Experience Amsterdam countryside like a local
In general, we prefer to take routes away from mass tourism, so you can experience places like a local. After all, we believe travel is about meaningful connections: with places, with history, and with the people around you. That philosophy also shapes our countryside tour. So, let us take you out of the city, and we promise you won’t feel like a stereotypical tourist.
As we drive along meadows and dikes, we’ll pass through several authentic villages and visit a unique windmill. If you like, we can also add a boat tour through the polder landscape.
Dutch landscape
Your tour begins with a drive through some of the most scenic landscapes. The small, quiet roads wind through a world of grass, water, cows, and sheep. Whenever you like, we can stop for short strolls to soak in the scenery. Along the way, we’ll pass by an organic dairy farm and through several charming villages.
Most people have a picture in mind of ‘the’ typical Dutch countryside. However, during this tour, you’ll discover the surprising variety within this landscape.
The area closest to Amsterdam is shaped by centuries of natural interaction between land and water. Next, a little further north, we drive through some of the Netherlands’ world-famous polders.
Polders
A polder is land reclaimed from the water—there are about 4,000 polders in the Netherlands. In other words, these areas were once lakes, or sea inlets, but have been transformed into fertile farmland. Maintaining polders requires expert water management, and this is something the Dutch have mastered over centuries. Because much of the country lies below sea level, water management became a necessity and, eventually, a way of life. The polders we visit during this tour are among the oldest in the country. As a result, they are also some of the oldest reclaimed landscapes in the world.
Highlight: a private windmill tour
One of the highlights of this day is a private reception inside a 350-year-old windmill, which we arrange especially for you! Here, the miller will show you how different types of grain are milled and explain the fascinating mechanics behind the windmill. Since this mill is not normally open to tourists, the experience feels especially personal and exclusive.
A foundation owns and maintains the mill, and retired millers volunteer their time to keep its history alive. Their passion for this unique piece of heritage is contagious. During this private visit, you’ll explore every part of the mill, both inside and out. Not surprisingly, many of our guests consider this visit the highlight of the day!
Add a second windmill experience
For guests who would like to dive even deeper into Dutch water management and windmill culture, we can also include a second windmill visit.
For example, instead of only visiting a flour mill, we can combine this with a traditional water pumping windmill. This way, you can experience the broader windmill history. Extra interesting: water pumping windmills are the only model in which one can live — even up till today. When adding this stop to our tour, you can see and learn how people live with water and wind since generations.
Amsterdam and her food history
The region we explore during this tour lies just north of Amsterdam. For centuries, it has supplied the city with food. Crops, dairy, and cattle have long been farmed here and traded in Amsterdam. While we travel through the countryside, you’ll learn about the deep-rooted relationship between the city and its rural surroundings. In many ways, this landscape helped Amsterdam grow into the city she is today.
Modern art in a historical setting
Are you a modern art lover? If so, we have a special hidden gem for you. On the edge of a 17th-century fishing village, you’ll find a grand 19th-century water pumping station — a striking historical building in a picturesque landscape. Today, it serves as the home and gallery of Dutch artist Sonja Besselink. If this sounds like your kind of experience, let us know — we’d love to introduce you!
Optional extension: visit the Zuiderzee Museum
IIn case you have extra time and would like a longer day trip, we can also include a visit to the Zuiderzee Museum.
This open-air museum offers a fascinating introduction to daily life around the former Zuiderzee before the sea was closed off and transformed into a lake: today’s IJsselmeer. You reach the museum by a 20 minutes boat ride. As you walk through reconstructed streets, historic houses, workshops and harbors, you get a vivid impression of Dutch maritime life, traditional crafts and fishing communities. All together, the museum beautifully complements the countryside & windmill experiences, adding a layer to the centuries-long relationship between people, land and water.
A tour tailored to your interests
No two groups are the same. Therefore, we love creating custom combinations depending on your interests. For instance, some guests prefer a stronger focus on history and heritage, while others are more interested in landscapes and local life. Because of this, we are always happy to discuss different route options with you in advance. Together, we can decide which stops, experiences and stories are most suitable for your group.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point?
Since we customize each tour, the starting point and route will be adjusted to your itinerary and wishes.
How do we travel during the countryside tour?
In general, we use a chauffeured electric minivan during our tours by car. In case you are with a small group (maximum 3 people) it might be an option to travel by car with the guide driving. Please contact us to learn more about this option.
Are the windmills at De Zaanse Schans part of the tour?
No. We don’t visit this mass tourism place during our tours.
I have particular interests and/or special wishes. Can this tour be customized?
Yes, to a certain extend. Please contact us, and we will be happy to come up with a tailor-made tour for you.
Is the tour suitable for young children?
This tour is suitable from the age of 12.
Is this tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?
During this tour, we travel by car. We can decide on the exact stops when in touch with you by email — you tell us about your interests and circumstances and we decide on the most suitable stops. Some involve more walking; others less.
The weather is bad, what happens now?
Amsterdam Odyssey tours will take place under any weather conditions, unless a formal warning regarding the weather has been issued by the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI). Dutch weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to pack and dress accordingly!
