Zaanse Schans and Voldendam Accessible Tour
Wheelchair accessible experience
Do you want to get closer to Dutch culture and traditions? This day tour is the one for you. The Zaanse Schans and Volendam tour is a tour of the traveler with a desire to get in touch with the history of the past with a divergent icon of the Netherlands: windmills, wooden clogs, herring, naval tradition, and typical costumes. The tour lasts 6 hours and begins with pick up at your hotel by our official guide. Private access to a private taxi and access to the villa in Zaanse Schans. You will then walk through the streets of the village to discover Dutch traditions and flavours. Later you will leave with the taxi to Volendam, where you can visit the most typical and fascinating part of this village overlooking tthe Markermeer quay. After your tour, the guide will accompany you together with the taxi driver to your starting point, to the hotel or to the cruise port.
Highlights
- Windmills
- Traditional houses in Zaanse Schans
- Workshop Dutch clogs
- Workshop cheese
- Traditional village Volendam
Accessibility info
- Flat terrain
- Cobblestones: from smooth to bumpy
- Accessible bridges
- Use of sidewalk ramps
- Involve walking/rolling between the sites
- Accessible toilet
- Adapted vehicle for transportation
Included
- Private tour with a professional guide
- Tour adjustable to your wishes
- Adapted vehicle for transportation
- Duration: 6 hours
- Start: your accommodation in Amsterdam or surroundings
- End: your accommodation or on request.
- Participants: max 15 per guide
Not included:
- Food/drinks
Discover the tour
Zaanse Schans
Your private guide will meet you at your accomodation in Amsterdam. From there, you’ll embark on a scenic journey to Zaanse Schans in a private adapted vehicle. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the sight of iconic wooden windmills gracefully standing along the banks of the Zaan River, with picturesque meadows stretching into the distance. This enchanting landscape offers a quintessential Dutch view: charming windmills surrounded by vibrant greenery and serene waters. As you explore Zaanse Schans, you’ll also get a glimpse into life during the 18th and 19th centuries in the Zaanstreek, which is renowned as the oldest industrial region in Western Europe. Once bustling with hundreds of windmills, this area played a significant role in the region’s industrial history, producing a variety of goods and contributing to the development of Dutch industry.
Catharina Hoeve cheese farm
Your tour also includes a visit to a traditional cheese farm, where you’ll experience Dutch cheesemaking at its finest. At Catharina Hoeve cheese farm, you’ll see cheesemakers dressed in traditional Dutch costumes, giving you an authentic glimpse into the art of cheese production. They will guide you through the cheese-making process, explaining the differences between various types of Dutch cheese and the techniques used to produce them. This hands-on demonstration allows you to learn about the rich traditions and flavors of Dutch cheese. After the demonstration, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of cheeses and purchase your favorites at the farm’s shop. The farm offers a delightful chance to savor the rich, creamy flavors of Dutch cheese in an authentic setting.
Dutch Clogs Factory
Another highlight of your visit is the clog factory, where you’ll discover the traditional craftsmanship behind Dutch wooden clogs. In this factory, skilled artisans carve clogs from single blocks of wood, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating these iconic Dutch footwear pieces. You’ll have the chance to observe the entire process, from the initial carving to the final finishing touches. If you’re interested, you can even participate in a workshop to make your own pair of clogs, gaining hands-on experience with this traditional craft. Additionally, while you’re at the clog factory, be sure to enjoy some classic Dutch pancakes, which add a delicious touch to your cultural exploration. This experience offers a unique and immersive way to engage with Dutch traditions and craftsmanship.
Windmills
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to the historic windmills that have become symbols of Dutch heritage. Each windmill has its own unique name and historical significance, serving as a small-scale factory in its own right. Inside the windmills, you’ll learn about the various tasks they performed, from cutting wood and oil to grinding flour, spices, and dyes. The process of operating these windmills was both intricate and labor-intensive, reflecting the ingenuity and hard work of the Dutch craftsmen who operated them. Some of the windmills at Zaanse Schans are still in operation, providing a rare chance to observe traditional milling techniques and see how these age-old processes functioned in their prime. Witnessing these working windmills offers a deeper appreciation of the skill and effort involved in maintaining such historical practices.
Volendam
After exploring Zaanse Schans, your journey continues to the charming fishing village of Volendam. This picturesque village, with its colorful wooden houses and bustling harbor, offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch maritime life. Stroll along the lively dike, where you can see fishing boats and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many local eateries. Volendam is also known for its distinctive traditional costumes, and you’ll have the chance to visit a local studio to see these outfits and even dress up for a souvenir photo. The village’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere make it a delightful addition to your Dutch adventure.