WHAT TO EXPECT

After meeting your guide at the designated location, head for Zaanse Schans, an outdoor museum including wooden homes, shops, and operational windmills from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the Clog Museum to observe traditional craftsmanship and wooden shoemakers in action. Learn the craft of making cheese in the Netherlands by visiting a cheese farm in Catharina Hoeve.

Then a visit Edam and learn more about its iconic Edam “cheese balls”. After that, we will drive to the charming town of Volendam where you can walk and absorbe the culture. Following this visit, you will be going to Marken where you will walk around and get a perspective of the life and history of this town. No doubt that for a short period you will be caught in the time warp.

The tour ends at the designated departure location.

ZAANSE SCHANS

In the 18th and 19th centuries, a collection of functional windmills, wooden homes, stables, and shops may be seen in the windmill town of Zaanse Schans, which is an outdoor museum. All of these structures were relocated here starting in 1961, revitalizing the Zaan region’s most profitable era.

Enter one windmill which is included in your excursion, and see how these wind-powered industries operate. Get out on the balcony to experience the power of the wind yourself and to enjoy the lovely view of the countryside.

Access ticket to one of these windmills: Oil mill: De Bonte Hen or De Zoeker. Sawmill Het Jonge Schaap or dye mill De Kat.

Join a clog shoe demonstration at the wooden shoe workshop of the Zaanse Schans village.

WOODEN SHOE WORKSHOP “DE ZAANSE SCHANS”

Still manufacturing wooden shoes using the same old machinery that was used more than a century ago. Both young and elderly find the process to be a fascinating spectacle.

CATHARINA HOEVE CHEESE FARM

Nothing says “Dutch” like cheese! Visit the Catharina Hoeve Farm to sample some.

Henri Willig, Cheese farm Catharina Hoeve Cheese Factory, is a renowned Dutch cheese manufacturer and an immersive cheese experience in the Netherlands. Known for their exceptional cheese-making techniques and a wide range of cheese varieties, a visit to the Henri Willig Cheese Factory offers a delightful opportunity to explore the world of cheese.

EDAM AND THE STORY OF EDAM CHEESE MUSEUM VISIT

As you walk through the cobble stones in Edam, you will be merged into a historical and charming town. Edam is the birthplace of Edam cheese, the small, often red cheese ball that has been transported to all corners of the world for centuries.

There is much more to experience in this authentic village, which dates all the way back to the 12th century. Here you will visit The Story of Edam Cheese Museum. You will receive a 10% discount on any purchases at the cheese store.

VOLENDAM

You will visit the iconic dike in Volendam with a view on the lakeside. Visit a cheese shop still making cheese using a traditional Dutch method, and join a demonstration about Volendam cheese.

Volendam is a former fishing town and known for its great fish specialties, the famous Dutch “Salty Haring’, ‘Smoked Eel”and Smoked Mackerel. Here you can have a traditional fish for lunch.

MARKEN

Visit the old traditional island Marken and its old harbour house of Sytje Boes. Admire the typical Marken houses and the ‘Church Neighbourhood’ (Kerkbuurt). You’ll step right into the history of this beautiful island.

You will feel as if you have travelled back in time. Admire the stunning landscapes along the way, you’ll feel like you have stepped into a Dutch painting.