Heritage Trail of Dutch Windmills

Catch a colorful glimpse of traditional Dutch country life in the open-air museum town of Zaanse Schans, then visit the town forever known for its cheese. You’ll journey northward from Amsterdam by coach, across scenic countryside to the town of Zaandam, where a faithfully remade Zaan community replicates a working village circa 1700. Your guide will lead you on a stroll along cobbled streets lined with craftsmen practicing the trades of yesterday in a region where windmills and green wooden houses still form the skyline, and dikes and canals still crisscross the pasturelands. Next on the agenda is the tranquil 17th-century town of Edam. Here you’ll enjoy an escorted walk past picturesque canals, old-fashioned drawbridges and delightful homes – then indulge in a bit of free-range exploring. There’s lots to see and abundant shopping for Dutch mementos (wooden shoes included). Of course, you’ll also find plenty of Edam’s trademark cheese to sample or purchase. It’s a taste that’s just as timeless.

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.