Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken: Day Trip with Cheese Tasting

Summary

Windmills, cheese and fishing villages from Amsterdam

You’ll wander through windmills at Zaanse Schans, taste cheeses straight from Edam’s makers, stroll Volendam’s lively harbor and sample fresh fish, then end among Marken’s colorful wooden homes—all with a local guide and easy transport from Amsterdam. The memories will linger long after you’ve left Holland behind.

What’s the experience like?

“If you hear the clogs before you see them, you’re doing it right,” joked Pieter as we shuffled into the wooden shoe workshop at Zaanse Schans. The smell of fresh sawdust hit me first — honestly, I didn’t expect that. Our guide had this way of telling stories that made even the windmills feel like old friends. We watched a guy carve out a clog by hand (he winked at a kid who looked terrified of the spinning blade). It was still early and the air felt damp against my cheeks — I kept thinking how every photo I took was just a little crooked but somehow that fit the mood.

We rolled into Edam next — not far at all, maybe twenty minutes? The streets were so quiet it almost felt rude to talk too loud. Our guide pointed out these tiny details on the old brick houses: slanted shutters, a cat sunning itself in a window. At the cheese factory, someone handed me a slice of something sharp and creamy — “Try this one,” she said in Dutch first, then English when she saw my face. I probably ate more than my share during the tasting but nobody seemed to mind. There’s this moment when you realize you’re just standing there grinning with cheese in your teeth and nobody cares.

Volendam was busier — fishermen unloading crates near the water and tourists (like us) weaving between souvenir shops. I tried herring for lunch because apparently that’s what you do here; salty, slippery, not what I expected but good in its own weird way. A local woman laughed at my attempt to ask for directions in Dutch — she switched to perfect English and told us where to find the best view of the harbor. Marken came last; it’s an old island but now connected by road, still feels separate somehow. The houses are painted deep green with white trim and people wave as you pass by — or maybe they just wave at everyone.

I keep thinking about those moments between stops — watching cows graze under gray clouds or catching bits of conversation from locals on bikes whizzing past our van. It’s not flashy but it sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Dutch villages and landmarks

• Explore Zaanse Schans windmills
• Visit traditional wooden clog workshop
• Free time to photograph windmills
• Walking tour of Edam historic center
• Visit cheese factory and tasting
• Guided tour of Volendam old town
• Free time to eat in Volendam
• Guided tour of Marken island
• Return to Amsterdam

Top questions

How long is the Zaanse Schans & Edam day trip?

The tour lasts about 8 hours including travel time from Amsterdam.

Is there cheese tasting included on this day trip?

Yes, there is an extensive cheese tasting at a factory in Edam.

Are windmills included in this itinerary?

Yes, you'll visit Zaanse Schans to see traditional Dutch windmills up close.

Does this tour include pickup from Amsterdam?

The tour includes transport from Amsterdam but does not specify hotel pickup.

Can I try local fish in Volendam?

You’ll have free time in Volendam to taste local fish like cod and herring.

Is there a live guide during the tour?

Yes, a live guide accompanies you throughout the day trip.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near departure points.

What should I wear for this Dutch countryside tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or cool weather.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable air-conditioned transport from Amsterdam between Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken; guided visits with plenty of stories along the way; an extensive cheese tasting at an Edam factory; plus time to explore villages and sample local fish before heading back in the evening.