Giethoorn, Afsluitdijk, Zaanse Schans Day Tour Incl Hotel Pick Up

Discover the charming canals, historic landmarks, and picturesque villages of the Netherlands on this captivating day tour. Journey through the enchanting Giethoorn, explore the iconic Afsluitdijk, and learn about the traditional Dutch ambiance of Zaanse Schans. With convenient hotel pickup and a small group size, you’ll enjoy personalized attention from knowledgeable guides as you uncover the country’s natural beauty and cultural treasures. Prepare to be captivated by the serene landscapes and timeless traditions that make this tour an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• The tour covers three iconic Dutch locations: Giethoorn, Afsluitdijk, and Zaanse Schans, allowing visitors to experience the country’s classic scenery and attractions.
• The tour includes guided visits to a cheese factory, clog factory, and diamond-cutting demonstration, as well as a one-hour canal cruise in Giethoorn.
• The tour offers a personalized experience with a maximum group size of eight and hotel pick-up service for hotels within the Ring A10 area.
• Pricing starts at $137.39 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour, and a 96% recommendation rate from over 1,100 reviews.
• The tour highlights the charming, car-free atmosphere of Giethoorn, with its serene canals, thatched-roof cottages, and opportunities to explore the historic center and local shops.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The tour encompasses three iconic Netherlands locations: Giethoorn, Afsluitdijk, and Zaanse Schans.

Travelers can expect a maximum group size of eight, allowing for personalized attention. Activities include a cheese factory tour, clog factory tour, diamond-cutting demonstration, and a relaxing canal cruise in Giethoorn.

Participants can capture classic Dutch scenery, including windmills and the Afsluitdijk. For an additional fee, travelers can upgrade to pilot their own boat in Giethoorn.

With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this tour provides an immersive experience in the heart of the Netherlands.

Inclusions and Logistics

This tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, guided tours at the cheese and wooden shoes factories, a diamond-cutting demonstration, a one-hour boat cruise in Giethoorn, and all fees and taxes.

Lunch is also provided. The tour offers hotel pick-up service for hotels within the Ring A10, excluding the north IJ river area.

Pick-up times are between 8:00 – 8:30 AM, and confirmation is sent one day before the tour.

Travelers have the convenience of a pay-later option when reserving their spot.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

Pricing for the day tour starts at $137.39 per person, with the final cost varying depending on the group size.

Travelers can reserve the tour with a pay-later option. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing flexibility for travelers’ plans.

The tour features an impressive 96% recommendation rate from over 1,100 reviews, with an average rating of 4.9 stars across Viator and Tripadvisor.

Travelers consistently praise the tour’s knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and enjoyable experiences at the iconic Dutch locations, including Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans.

Tour Ratings and Reviews

With over 1,100 reviews, the tour boasts an impressive 96% recommendation rate and an average rating of 4.9 stars across Viator and Tripadvisor.

Travelers consistently praise the tour guides’ friendliness, punctuality, and extensive knowledge of Dutch culture and history. Guides like Eric and Pete are frequently mentioned for providing engaging commentary and ensuring guest comfort throughout the experience.

Customers appreciate the small group setting, which allows for personalized attention and interaction.

Tour Guide Experiences

Guides on this tour are consistently praised for their friendliness, punctuality, and extensive knowledge of Dutch culture and history.

Travelers often mention guides like Eric and Pete, who provide engaging commentary and ensure guest comfort throughout the experience.

The small group setting allows for personalized attention and interaction, which travelers appreciate.

Guides skillfully navigate the itinerary, from the cheese factory and clog-making demonstration to the picturesque canal cruise in Giethoorn.

Their expertise enhances the overall tour, leaving guests with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Netherlands’ unique heritage.

Discover the Charm of Giethoorn

Although renowned for its charming canals and tranquil atmosphere, Giethoorn offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the quaint Dutch countryside.

Guests embark on a serene canal cruise, gliding past thatched-roof cottages and willow-lined waterways. The town’s car-free status and reliance on boats for transportation provide a glimpse into a slower, more peaceful way of life.

Visitors can explore the town’s historic center, browse local shops, and savor traditional Dutch cuisine, all while soaking in the picturesque surroundings.

Giethoorn’s idyllic ambiance and distinctive architecture make it a highlight of any Netherlands tour.

Explore the Afsluitdijk

After exploring the charming canals of Giethoorn, the tour continues to the iconic Afsluitdijk, a 20-mile causeway that transformed the Zuiderzee into the Ijsselmeer.

Completed in 1932, the Afsluitdijk is an engineering marvel that protects the Netherlands from flooding. Travelers can walk or cycle along the dike, taking in panoramic views of the vast body of water on both sides.

The group will make a stop at the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center, which offers interactive exhibits on the dike’s history and the region’s ecology.

This unique landmark provides a glimpse into the Netherlands’ ongoing battle against the sea.

Experience the Zaanse Schans

From the Afsluitdijk, the tour travels to the picturesque Zaanse Schans, a well-preserved historic village that showcases the region’s traditional architecture and crafts.

Visitors can explore an authentic clog factory, where they’ll witness a demonstration of the intricate wooden shoe-making process.

The tour also includes a visit to a cheese factory, where guests can learn about the production of iconic Dutch Gouda and sample the flavorful results.

With its windmills, canals, and quaint buildings, Zaanse Schans offers a glimpse into the Netherlands’ storied past and the enduring skills of its artisans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is eight travelers. This small group setting allows for personalized attention and interaction with the knowledgeable tour guides.

Can I Upgrade to Pilot My Own Boat in Giethoorn?

Yes, tour participants can upgrade to pilot their own boat during the canal cruise in Giethoorn. This optional activity allows visitors to explore the picturesque waterways of the village at their own pace.

Is Hotel Pick-Up Service Available for All Hotels?

No, hotel pick-up service is not available for all hotels. It’s only provided for hotels within the Ring A10, excluding the north IJ river area, as stated in the tour details.

How Long Is the Boat Cruise in Giethoorn?

The boat cruise in Giethoorn lasts for one hour, according to the tour’s inclusions. The tour provides this scenic canal cruise as part of the overall experience in this iconic Dutch village.

Do the Guides Have Expertise in Dutch Culture and History?

The tour guides have expertise in Dutch culture and history, as evidenced by traveler reviews praising their knowledgeable commentary on these topics. Guides are described as providing engaging and informative insights throughout the tour experiences.

The Sum Up

This day tour offers a delightful exploration of Dutch gems, from the idyllic canals of Giethoorn to the iconic Afsluitdijk and the charming Zaanse Schans. With convenient hotel pick-up, a small group size, and knowledgeable guides, travelers can enjoy the country’s stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and authentic experiences, creating unforgettable memories on this captivating journey.