How to Plan Your Amsterdam Guided Zaanse Schans & Cheese Tasting Tour

Are you a cheese lover? Do you want to discover the Dutch countryside while learning about traditional wooden shoe-making and watching windmills at work? Then you should book the Guided Zaanse Schans & Cheese Tasting Tour, an exciting 2.5-hour excursion from Amsterdam that will take you back in time to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Experience

Upon booking, you can expect a guided bus tour from Amsterdam to the picturesque village of Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum that showcases the Dutch rural life of the past. Your tour includes live commentary from your multilingual guide, a tour of the village, a visit to a wooden shoe workshop, and a cheese-making demonstration at a traditional farm.

Itinerary

Here’s what you can expect on your 2.5-hour tour:

– You will meet your group at the designated Meeting Point in Amsterdam for departure.
– After a 30-minute bus ride, you will arrive in Zaanse Schans.
– First, you’ll visit the Wooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans, where you’ll learn about traditional Dutch wooden shoes and witness how they are made.
– Next, head to the Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm, where you’ll see how Gouda cheese is made and then taste its buttery goodness.
– You will then have free time to explore the village on your own, take pictures, or shop.
– Finally, you’ll return to Amsterdam on the bus, arriving at the Main Stop and Other Stop for drop-off.

Highlights

Here are some of the main highlights of the tour:

– Watch how Gouda cheese is made and then taste its buttery goodness – this is a rare opportunity to see the whole cheese-making process from start to finish and enjoy a free tasting afterward.
– See windmills from across the Zaan region that date back to the 18th century – they were used for all kinds of purposes, from sawing wood to grinding cocoa beans.
– Visit a clog maker and learn more about the traditional wooden shoe – see how these iconic Dutch shoes are made and try them on if you like.
– Admire the elegant houses of the rich merchants and windmill owners – you’ll see how they lived in the past and how they made their fortune from trade and agriculture.
– Learn how the windmills were used in the production of cocoa powder and food – the mills played a crucial role in the local industry and still look impressive today.

Booking Information

To book this tour, you can visit the website of the third-party company that offers it. You can find the link to book the tour here: book the tour here. The tour price includes bus transportation, a multilingual guide, pickup and drop-off, a clog-making demonstration, and a visit to a cheese farm. Note that you’ll need to bring your own face mask for the duration of the tour, as this is a mandatory requirement in the Netherlands.

Conclusion

The Guided Zaanse Schans & Cheese Tasting Tour is a fantastic way to experience the Dutch countryside, learn about local traditions, and taste some of the best cheese in the world. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this tour is suitable for all ages and interests. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Zaanse Schans in action and book your tour today!

An Insider’s Guide to Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is a beautiful and vibrant city that has something for everyone. From scenic canals to picturesque tulip fields, Amsterdam is a place that will capture your heart. This insider’s guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit to Amsterdam and discover the best of what the city has to offer.

Local Attractions

The first thing you must do when you arrive in Amsterdam is to take a canal cruise. It’s the best way to see the city and get a feel for its architecture and history. The city has more than 100 kilometers of canals, so choose your route and enjoy the ride.

Next, visit the iconic museums that Amsterdam is known for. The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are both world-class museums that should be on your itinerary. Also, the Anne Frank House is a must-visit to learn more about the history of the city during World War II.

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, visit the NDSM Wharf. This industrial area has been transformed into a cultural hotspot with street art, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place to explore and discover Amsterdam’s art and design scene.

Dining Spots

Amsterdam offers an exciting culinary scene that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for traditional Dutch cuisine or international delicacies, you won’t be disappointed. Here are some of the must-try dining spots in the city:

– De Kas: A unique restaurant serving fresh, organic vegetables grown in their own greenhouse.
– Restaurant C: This Michelin-starred restaurant serves contemporary French cuisine with an Asian twist.
– Foodhallen: A trendy food hall featuring over 20 different food stands serving everything from Dutch bitterballen to dim sum.
– Cafe ‘t Smalle: A traditional Dutch brown cafe with a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of local beers.

Cultural Experiences

Amsterdam is known for its liberal culture and open-mindedness. So, take advantage of a few of these cultural experiences while you’re in town:

– Visit a coffee shop: Amsterdam has a reputation for its coffee shops that sell weed, so it’s worth visiting one even if you’re not a smoker.
– Red Light District: Known for its red neon lights and window displays, the Red Light District is a unique cultural experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
– Visit a windmill: Amsterdam has over 1,000 windmills and visiting one is an authentic cultural experience. The Zaanse Schans is a popular tourist destination, where you can see a collection of traditional Dutch windmills.

Local History

Amsterdam’s history is fascinating, and there are a few ways you can learn more about it while you’re in town. Here are some suggestions:

– Walk through the historic Jordaan neighborhood: This area is one of Amsterdam’s oldest and is known for its narrow streets and picturesque canals.
– The Amsterdam Museum: This museum tells the story of Amsterdam from its origins to the present day.
– Begijnhof: This is a hidden courtyard in the city center that dates back to the 14th century. You can visit the restored houses that line the courtyard, which were once occupied by a group of women known as Beguines.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for something unusual to do in Amsterdam, try out some of these suggestions:

– Visit the Catboat: This is a floating cat sanctuary that’s home to over 50 cats. You can visit and play with them.
– Take a bike tour: Amsterdam is a bike-friendly city, and taking a guided bike tour is an excellent way to explore the city like a local.
– Go on a cheese tasting tour: The Netherlands is famous for its cheese, and Amsterdam has a few great cheese shops where you can sample and buy some incredible cheese.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Amsterdam is a charming and unique city that offers numerous attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions. This insider’s guide should provide you with everything you need to plan your trip and make the most of your stay. Happy travels!