What You Will Do
Discover the enchanting world of Holland’s windmills with the Windmill Girls, we are two passionate local guides who were raised in windmills. During this private tour of the idyllic countryside , we drive through and visit quaint little villages. We make stopovers in less touristy gems, such as De Rijp, Schermer, Driehuis, Broek in Waterland and the famous fishermen’s village Volendam. We will visit a windmill from the 17th century that was responsible for regaining land. Guided by the Windmill Girls, you will explore the most picturesque windmill sites and charming villages. Our tours include a visit to an exceptional cheese farm, where you can taste Gouda cheese in 30 delightful flavors.
Experience the magic of Holland’s windmills with the Windmill Girls, and let our rich heritage and engaging tales make your journey truly unforgettable.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
1
Amsterdam
45 minutes
Pick up from your hotel in Amsterdam
2
Museummolen Schermer
30 minutes
We’ll head to the Schermer
One of the largest regained land areas in Holland, filled with windmills! In the 17th century, the lake Schermeer was drained by 52 mills, resulting in the Schermerpolder. A unique piece of water management from the Golden Age. We’ll visit the Museum mill which you can see from top to bottom. You’ll see how the mill works and how people used to live in windmills.
3
Schermer Mills
15 minutes
A drive on the dikes
Through regained land of the Schermer passing Esther’s family windmill and the surrounding idyllic small villages.
4
De Rijp
15 minutes
A visit to De Rijp which was once a busy fishing village famous for its herring fleet and whalers. However, after the surrounding sea got drained the Rijp found itself encircled by land. Jan Adriaanzoon Leeghwater, the famous hydraulic engineer was born here. Free from mass tourism, De Rijp is a beautiful village to visit.
5
Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)
We’ll drive through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Beemster with its regained land known as Polders. A system of roads, plots, farms, and canals was carefully planned across the polder after the Beemster Lake was drained. We’ll see the beautiful farmhouses and the green meadows.
6
Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm by Henri Willig
40 minutes
Cheese tasting at a cheese farm in Katwoude
At the cheese farm of Henry Willig we will have a Gouda and Edam cheese tasting. They are in the top 10 of the world cheesemakers. If you are a cheese lover… you are in cheese heaven! They have 30 flavors and develop the cheeses specifically for travel. Always wanted to know how a clog is being made? Join the wooden shoe craft demonstration and find out. You can even try or buy a pair of wooden shoes!
7
Volendam
1 hour
Lunchtime
You can choose where you want to have lunch. As locals, we know a lot of nice places. Whether it’s at a local fish restaurant or a traditional Dutch pancake restaurant, just tell us your preferences and we’ll arrange it for you.
8
Volendam
30 minutes
Volendam is known as the most popular fishing village in Holland The charm of Volendam rests in its harbor and the authentic fishermen’s houses. The maze is the oldest part, this is where we’ll see the small fishermen’s houses and narrow streets. What’s unique about the maze is that the houses were built without any street pattern. We’ll make a small stroll through the maze and walk on the famous dike of Volendam.
9
Broek
20 minutes
Broek in Waterland
This village is surrounded by water and is one of the most beautiful villages in Holland. It is comparable with the famous Dutch water village Giethoorn. We’ll enjoy a pleasant stroll passing the old wooden houses with their preserved original details, like ceremonial doors and carved lintels, and a beautiful restored sixteenth century church. The floor is paved with the tombstones of the formally rich inhabitants of Broek in Waterland.
10
Amsterdam
30 minutes
Back at your hotel in Amsterdam
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