Amsterdam: Volendam, Edam & Windmills w/ A’DAM Lookout

Escape the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam on a half-day guided tour of the Dutch countryside. Begin your day with a pickup from central Amsterdam or from the central meeting point at "This is Holland" before taking a 20-minute drive to the windmill village of Zaanse Schans. This outdoor conservation area is situated on the banks of the Zaan River and is home to traditional 18th and 19th-century architecture, including several functioning windmills. Watch live demonstrations of craftsmen at work, including a clog maker crafting the famous wooden shoes of the Netherlands. There will also be some free time to explore the village on your own before traveling through the distinctive polders (land reclaimed from the water) of the Beemster area.

From there, continue on to Edam, also commonly referred to as the pearl of the Zuiderzee. Edam’s ancient streets and tranquil canals are lined by beautiful 17th-century buildings including the leaning Carillon Tower, the Great Church and town hall. Most famous place in Edam beyond any doubt is the public weighing house, where you'll still find in the summer every Wednesday the famous Edam Cheese being sold. After a stroll around this historically rich town, have the opportunity to see how Edam’s world-famous cheese is made and, of course, to taste it in a nearby cheese farm.

Finally, stop at the beautiful seaside village of Volendam. This typical fishing village with its bustling harbor has been a major tourist attraction as early as 1875. People come from all over to see the small buildings and houses and take in the locals in their traditional Dutch clothing. This is a great place to pick-up souvenirs for those at home or a memento for yourself, and to have photos taken in traditional Dutch costume. Your guide will take you on a short walk through the oldest parts of the city, exploring a labyrinth of twists and turns to sites such as St. Vincent’s Church, the wooden 'Stolphoevekerk' and the 'visafslag' (fish auction). Back in Amsterdam, your guide will give you your premium ticket to A'DAM Lookout. The A’DAM Lookout is an observation deck with an unrivaled panoramic view of Amsterdam. You’ll see the city’s historical center, its pulsating port, the unique Dutch polder landscape and you’ll spot the famous canals which belong to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Complementing the experience is a state-of-the-art interactive exhibition about Amsterdam’s history and culture. A’DAM Lookout is located on top of the A’DAM Tower in Amsterdam North.