Amsterdam:Countryside of the Beaten Path Private Guided Tour

The "Amsterdam: Countryside of the Beaten Path Private Guided Tour" promises an enchanting escape from the bustling city. Venturing beyond the typical tourist trail, this 6-hour excursion immerses visitors in the serene charm of the Dutch countryside. From quaint fishing villages to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the region’s rich history, vibrant culture, and artisanal traditions. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, travelers can expect a personalized journey that unveils the hidden gems often overlooked by the crowds. What awaits these explorers may just surprise and delight them.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Tours In Alkmaar.

Key Points

• Explore the Dutch countryside beyond Amsterdam on a 6-hour private guided tour, visiting historic villages, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and experiencing local culture.
• Tour includes visits to De Rijp, Beemster, and Volendam, showcasing the region’s maritime heritage, land reclamation, and traditional Dutch traditions.
• Enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive through the North Holland countryside, admiring windmills, fields, and waterways on the way to the destinations.
• Participate in activities such as a windmill tour, cheese tasting, and wooden shoe craft demonstration, providing a well-rounded cultural experience.
• Private, air-conditioned transportation with a knowledgeable guide is provided, ensuring a personalized and comfortable journey.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The private guided countryside tour in North Holland provides a 6-hour private guided experience through the scenic Dutch countryside.

Pickup options are available from Zaandam, Alkmaar, or Amsterdam, with a price starting from $271.88 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing customers to reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour covers several charming towns, including the historical fishing village of De Rijp, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Beemster, and the famous fishing village of Volendam.

Travelers will also have the opportunity to visit a 17th-century windmill, taste Gouda and Edam cheese, and witness a wooden shoe craft demonstration.

Itinerary and Locations

The private guided countryside tour in North Holland begins with a scenic 45-minute drive from the pickup locations of Zaandam, Alkmaar, or Amsterdam.

The first stop is the historical fishing village of De Rijp. Next, the tour explores the UNESCO World Heritage site of Beemster, known for its unique polder landscape.

Travelers then visit the famous fishing village of Volendam, where they can observe traditional Dutch culture. Along the way, the tour also makes a stop in the picturesque town of Broek in Waterland for additional sightseeing.

At the end of the day, guests can be dropped off in Alkmaar, Amsterdam, or Zaandam, depending on their preferences.

Activities and Experiences

During the tour, visitors can explore a working 17th-century windmill and enjoy a cheese tasting at the Henry Willig cheese farm, where they’ll sample Gouda and Edam varieties.

Plus, the tour includes a wooden shoe craft demonstration, providing a glimpse into traditional Dutch craftsmanship.

The activities and experiences offered on this private guided tour provide a well-rounded exploration of the Dutch countryside.

Visitors can expect to:

1. Tour a 17th-century windmill and learn about its historical significance.

2. Indulge in a tasting of local Gouda and Edam cheeses at a renowned farm.

3. Witness the intricate process of wooden shoe crafting.

4. Enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant, seeing the region’s culinary traditions.

Transportation and Group Details

Pickup from the hotel lobby is included, though guests should wait 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time to allow for any necessary coordination.

The tour utilizes private, air-conditioned transportation to ensure a comfortable and efficient journey. The vehicle is suitable for groups of up to 4 persons in a car or larger bookings in a van, making it an excellent option for families and small parties.

Guests can expect a seamless and personalized experience as they’re whisked away to explore the charming Dutch countryside.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides insightful commentary, ensuring participants gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

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Important Information

A knowledgeable live tour guide is available throughout the excursion, providing commentary in both English and Dutch.

Tour participants can expect the entrance fee for the windmill visit, parking fees, and complimentary water to be included in the package.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 7 years old, and guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes for a pleasant and smooth experience.

The tour offers the following important information:

1. Guided commentary in English and Dutch

2. Entrance fees and parking included

3. Complimentary water provided

4. Not recommended for children under 7 years old

Scenic Countryside Drive

The tour begins with a scenic 45-minute drive through the North Holland countryside, transporting guests from their pickup location to the charming fishing village of De Rijp.

Along the way, travelers will admire the region’s picture-perfect landscapes, dotted with historic windmills, expansive fields, and tranquil waterways.

The driver navigates the winding roads skillfully, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

As the van approaches the Beemster polder, a UNESCO World Heritage site, guests can marvel at the harmonious integration of land and water that characterizes this unique agricultural landscape.

The picturesque drive sets the stage for the fascinating cultural experiences that await in the Dutch countryside.

Historic Fishing Villages

As the scenic drive concludes, the tour transports guests to the charming fishing village of De Rijp, where they can enjoy the region’s rich maritime heritage. The quaint streets are lined with historic buildings, including the former town hall and a 17th-century windmill.

Visitors can:

1. Stroll along the canals and admire the traditional Dutch architecture.

2. Visit the local shops and sample fresh seafood.

3. Explore the Slijkstaat, a picturesque alleyway that once served as a fish market.

4. Discover the village’s connection to the Dutch East India Company and its role in the nation’s seafaring past.

The tour then continues to the renowned fishing village of Volendam, offering a glimpse into the area’s vibrant coastal culture.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Next, the tour ventures to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Beemster, where visitors marvel at the breathtaking polder landscape shaped by centuries of ingenious Dutch land reclamation efforts.

The guide shares insights into the region’s rich history and the innovative techniques used to tame the waterlogged terrain, transforming it into a thriving agricultural heartland.

Beemster’s expansive fields and geometric network of canals, dikes, and roads showcase the brilliance of Dutch water management and engineering.

Wandering through this picturesque setting, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the Netherlands’ harmonious coexistence with water and the country’s remarkable achievements in harnessing natural resources to create a unique and productive landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Start and End?

The tour starts at the pickup location and lasts for 6 hours. The tour guide picks up guests from their hotel lobby and the tour ends at the drop-off location, which can be Alkmaar, Amsterdam, or Zaandam.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase souvenirs during the tour. The tour includes a stop at a cheese farm where you can taste and purchase local Gouda and Edam cheeses. There’s also an opportunity to watch a wooden shoe craft demonstration and buy souvenirs.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes several restroom breaks at the various locations visited, such as the historical villages, the cheese farm, and the local restaurant where lunch is provided. Guests are free to use the facilities as needed during the tour.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. The guide is flexible and willing to adjust the itinerary based on your interests and needs. Just let them know what you’d like to see or do during the tour.

Does the Tour Cater to Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions. Guests can notify the tour operator in advance about any special dietary needs, and the tour will make arrangements to ensure a suitable lunch is provided during the countryside visit.

Recap

This private guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the picturesque Dutch countryside beyond the typical tourist trail.

From charming fishing villages to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the tour provides an immersive experience with highlights like cheese tastings, windmill visits, and traditional wooden shoe demonstrations.

With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, visitors can truly enjoy the beauty and cultural richness of the Dutch countryside.

You can check if your dates are available here: