Embark on an unforgettable journey from Amsterdam to discover five unique and intriguing hidden gems with the Best of The Netherlands tour. This 8.5-hour adventure takes you through charming villages, historic sites, and remarkable feats of engineering, all while unveiling the mysteries that lie within. From a centuries-old mummy crypt to the impressive Afsluitdijk, this small group tour immerses you in the rich history and stunning landscapes of the country. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the secrets that make these hidden gems truly captivating. Get ready to explore the Netherlands like never before.
Key Points
- This 8.5-hour tour from Amsterdam takes visitors to 5 unique and intriguing hidden gems in the Netherlands, including a historic village, windmill, planetarium, mummy-crypt, and the Afsluitdijk.
- The tour is operated by Best of The Netherlands, with a live English-speaking guide, a maximum group size of 8 participants, and offers free cancellation and reserve now, pay later options.
- Highlights include exploring the well-preserved wooden houses and historic architecture of the village of De Rijp, and visiting the Schermerhorn Windmill to learn about the Netherlands’ milling heritage.
- The tour also includes a visit to the Franeker Planetarium, the oldest working planetarium in the world, and the Wieuwerd Mummy-Crypt, which houses four remarkably preserved mummies of unknown origin.
- The tour concludes at the Afsluitdijk, a 32-kilometer-long dyke that showcases the Dutch expertise in flood control and water management.
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- De Rijp: Historic Village
- Schermerhorn Windmill: Beauty and History
- Franeker Planetarium: Oldest Working Planetarium
- Wieuwerd Mummy-Crypt: Centuries-Old Mystery
- Afsluitdijk: Remarkable Water Management
- Meeting Point and Directions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Take Photos Inside the Attractions?
- Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?
- What Is the Tour Cancellation Policy?
- Can I Choose My Own Starting Time for the Tour?
- Is There Any Discount for Group Bookings?
- Recap
- More Tour Reviews in Den Oever
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Tour Overview
This tour, operated by Best of The Netherlands, provides a unique opportunity to explore five hidden gems located outside of Amsterdam’s bustling city center.
The 8.5-hour journey costs $129.93 per person and is limited to a maximum of 8 participants. Along the way, a live English-speaking guide will lead the group, ensuring an immersive and informative experience.
Highlights include visiting the historic village of De Rijp, the renowned Schermerhorn Windmill, the world’s oldest working planetarium in Franeker, the mysterious Wieuwerd Mummy-Crypt, and the impressive Afsluitdijk.
With free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers a convenient and flexible way to discover the lesser-known wonders of the Netherlands.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Den Oever.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins in the historic village of De Rijp, resembling an open-air museum with its wooden houses and a town hall dating back to the Dutch Golden Age. Visitors spend 30 minutes exploring this quaint locale.
Next, they head to the Schermerhorn Windmill, one of the most beautiful and less touristy windmills in the Netherlands. Here, they can explore the interior and surrounding landscape for 45 minutes.
The tour then travels to the Franeker Planetarium, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between 1774-1781. Visitors can spend 75 minutes exploring the oldest working planetarium in the world.
Later, they discover the mystery of four mummies found in a local church crypt in Wieuwerd, which have puzzled scientists for over three centuries.
De Rijp: Historic Village
Visitors kick off the tour in the picturesque village of De Rijp, which resembles an open-air museum with its well-preserved wooden houses and a stately town hall dating back to the Dutch Golden Age. This 30-minute stop allows travelers to enjoy the region’s rich history and architecture.
Some of the highlights include:
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Wandering the charming streets and admiring the quaint, centuries-old buildings
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Visiting the impressive town hall, a prime example of 17th-century Dutch civic architecture
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Exploring the village’s bustling market square, where locals gather to shop and socialize
With its timeless atmosphere and well-preserved heritage, De Rijp sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through the Netherlands’ hidden gems.
Schermerhorn Windmill: Beauty and History
Next, the tour winds its way to the Schermerhorn Windmill, one of the most beautiful and less touristy windmills in the Netherlands.
Visitors can explore its interior and surrounding landscape during a 45-minute stop. Built in 1725, this well-preserved windmill stands tall, its wooden blades majestically turning in the breeze.
Guests can venture inside the mill, marveling at the intricate machinery that once ground grain. The picturesque setting, with the windmill framed by lush greenery, offers a peaceful respite from the crowds.
