If you’re visiting Amsterdam, and you have some time to spare, then we highly recommend that you explore the countryside as well. The Netherlands has so much more to offer than Amsterdam alone, yet far too many people make the mistake of staying in the cities or visiting only the main tourist traps on day trips from Amsterdam. In this article, we would like to give you some tips for more original and authentic day trips so that you can enjoy a unique experience in our country.
What can you see in the countryside?
More than you might imagine! The Dutch countryside is full of quaint villages, tulip fields, cheese farms, windmills, and more. And one of the best ways to explore all of this is by doing an organized tour led by locals. That way, you will discover hidden gems, learn little known facts, and get the most value from your experience. And, of course, you will get a real taste of the local way of life.
How to choose a great day trip from Amsterdam
If you’ve already started planning your trip to Amsterdam, you’ve probably noticed that there are hundreds of tours to choose from. And that can be overwhelming. That’s why we’d like to help make the choice easier for you. If you’re looking for a private, high-end experience that avoids the tourist traps and shows you the real Dutch countryside, we can highly recommend that you book a tour with Windmillgirl Tours. And you can be sure that we don’t make any windmill tour recommendations lightly, as our founder Thijs’s Amsterdam ancestors lived and worked on the windmills on the Amsterdam city walls for almost 300 years. Windmillgirl Tours, Esther is a local guide who has the perfect credentials to ensure that you have a fun, informative, and authentic experience in the Dutch countryside. Esther is the daughter of a miller and grew up in a windmill where her parents still live in.
We interviewed the Windmill Girl Esther to give you a better idea of what she has to offer. Here’s what she had to say:
Q: Who is the Windmill Girl? And how did you get involved in giving tours?
A: Allow me to introduce myself. I’m a local guide from the north of Holland, where I grew up in a windmill because my father is a miller. As we say in Holland, I’m an authentic miller’s daughter, and my parents still live in their beloved windmill to this day.
With many years of experience working in tourism both in Holland and abroad, I love sharing the beauty of my country with guests. Join me to explore the beauty of Holland, its charming landscapes, and rich traditions.
Q: What kinds of tours do you offer?
A: I offer private day or half day tours from Amsterdam.
Off the beaten path Countryside windmill tour:
Discover the hidden gems like Edam, De Rijp and Broek in Waterland of Northern Holland. Explore the UNESCO-listed reclaimed land of the Beemster Polder, visit a historic windmill, indulge in a Gouda cheese tasting.
Hidden Gem Tulip and Windmill tour: Escape the crowds and discover the hidden beauty of Holland’s Tulip Fields and Windmills. Visit the Spring Garden Poldertuin (small Keukenhof), explore charming villages and the UNESCO-listed reclaimed land of the Beemster Polder and end with a Gouda cheese tasting.
Zaanse Schans (Half Day): Step back in time as you explore this picturesque, historic village. Wander among iconic wooden houses and working windmills, indulge in a Gouda Cheese tasting and see how traditional clogs are being made.
Highlight of Holland, Zaanse Schans, Edam and Volendam: Experience the best of Holland in one day! Visit Zaanse Schans, iconic Windmills, see traditional Clogs being made, explore the charming village of Volendam and Edam and enjoy a Gouda cheese tasting.
Holland Finest, Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken: Discover all that reminds you of Holland in one tour! Visit Zaanse Schans, iconic Windmills, see traditional Clogs being made, explore Dikes, enjoy a Gouda cheese tasting, wander through the charming fishing village of Volendam, and take a scenic ferry ride to Marken.
Senior friendly Countryside Tour: This senior-friendly tour offers a comfortable and accessible experience, perfect for those with mobility challenges. Enjoy a visit to a historic windmill, explore the countryside, indulge in a Gouda cheese tasting, see traditional Clogs being made and drive through charming villages like Edam and Volendam.
Zaanse Schans & Keukenhof Spring Garden Tour: Keukenhof, the world’s most stunning Spring Garden is open from March 20th to May 11th, 2025, see Tulips, Windmills, indulge in a Gouda Cheese tasting and see how traditional clogs are being made.
Zaanse Schans with paint your own Clog Workshop (Half Day): Explore this picturesque, historic village. Wander among iconic wooden houses and working windmills, indulge in a Gouda Cheese tasting, see how traditional clogs are being made and get creative in this fun Clog Painting Workshop.
Tulip and Spring Flower Museum Garden with Windmill and Cheese Tasting tour (Half-Day)
Do you love Tulips, Spring flowers, Cheese and Windmills but prefer to avoid the crowds? Then this half day tour will suite you! The Hortus Bolburum Spring Garden museum, offers a peaceful escape! (Senior Friendly)
In all the available tours a visit to a windmill is included. What else could you expect from a windmill girl?!
Q: Why should visitors to Amsterdam do a tour with you?
A: My tours stand out by visiting lesser-known, authentic Dutch countryside villages that truly showcase Dutch culture, alongside must-see tourist destinations. Travel in style and comfort with a luxury Mercedes car or van. I exclusively offer private tours, providing a personalized experience with high quality and complete customization to suit your preferences.
Q: Why would you recommend visiting a windmill?
A: Visiting a windmill from the 17th century that was responsible for regaining land by managing water levels is special. A unique piece of water management from the Golden Age. You can feel the history and see how the miller lived inside the windmill. As a Windmillgirl I love to tell you inside information!
Q: What tips do you have for people who are visiting Amsterdam and who would like to do a day trip from the city?
A:. The countryside in the north of Holland, is beautiful. Green meadows and idyllic small villages, less touristy gems, such as De Rijp, Beemster, Broek in Waterland where it feels as though you are traveling back in time. And what about the famous cheese town of Edam or the preservation village the Zaanse Schans? They all are definitely worth to pay a visit. Of course you cannot leave Holland before visiting a windmill. Visit a working industrial windmill or a water windmill and I will tell you all about the history of the windmills. And what about the tulips? If you are visiting Holland from the end of March till mid-May you have to see the tulip fields and tulip gardens. I offer 3 different Tulip Tours so you can choose what tour suites you best!