoorn’s distinctive landscape and allows visitors to fully enjoy the town’s peaceful, idyllic atmosphere.
The Giethoorn boat cruise offers:
- Unobstructed views of the charming waterfront homes and lush vegetation.
- A relaxing, leisurely pace to soak in the town’s serene ambiance.
- A chance to appreciate Giethoorn’s unique, car-free lifestyle.
Transportation and Pickup
The tour kicks off with hotel pickup from select accommodations in Amsterdam, providing travelers with a hassle-free start to their day.
From there, the group convenes at the ibis Amsterdam Centre, just a 2-minute walk from the city’s central station, ready to embark on their cultural exploration.
The tour departs promptly at 8:30 am, ensuring an efficient and punctual start to the day’s activities.
This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 19 participants, offers a personalized experience as the group ventures out to discover the historic Zaanse Schans and the charming, car-free town of Giethoorn.
With transportation and logistics handled, travelers can focus on seeing the unique sights and experiences that await.
Tour Schedule and Duration
This full-day tour kicks off promptly at 8:30 am, ensuring an efficient and punctual start to the day’s activities. Travelers can expect to return to the meeting point at the ibis Amsterdam Centre by the end of the tour.
The tour’s schedule is designed to provide a well-paced and immersive experience.
Key highlights include:
- Exploring the charming town of Giethoorn and taking a boat cruise to witness its car-free canals and picturesque bridges.
- Visiting the historic Zaanse Schans to learn about traditional Dutch crafts like cheese-making, wooden shoe production, and diamond polishing.
- Enjoying free time to wander and soak up the unique atmosphere of each destination.
With a total duration of approximately 8 hours, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the Netherlands’ rich cultural heritage.
Accessibility and Accommodations
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, strollers and service animals are permitted. Travelers with limited mobility can participate, though navigating the historic sites may require some assistance.
The boat cruise in Giethoorn has a few steps, but the staff is happy to provide aid. At Zaanse Schans, the cobblestone paths and wooden structures may pose challenges for those with mobility issues. However, the guides are accommodating and can offer alternative routes or assistance as needed.
Confirmation and Booking
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking for this tour. Travelers receive their tour details, including meeting location and pickup information, immediately after completing their reservation.
This day trip has a few key benefits when it comes to booking:
- Convenient hotel pickup is available for select Amsterdam hotels, so travelers don’t have to worry about transportation to the meeting point.
- The meeting point is just 2 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station, making it easy to access.
- The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, offering a full refund if canceled 24 hours or more in advance.
With prompt confirmation, flexible logistics, and a generous cancellation policy, booking this Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans tour is a straightforward and hassle-free process.
Cancellation and Rescheduling
Travelers can feel confident booking this tour, as it offers a generous cancellation policy and flexibility for rescheduling in the event of inclement weather. If you need to cancel your reservation, you’ll receive a full refund as long as you do so at least 24 hours in advance. And if the tour has to be canceled due to poor weather conditions, you’ll either be rescheduled or receive a full refund. This ensures you won’t be out of pocket if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. For your convenience, the tour also has a minimum number of travelers required, so you can rest assured it will only run if there’s sufficient interest.
| Cancellation Policy | Weather Cancellation |
|---|---|
| Full refund 24+ hrs in advance | Tour rescheduled or refunded |
| No refund for late cancellation | Minimum traveler requirement |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, there may not be opportunities to consume them during the scheduled activities. Visitors should check with the tour operator about any specific policies or restrictions.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?
The tour company offers discounts for seniors and children. Seniors aged 65 and above can receive a 10% discount, while children aged 4-12 get a 50% discount off the regular tour price. Advanced reservation is required to receive these discounted rates.
Are There Any Stops for Restroom Breaks During the Tour?
The tour includes scheduled restroom breaks at various points throughout the day. Participants will have opportunities to use restroom facilities during stops at the different attractions and locations visited on the tour.
Can I Request a Specific Pickup Location Within Amsterdam?
Yes, you can request a specific pickup location within Amsterdam. The tour offers hotel pickup for select hotels, but you can arrange to meet at the designated meeting point near Amsterdam Central Station if a hotel pickup is not available.
What Languages Are the Guided Tours Conducted In?
The guided tours are conducted in English. The tour operator doesn’t offer tours in other languages, so English is the sole language used during the Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn visits and boat cruise.
Recap
This small-group tour offers an immersive experience, exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands.
Visitors witness skilled artisans at work in Zaanse Schans and enjoy a tranquil boat cruise through the charming town of Giethoorn.
With hassle-free transportation, guided tours, and a flexible cancellation policy, the tour provides a comprehensive and enjoyable introduction to the country’s unique traditions and scenic landscapes.
