Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken: Private Day Trip

Summary

Windmills, cheese tasting and old harbors from Amsterdam

You’ll feel the wind at Zaanse Schans’ historic mills, taste real Edam cheese in a quiet village shop, stroll Volendam’s lively harbor for lunch or shopping, then cross to Marken’s old island streets—with stories and local color along every stop.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, the wind never really stops here,” our driver Jan said as we stepped out at Zaanse Schans. He grinned like someone who’s seen a lot of tourists try to photograph windmills without their hair flying everywhere. The air smelled faintly sweet—maybe from the cocoa factory nearby? I kept hearing the creak of wooden blades overhead. We wandered between the green-painted houses and Jan pointed out which windmill still grinds spices. I touched one of the fences—rough wood, cold in my hand even though it was June.

Edam was quieter. There’s this tiny bridge over the canal where an old woman waved at us from her bike (she had a basket full of tulips—felt almost staged but I swear it was real). Our guide led us into a cheese shop that smelled like hay and salt. We tried four kinds—one so creamy I almost forgot to listen as she explained how Edam cheese is aged. Li laughed when I tried to say “kaasmarkt” in Dutch—I probably butchered it. The main keyword for this day trip was definitely “cheese.”

Volendam felt busier—lots of families by the harbor, seagulls everywhere (one nearly stole my stroopwafel). We had time to just walk around and watch people eating fried fish on benches. Lunch was simple but good—fresh bread, herring, pickles. Marken was last; you get there by this narrow road over the water and suddenly everything feels slower again. Old wooden houses painted dark green, laundry flapping in the wind. Our guide told stories about fishermen who used to live here year-round—even in winter storms. I still think about that view back toward the mainland, gray sky and all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, Marken

• See windmills at Zaanse Schans
• Explore city center of Edam
• Taste typical cheeses in Edam
• Visit harbor of Volendam
• Stroll, shop, or have lunch in Volendam
• Visit small town of Marken

Top questions

How long is the private day trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this excursion?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What towns are visited on this tour?

The tour visits Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken.

Is lunch included on this private day trip?

No set lunch is included; you have free time in Volendam for lunch or shopping.

Are there cheese tastings during the tour?

Yes, you’ll enjoy an extensive tasting of typical cheeses in Edam.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off with a professional driver-guide throughout your private journey. You’ll have guided stops at Zaanse Schans’ windmills, an extensive cheese tasting in Edam, time to explore Volendam’s harbor (with options for lunch), and a visit through Marken’s unique island streets before returning home.