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Overview
We offer many Bike and Boat Tulip Tours, but this tour, a Bike and Sail experience, was just too unique to pass up.
As you sail across the Wadden Sea and Lake IJsselmeer, you will enjoy comfort and camaraderie on a beautiful, authentic sailing ship. You cycle a polder landscape crisscrossed with many quiet cycle tracks, showcasing the beauty and expanse of the North Sea beaches, the extremely bicycle-friendly Island of Texel, the small dreamlike farm villages, and romantic, picturesque harbor towns.
Not only will you visit the famous Keukenhof gardens, known for its hundreds of thousands of blooming tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other bulb flowers, but you will also bike through the lesser-known, and therefore less touristy, areas.
The North-Holland Dune reserve, wedged between the North Sea and the IJsselmeer, boasts the world’s single biggest flowering bulb field.
If you want a tour that is not your typical bike and boat experience, we invite you aboard for a tulip tour as unique as you are.
Highlights
- Amsterdam
- Incredible Dutch cycling infrastructure
- The province of North Holland, rich in agriculture and bulb fields
- Beauty and expanse of the North Sea beaches
- The island of Texel and its bike-friendly environment
- Quaint villages
- Romantic, picturesque harbor towns
- Lake IJsselmeer
- Full-day bus excursion to the famous Keukenhof gardens
- Authentic sailing experience
If this Tulip Tour is not quite your thing, we have other Tulip Tours. Read our Tripsite tulip tour guide! If you cannot travel in the spring, we have many bike & boat tours in Holland throughout the year!
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Itinerary
All distances are approximate. This sailing itinerary is subject to change due to weather or other navigational circumstances. Please see Remarks for more details regarding this sailing experience. All parts in Italics are covered on board the ship.
Day 1: Amsterdam - Zaandam
Day 2: Zaandam - Alkmaar, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 3: Alkmaar - Den Helder, 21 to 31 mi. (33 km to 50 km)
Day 4: Den Helder - Texel Island Roundtrip, 27 to 31 mi. (43 to 48 km)
Day 5: Texel - Enkhuizen | Relaxing Sailing Day on the IJsselmeer
Day 6: Enkhuizen - Hoorn - Volendam 20 mi. (28 km)
Day 7: Volendam - Keukenhof - Amsterdam | Tulip Garden Bus Excursion
Day 8: Disembarkation in AmsterdamDay 1: Arrival in Amsterdam – Cruise to Zaandam
Begin your bike and sail tulip tour in the heart of the Netherlands. Check-in is open from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Amsterdam, where your friendly crew will welcome you aboard with coffee and tea. At 2:30 p.m., the ship sets sail for Zaandam. While cruising, your tour leader will provide an overview of the upcoming cycling adventure, along with important safety instructions. In the late afternoon, enjoy an optional test ride to get familiar with your bike. After a delicious onboard dinner, take a guided walking tour through the charming historic center of Zaandam.Day 2: Zaandam - Alkmaar, 29 mi. (47 km)
After breakfast, cycle to the iconic Zaanse Schans, a living Dutch heritage village known for its working windmills, traditional wooden houses, and artisanal workshops. Explore the clog maker’s shop, cheese farm, old-style grocery store, and more. Your ride continues through the scenic villages of Limmen and Egmond-Binnen, passing vibrant tulip fields (in bloom during spring). Visit the Hortus Bulborum, a one-of-a-kind botanical garden preserving over 4,000 historical flower bulbs. End your ride in the historic city of Alkmaar, famous for its cheese markets and beautifully preserved 17th-century architecture.Day 3: Alkmaar - Den Helder, 21 or 31 mi. (33 km or 50 km)
Today’s cycling route leads north of Alkmaar through the heart of the Dutch tulip region. Enjoy stunning views of endless blooming fields as you ride toward the North Sea coast, stopping at the artsy village of Bergen. Continue through the protected landscapes of the North Holland Dune Reserve before reaching Den Helder, home to the world’s largest single blooming bulb field — a true springtime spectacle!Day 4: Den Helder - Texel Island, 27 to 31 mi. (43 to 48 km)
