The Netherlands · CHEESE TASTINGS IN ZAANSE SCHANS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 9 cheese tastings in Zaanse Schans worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
From Amsterdam Central, join a multilingual guide such as Rob, Rick, or Eveline for a 3.5-hour visit to Zaanse Schans. See clogs made by hand, taste Dutch cheese, hear windmill history, and enjoy free time before returning by comfortable coach. A canal cruise voucher may be added.
“I loved the tour but would have enjoyed a 30 minute extension. Just not quite enough time to explore the area.”
Travel from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaanse Schans with a guide and a group of no more than 16. See a live clog-making demonstration, enter Molen De Kat paint mill, taste Dutch cheese, and enjoy time around the windmill village.
“Learned so much about the past and present history of the people who live and work in Amsterdam. David, our tour guide, was extremely personable and very knowledgeable. He interacted with the whole group and made the experience joyful.”
Ride from central Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans for working windmills, a wooden shoe workshop, and Dutch cheese tasting. Guides such as Rick, Anna, Eveline, and Rob have been praised for clear commentary, though the group can reach 60 people and the meeting point needs careful attention. Add a canal cruise if selected.
“First off the address that they provided to us was where the buses were not where we were supposed to meet so it took us nearly 20 minutes to find where we were supposed to find the group. The tour guide was more interested in telling us about the value of his and the bus drivers $1.2 million euro, homes and lack of resources than anything that would’ve been of interest or relevant to a tour. Once we arrive at the destination, the tour guide was essentially useless and we had zero interaction with him. I would suggest saving your money and just taking an Uber to this area. You…”
Travel by comfortable coach from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans and Volendam, with guided walks, free time, cheese tasting, and a clog-making demonstration. Guides such as Rob, Rick, Jolanta, and Evelyn have been praised for lively local context. An optional open-ticket canal cruise can be added.
“They took us to two quaint villages, one was on the water. Both were beautiful!!! So glad I got out of the city, saw the villages and learned about traditions, and saw how things were made. I wish we had more time everywhere because we didn’t want to leave. Great choice for a few hours if you are in Amsterdam.”
Travel by private car or van from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans and Volendam. Your guide, possibly Younes, Elias, Mo, Saad, or another Dutch Tours and Transfers host, adjusts the pace while you see working windmills, clog-making, Jersey cows, cheese production, and a fishing village.
“The drive out to the country was beautiful. Nice to get away from the city for a bit. The cows, cheese, and clog experiences were the highlight. Ben was very knowledgeable and patient, allowing us to take our time and lending great advice. Very nice person. Would recommend not doing the windmills. It was a very crowded tourist trap. Had we known, would have skipped it.”
Ride an electric scooter from Wijdewormer toward Zaanse Schans using a Routiq route. Bart and his team provide coffee, safety instructions, a practice run, rain gear, and route tips before you set off independently through North Holland.
“Rode scooters around North Holland countryside. Beautiful scenery, so much fun! Highly recommend!”
You’ll leave Amsterdam by private vehicle with hotel, port, station, airport, or address pickup, then visit working windmills at Zaanse Schans, a clog workshop, a Dutch cheese farm, and Volendam. Guides such as Sam, Sunny, and Tommy are praised for local insight and flexibility, though guide quality can vary.
“It was a very relaxing tour! Sam, our guide and driver made it that way. We went to beautiful places we wanted to be. We highly recommend this tour especially with kids and with a tight schedule.”
Travel by private air-conditioned Mercedes from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans and Volendam. Your guide, including Johan, Mesut, Gillio, or Ben depending on availability, takes you to working windmills, a clog-making demonstration, Henri Willig cheese farm, and Volendam harbor.
“Johan was a great host. We learned about the places we visited and about Netherlands culture. Some locations were quite busy and he worked his magic to get us seeing the sites and checked out with our purchased items. I highly recommend this tour for those that want to see sites outside of the city of Amsterdam. The countryside was quite lush and beautiful.”
Travel from Amsterdam Noord to Alkmaar for the Friday cheese market, a 30-minute guided walk, and free time before visiting Zaanse Schans. An English-speaking guide, including guide Bea on recent departures, explains Dutch cheese, windmills, crafts, and local life. Lunch and windmill entry cost extra.
“Az idegenvezető kedves volt, a túra is élvezetes volt, viszont kevés idő volt Alkamaarban is körülnézni, de főleg Zaanse Schansban... itt futva tudunk csak körülnézni... Ennyi idő NEM ELÉG!”
Pick a boat, a windmill or a gallery.
