I picked up a flyer at a cafe in Amsterdam Central Station advertising a small group tour of Zaanse Schans, Volendan and Marken lasting 5 hours. Sensing something new and different we took a punt and were not disappointed. The sole operator and owner, Apostolis, drove us and another two clients in his van through some wonderful waterlands landscape and postcard towns while entertaining us with his commentary about the local history and people. The benefits of such personalised service are very evident when we witness bus loads of people visiting some of these delightful places.