Quick Details
Experience Authentic Dutch Countryside: Amsterdam Windmill Tour
Escape the crowds and explore the real Netherlands with our private Amsterdam Windmill Tour, a journey into the heart of Dutch culture, history, and rural life. Designed as a private tour, I focus on making your day out the best for you, this tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the unspoiled beauty of the Dutch countryside—far from the typical tourist spots.
What to Expect:
- Hotel Pickup: I will pick you up directly from your hotel in Amsterdam in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Durgerdam, a Scenic Village on a Dike: Our first stop is a charming village just outside Amsterdam, built on a dike. Here, we’ll talk about the Dutch water management system, one of the most impressive feats in human engineering, and discover how much of the country came to be below sea level.
- Countryside Drive: We’ll then take a scenic drive through lush farmland, giving you a true feel for the Dutch landscape and rural life.
- Guided Walk in Monnickendam: Explore the historic harbor town of Monnickendam, where I’ll guide you through narrow streets, share stories of the town’s rich history, point out intersting architectural details, and enjoy a break for traditional Dutch apple pie and coffee.
- Visit to Schermerhorn Windmills: Next, we visit one of the most iconic symbols of the Netherlands—a 17th-century windmill in Schermerhorn. You’ll step inside the windmill, learn all about their history and operation and, if conditions are right, see it in action as it pumps water just as it has since 1639.
- A Real Dutch Farm Experience: Unlike many tours, we visit a genuine family farm, run by the same family for over a century in the incrediblly fertile Beemster Polder – that is farmland reclaimed from a huge lake in 1612! We meet the dairy cows and watch an automated milking system in action, and depending on the time of your see them sorting their tulip bulbs or potatoes. We say hi to the chickens that are living a true free range lifestyle under the walnut trees and gather a box of their eggs from the laying boxes. This is a working farm and we usually have the opportunity to meet to one of the family as well as their friendliest farm dog, Bruce!
- Local Dutch Snacks & Lunch Options: Throughout the day, I provide a variety of authentic Dutch snacks to keep you fueled. We can stop for lunch at a local spot upon request or get to try excellent Dutch fries make from local farm potatoes!
- We Don’t go to Tourist Traps: We do not visit the windmills at Zaanse Schans, they are nice enough but are usually incredibly busy and aimed at mass tourism. I also skip the pretty but crowded towns of Volendam and Marken as they are favourite stops of the large tour bus type of tourism.
My tour is curated to take you to out of the way places where you will see real Dutch life! You’ll return with not only beautiful memories but also a deeper understanding of the country’s history, culture, and traditions.
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Age & Height Restrictions
Children from 7 years of age can join the tour.
Every person in a vehicle in The Netherlands must have their own seat with the age-appropriate safety equipment required by the law.
Children up to the age of 12 are required to have child seats. However, if the child is 1.35 meters/ 4 feet and 5 inches or taller, the age restriction does not apply and they do not need a child seat.
We can arrange booster seats but you must tell us at the time of booking, by email, that you require them.
A few Reviews…
Countryside of Amsterdam (from Trripadvisor – August 2024 by Ron M)
On a Family adventure which is ending in Amsterdam. Being we’ve had a long term relationship with Rick Steves we have used his books and references while on our adventure.
He has a relationship here with Mark Law which today proofed invaluable.
Marks tour took us out and about in the country side of Amsterdam…a total opposite and refreshing perspective of the area.
I’d totally recommend contacting Mark if you’re visiting this region!
Highlight of the Trip (from Tripadvisor – July 2024 by Janet W)
We booked Mark Law for a tour of the Dutch Countryside on 7/16/24. The day was the highlight of our trip! We visited Durgerdammerdijk to see the cutest little dike village and traveled onto Monnickendam. We walked around the streets and harbor of Monnickendam, loving the historic architecture, and stopping for dessert and coffee in town. In the afternoon we visited a working farm in Nicolaashoeve, a dairy, potato, and tulip farm. Our final destination was Schermermolen to see preserved historic windmills. Mark explained the importance and mechanics of windmills. I enjoyed making a few purchases at the gift shop to benefit this historic spot. Again, this tour was a highlight for us and we definitely recommend his tour!
Great tour of the countryside Amsterdam (from Tripadvisor April 2024 by sinpecado)
You Won’t be Disappointed (from Tripadvisor Sept 2023 by William R)
Our group of 6 adults happened across a very informative, passionate, humorous, and accommodating private tour guide in Mark of That Dam Guide. After a journey of 20 plus hours with little sleep, Mark met us at our hotel and proceeded to welcome us to his great city and lead us on a walking tour of Amsterdam sharing its extensive history and architecture as well as a relaxed stop at a little café for coffee, tea, and cocoa. The following day, Mark again met us at the hotel in a comfortable van and took us on a tour of the countryside outside of Amsterdam complete with working windmills, a working farm, and beautiful little towns along with a stop for apple pie and coffee — all done in a very casual, relaxed pace with no hurry to make a deadline. Be sure to contact Mark and take advantage of his unique, outstanding service. You will not be disappointed.
Mark is terrific! Book him now (from Tripadvisor July 2023 by benjamend2015)
My teen sons and I spent a day with Mark and thoroughly enjoyed our day. We wanted to get outside of Amsterdam and booked The Private Windmill tour. Mark was immediately responsive upon booking, and planned a great day visiting small towns, a family farm, working windmills and wonderful food including a detour to a cheese factory. Mark was easy going, very knowledgeable and a great guide. I can only say that he easily deserves his high ratings, and you should jump at the chance to use him as a guide.