It was our second day in Amsterdam this time after reaching the previous evening from New Delhi. And this time too we were staying in Warmoesstraat right in the heart of Amsterdam opposite Centraal Station. In this lovely hotel Koopermoolen with an elevator, clean rooms and complimentary breakfast. The evening was the usual canal walk, walking through the streets and enjoying every bit of Amsterdam by night. With a coffee, some bites and picking up some yummy pastries from Rene’s for the night. Followed by some healthy dinner. But the real excitement was for next morning. With this prebooked Zaanse Schans, Edam & Volendam Tour.
The journey
It was a lovely early Amsterdam morning as we woke up early, got ready, picked up our packed breakfast from the hotel and took a Uber to De Ruijterkade 151, 1011 AC, the starting point of the day tour. And we waited for the sun to make its appearance and the other passengers to arrive.
What made our morning even better was the gesture from our Uber Cab young owner asking us for € 30 while the bill was € 35. When I asked him why he said ‘just for you’. It was not the money but the sweet smile while he spoke these words that made our day.
The Bus was parked and we were all set to leave dot at 8.30 AM for our approximate eight hours day trip which we had booked on our own site here on Viator. You too could check out and book here or by clicking the Viator Widget available on our blog as you scroll down. At the best prices and with refund options.
We are in Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a beautiful historic mill village with centuries-old windmills and timber houses painted green. It lies on the Zaan River and is located just 20 minutes from Amsterdam. Here you will experience a historic neighborhood with residents who still live and work in a traditional way.
The village is free to enter without any admission fee. You’ll find the oldest windmills, unique crafts, shops, restaurants, museums, nature and scenic walking trails. And of course the cheese factory with their outlet.
A Walk through the Village
Towards the Windmills
And then cheese tasting and shopping from “Henri Willig Cheese Shop”
Our next Stop – Edam
Edam located 20 km away from Amsterdam is historically a town thriving on trade and agriculture since 1357. It used to be a busy port but has not grown too much since then. However during the 17th century it became famous for its cheese. Specially its yellow and red sealed cheeses.
Wandering around Edam was so wonderful with our guide beautifully narrating history as we went around. Past the homes with amazing traditional architecture, the white draw bridges, canals, boats, the rich and famous homes then and now, the Church, the lovely square and the heartwarming greens along the canals. Come let’s show you some of it as we take a leisurely walk around town.
We were off to our next destination
October November are great months these days for travel to Europe with the weather being nice and cool. So was this journey of ours to experience two wonderful demonstrations on our way to Vollendam which was not too far away.
Klompen Making, the whole-foot clogs mostly made from wood that have been worn in Netherlands since the 13th century and is now quite a popular souvenir for tourists. It’s still worn by some residents while attending the Church prayers. And next we would witness Edam Cheese Making. Both inside Simonehoeve Cheese Factory. Come let’s venture in.
Simonehoeve Cheese Factory
Klompen Making for you
Cheese Making
And here is the interesting process for your viewing
The varieties of cheese as we taste some & pick up few
And also some nice savories on offer
Volendam
Volendam is one of the most picturesque destinations in the Netherlands. And it is a town which represents that Dutch image of windmills among fields of Tulip so beautifully. With narrow streets winding through lovely wooden houses and the beautiful harbor front it certainly is a great day trip from Amsterdam. And it is just 25 km away.
This day trip also included a visit to Marken another lovely small town nearby. However due to an unfortunate road accident the entry to the town was blocked for a while. So instead we had the opportunity to take a walk through town with our guide, viewing the majestic homes and finishing off with the Sint-Vincentiuskerk Church.
So how was the trip? Hope you too enjoyed every bit of what we enjoyed. And it’s always a pleasure taking you around to places that you have either been to for your nostalgia or have in your plans sometime. But if you are in Amsterdam don’t miss this day trip when you are there. You’ll love the experience for sure.
If you loved Zaanse Schans, Edam & Volendam, PIN it for planning and forward for friends!