This hidden gem provides a unique glimpse into the Netherlands’ rich milling heritage, allowing travelers to step back in time and appreciate the enduring craftsmanship of these iconic structures.
More Great Tours NearbyFraneker Planetarium: Oldest Working Planetarium
From the serene setting of the Schermerhorn Windmill, the tour leads participants to explore the Franeker Planetarium – the oldest working planetarium in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between 1774-1781.
Visitors are captivated by this remarkable astronomical marvel, which has been educating and entertaining people for over 240 years.
The tour allows guests to:
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Admire the intricate mechanical workings of the historic planetarium
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Witness a live demonstration of the planets’ movements across the night sky
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Gain insights into the pioneering astronomical achievements of the Dutch Golden Age
This unique experience transports guests back in time, showcasing the Netherlands’ rich cultural and scientific heritage.
Wieuwerd Mummy-Crypt: Centuries-Old Mystery
The tour then takes visitors to uncover the centuries-old mystery of the Wieuwerd Mummy-Crypt, where four mummies have puzzled scientists for over three centuries.
Discovered in a local church crypt, these remarkably well-preserved bodies have intrigued researchers, who’ve yet to determine their origins or identities conclusively.
During the 45-minute visit, guests will learn about the various theories and investigations surrounding the mummies, which have remained an enigma despite modern forensic analysis.
The crypt provides a captivating glimpse into the region’s past, inviting visitors to ponder the untold stories these mummies hold and the enduring mysteries they represent within Dutch history.
Afsluitdijk: Remarkable Water Management
After exploring the intriguing Wieuwerd Mummy-Crypt, the tour concludes with a visit to the Afsluitdijk, a remarkable 32-kilometer long dyke that connects Noord Holland and Friesland, showcasing the Dutch ingenuity in water management.
This iconic engineering feat, completed in 1932, serves as a testament to the country’s expertise in flood control and land reclamation.
Visitors can:
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Walk along the dyke and take in the stunning views of the IJsselmeer and the North Sea.
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Learn about the history and construction of the Afsluitdijk at the visitor center.
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Admire the impressive sluice gates and pumping stations that regulate water levels and prevent flooding.
Through this final stop, the tour provides a comprehensive understanding of the Netherlands’ remarkable efforts to harness and manage its abundant water resources.
Meeting Point and Directions
The meeting location for this tour is De Ruijterkade 5, Amsterdam, which is directly opposite the Kamer van Koophandel (Chamber of Commerce). Visitors can easily reach this spot with a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station, and they should look for a vehicle displaying the company’s logo (Best of The Netherlands tours).
| Meeting Point | Nearby Landmarks | Getting There |
|---|---|---|
| De Ruijterkade 5, Amsterdam | Kamer van Koophandel | Short walk from Amsterdam Central Station |
| Look for vehicle with company logo |
This convenient meeting point ensures a smooth start to the tour, allowing participants to embark on their journey to uncover the hidden gems of the Netherlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos Inside the Attractions?
Visitors are generally permitted to take photos inside the attractions, such as the Schermerhorn Mill, Franeker Planetarium, and Wieuwerd Mummy-Crypt, though they should check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions or guidelines.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?
The tour can accommodate people with disabilities, with an air-conditioned vehicle and accessible attractions. However, the itinerary involves some walking, so guests with mobility issues should check with the operator about specific needs. The tour aims to be inclusive.
What Is the Tour Cancellation Policy?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing customers to receive a full refund. This flexible policy provides peace of mind when booking the tour.
Can I Choose My Own Starting Time for the Tour?
The tour operator allows guests to check availability for starting times, indicating that participants can choose their preferred departure time, within the tour schedule. However, the specific start time is subject to availability.
Is There Any Discount for Group Bookings?
The tour operator does not currently offer any discounts for group bookings. The price is a flat rate of $129.93 per person, regardless of the size of the group. Larger groups may be accommodated, but no special pricing is available.
From Amsterdam: Tour to 5 Unique and Intriguing Hidden Gems!
Recap
The Best of The Netherlands tour offers a remarkable journey through the country’s hidden gems.
From the historic charm of De Rijp to the architectural marvel of the Afsluitdijk, this immersive experience showcases the diverse heritage and stunning landscapes that make the Netherlands a captivating destination.
With a small group setting, travelers can explore the rich history and fascinating stories that make each stop along the way truly unforgettable.
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