Varende Verhalen Boat Tours
Step aboard our charming tour boat and let us take you on a journey through the rich history of the Zaan region, passing beautiful historic Zaandam buildings along the way. Our guides share fascinating stories about the unique and special places of Zaandam. Guided themed tours, complete with stories and local history, are limited to a maximum of 10 guests. For tours without a guide, we can accommodate up to 11 people. Specific themed tours are also available by arrangement.
Booking Calendar
Boat Tours
Boat Tour of Architecture and History
Step aboard for an inspiring boat tour along the Zaan, showcasing its most beautiful façades and remarkable architecture. During the tour, a true architecture enthusiast will show you how people have built, lived and worked along the Zaan throughout the centuries.
While enjoying a cup of coffee or tea, you’ll cruise past historic warehouses, grand merchants’ houses, industrial monuments and modern architectural gems. You’ll discover the stories behind the façades: why they were built the way they were, what purpose they served and how they helped shape the character of the Zaan region.
Let yourself be taken on a journey past works of art and architecture from the past and present — from lost masterpieces to buildings that still proudly stand along the water. The perfect tour for lovers of architecture, history and the Zaan.
This tour is available by appointment only.
Cruise in the Footsteps of Monet
Step aboard for a unique boat tour along the places where Claude Monet painted in 1871. During this tour, we follow in his footsteps along the Zaan, using a map that shows the historic waterways and the locations where Monet is believed to have painted. kaart, waarop de oude lijnen en de vermoedelijke schilderposities zijn weergegeven.
Using reproductions of his paintings, we compare the views from Monet’s time with what you can see today. You’ll discover which elements of his work can still be recognised today. Along the way, our enthusiastic Monet expert on board will tell you about his life, his style and his time in the Netherlands.
What can you expect?
- A unique boat tour visiting the locations where Claude Monet created his famous paintings. Claude Monet zijn beroemde schilderijen maakte
- A map showing the historic waterways of the Zaan and the locations where Monet is believed to have painted.
- Comparisons between Monet’s paintings and the views as they appear today.
- Fascinating stories and insights into Monet and his time spent along the Zaan.
- An inspiring experience for art lovers and curious visitors alike.
Meeting point: Monet Atelier Zaandam, Westzijde 14G, 1506 EE Zaandam. No reservation is required. Board Varende Verhalen in the garden of the Monet Atelier.
Price
€17.50 per person
Includes a boat trip of approximately 25 minutes and admission to the studio.
Boarding dates 2026
- 20 September 2026 — from 12:00 to 17:00
- 10 October 2026 — from 12:00 to 17:00
Zaanse Flavours from the Water
Stap aan boord voor De Zaanse Smaken vanaf het WaterStep aboard for Zaanse Flavours from the Water, a delicious boat tour along the shores where food is still produced on a large scale today. The Zaan region is a vibrant centre of food production, from cocoa and biscuits to oils, spices, pasta and modern food products.
During this tour, an enthusiastic food expert will take you past the factories and warehouses where well-known products are made today. You’ll discover how these companies operate, what they produce and why the Zaan region is such a special place for food manufacturers.
Along the way, you’ll sample a selection of delicious treats that originated in the Zaan region — a wonderful way to experience the flavours of the area.
This tour is available by appointment only.
Varende Verhalen Package
Let Varende Verhalen organise your complete tour along the Zaan. Nothing is too much trouble: we can drop you off at a museum, studio, tasting experience or restaurant. We’ll arrange everything for you. Varende Verhalen. Niets is te gek: u kunt worden afgezet bij een museum, atelier, proeverij of restaurant, wij regelen het voor u.
Denk bijvoorbeeld aan een dag vol beleving: een bezoek aan het Monet atelier varen over de Zaan, genieten van een diner aan het water bij verrassing aan de Zaan en overnachten in het District HotelImagine a day filled with unforgettable experiences: a visit to the Monet Atelier, a boat trip along the Zaan, dinner by the water at Verrassing aan de Zaan, and an overnight stay at the District Hotel. This is just one of the many possibilities. Together, we’ll create an experience based on what you would most like to see and do.
Wilt u liever varen over de Zaan Would you rather cruise along the Zaan and then enjoy a wine tasting at Le Cokelon? We can arrange that too. Le Cokelon? Ook dat regelen wij.
The price of the package depends on the package you choose and the activities you would like to include.
Get in touch and we’ll create a unique day or weekend together — filled with art, culture, delicious food and the opportunity to enjoy the Zaan exactly the way you want. — vol kunst, cultuur, lekker eten en genieten van de Zaan zoals u dat wilt.
The Zaan Through Time
Stap aan boord voor een ontspannen tijdreis over de Zaan. Tijdens deze rondvaart varen we van de sluis naar de Zaanse Schans Step aboard for a relaxing journey through time along the Zaan. During this boat tour, we cruise from the lock to the Zaanse Schans and back, while you enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a delicious treat.
Along the way, we take you on a journey from the origins of the Zaan to the present day, with short stories and fascinating facts about the people, windmills and warehouses that make the Zaan so unique. No heavy history lessons, but a relaxed and engaging tour full of discoveries. ontstaan van de Zaan tot het heden, met korte verhaaltjes en leuke weetjes over de mensen, molens en pakhuizen die de Zaan zo uniek maken. Geen zware geschiedenislessen, maar een luchtige en boeiende tocht vol ontdekkingen.
Duur: Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours Perfect for: anyone who would like to discover more about the Zaan, its stories and its character in a relaxed way.
Perfect voor: iedereen die op een ontspannen manier meer wil weten over de Zaan, haar verhalen en haar karakter.
This tour runs with a minimum of 4 guests and can easily be booked online via our booking calendar.
Duration: approximately 1.5 hours — €32.50 per person