1
introductory
Activities
  • guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 4 nights on a deluxe barge
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

5 Days

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: TLD

Trip highlights

  • Experience the spectacular spring displays of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths at Keukenhof
  • Cycle through classic Dutch countryside, coastal dunes and colourful spring landscapes
  • Discover historic Haarlem, Alkmaar and the traditional windmills of Zaanse Schans
  • Cruise the waterways of North Holland aboard your comfortable floating hotel

Experience the Netherlands in full spring colour on this memorable bike and barge adventure from Amsterdam. Cycle through a picture-perfect landscape of vibrant tulip fields, iconic windmills, peaceful canals and historic towns, returning each day to the comfort of your floating hotel. Discover the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens, where millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths create an unforgettable celebration of spring. Pedal through the coastal dunes of North Holland to the seaside village of Egmond and explore the charming canal towns of Haarlem and Alkmaar. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction, the beating heart of the Netherlands’ world-famous flower industry. Continue through the classic polder landscapes of North Holland, passing waterways, green pastures and traditional villages enroute to picturesque De Rijp and Zaanse Schans, famous for its working windmills, wooden houses and traditional Dutch crafts. Combining easy cycling, spectacular spring colours and some of Holland’s most iconic sights, this short bike and barge journey is the perfect way to experience the Netherlands at its colourful best.

Countries:

The Netherlands

Starting Point:

Amsterdam

Finishing Point:

Amsterdam

Carbon Footprint

101kg of CO2-e PP per day

(405kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Itinerary

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At 2:00pm, please check-in to the barge in Amsterdam. It is possible to bring your luggage on board from 11:00am. When all guests are on board, the boat will cruise to Haarlem via an historic lock. Upon arrival, a short test ride takes place, followed by dinner on board. Evening at leisure in Haarlem. This vibrant medieval city is known for its textiles, beer brewing and as a major centre for the Tulip trade. The barge will dock in Haarlem for two nights, allowing you time to explore the historical centre, with its Grote Markt (central square), St Bavo church and the Teylers and Frans Hals museums.

Meals:  D

Today is dedicated to one of the great highlights of a Dutch spring – the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens. Cycle through the countryside to this world-famous flower park, where magnificent displays of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and countless other spring flowers create an incredible patchwork of colour. Take time to wander through the gardens before returning by bike to Haarlem through quintessential Dutch landscapes.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we have an early morning visit (6.30am) by bus to the world’s biggest flower auction in Aalsmeer*. Millions of flowers are auctioned here and are instantly sent to all corners of the world. By 9.00am we will return to the barge for a late breakfast then make our way to Alkmaar, cycling through the North Holland Dune Reserve, a protected coastal landscape of dunes, grasses, and fresh sea air. Along the way, you may spot grazing cattle or wild ponies. A stop in the seaside town of Egmond offers time for a beachside coffee or a quick dip of your toes in the North Sea before continuing on to Alkmaar. The ship docks near the city centre, perfect for an evening stroll through its charming streets after dinner. * The Aalsmeer flower auction is closed on weekends and public holidays - please be aware that on some departure dates a visit to the flower auction is not possible. This is an optional visit.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final cycling day showcases some of the Netherlands' most iconic landscapes. Ride through the Schermer Polder, once dotted with dozens of windmills used to drain the surrounding land, before reaching the delightful village of De Rijp with its traditional wooden façades and historic centre. Continue to Zaanse Schans, an atmospheric open-air museum where working windmills, green-painted wooden houses and traditional crafts bring Dutch heritage to life. Visit one of the windmills and see traditional cheese and clog making before rejoining the barge. Cruise back to Amsterdam, where the remainder of the day is free to explore the city's canals, museums, shops and famous flower market.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast on board, your colourful spring journey through Holland comes to an end. Disembark in Amsterdam by 9:30am.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners (does not include drinks)
  • Continental breakfasts are served and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. At breakfast you will prepare your packed lunch for the day which will be sandwiches, fruit & juice. If you choose not to cycle on a particular day, the crew will serve lunch on board. Dinner will consist of three courses inclusive of either a pasta, vegetarian or meat dish.
  • 4 nights accommodation aboard a Deluxe category barge in a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Cabins are configured with two lower beds (supplement applies for premium twin or upper deck suite on select departures, or single cabin). We do not match clients together so if you are travelling solo you will need to book a single cabin (Magnifique III) or twin cabin for single use (limited and on a request basis)
  • 7 speed unisex trekking bike rental with handbrake, helmet, get seat, pannier and water bottle (electric bike; children's bikes; trailer bicycles; tandem bikes; front/rear child seats; available on request, limited supplies - supplement applies)
  • Cycling Map (1 per cabin) plus navigational App with GPS tracks
  • Two experienced multilingual tour guides for fully guided cycling tours (group sizes of 22 passengers or more), daily briefings
  • Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening
  • Entrance fee for Zaanse Schans museum (mill visit), Keukenhof and North-Holland Dune reserve
  • Linen and change of towels as required
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • Coffee and tea on board
  • Short city walking tours
  • WIFI
  • Fees for ferries per the itinerary
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Amsterdam
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Bike insurance. Optional bike insurance is available (Limitation of Liability for damage), fee applies, must be prepaid - ask our team
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single cabin
  • Entrance fees not listed as included. Allow EUR5 for flower auction in Aalsmeer. Price subject to change. Note: The Aalsmeer flower auction is closed during weekends and on public holidays. This is an optional visit.
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Optional transfers e.g. taxi Keukenhof-Kudelstaart (max 7 people), approx EUR70
  • Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian). A supplement is payable for example lactose or gluten free diets - EUR40pp paid locally on board. Vegan diets can be catered for on board Magnifique IV only - EUR58 is payable locally
  • Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend EUR 15-30 per person (to be distributed between the guide/s, captain and crew).
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information

Standard Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 7 speed trekking bike with hand brakes and lock. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear required for each day. Helmet rental is included.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or to allow less confident or fit cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capabilities.

Suitability

introductory

1

GRADE 1 - Daily cycling distances are from 10 to 57km/6 to 35mi. As with all of our cycling programs, wind and poor weather could make the trip grade change. Should you not wish to cycle there are walking options available or you are welcome to stay on board. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit a museum or enjoy the market places in many of the interesting towns visited. It is considered suitable for beginners and children, as long as they have road sense, are familiar with the workings of a bike (gear change etc) and are comfortable cycling alongside moving vehicles at times. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend a helmet is worn during cycle sections.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.