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Kinderdijk Windmills & Gouda Cheese
Rotterdam Shore Excursion - Kinderdijk Windmills & Gouda Cheese
 



This Rotterdam shore excursion to Kinderdijk windmills visits the UNESCO World Heritage windmill network, inscribed in 1997, then continues to the cheese town of Gouda for a guided walk and the Gouda Cheese Experience. Several windmills at Kinderdijk operate as museums you can tour inside. Private English speaking guide, pickup from the port in Rotterdam. 8 hours.

8 hours (private)
private excursion
driver guide
english speaking local
all group sizes
sedan to full size coach
››
port or hotel
pick up either location
  • Pick up from Port in Rotterdam
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • Private Vehicle with English Speaking Guide
  • Included - Kinderdijk Windmill Park, Gouda Cheese Experience
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number:
NROTT-03


Group Size (Prices in USD)*:
2 People - $776 Per Person
3 People - $620 Per Person
4 People - $476 Per Person
5 People - $396 Per Person
6 People - $336 Per Person
7 People - $294 Per Person



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TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Kinderdijk Windmills & Gouda Cheese

This Rotterdam day trip visits the Dutch countryside to see the famous windmills of Kinderdijk, then continues in the afternoon to the town of Gouda for the Gouda Cheese Experience.

After meeting your private guide, you drive the scenic road along the dike of the Lek River to the Kinderdijk windmills. Kinderdijk is one of the most visited Dutch heritage sites and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997. Several windmills here operate as museums where you can go inside and learn about Dutch traditions, and depending on the weather you may also take a short boat ride along the network. For many visitors, this site is a highlight of a trip to the Netherlands.

Later in the morning you head to the town of Gouda. Your guide leads a walking tour of the 17th century town center, including its historic city hall and church, with time to learn about local stroopwafels. There is also free time for lunch on your own.

In the afternoon you take part in the Gouda Cheese Experience, where you discover, feel, taste and learn everything about the world famous Gouda cheese, a real highlight for cheese lovers. At the end of the tour you are brought back to the port.

Mobility: NO wheelchairs

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Rotterdam Shore Excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Rotterdam tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.

Please note
  • Mobility: Due to uneven surfaces, steps, and walking distances, this itinerary is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs. Please contact us for alternative sightseeing options, including private driving tours that may better accommodate your needs.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from Port in Rotterdam
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • Private Vehicle with English Speaking Guide
  • Included - Kinderdijk Windmill Park, Gouda Cheese Experience

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

  • 1
    Meet guide and scenic drive to Windmills- 30 Minutes
  • 2
    Visit Kinderdijk Windmills- 2 Hours
  • 3
    Drive to Gouda- 1 Hour
  • 4
    1 Hours
    Free time for Lunch
  • 5
    1.5 Hours
    Guided visit of Gouda
  • 6
    1 Hour
    Gouda Cheese Experience
  • 7
    1 Hour
    Return to Rotterdam

Resources

Kinderdijk Official Site . Official ticketing and visitor info for the UNESCO listed windmill network. Official Website

Gouda Tourist Information . Official Gouda tourism site with info on the historic center and cheese market. Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included on the Kinderdijk Windmills and Gouda tour?
An 8 hour private shore excursion with an English speaking guide, entry to the Kinderdijk windmill site, a guided walking tour of Gouda, and the Gouda Cheese Experience.
Why are the Kinderdijk windmills a UNESCO site?
The network was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997 as an outstanding example of Dutch water management, with 19 windmills still in their historic setting.
Can we go inside the windmills?
Yes, a couple of the windmills at Kinderdijk operate as museums that you can enter, and a short boat ride along the site is often possible depending on weather.
What is the Gouda Cheese Experience?
An interactive stop in Gouda where you discover how the town's famous cheese is made, with the chance to feel, smell and taste different varieties.

Also Available:

›Rotterdam Highlights - For groups who want a shorter half day tour of Rotterdam's port city and famous Cube Houses.
›Delft and Beyond - Trade windmills and cheese for Royal Delft Pottery and a North Sea beach afternoon.

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›

Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
  • Meet guide and scenic drive to Windmills- 30 Minutes
  • Visit Kinderdijk Windmills- 2 Hours
  • Drive to Gouda- 1 Hour
  • Free time for Lunch - 1 Hours
  • Guided visit of Gouda - 1.5 Hours
  • Gouda Cheese Experience - 1 Hour
  • Return to Rotterdam - 1 Hour

Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 5 Write a review »

  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Rotterdam Thursday, June 11, 2026
Reviewer: Chuck M from Brooklyn, NY  
If you are looking at shore excursions not through your cruise line, I would highly recommend booking through Private Shore Trips. Steven Hurley arranged our private tour for our small group of 4. Maria our guide and driver met us on the pier as we exited the ship. She showed us to her very comfortable van where we began our tour. Maria gave us a great deal of information as she drove us around and made stops when we wanted.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Rotterdam Friday, May 15, 2026
Reviewer: Jane D from Oxford, Mississippi  
We like the private tours Our guide was on time, our van was very comfortableclean. We toured city the day before so we went straight for the country side. I would make sure you toured the city first. We visited cheese farms, the windmills and experienced the making of the wooden clogs. The open air Windmill Village Museum was very interesting.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Rotterdam Monday, September 15, 2025
Reviewer: Dennis & Patti M from Nevada City, CA  
Private Shore Trips was the highlight of our (12) day European land tours. They had the best guide with the best vehicle at the best prices. You just cant beat the combination. We would highly recommend it to anyone planning a tour.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Rotterdam Monday, September 8, 2025
Reviewer: Bonnie W from Roslyn, NY  
Thanks so much for all your help. Our guide was fabulous!

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Rotterdam Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Reviewer: Jennifer R from Austin, TX  
Thank you for reaching out. The tours were wonderful and both guides were excellent. We had to cut the Belgium tour short as I had the flu and didnt know it. Next time we visit, we will be coming when its warmer.   Thanks for all of your help!

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