Dutch Villages: Zaanse Schans and Volendam

Zaanse Schans is both a mill park (a visiting card of the Netherlands) and a folklore Dutch village. A distinctive feature of Zaanse Schans is the preserved wooden houses of the XVII - XVIII centuries, which, without considering, were transported here from other villages of Holland. Now in some of them there are souvenir shops, and in some still live the Dutch. Walking through the village, you can see the preserved decoration of these houses and admire the neat characteristic bridges thrown across the canals. You will see mills, each of which has its own purpose: to cut logs, grind raw materials for paints, spices, produce oil or mustard. And even pump water. We will definitely go to the workshop, where you will carve a new cloth. You will learn the secrets of the production of “local shoes”, why the Dutch still wear clomps, how they offer a hand and heart, and you can admire the extant funny examples of these shoes. We will also take a look at the farm, where you can taste various types of famous gouda cheese (original, with herbs, pesto sauce, pepper and a variety of other additives) and buy a favorite.

If you want to taste the most delicious herring and smoked eel in the Netherlands, then Volendam is a world-famous fishing village. This village is known for its landscapes and a special atmosphere created by the sea, sun, masts of sailboats and neat Dutch houses. Here, behind the most ordinary-looking facade of the hotel, a real art gallery hides. You enter and enter the late 19th century. How nice to drink a cup of coffee surrounded by real masterpieces! I must say that coffee in Volendam is really good: Very close to the noisy harbor are quiet old streets. This is the other side of Volendam - quiet, cozy.

The most delicious fish near Amsterdam can be tasted in a fish restaurant or in small eateries. Here you can also take a photo in national costume and buy interesting quality souvenirs.

This tour is convenient to combine with an excursion to Marken Island and Monnikendam.