While you enjoy breakfast, your barge sails to Texel, the largest of the Dutch Wadden Islands. Choose between a shorter or longer cycling loop around this scenic island. Discover peaceful nature parks, charming villages, and blooming flower fields. Don’t miss a visit to Ecomare, a seal sanctuary and marine life center. End the day with a stop at a local brewery in Oudeschild for a refreshing Texel-brewed beer.Day 5: Texel - Enkhuizen | Relaxing Sailing Day on the IJsselmeer
Enjoy a relaxing sailing experience today as the ship crosses the IJsselmeer to Enkhuizen. Participate in hoisting the sails or simply unwind on deck while taking in the views. A generous lunch will be served on board. In the afternoon, explore Enkhuizen, a historic port town known for its maritime heritage, picturesque harbor, and centuries-old architecture. Dinner is on your own tonight giving you the opportunity to dine at one of the town’s excellent local restaurants.Day 6: Enkhuizen - Hoorn - Volendam, 20 mi. (28 km)
This morning, cruise to Hoorn, a 17th-century powerhouse of the Dutch East India Company. In the afternoon, cycle to Volendam, a postcard-perfect fishing village on Lake IJsselmeer. En route, stop in Edam, internationally renowned for its cheese. Once a vital shipbuilding town, Edam is now famous for its red or yellow waxed wheels of cheese that once accompanied sailors around the globe.Day 7: Volendam - Keukenhof - Amsterdam | Tulip Garden Bus Excursion
Today features a scenic bus excursion to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, the most iconic tulip garden in the Netherlands. Stroll through 80 acres filled with over 7 million blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other vibrant spring flowers. Enjoy traditional and modern landscaping at its finest. In the afternoon, return to Amsterdam, where you’ll spend your final night aboard the ship.Day 8: Disembarkation in Amsterdam
Enjoy your last breakfast on board before disembarking by 9:30 a.m. Depart with unforgettable memories of your tulip season bike and barge tour through the most beautiful parts of the Netherlands.Wapen Fan Fryslan & Leafde Fan Fryslan
Day 1: Amsterdam - Volendam
Day 2: Volendam - Hoorn, 15 mi. (24 km) | Hoorn - Enkhuizen
Day 3: Enkhuizen - Oudeschild | Sailing day
Day 4: Wadden Island of Texel Roundtrip, 29 mi. (43 km) or 26 mi. (48 km) | Oudeschild – Den Helder
Day 5: Den Helder - St. Maartensvlotbrug | St. Maartensvlotbrug - Alkmaar, 19 mi. (32 km) or 32 mi. (53 km)
Day 6: Alkmaar - Zaandam, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 7: Zaandam - Keukenhof - Amsterdam | Tulip Garden Bus Excursion
Day 8: Disembarkation in AmsterdamDay 1: Arrival in Amsterdam - Cruise to Volendam
Your tulip season bike and boat adventure begins in Amsterdam, where check-in aboard your ship is open from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. You’ll be warmly welcomed with coffee and tea by the crew. At 2:30 p.m., the barge departs for the traditional fishing village of Volendam. While cruising, your tour leader will introduce the itinerary and review essential cycling and safety information. Upon arrival in Volendam, enjoy a short optional test ride to get comfortable on your bike. After a hearty dinner on board, join your guide for a pleasant walk through the scenic harbor town, known for its colorful houses and historic charm along Lake IJsselmeer.Day 2: Volendam - Hoorn, 14 mi. (24 km) | Cruise to Enkhuizen
Today’s cycling route begins with a ride through the picturesque countryside to Edam, famous for its namesake cheese and maritime past. Once a bustling port and shipbuilding center, Edam became known for its cheese wheels that accompanied sailors around the world. Continue to Hoorn, a prominent 17th-century trading city of the Dutch East India Company. In the afternoon, rejoin the ship and cruise to Enkhuizen. Take time to explore this historic “herring city,” filled with maritime heritage, a charming harbor, and beautifully preserved architecture.Day 3: Enkhuizen - Oudeschild | Sailing day
