Full-Day Trip From Amsterdam to Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans + Cruise

Exploring the Dutch countryside beyond Amsterdam’s vibrant city center can be a truly rewarding experience. This full-day excursion takes visitors on a captivating journey to the renowned Keukenhof Gardens and the charming Zaanse Schans windmill village, offering a unique glimpse into the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re admiring the stunning spring blooms or delving into traditional craftsmanship, this guided tour promises an unforgettable adventure. The option to cap off the day with a serene canal cruise in Amsterdam adds an extra layer of enchantment, allowing you to fully learn about the beauty and history of this remarkable region.

Key Points

• Full-day guided tour from Amsterdam to the picturesque Keukenhof Gardens and Zaanse Schans windmill village, with an optional sightseeing canal cruise.
• Includes skip-the-line access to Keukenhof, a cheese-making workshop, and a wooden shoe demonstration, providing a comprehensive Dutch cultural experience.
• Guided bus tour with live commentary, allowing visitors to learn about the region’s horticultural heritage and traditional crafts.
• Opportunity to explore the stunning 32-hectare Keukenhof Gardens featuring millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
• Visit the historic Zaanse Schans windmill village and witness demonstrations of enduring Dutch traditions shaping the country’s landscape.

Tour Overview and Details

This full-day trip from Amsterdam takes visitors to the iconic Keukenhof Gardens and the charming Zaanse Schans windmill village.

Operated by Friendly Local Guides, the tour offers a 5-star experience with skip-the-line access to Keukenhof and a guided tour of Zaanse Schans.

Travelers can enjoy a cheese-making workshop, a wooden shoe demonstration, and photo opportunities at the picturesque windmills.

The air-conditioned vehicle provides comfortable transportation, and an optional canal cruise in Amsterdam is available.

With a maximum of 50 travelers, this tour offers a personalized and enriching experience in the Dutch countryside.

Included Features

The full-day trip from Amsterdam includes several notable features.

Travelers will enjoy skip-the-line access to the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, as well as a guided bus tour with live commentary.

The excursion also features a cheese-making workshop with tasting and a wooden shoe demonstration at a local factory.

Plus, guests will embark on a guided tour of the renowned Zaanse Schans windmill village, providing ample opportunities for iconic photo ops.

An optional sightseeing canal cruise ticket in Amsterdam is also available for those interested in further exploring the city.

• Skip-the-line ticket for Keukenhof Gardens
• Cheese-making workshop with tasting
• Wooden shoe demonstration
• Guided tour of Zaanse Schans windmill village

Pricing Information

Along With the included features, the full-day trip has some pricing details worth noting.

Entrance to the windmill at Zaanse Schans costs €5.00 for adults aged 18 and up, and €2.50 for children aged 4 to 17. These fees aren’t included in the tour price and must be paid separately.

The tour also excludes the cost of food, drinks, and gratuities, so visitors should budget accordingly.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for this full-day trip is De Ruijterkade 105, 1011 AB Amsterdam, where travelers check in at the Grand Cafe 1884.

The tour starts promptly at 8:45 AM and ends back at the same location.

There are a few important points to note:

• Confirmation is received at the time of booking
• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible
• The maximum number of travelers is 50
• The tour includes live guide commentary throughout the day

Keukenhof Gardens Exploration

Travelers embark on a captivating journey through the renowned Keukenhof Gardens, a renowned 32-hectare spring garden that showcases millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in a breathtaking display of colors and fragrances.

With a skip-the-line ticket, they avoid long queues and enjoy the vibrant floral tapestry. The knowledgeable guide leads them through the gardens, sharing insights into the region’s rich horticultural heritage.

Visitors marvel at the ornate flower beds, serene ponds, and artful landscaping. They can capture iconic photos at various picturesque vantage points.

The Keukenhof experience offers a unique opportunity to witness the stunning Dutch spring bloom in all its glory.

Cheese-Making Workshop

After exploring the vibrant Keukenhof Gardens, participants next enjoy a hands-on cheese-making workshop.

The expert cheesemaker guides the group through the entire process, from curdling the milk to shaping and aging the final product.

Guests learn:

• The traditional Dutch techniques for crafting Gouda and other local cheeses
• How to identify the ideal texture, aroma, and flavor profiles
• Practical tips for replicating the process at home
• Insider secrets about the history and culture of Dutch cheesemaking

The workshop culminates in a tasting session, allowing participants to savor the fruits of their labor and appreciate the nuances of artisanal cheese.

Zaanse Schans Windmill Village

From the cheese workshop, the group then makes their way to the picturesque Zaanse Schans windmill village. There, a knowledgeable local guide leads them on a tour of the historic buildings and working windmills. Visitors can see craftspeople in traditional Dutch dress demonstrating the art of wooden shoe making. The tour also includes entry to one of the iconic windmills, where guests can climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the charming village and its surroundings. This stop at Zaanse Schans offers a unique glimpse into the Netherlands’ rich cultural heritage and the enduring traditions that have shaped the country’s landscape.

Windmill Name	Built	Height	Type	Function
De Ooievaar	1738	16.7m	Smock	Oil Mill
De Gekroonde Poelenburg	1761	17.4m	Spar	Sawmill
De Bonte Hen	1718	16.7m	Post	Mustard Mill
De Gooyer	1725	20.4m	Smock	Sawmill
De Bloemendaler Molen	1692	13.7m	Post	Oil Mill

Optional Canal Cruise

Visitors can cap off their day with an optional sightseeing canal cruise in Amsterdam. This additional activity allows travelers to admire the city’s iconic architecture, bridges, and houseboats from a unique vantage point.

The cruise typically lasts around 1 hour and provides:

• Stunning views of Amsterdam’s picturesque canals and historic canal houses
• Commentary on the city’s rich history and landmarks
• A relaxing way to unwind after a full day of sightseeing
• Convenient departure from the tour’s meeting point

Tickets for the canal cruise can be purchased separately, giving participants the flexibility to customize their experience.

This optional add-on is a wonderful way to round out an already memorable day exploring the tulips, windmills, and charming Dutch countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include food or drinks, so you’re welcome to bring your own. However, no outside food or beverages are allowed in the attractions visited, like the Keukenhof Gardens and Zaanse Schans windmill village.

What Is the Weather Cancellation Policy?

The tour operator’s weather cancellation policy is not specified. However, tours generally proceed as scheduled unless there are extreme or unsafe weather conditions. In that case, the operator will work with customers to accommodate or reschedule the tour.

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Other Destinations?

The tour operator generally doesn’t allow customizations, but they may be able to accommodate specific requests if you contact them in advance. The standard itinerary includes Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans, so additional stops would need to be arranged separately.

Do I Need to Pre-Book the Optional Canal Cruise Ticket?

The optional canal cruise ticket is not required to be pre-booked. Travelers can purchase the ticket on the day of the tour if they’d like to add the canal cruise to their experience.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is available in English only. There’s no information provided about the tour being offered in other languages. Customers should contact the tour operator if they require translation services.

The Sum Up

This full-day trip from Amsterdam offers an immersive experience that showcases the Netherlands’ stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Explore the vibrant Keukenhof Gardens, discover the charming Zaanse Schans windmill village, and optionally enjoy a relaxing canal cruise. With skip-the-line access, a cheese-making workshop, and guided tours, this trip provides an unforgettable way to experience the best of the Dutch countryside and Amsterdam.