Amsterdam: Bus Tour in Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken

Are you looking for the perfect way to explore the beautiful towns of the Netherlands in one day? Then look no further! Take a bus tour to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam – a highlight of any visit to the Netherlands.

Situated just northwest of Amsterdam, the tour of these four towns in the province of North Holland makes for a great day trip from the capital. Volendam and Marken are old fishing villages located on the coast along the IJsselmeer (Lake IJssel). Here, visitors will find picturesque polders (fields in reclaimed land of Holland), wooden houses, and meandering canals. Edam is a charming small town with cheese markets, quaint shops, and cobblestone streets. Lastly, Zaanse Schans is a recreational park that boasts museums, historic windmills, and breath-taking views of the river Zaan.

In addition to enjoying all these attractions on the tour, visitors will gain invaluable insight into traditional Dutch culture. From learning about the history of Dutch cheese-making to taking pictures of clog makers at work, this bus tour provides a unique and gratifying experience for everyone.

What’s included in the bus tour?

The Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marke Bus Tour from Amsterdam includes the following:

• Round-trip travel from Amsterdam to the four towns
• A knowledgeable guide who speaks English and Dutch
• Entrance ticket to Windmill Museum in Zaanse Schans
• Entry to cheese markets in Edam (where possible)
• Clog-making demonstration in Volendam
• Walking tour of Marken

Visitors will be picked up from their accommodation in Amsterdam at around 8:30 AM before making their way to the windmills of Zaanseschans. This picturesque park is home to seven windmills that were built between 1650 and 1750. Here you will also have time to explore the Windmill museum and learn about the history of traditional Dutch milling methods.

Next up is the charming Edam. Just a thirty-minute drive from Zaanse Schans, visitors will be able to stroll through the town’s cobblestoned streets before heading to the famous cheese market (where possible). This is followed by a visit to Volendam wherein you can get your picture taken with traditional Dutch costumes, watch a clog-making demonstration and browse through local handicrafts and souvenirs. Lastly, you will drive along the coast of Lake IJsselmeer where you can appreciate the natural beauty, before heading onto the fishing village of Marken. Admire the quaint wooden houses along this sea wall that surround the island, and take a walk around the island’s old harbor before returning to your accommodation in Amsterdam at around 6:00 PM.

Overall experience:

The Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour from Amsterdam is an amazing opportunity for visitors to explore some of Holland’s famous villages in one day whilst learning about the country’s culture and traditions. From exploring the iconic windmills in Zaanse Schans and shopping at the cheese markets in Edam to experiencing traditional Dutch clog making and people watching in Volendam – this fantastic tour offers something for everyone! To make your trip that much simpler why not book your ticket here, with GetYourGuide. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or have already discovered Holland’s hidden gems, this tour promises a thoroughly enjoyable experience!

Amsterdam: An Insider’s Guide

Amsterdam is a city of canals, museums, and a vibrant nightlife scene. However, taking a bus tour to nearby towns like Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken can be just as exciting. These small towns are famous for their iconic windmills, cheese markets, and traditional Dutch architecture. So if you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, make sure to include a day trip to these charming towns. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken.

Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is a beautiful town that is known for its picturesque windmills and historic buildings. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in Zaanse Schans:

–

Windmills

Zaanse Schans is home to many windmills that are still in operation. The windmills were traditionally used for sawing wood, grinding oil, and other industrial applications. Visitors can tour some of the windmills and witness their functions firsthand.

–

Wooden Shoes Workshop

Wooden shoes or clogs are an important part of Dutch culture, and Zaanse Schans has a workshop that allows visitors to see how they’re made. The workshop also sells wooden shoes, so you can take a pair as a souvenir.

–

Museums

There are several museums in Zaanse Schans that offer insights into Dutch life and history. The Zaans Museum offers exhibits on the town’s industrial past, while the Museum of Clocks has a collection of more than 1,000 timepieces.

Edam

Edam is a small town known for its cheese and historic architecture. Here are some of the best things to do here:

–

Cheese Market

Edam is known for its cheese, and the town hosts a weekly cheese market. Visitors can witness the traditional method of weighing cheese and hear about its history.

–

Edam Museum

The Edam Museum is housed in a 16th-century house and has exhibits on the town’s history and culture. Visitors can see traditional costumes, furniture, and other artifacts.

–

Walking Tour

Edam has a compact town center with many well-preserved historic buildings. Taking a walking tour is the best way to see the town’s highlights, including the Speeltoren Clock Tower, the town hall, and the Grote Kerk or Great Church.

Volendam

Volendam is a fishing village on the shores of the Ijsselmeer lake. Here are some of the things to do in this charming town:

–

Volendam Museum

The Volendam Museum displays exhibits on the town’s history, including fishing, clothing, and traditional crafts. Visitors can try on traditional Dutch clothing and take photos.

–

Boat Tour

Volendam is located on the waterfront, and taking a boat tour can be a great way to see the town from a different perspective. Boat tours also offer a chance to see the traditional wooden houses that line the waterfront.

–

Cheese Tasting

Volendam has several cheese shops that offer tastings of local cheese varieties such as Edam and Gouda. Visitors can sample different cheeses and buy them to take home as souvenirs.

Marken

Marken is a small island that was once a fishing village and is now a popular tourist destination. Here are some of the best things to do on the island:

–

The Marker Museum

The Marker Museum is located in a historic building and has exhibits on the island’s history and culture. Visitors can see traditional costumes, crafts, and photographs.

–

Walking Tour

Marken is a small island that can be easily explored on foot. Visitors can take a walking tour of the town center and see the wooden houses with green shutters and the lighthouse on the shore.

–

Local Bakery

There are several local bakeries on Marken that offer traditional Dutch treats such as stroopwafels (syrup waffles) and poffertjes (miniature pancakes). Visitors can sample these local delicacies and take them home as delicious gifts.

Dining

After a day of sightseeing, visitors can relax at one of Amsterdam’s many restaurants. The city has a vibrant culinary scene, and visitors can find cuisine from around the world. However, there are several must-try local dishes that visitors should not miss. These include raw herring with onions, bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), and Dutch pancakes. Some of the best restaurants in Amsterdam are Cafe de Klos, T’Gouden Hooft, and Restaurant Blauw.

Local History

Amsterdam has a rich history spanning over 800 years. The city’s landmarks, museums, and art galleries are a testament to its cultural heritage. Some of the city’s must-visit historic sites include the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum. Visitors can also take walking tours of the city center to see Amsterdam’s distinct architecture, canals, and bridges.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

There are several off-the-beaten-path attractions in Amsterdam that offer unique experiences. These include:

–

The Electric Ladyland Museum

The Electric Ladyland Museum is a museum of fluorescent art that features glowing rocks, minerals, and other objects. Visitors can create their fluorescent art and see the works of other artists.

–

The Dutch Theatre

The Dutch Theatre is a small theatre that showcases Dutch culture through music, dance, and theater performances. The theatre offers a chance to see local talent and enjoy a unique cultural experience.

–

The Vondelpark

The Vondelpark is a 120-acre park in the heart of Amsterdam. Visitors can enjoy a picnic or rent a bike to explore the park’s paths and gardens. The park is also a popular spot for outdoor concerts and performances.

In summary, Amsterdam is a city of contrasts and diversity that offers visitors a unique travel experience. Don’t forget to take a bus tour to nearby towns like Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken to witness the beauty of Dutch architecture, traditions, and culture.