Must-Experience Amsterdam Day Trips for 2026
✨ Escape the city and immerse yourself in windmills, cheese, and storybook villages. These curated countryside adventures sell out fast—discover the authentic Netherlands just a short journey away.
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Did you know?
Local Insight: The iconic Zaanse Schans windmills aren’t just for show—they were 17th-century industrial powerhouses. The green paint on the houses, called “Zaans Groen,” was historically the cheapest color available, made from locally sourced copper oxide.
Highest Rated & Most Popular Tours
1.Top Rated Combo – from €109 per person
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn Guided Combo Tour
- ⭐ 4.8 stars from over 75 reviews
- Likely to sell out & Top Rated badge
- Full-day tour covering two iconic Dutch destinations
- Includes a captivating canal cruise in Giethoorn
- Visit a cheese farm and clog factory in a Dutch village
- Expert guide provides live commentary and stories
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2.Best Value Tour – from €26 per person
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Cheese Tasting & Volendam Tour
- ⭐ 4.9 stars from over 250 reviews
- Top Rated badge for exceptional value
- Small bus with max 29 guests for a comfortable ride
- Live Dutch clogs & cheese-making demonstration
- Free time to explore Volendam fishing village
- Fun onboard video guide in English & Spanish
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Feeling the Vibe?
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Amsterdam Central lies a different world. The Waterland region, with its pancake-flat polders, grazing cows, and historic windmills, is a cyclist’s paradise and the perfect setting for an e-bike countryside tour.
Luxury & Premium Experiences
3.Private Castle Tour – from €480 per group
Amsterdam: Private Green Tour !!! Windmills, Castle
- ⭐ 5.0 stars for exclusive private group tours
- All-inclusive day exploring Zaanse Schans, Volendam & a castle
- Visit Kasteel de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands
- Personalized itinerary with a dedicated guide and vehicle
- Sample fresh fish in Volendam and explore its bustling harbor
- Admire opulent interiors and stunning castle gardens
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4.Private Tulip Tour – from €479 per person
Amsterdam: Keukenhof & Zaanse Schans Windmills Private Tour
- ⭐ 5.0 stars for a bespoke floral & cultural experience
- Private guided tour to Keukenhof Gardens and Zaanse Schans
- Admire 7 million flowers across 32 hectares in spring
- Visit a traditional cheese farm and clog factory
- Chance to pick your own bunch of tulips
- Personalized attention and flexible pacing
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A Secret for You…
For the most magical tulip field photos, visit in mid-April. The farmers plant in staggered rows of different colors, creating a breathtaking patchwork. On a private Keukenhof tour, experts from the tulip industry can take you to the most serene and colorful fields.
Affordable & Budget-Friendly
5.Classic Countryside Tour – from €35 per person
From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken
- ⭐ 4.8 stars from over 4,300 reviews
- Top Rated & incredible value for a full-day tour
- Covers four iconic Dutch villages in one trip
- Live cheese-making and clog-making demonstrations
- Free time in Volendam and the island village of Marken
- Optional add-on Amsterdam canal cruise available
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6.E-Bike Adventure – from €69 per person
Amsterdam: Mike’s Countryside E-bike Tour, Cheese & Clogs
- ⭐ 4.9 stars from nearly 100 reviews
- Top Rated small-group e-bike tour (max 12 people)
- Visit a working windmill, cheese farm, and clog workshop
- Ride through authentic polder landscape below sea level
- Includes a ferry ride and explores cute villages like Broek in Waterland
- Authentic escape with a fun, local guide
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The Best Part? ✨
Giethoorn has no roads in its center—only canals and footpaths. The locals use whisper boats (electric punts) to get around, making it one of the quietest and most peaceful villages in Europe. It’s like stepping into a living painting.
⭐ Our Top Pick (Likely to Sell Out!)
⭐Ultimate Combo Tour – from €109 per person
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn Guided Combo Tour
- ⭐ 4.8 stars and marked “Likely to sell out”
- Perfect blend of windmills, cheese, clogs & canals
- Includes a captivating 1-hour canal cruise in Giethoorn
- Visit a cheese farm and clog factory in a Dutch village
- Expert guide brings Dutch history and culture to life
- Full-day stress-free experience from Amsterdam
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What is the best day trip from Amsterdam for first-time visitors?
The Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken tour is ideal. For around €35, you see windmills, taste cheese, watch clog-making, and explore fishing villages—a perfect introduction to Dutch culture and countryside tours.
Are Giethoorn tours worth it? How much time do you need?
Absolutely. Giethoorn is a unique car-free village. Most day trips from Amsterdam include a 1-hour canal cruise and free time to explore. A full 8-10 hour tour is recommended to fully enjoy this “Venice of the North” without rush.
Can I visit Keukenhof Gardens and Zaanse Schans in one day?
Yes, on a private tour. Operators like the Keukenhof & Zaanse Schans Windmills Private Tour combine both perfectly. It’s the best way to see tulips and windmills in a single, stress-free day trip from Amsterdam.
What should I wear on a Dutch countryside day trip?
Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. The weather can change quickly. For e-bike tours, avoid loose clothing. Don’t forget your camera—the photo opportunities on these Amsterdam day trips are endless!
Why book a day trip in advance? Can't I go on my own?
Booking a guided tour secures your spot on popular trips that sell out, especially for Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans combo tours. It includes transport, tickets, and expert guides, saving you time and logistical hassle.
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Category: Europe, Netherlands
Latest post update: December 2025
