After morning pickup in central Amsterdam, travel about 25 miles (40 km) north in a comfortable coach to your first stop in the historic village of Alkmaar where you watch the opening ceremonies of the cheese market upon arrival.

In the village you can observe Dutch market traditions. For example, cheese-carriers in traditional dress set out wheels of cheese in the cobblestone square. Buyers clap their hands to indicate which items they want. When a deal is made, men in white uniforms carry the purchase to a 14th-century Weigh House to tally the bill.

Enjoy about 1.5 hours in Alkmaar where you can explore at your leisure. Near the cheese market, you can browse shops that sell traditional foods and classic Dutch wares such as wooden shoes. You may want to check out Alkmaar's beautiful main church, the Sint Laurenskerk (aka Grote Kerk) as you take in the charming town.

Then continue another 40 minutes north to the Enclosing Dike (Afsluitdijk), a dam built in 1932 that transformed the South Sea (Zuiderzee) into a lake known as IJsselmeer. Learn from your guide about the monumental engineering feat, which measures 19 miles long (32km), 330 feet (100 meters) wide and stands 23 feet (7 meters) above sea level. The dam reclaimed farmland that had been underwater for centuries and has since become symbolic of low-lying Holland’s efforts to hold back the sea.

The dam’s arrival cut off the access for local fishermen to reach the sea, changing the area radically. However the old ways of the South Sea region are preserved at the nearby Zuiderzeemuseum. Hop on a boat for a short ride to the museum, then follow your guide on a tour of the indoor and outdoor exhibits. Inside you find history, photography and traditional costume displays, while the 15-acre (6.5-hectare) open-air section features authentic buildings from the region and demonstrations of traditional crafts.

When the museum closes, return to central Amsterdam where your tour ends.