Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans & Afsluitdijk: Small Group Day Tour

Summary

Cheese tasting, windmills and a slow boat through Giethoorn’s canals

You’ll taste fresh Dutch cheeses at Zaanse Schans, watch clogs being carved by hand, stand on windswept Afsluitdijk dike, then drift along Giethoorn’s peaceful canals by boat—all with hotel pickup and a small group vibe. Expect laughter, local stories, and moments that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell—sweet grass and something creamy drifting out of the cheese farm at Zaanse Schans. Our guide, Pieter, grinned as he handed us a cube of something sharp and yellow (I lost count after the fifth flavor). The woman behind the counter told me her family had been making cheese here for generations. I tried to say “lekker” with my mouth full—she laughed and nodded anyway. There were windmills everywhere, creaking softly in the breeze, and someone’s dog barking in the distance. It felt like a postcard, but messier in a good way.

We piled back into the minibus—just eight of us—and headed north toward Afsluitdijk. The sky was that pale Dutch grey you see in old paintings, but it didn’t feel gloomy. At the dike, Pieter explained how it holds back the North Sea (honestly, I hadn’t realized how massive it was until we stood there). The wind whipped around us so hard my hair stuck to my face. Not exactly glamorous for photos but I kind of loved it. We couldn’t climb the tower because of renovations, so we found another spot where you could see water stretching forever on both sides—so flat it almost made me dizzy.

After lunch (I grabbed a stroopwafel from a tiny shop), we reached Giethoorn—the “Little Venice” of Holland. It’s quieter than I expected; just ducks gliding under wooden bridges and locals waving from their gardens. Our one-hour boat cruise was slow and gentle, with our captain pointing out thatched roofs and telling stories about winter when everything freezes over. At one point I dipped my fingers in the water—colder than you’d think for June. There was time to wander after; I got lost on purpose down some narrow path lined with wildflowers.

I still think about that afternoon light on the canals—the way it bounced off old brick houses and made everything look softer. If you’re looking for a day trip from Amsterdam that actually feels like you’re seeing real Dutch life (not just ticking boxes), this Giethoorn day tour is probably it. Also: hotel pickup means no stress about trains or buses—which honestly saved me more energy than I’d expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn

• Private Dutch cheese factory tour
• Taste over 26 cheese types
• Wooden shoes factory tour
• Watch wooden shoes making demo
• Try on wooden shoes
• Royal Amsterdam diamond demonstration
• Photo stop at Afsluitdijk dike
• Explore Giethoorn 'Little Venice'
• Enjoy one hour boat cruise

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Giethoorn day tour?

Yes, free hotel pickup within Amsterdam is included.

How long does the Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours including all stops.

Are entry fees or tastings included?

Yes, all entry fees and tastings at cheese and clog factories are included.

How many people are in each group?

The tour uses a Mercedes minibus with up to 8 people per group.

Is there a guided boat cruise in Giethoorn?

Yes, a one-hour traditional boat cruise in Giethoorn is included.

Can I drive my own boat in Giethoorn?

You can upgrade to drive your own boat for an extra fee (about €10 per person).

What happens if two groups are combined?

If groups are combined during peak season, you'll be contacted ahead of time.

Are infants or strollers allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and strollers are welcome on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes free hotel pickup within Amsterdam city limits, all entry fees to attractions at Zaanse Schans including cheese tasting and clog demonstrations, a guided diamond demonstration tour, bottled water for each traveler, air-conditioned Mercedes minibus transport with a maximum of 8 guests per vehicle, plus a one-hour traditional boat cruise through Giethoorn before returning to Amsterdam in the evening.