| Tour | Bike+Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Guided |
| Skill | Easy |
| Length | 8 days |
| From | €900 Rates |
| Client Reviews |
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Skill Level
Easy, guided tour with variable cycling distances per day in and around interesting cities and towns.
Tour Boats
Day-To-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Amsterdam, sailing to Uithoorn, cycling Around Uithoorn
Day 2: Uithoorn - Gouda, 28 miles (45 km)
Day 3: Gouda - Delft, 25 miles (40 km)
Day 4: Delft - via Katwijk - Leiden, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Leiden, visit to Keukenhof by public transportation
Day 6: Leiden - via flower bulb fields to Haarlem, 23 miles (37 km)
Day 7: Haarlem - Amsterdam, 25 miles (40 km)
Day 8: Amsterdam, disembark at 10 AM
*All distances are approximate. The above planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.
Day 1: Amsterdam, sailing to Uithoorn, cycling Around Uithoorn
You are expected on board on Saturday by 2 PM at the latest. The barge needs to leave the mooring place in Amsterdam at 2:15 PM. It is very important you are on time. The barge can’t wait due the opening hours of bridges and/or locks.
During dinner on board, the weekly program is discussed. After dinner, you will have a short bike tour around Uithoorn.
Day 2: Vianen - Gouda, 25 mi. (40 km)
From Vianen, the cycle route goes along the Lek River to Schoonhoven, a town with a rich history in the traditional craft of silversmithing. After leaving Schoonhoven, the route continues along the river "de Vlist" to Gouda. Do not just think of cheese, however, when you think of Gouda, but also of pipes, treacle waffles, earthenware, stained glass windows, a picturesque town hall and romantic canals. Gouda is an old Dutch town with a virtually intact town center. The 123-meter long St. Janskerk (St. John's Church) with its world-famous stained-glass windows, the fabulous Gothic Town Hall, and the Waag (Weigh House) are well worth a visit in Gouda!
Day 3: Gouda, cycling to Kinderdijk, 25 miles (40 km), sailing via Rotterdam to Delft
From Gouda you cycle past scenic polders via Kinderdijk to Rotterdam. Kinderdijk has the largest group of windmills in the Netherlands. The windmills at Kinderdijk were still actively used until 1950. These days, a large pumping station is responsible for controlling the water level in the polder.
In Rotterdam you embark and from there the ship takes you to Delft, famous for its pottery, the 'Delft blue'. The painter Johannes Vermeer has made the town famous, but it is also known as the town of William of Orange, who lies buried in the Nieuwe Kerk. In 1572, William of Orange chose St. Agatha's monastery as one of his residences. Today it is the Prinsenhof Museum. It was from here that he led the revolt against the Spanish tyranny of Holland. He was murdered on the steps of the Prinsenhof on July 10, 1584, by Balthazar Gerards, a Spanish sympathizer. Two bullet holes in the wall of the stairs bear witness to this event. Some other attractions in Delft are the Botanical Gardens, and the Tabaks Historisch Museum (Tobacco Historical Museum). The Botanical Gardens are an oasis of peace, color, scent and silence, with various walking routes providing opportunity to take in the spectacular and varied plant life.
Day 4: Delft - via Katwijk - Leiden, 25 mi. (40 km)
From Delft, you will cycle Holland in the direction of The Hague, through the Haagse Bosch, a large park, and past the Royal Huis ten Bosch Palace. A tranquil cycle path through the dunes leads you to Wassenaarse Slag. Here, some remains of the Atlantikwall can still be seen. The Atlantic Wall was an extensive system of coastal fortifications built by the German Third Reich in 1942 until 1944 during World War II along the western coast of Europe to defend against an anticipated Allied invasion of the mainland from Great Britain. Five bunkers are connected by nearly 3,000-foot long brick tunnels. Now this underground network serves as a bat reserve! It was nearly 1,700 miles long. This defense line, which was never completed, not only consisted of bunkers, but also of canons and mine fields. At some places the bunkers are still there, such as in Zandvoort, Scheveningen, Oostende (Belgium) and Normandy (France).
Continuing on through the dunes, to Katwijk aan Zee, an old fishing village (the inhabitants still speak their own dialect called Kattuks), you will follow the course of the Oude Rijn (Old Rhine) ending in Leiden. Leiden originated around 800 AD as a marketplace at the confluence of the Old and New Rhine rivers, the Vliet river and the Mare (‘Leyten’ means ‘at the waters’). For a long time, it was the second city after Amsterdam. It was the center of the textile industry in Medieval times. A well-known episode from the history of Leiden is the siege of 1574 by the Spanish. These were finally driven away after dikes had been broken through and a Watergeuzen (see Rotterdam) fleet had come to help. Leiden is the birthplace of Rembrandt (van Rijn!). It boasts 14 museums, including the Rijksmuseum for Anthropology with many priceless foreign objects, the Municipal Museum (Lakenhal, 1640) including works by Dou, Steen, Rembrandt and Van Goyen, the Rijksmuseum of Antiquities with Egyptian antiquities. The Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Garden), a 400-year-old garden with innumerable exotic plants and trees, is certainly worth seeing. In the center of town, you can go shopping or enjoy sitting on an outdoor terrace on the water’s edge.
Day 5: Leiden, visit to Keukenhof by public transportation
Today you visit the Keukenhof gardens, the most beautiful spring park in the world. The Keukenhof is the place where the spring breaks. In the Keukenhof various gardens and gardening styles can be found: the English Landscape Garden, the Historical Garden, the Natural Garden, the Japanese Natural Garden, the Formal Garden and three special colors gardens. Spread throughout the entire park there are approximately eighty sculptures from well-known Dutch artists as well as several other art objects, such as the collection 'Surprising Tulips'.
Day 6: Leiden - via flower bulb fields to Haarlem, 23 miles (37 km)
From Leiden, you cycle through wonderful flower beds in the direction of Haarlem. In the period of March to May the bulb fields are blooming, starting with daffodils and followed by hyacinths, tulips, and lilies. Once in the city of Haarlem, you make a short tour through the city to see some typical 'hofjes' (almshouses), old houses around a central courtyard, now usually housing elderly people. These 'hofjes ' are definitely worth a visit. Haarlem, which rendered its name to Harlem, New York, is a lively city with good shopping possibilities. The ship is berthed in the city center, with a view of St. Bavo's Church and with easy access to the Grote Markt with its many outdoor cafés.
Day 7: Haarlem - Amsterdam, 25 mi. (40 km)
From Haarlem, you sail to Spaarndam, a picturesque village on the edge of Haarlem, in the direction of Amsterdam. Spaarndam’s name comes from the dam built in the Spaarne river to limit the danger of flooding from the sea. Here you can find the statue of Hansje Brinker on the IJdijk. Hansje is a character from an American novel, who saved the country from flooding by putting his finger in the dike. The Buitenhuizen ferry takes you across the North Sea Canal and from there you cycle to the Zaanse Schans. The Zaanse Schans, with its traditional weatherboard houses, warehouses and windmills may give you the feeling of stepping back into the 17th or 18th century. Yet this is no open air museum, but a lively neighborhood where people live and work. Among other things a cheese farm, a clog maker and an old bakery can be visited here.
Day 8: Individual departure from Amsterdam
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Pricing Information
Wending
Twin cabin: $ 1509 £ 881 $ 1,509 € 1050 $ 1610 kr 8625 kr 8625 CHF 1150 $ 1,208 Triple cabin: $ 1430 £ 835 $ 1,430 € 995 $ 1526 kr 8173 kr 8173 CHF 1090 $ 1,144 Twin cabin/single use: $ 1797 £ 1049 $ 1,797 € 1250 $ 1917 kr 10268 kr 10268 CHF 1369 $ 1,438
Liza Marleen
Regular twin: $ 1588 £ 928 $ 1,588 € 1105 $ 1694 kr 9077 kr 9077 CHF 1210 $ 1,271 Large twin: $ 1675 £ 978 $ 1,675 € 1165 $ 1786 kr 9570 kr 9570 CHF 1276 $ 1,340 Twin cabin/single use: $ 1739 £ 1016 $ 1,739 € 1210 $ 1855 kr 9939 kr 9939 CHF 1325 $ 1,392 Triple cabin: $ 1502 £ 877 $ 1,502 € 1045 $ 1602 kr 8584 kr 8584 CHF 1145 $ 1,202
Anna Antal
Comfort twin cabin (low beds): $ 1509 £ 881 $ 1,509 € 1050 $ 1610 kr 8625 kr 8625 CHF 1150 $ 1,208 Bunk bed cabin: $ 1294 £ 755 $ 1,294 € 900 $ 1380 kr 7393 kr 7393 CHF 986 $ 1,035 Bunk bed cabin for single use: $ 1653 £ 965 $ 1,653 € 1150 $ 1763 kr 9446 kr 9446 CHF 1260 $ 1,323
extra options
Electric bicycle rental: $ 93 £ 55 $ 93 € 65 $ 100 kr 534 kr 534 CHF 71 $ 75
Helmet rental (must be reserved at the time of booking): $ 14 £ 8 $ 14 € 10 $ 15 kr 82 kr 82 CHF 11 $ 12
Entrance fees to museums (approximate): $ 22 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 $ 23 kr 123 kr 123 CHF 16 $ 17
Bike maps for self-guided option (price includes three maps): $ 27 £ 16 $ 27 € 19 $ 29 kr 156 kr 156 CHF 21 $ 22
Extra night in Amsterdam: please contact us
Discounts available for children. Ask us for details.
please note
Please note: Pricing is based on fuel costs as of July 2015. If the fuel cost increase 5%, additional fees may apply (even for reservations already booked).
Rates are based on double occupancy.
Information to read before you book.
Travel Details
Travel
Fly to Amsterdam.
Local Travel
Arrival in Amsterdam, short train ride to Amsterdam center where you board the boat at 2 PM.
Climate
Check local weather conditions prior to departure. Always bring full rain gear. The average high/low temperature in °F is approx. 48/37 for March, 53/40 April, 61/46 May, 66/52 June, 69/55 July, 70/55 August, and 64/51 September.
Remarks
Please be aware that you will be part of an international group of people, but your tour guide and crew members will always speak English.
Tour Operator
This tour is operated by Cycletours. We do not run these tours ourselves, we never have. We work from the commission the European tour operators offer us plus a small administration fee of €20. We pride ourselves on the strong working relationship we have with all our tour operators and the services we provide.
Holland Southern Tulip Tour Boats + Barges
Liza Marleen Comfort Class Boat The Liza Marleen is a luxury motor passenger barge that was completely refurbished in 1998. This robust barge is ideally suited for trips on the wider waterways. It has a beautiful salon area and spacious deck.
Sailing Home Netherlands, Belgium Comfort Plus Class Boat Built in 2001, the Sailing Home was designed specifically to provide a more attractive hotel ship during your carefree vacation. It was built to meet the latest wishes and ideas with respect to comfort and service. The experience of a lifetime: cycling through the most beautiful spots within the Netherlands while residing on a very comfortable, newly built and well-furnished ship.
Wending Netherlands Comfort Class Boat The Wending is a former freight barge that was converted into a luxury passenger motor barge in the early nineties and completely redecorated in 2002. The barge has a spacious salon equipped with a television and music installation. It is a great place to relax after a strenuous day of cycling.
see also
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|---|---|
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| Length | 8 days |
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Dutch Highlights Tulip Tour Netherlands Daily from April 1 to September 30, 2016 This bike tour in the Netherlands also focuses on the country’s world-famous tulip fields, which display all colors of the rainbow. Cycling Holland through …
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Tulip Tour - 4 Day Netherlands On the Standard Plus boats: Tijdgeest: April 8, … When the sun rises during Spring in the Netherlands, millions of eager bulbs also rise for the occasion. Acres upon endless acres of the most brilliantly …
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Tulip Tour - 7 day Netherlands 2017 DatesApril 1 and April 8, 2017 The tulip has come to be a respected and treasured symbol in Holland and this seven-day tour lets you experience them in all of their glory! The flower …
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Northern Tour Netherlands 2016 Dates:On the Comfort Plus boats: Angela … The peninsula making up the province of North Holland is the focus of this bike and boat tour which begins in Amsterdam with its abundant attractions. …
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Holland in a Nutshell - a Tulip Tour Netherlands Daily from April 1 to September 30, 2016 This tour will show you everything Holland is famous for - in just one week. You will see wonderful windmills in the west and will smell the surprising scent …
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Customer Feedback
S. Breaugh 4 months ago
Overall I really enjoyed our trip. However, our guide Piet left a lot to be desired. He got us from the boat and back each day but that was about it. We had very few stops during the day for water breaks or photos. He did not provide any "tour guide" type of information like history or pointing anything out of interest, or even a clear idea of the details of the following day. While we got to all the towns on the itinerary, everything was pretty much closed after dinner so we couldn't do any sightseeing in towns on our own. The guide on our sister ship "Liza Marleen" did much more with her group.
On the plus side, the barge Sailing Home was excellent and the crew was great - very friendly and helpful. Our chef Markus was amazing.
I had an electric bike and I loved it. It made the trip much easier and enjoyable. Highly recommend it for inexperienced bikers.
Boat: Sailing Home
Reply
B. Dewey-Kirschman 4 months ago
The tour was wonderful! We had clear weather the entire week and a great group of people to ride with. The "Sailing Home" really was comfort plus, with an attentive and helpful staff.
Boat: Sailing Home
Reply
P. Cass 4 months ago
Everything exceeded our expectations. Crew made us feel like family, food was excellent and tour was perfect including the weather and the tulips.
Boat: Liza Marleen
Reply
S. Eitnier 4 months ago
Great trip.
Boat: Wending
Reply
M. Dries 4 months ago
Although we had a week of rain and cool temperatures, the attitude and spirit of all on the boat was upbeat and lively. We biked in all kinds of conditions and still had a great time. Our guide was informative and accommodating. The scenery was beautiful from one location to the other and the food on the barge was top notch and delicious. I thoroughly enjoy the whole trip from start to finish.
Boat: Wending
Reply
C. Sheeran 5 months ago
Loved it all! Wonderful staff, wonderful route, wonderful fellow passengers, wonderful guide! We could not have asked for anything more except less wind as we rode through the windmill area into a very strong headwind! Hardest day's riding we've ever done! But hey, this is Holland renowned for "wind"mills!! Keukenhof was amazing, everyone should visit this place once in their lifetime!
Boat: Sailing Home
Reply
Jill Crair 4 years ago
Here it is almost 3 months following our trip and I'm just getting around to writing how wonderful everything was. It exceeded our expectations (which were high to begin with). To refresh your memory,we were the Nisky Riders.Our focus of the trip were the flower fields in the Netherlands and they were spectacular. We were on the Zwaan's maiden voyage for 2012 and loved the entire experience of being on the barge. The crew were very endearing, food was delicious (Dorus, the cook, had us hooked on the first dinner). We were accommodated beautifully. I have a gluten allergy and they took great care of me.
A group of friends is currently on the Brugge to Amsterdam ride and LOVING it.
We are exploring your site for our 2013 ride, we would like to plan something for late spring or early summer. So I will be in touch in the near future.
It all started with you and our experience with you sealed the deal. You added a personal quality that is much appreciated.
Boat: Sailing Home
Reply
Maureen Kulak 5 years ago
My husband and I took this trip in the Fall. We are seniors and would recommend this trip. This is the third trip we have made with this organization and they do a wonderful job. Company, food, service was great!
Boat: Liza Marleen
Reply
Linda Hilliard 5 years ago
My husband and I had talked for several years about taking this tour but didn't go until April 9th, 2011, on the Zwaan, with Ilya and Maria. This was the first tour of the season - we were afraid that the flowers would not be out - surprise! We saw jonquils, hyacinths, tulips and more. Had we been later the hyacinths and jonquils would have been gone. Hennie told us that it varies from year to year, so we were so fortunate.
The weather was great except for one windy and chilly day. Our tour guide, Albert, adapted the ride to the level of the riders yet still taking us to the important places and showing us the best of the countryside. Our hosts could not have been more hospitable, making all of the participants feel more welcome than just paying customers. We even had a last-minute gourmet chef! And we got to help welcome the new dog on board - all the guests were dog lovers and were delighted to meet him. We recommend this trip to anyone who likes an active vacation in a beautiful setting with good food and company with similar interests.
L. Hilliard
Boat: Liza Marleen
Reply
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