Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Small Group Day Tour With Small Boat

Exploring the quaint Dutch countryside is an enticing prospect for many travelers. This small group tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the charming villages of Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn. Visitors can discover traditional craftsmanship, savor local delicacies, and glide through picturesque canals. Whether seeking a glimpse into the Netherlands’ rich heritage or simply desiring a peaceful escape, this tour promises an unforgettable day.

Key Points

• This small group day tour takes visitors to the picturesque villages of Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans, featuring a guided boat trip through Giethoorn’s canals.
• At Zaanse Schans, the tour includes a wooden shoe workshop demonstration, cheese-making presentation, and exploration of Dutch cultural and craft heritage.
• Giethoorn, known as the "Venice of the Netherlands," is accessible only by boat or on foot, offering a tranquil atmosphere for visitors.
• The small electric boat cruise through Giethoorn’s waterways provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenic views and, optionally, drive the boat oneself.
• The tour includes transportation, professional guide services, and the boat trip, but excludes gratuities, lunch, and larger touristy boat options in Giethoorn.

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Small Group Day Tour with Small Boat," offers visitors a chance to explore two picturesque destinations outside of Amsterdam.

Starting at 9:30 am, the full-day tour takes a group of up to 16 travelers from the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station.

The tour departs at 9:30 am from the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station, taking a group of up to 16 travelers.

The tour is priced at £116.50 per person and includes guided visits to Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn, as well as a boat trip in the latter.

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with 91% of 210 customers recommending the experience.

Highlights of Zaanse Schans

The tour spends approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes at Zaanse Schans, allowing visitors to explore the traditional wooden windmills and green houses that characterize this historic site.

Travelers will visit a wooden shoe workshop for a 20-minute demonstration, learning the intricate process of creating these iconic Dutch footwear.

The tour also includes a 20-minute cheese-making presentation and tasting at the Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm, providing insight into the region’s dairy heritage.

Through these authentic experiences, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the rich culture and craftsmanship preserved within Zaanse Schans.

Exploring Zaanse Schans

What makes Zaanse Schans such a captivating destination? This open-air museum offers visitors an immersive glimpse into the Netherlands’ rich history.

Guests can explore the village’s well-preserved windmills, including the De Gooyer and De Bloemendaler, which showcase the country’s proud milling traditions.

At the wooden shoe workshop, artisans demonstrate the intricate craft of shoe-making using time-honored techniques.

Nearby, the Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm delights visitors with a hands-on cheese-making experience and tasting.

With its traditional architecture, authentic cultural experiences, and picturesque natural setting, Zaanse Schans enchants all who step into its charming world.

Discovering Giethoorn

After exploring the charming town of Zaanse Schans, visitors are captivated by the picturesque village of Giethoorn, known as the "Venice of the Netherlands."

Accessible only by boat or on foot, Giethoorn’s serene canals and thatched-roof farmhouses create a tranquil atmosphere that invites visitors to slow down and enjoy the region’s unique way of life.

The tour includes:

• A small electric boat cruise through the village’s peaceful waterways
• The opportunity to drive your own boat and navigate the canals
• Time to wander the quaint streets and admire the historic architecture

Boat Cruise in Giethoorn

One of the highlights of the Giethoorn portion of the tour is the small electric boat cruise through the village’s charming waterways.

Guests have the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the tranquil scenery as the boat glides silently along the picturesque canals. The guide provides commentary, sharing insights about the history and unique features of the village.

For those feeling adventurous, there’s also an option to try driving the boat themselves, allowing participants to navigate the network of waterways at their own pace.

The boat cruise offers a relaxing and immersive way to experience the magical "Venice of the North".

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a professional guide, transportation via coach or van, guided tours at the wooden shoe, cheese, and diamond factories in Zaanse Schans, and a boat trip on a small electric boat in Giethoorn.

The tour offers a guided exploration of Zaanse Schans and a boat trip on a small electric boat in Giethoorn.

The tour doesn’t include:

• Gratuities
• Lunch
• Option for a larger touristy boat in Giethoorn at an additional cost

Travelers should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems or reduced mobility.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and car seats are required for those under 12.

Accessibility and Child Policy

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or reduced mobility.

However, children are welcome on the tour, as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. Car seats are required for children under 12 years old. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants during the day’s activities, which include walking, boat rides, and touring historic sites.

Families with young children are encouraged to consider the suitability of the tour before booking, as the long duration and varied activities may present challenges for some younger travelers.

Customer Feedback

According to the reviews, the general sentiment towards the Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Day Tour is overwhelmingly positive.

Reviewers highlight several key aspects:

The small group size enhances the personal experience, allowing for more engagement with the knowledgeable guides.

• The small group size enhances the personal experience, allowing for more engagement with the knowledgeable guides.
• The scenic beauty of Giethoorn and the authenticity of the local experiences, such as the cheese-making demonstration, are widely praised.
• While some found Zaanse Schans to be too touristy and crowded, the overall feedback suggests the tour offers an enjoyable and informative experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Specific Departure Time for the Tour?

Yes, you can request a specific departure time for the tour. The tour operator is generally accommodating of special requests, so long as they can be reasonably met within the tour’s schedule and availability.

Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Boat Cruise in Giethoorn?

The tour operator doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration of the Giethoorn boat cruise. However, they do provide an alternative larger touristy boat at an additional cost for those who’d like a longer experience.

Will the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Restaurants in the Local Area?

The tour guide will likely provide recommendations for local restaurants in the Giethoorn area. They’re knowledgeable about the region and can suggest places that offer authentic cuisine and a scenic dining experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The website doesn’t mention any discounts for seniors or students. However, it’s always worth checking with the tour operator to see if they offer any special rates or promotions you may be eligible for.

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

You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour, but it’s not recommended as there are opportunities to purchase refreshments along the way. The tour price doesn’t include lunch, so bringing a packed meal could be convenient.

The Sum Up

The "Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Small Group Day Tour with Small Boat" offers an exceptional opportunity to take in Dutch heritage. Visitors can witness traditional craftsmanship, taste local delicacies, and explore the captivating canals of Giethoorn, all while enjoying the convenience of a guided tour. This comprehensive experience provides a well-rounded glimpse into the cultural richness of the Netherlands.