Enjoy a full day of leisurely sailing across the IJsselmeer toward the island of Texel. Join the crew in hoisting sails or simply relax on deck and take in the views. A generous lunch will be served while underway. In the afternoon, arrive at Oudeschild, the harbor town on Texel, the largest of the Dutch Wadden Islands. This evening, dinner is on your own, offering a chance to explore Oudeschild and sample local cuisine at one of its restaurants.Day 4: Texel Island Loop, 26-29 mi. (43-48 km) | Oudeschild - Den Helder
Choose between a shorter or longer cycling route as you explore Texel. Pedal past flowering fields, through nature reserves, and along scenic bike paths. Stop by the Ecomare seal sanctuary, visit quaint island villages, and enjoy a tasting at a local brewery near Oudeschild. In the late afternoon, return to the ship and sail back to the mainland, docking in Den Helder for the night.Day 5: Den Helder - St. Maartensvlotbrug | St. Maartensvlotbrug - Alkmaar, 19 or 32 mi. (32 or 53 km)
Cycle through the northernmost region of North Holland, where the world’s largest single bulb flower field bursts into color in spring. Enjoy peaceful coastal landscapes and stroll along the sandy shores near the North Sea. Pass through the artistic village of Bergen before reaching Alkmaar, renowned for its cheese markets and historic town center. The ship awaits in this charming city, where narrow canals and 17th-century buildings create a truly Dutch atmosphere.Day 6: Alkmaar - Zaandam, 29 mi. (47 km)
Today’s scenic ride winds through the flower-lined villages of Egmond and Limmen, with a stop at the Hortus Bulborum, a unique garden preserving thousands of historical flower bulb varieties. Continue on to Zaanse Schans, a living museum featuring authentic windmills, traditional crafts, and Dutch heritage. Tour the clog workshop, cheese farm, and historical buildings before boarding your ship in Zaandam.Day 7: Zaandam - Keukenhof - Amsterdam | Tulip Garden Bus Excursion
Board a comfortable coach this morning for a full-day excursion to the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens. Wander through 80 acres of floral splendor, featuring over 7 million blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and more. Admire both traditional and innovative floral displays in one of the most iconic spring gardens in the world. In the afternoon, return to Amsterdam to enjoy your final night aboard the ship.Day 8: Disembarkation in Amsterdam
After your final breakfast on board, disembark by 9:30 a.m. with wonderful memories of your cycling and sailing journey through Holland’s most breathtaking spring landscapes.If you're looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike & boat tours or view all our featured trips, specials, & news.
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Map
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Boats & Bikes
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Leafde fan Fryslân
Deluxe Class Sailing Ship
As the only four-masted schooner in Dutch waters, this luxurious vessel blends timeless elegance with modern design for an unparalleled sailing experience. Read More
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Mare fan Fryslân
Standard Class Sailing Ship
The Mare fan Fryslân was built in 1960 as a freight ship and was then completely renovated in 2006 to be used as a beautiful, elegant, three-masted schooner. Get ready for an authentic sailing experience! Read More
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Wapen fan Fryslân
Standard Class Sailing Ship
In 1965, this sailing ship was launched as a freight ship and then in 2003 it was completely transformed into a sailing passenger ship. Today is the largest two-master schooner on the Dutch waterways. Read More
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights on an authentic sailing vessel
- 7 breakfasts
- 5 packed lunches
- 1 three-course lunch onboard
- 6 three-course dinners
- 1 packed picnic dinner
- Coffee & tea on board
- Welcome drink
- 7-speed Azor city touring bicycle equipped with Selle Royal saddle, integral frame lock, & a waterproof pannier bag
- Daily cleaning of the cabin
- Daily tour briefings
- Fully guided cycling tours
- Some short walking tours
- Full-day bus excursion including Keukenhof Gardens
- Maps & notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- Wi-Fi
What’s Not Included
- All beverages other than those mentioned
- Helmet rental
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
- Entrance fees & excursions not mentioned as included
- Fees for ferries
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
Mar 29Mar 29 (16 cabins left) Leafde fan Fryslân € 1415 Book Mar 29Mar 29 (16 cabins left) Leafde fan Fryslân € 1915 Book Apr 4Apr 4 (13 cabins left) Mare fan Fryslân € 1465 Book Apr 4Apr 4 (13 cabins left) Mare fan Fryslân € 2140 Book Apr 4Apr 4 (11 cabins left) Wapen fan Fryslân € 1465 Book Apr 4Apr 4 (11 cabins left) Wapen fan Fryslân € 2140 Book Apr 5Apr 5 (20 cabins left) Leafde fan Fryslân € 1415 Book Apr 5Apr 5 (20 cabins left) Leafde fan Fryslân € 1915 Book Apr 11Apr 11 (12 cabins left) Mare fan Fryslân € 1615 Book Apr 11Apr 11 (12 cabins left) Mare fan Fryslân € 2365 Book Apr 11Apr 11 Wapen fan Fryslân € 1615 Book Apr 11Apr 11 Wapen fan Fryslân € 2365 Book Apr 12Apr 12 (19 cabins left) Leafde fan Fryslân € 1515 Book Apr 12Apr 12 (19 cabins left) Leafde fan Fryslân € 2015 Book Apr 18Apr 18 (13 cabins left) Mare fan Fryslân € 1615 Book Apr 18Apr 18 (13 cabins left) Mare fan Fryslân € 2365 Book Apr 19Apr 19 (17 cabins left) Leafde fan Fryslân € 1515 Book Apr 19Apr 19 (17 cabins left) Leafde fan Fryslân € 2015 Book Apr 25Apr 25 (13 cabins left) Mare fan Fryslân € 1615 Book Apr 25Apr 25 (13 cabins left) Mare fan Fryslân € 2365 Book Apr 26Apr 26 (18 cabins left) Leafde fan Fryslân € 1515 Book Apr 26Apr 26 (18 cabins left) Leafde fan Fryslân € 2015 Book May 2May 2 (13 cabins left) Mare fan Fryslân € 1615 Book May 2May 2 (13 cabins left) Mare fan Fryslân € 2365 Book Pricing details and extra options
- Season B 2026 Mar 29, Apr 5 from € 14152026 departures: Mar 29, Apr 5
2026 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Small twin - lower deck € 1415 Twin cabin - lower deck € 1615 Junior suite € 1815 Suite - upper deck € 2215 Single occupancy Price Single cabin (max. 2 ) € 1915 Twin for single-use € 2365 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21 speed Included Electric bike rental € 161 Helmet rental € 10 - Season C 2026 Apr 12, 19, 26 from € 15152026 departures: Apr 12, 19, 26
2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Small twin - lower deck € 1515 Twin cabin - lower deck € 1715 Junior suite € 1915 Suite - upper deck € 2315 Single occupancy Price Single cabin (max. 2 ) € 2015 Twin for single-use € 2515 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21 speed Included Electric bike rental € 161 Helmet rental € 10
- Season A 2026 Apr 4 from € 14652026 departures: Apr 4
2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin € 1465 Junior suite € 1665 Single occupancy Price Twin for single-use € 2140 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21 speed Included Electric bike € 161 Helmet rental € 10 - Season B 2026 Apr 11, 18, 25; May 2 from € 16152026 departures: Apr 11, 18, 25; May 2
2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin € 1615 Junior suite € 1815 Single occupancy Price Twin for single-use € 2365 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21 speed Included Electric bike € 161 Helmet rental € 10
- Season A 2026 Apr 4 from € 14652026 departures: Apr 4
2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin € 1465 Single occupancy Price Twin for single-use € 2140 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21 speed Included Electric bike € 161 Helmet rental € 10 - Season B 2026 Apr 11 from € 16152026 departures: Apr 11
2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin € 1615 Single occupancy Price Twin for single-use € 2365 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21 speed Included Electric bike € 161 Helmet rental € 10
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Season B 2026 Mar 29, Apr 5 from € 1415
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This tour is an easy, guided, authentic sailing and biking experience. Your average daily distance will be approximately 25 miles. Holland is the ultimate cycling country as the entire country is crisscrossed with multiple National Cycling Routes, as well as local routes. During the days when two different options are possible, the group along with the tour leader will decide which route the entire group will cycle. Not all mentioned highlights will be visited during the short bike option.
