Amsterdam: Giethoorn, Afsluitdijk and Zaanse Schans Day Trip

Exploring the Netherlands’ picturesque landscapes is a must-do for many travelers. The Amsterdam: Giethoorn, Afsluitdijk, and Zaanse Schans Day Trip offers an exciting opportunity to experience the country’s charm and cultural heritage. From the enchanting Zaanse Schans with its traditional workshops to the serene boat cruise through the canals of Giethoorn, this comprehensive tour promises a delightful journey. With knowledgeable commentary, complimentary water, and ample time to explore, the day trip is designed to provide a well-rounded experience. Whether you’re interested in the Netherlands’ history, architecture, or natural beauty, this tour is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Key Points

• This day trip from Amsterdam covers three of the Netherlands’ top attractions: Giethoorn, Afsluitdijk, and Zaanse Schans.
• The tour includes a boat cruise through Giethoorn’s picturesque canals, cheese tasting, wooden shoe making, and diamond cutting demonstrations.
• Convenient hotel pickup within the Amsterdam Highway Ring A10 area is provided, and the tour is approximately 10 hours long.
• Participants can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• The tour has received a stellar 4.9/5 rating across 28 reviews, with high praise for transportation, value for money, and knowledgeable tour guides.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The day trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn, Afsluitdijk, and Zaanse Schans costs from Kč3,260 per person and lasts approximately 10 hours.

This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing for flexibility in planning. Customers can also reserve their spot now and pay later, making it convenient to book.

The tour includes hotel pickup within the Highway Ring A10 area, excluding the north side of the IJ River.

With this comprehensive package, travelers can explore the highlights of these Dutch destinations without the hassle of transportation or booking individual activities.

Itinerary and Highlights

The day trip starts with pickup from hotels in the Highway Ring A10 area, excluding the north side of the IJ River.

Travelers then visit Zaanse Schans, where they’ll spend 2.5 hours exploring a cheese factory, clog-making workshop, and witnessing a royal diamond demonstration.

Next, they’ll stop for a 30-minute photo opportunity at the Afsluitdijk, the longest dyke in the Netherlands.

The highlight of the tour is exploring Giethoorn, known as the ‘Venice of the Netherlands,’ where guests enjoy a 1-hour boat cruise through its picturesque canals and have free time to wander the charming village.

Included Features

This day trip includes a knowledgeable tour guide who accompanies travelers throughout the journey.

Hotel pickup in Amsterdam is provided, along with a 1-hour boat cruise through the canals of Giethoorn.

Guests can also enjoy a cheese tasting, a wooden shoe workshop, and a demonstration of royal diamond cutting.

To keep travelers hydrated, the tour includes 1 water bottle per person.

Parking fees and fuel costs are covered, and a lunch stop is incorporated into the itinerary.

The included features of this tour ensure a well-rounded experience, allowing participants to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands while enjoying the convenience of prearranged transportation and activities.

Participant Information

Suitability for this day trip extends to adults up to 99 years of age, but excludes individuals exceeding 220 lbs (100 kg).

Private or small group options are available, with group sizes varying during peak season.

The tour caters to a diverse range of travelers, offering an immersive experience in the Dutch countryside.

Participants can expect:

1. Engaging commentary from a knowledgeable tour guide.

2. Convenient hotel pickup within the Amsterdam Highway Ring A10.

3. A complimentary water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the journey.

4. Ample opportunities for photography and exploration at each picturesque destination.

Whether you’re seeking a cultural adventure or a scenic escape, this day trip promises to deliver an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Netherlands.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Overwhelmingly, the tour has received a stellar 4.9/5 rating across 28 reviews, showcasing the tour operator’s commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Travelers have consistently praised the tour’s transportation, with a perfect 5/5 rating, highlighting the comfort and convenience of the provided service.

The value for money has also been highly regarded, earning a 4.6/5 score, suggesting the tour offers an excellent balance between cost and the quality of the included features.

Reviewers have further commended the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, as well as the seamless organization of the day trip.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour provides hotel pickup from locations within the A10 Highway Ring in Amsterdam, excluding areas north of the IJ River. This convenient transportation service ensures a seamless start to the day trip.

The tour includes:

1. Punctual pickups from your hotel or designated meeting point.

2. Travel by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to the various destinations.

3. Efficient navigation through the Dutch countryside, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive.

4. Drop-off at the end of the tour, either at your hotel or a centralized location, making it easy to continue your day in Amsterdam.

The tour’s transportation arrangements are designed to provide a hassle-free and enjoyable experience throughout the day.

Boat Cruise in Giethoorn

The boat cruise through Giethoorn’s picturesque canals offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the town’s charming, tranquil atmosphere. Gliding silently through the tree-lined waterways, passengers can admire the charming thatched-roof cottages, historic bridges, and lush greenery that line the banks. The cruise provides a leisurely paced exploration of this "Venice of the North," allowing guests to fully appreciate the town’s serene ambiance.

Duration	Vessel Type	Capacity	Departure Point	Languages
1 hour	Traditional flat-bottomed boats	Up to 6 passengers	Various jetties throughout Giethoorn	Dutch, English, German

The boat cruise is a highlight of the Giethoorn portion of the day trip, offering a delightful and relaxing way to experience the town’s unique waterborne character.

Cheese, Wooden Shoes, and Diamonds

As visitors explore the Zaanse Schans open-air museum, they’ll have the opportunity to witness the age-old traditions of cheesemaking, wooden shoe crafting, and diamond polishing.

At the cheese factory, they’ll learn about the production process and sample the creamy, delicious results.

Next, they’ll visit a clog-making workshop where skilled artisans demonstrate the intricate art of carving wooden shoes.

Finally, a royal diamond demonstration will captivate guests as they observe the precision and skill required to transform raw gemstones into sparkling masterpieces.

These authentic experiences provide a glimpse into the rich heritage and craftsmanship that have long defined the Netherlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Camera for This Tour?

A camera is recommended for this tour as it offers many picturesque scenes and attractions. Guests will want to capture the charming villages, windmills, and Dutch countryside during the day trip. Bringing a camera can help create lasting memories of the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a 1-water bottle per guest, but guests are welcome to bring additional snacks or beverages if desired. The tour operator encourages travelers to be prepared for the day’s activities.

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, as it includes various family-friendly activities like a boat cruise in Giethoorn and visits to a cheese factory and wooden shoe workshop. However, the tour may not be ideal for very young children due to the long duration.

Is Wi-Fi Available on the Bus?

The tour information does not mention if there is Wi-Fi available on the bus. However, the tour includes hotel pickup, so travelers may want to check with the tour operator about connectivity options during the day trip.

Can I Extend My Time in Giethoorn?

Travelers can extend their time in Giethoorn, but it’s not included in the standard tour. They’ll need to discuss options with the tour guide and may incur additional costs. The tour itinerary allots 3 hours in Giethoorn, which can be customized.

Recap

This day trip provides a comprehensive introduction to some of the Netherlands’ most captivating destinations.

Visitors can experience the quaint charm of Giethoorn, marvel at the engineering feat of the Afsluitdijk, and enjoy the cultural heritage of Zaanse Schans.

With knowledgeable commentary, comfortable transportation, and ample time to explore, this excursion offers a well-rounded exploration of Dutch history, natural beauty, and traditional craftsmanship.

You can check if your dates are available here: