Port
IJmuiden (Amsterdam), NL
Activity Level
Moderate
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$89.95
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
5 Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Three Dutch icons beckon you to explore the countryside of Holland today—windmills, clogs and cheese.
Relax and enjoy a scenic drive northwards, marveling at landscape that calls to mind the painting of the grand masters—dotted with farmhouses, windmills and grazing animals.
In Zaanse Schans—a delightful old hamlet on the banks of the River Zaan—you will find a wealth of architectural history, with character-filled wooden houses, charming gardens, small arched bridges, tradesmen's workshops, historic windmills and engaging little shops. Zaanse Schans is counted among the top destinations in the Netherlands because its marvelous collection of windmills offers the visitor the feeling of having stepped back into the 17th and 18th centuries. As tempting as it is to think of this area as an open-air museum, it is in fact a colorful living and working neighborhood. Stroll around this wonderful area to take photos or purchase a memento at one of the many souvenir shops.
Watch a demonstration of the making of traditional wooden shoes (clogs). These may look like a living nightmare but they are in fact quite comfy.
Step inside a windmill to see how these primitive and yet rather clever inventions work to pump water across a country that is entirely dependent upon working hydro management.
Head to the very famous village of Edam, whose name is synonymous with the mild and delicious cheese produced here. Round Edam cheeses have been exported to all corners of the world for centuries, but the city itself boasts a rich history, lovely façades, squares, bridges, cheese warehouses, attractive shopping streets and inviting outdoor cafés.
Authentic 17th-century architecture speaks to a prosperous past and, when walking along the old streets and quiet canals, it is quite easy to imagine life in a Dutch town centuries ago.
Your guide will take you on a wonderful walking tour through this exceptionally pretty town of narrow canals, gabled canal houses and wooden drawbridges. After your walk, re-board the coach to head back to Ijmuiden port.
Notes:
Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations or for guests using a wheelchair. Tour does not operate on holidays. This tour is available only to guests whose cruise does not begin or end in Amsterdam.