You can also choose to cycle self-guided with the help of a map and route notes (available onboard). GPS tracks will be sent to you approximately 4 weeks before the start date of the tour. If you prefer a day of rest, you can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next town.Airport Info
Fly to Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS).
Local Travel
The Amsterdam Schiphol train station is located directly below the airport. You may buy train tickets at the ticket kiosks. Additionally, customer service desks are situated close to the red and white checkered cube at Schiphol Plaza. Staff at the desk will also be able to provide you with train departure information and general information on traveling by train in Holland. Train travel from the airport to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans is just over 1/2 hour but does require a transfer in Amsterdam Sloterdijk. Trains depart regularly throughout the day. Please be sure to underscore when purchasing your ticket that you want to travel only by train as some departures require bus travel. Price for a ticket is approx. €6. For tours beginning in Amsterdam, from AMS airport, it is just a short train ride to Amsterdam Central Train Station, close to the center where the ship is moored. There is a direct train that leaves 6 times per hour from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station. It takes about 16 minutes. The price for a train ticket Schiphol-Amsterdam Central is € 4,20 per person for a single journey. Sometimes the mooring location is within walking distance or only a short taxi ride away. In your final travel information, we will also provide details regarding public transportation if necessary.
Climate
The Dutch have a saying “April doet wat hij wil”. It means that April does whatever it wishes to do. Keep this in mind as you pack for your cycling holiday. Though cooler in April, the sun does shine on average 177 hours. Average high temperature is 55° F (12.8° C) and average low is 38° F (3.3° C). April is normally the driest month of the year but that does not mean it does not rain. Average rainfall is 1.8 inches (47 mm). Rain showers are common and frequent but not long. Plan to dress in layers!
Day of Rest
Any day may be designated a day of rest by remaining on board and enjoying the sailing experience. Certain days are set aside for excursion to Keukenhof and sailing. Please reference the detailed day to day itinerary on the corresponding ship.
Remarks
Due to the nature of a Bike and Sail tour, there is always a bit of adventure thrown into the mix. The planned daily sailing routes partially depend on the strength and direction of the winds. The skipper decides day by day the best route and discusses the options with everyone. The crew does whatever it can to run the program according to plan and to offer you a fascinating, varied, and active week, in which nature and culture play a major part. It is, however, possible that departure times and the time spent on the water – and even the order of the program itself – may have to be adjusted. So, enjoy the ride and let yourself be led by the elements!
Whenever possible, various passages will be undertaken fully rigged. Anyone who would like to help the crew sail and steer the boat is welcome to do so. Sailing experience is not necessary.Important to know
Travel documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have proper identification. For US citizens, the U.S. Passports & International Travel website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. It is important to research before you travel as airlines will not permit boarding if you do not have the required valid documents.
We recommend that you make copies of your important documents and papers (insurance cards, etc.). Leave a copy at home and have a copy with you. In the unfortunate situation that you lose your original documents, having copies facilitates the replacement process.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Ride With GPS
For those who want to cycle self-guided, or are interested in having the route on your personal smart device, Ride With GPS is an app that you can download for free on your mobile phone. This option is in addition to traditional printed route notes and printed maps. Once the app is installed, you can then download tour maps and daily itineraries directly to your smartphone. You will be able to use voice navigation on all the routes and access your tour content anytime, all from your phone. In your final travel information, you will find the code you can use to access your specific tour.
Carbon offset
This tour is carbon neutral. To offset emissions that can't yet be reduced by any other means, carbon credits are purchased through the organization Justdiggit. Their mission is to cool down the planet by regreening Africa through rainwater harvesting, tree restoration, and the development of grass seed banks.
Extra Stay
Would you like to extend your stay in Amsterdam or elsewhere in Holland? We advise Booking.com for researching and reserving your extra nights. You can read a detailed description of the hotels offered including a clear listing of amenities, customer reviews, and ratings.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Boat Bike Tours.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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