Holland’s UNESCO Highlights

Day 1: Amsterdam to Hoorn
Day 2: Hoorn to (Medemblik) to Enkhuizen, 18 or 23 mi. (30 or 37 km)
Day 3: Enkhuizen to Lemmer | Lemmer to Sneek, 22 or 31 mi. (35 or 50 km)
Day 4: Sneek to Franeker, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 5: Franeker to Harlingen | Harlingen to Kornwerderzand, 14 or 21 mi. (23 or 35 km) | Kornwerderzand to Den Helder
Day 6: Den Helder to St. Maartensvlotbrug | St. Maartensvlotbrug to Alkmaar, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Alkmaar to Wormerveer | Wormerveer to Zaanse Schans to Amsterdam, 23 or 29 mi. (38 or 47 km)
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam

Day 1: Amsterdam – Hoorn
Check in during the afternoon in Amsterdam. After meeting the crew and receiving a safety briefing, the ship departs through the Amsterdam locks and crosses the IJsselmeer, the largest freshwater lake in the Netherlands. Relax as you cruise toward Hoorn, a historic trading town with strong ties to the Dutch East India Company. Arrival is followed by a welcome dinner on board.

Day 2: Hoorn – (Medemblik) – Enkhuizen, 18 or 23 mi. (30 or 37 km)
After a bike fitting, begin cycling through the quiet countryside of North Holland. Choose between a shorter route or a longer route via Medemblik, an attractive trading town on the IJsselmeer. Continue to Enkhuizen, known for its maritime heritage and beautifully preserved center.

Day 3: Enkhuizen – Lemmer | Lemmer – Sneek, 22 or 31 mi. (35 or 50 km)
Cross the IJsselmeer by ship into Friesland, a region full of waterways and cultural traditions. Begin cycling at the UNESCO-listed Woudagemaal, the world’s largest functioning steam pumping station. Ride through peaceful landscapes toward Sneek, a lively town recognized for its sailing history and Water Gate. Dinner is at leisure in town this evening.

Day 4: Sneek – Franeker, 27 mi. (43 km)
Cycle through Friesland’s open fields and small villages to reach Franeker. Here you can visit the Eise Eisinga Planetarium, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the world’s oldest functioning mechanical model of the solar system, built in an 18th-century canal house.

Day 5: Franeker – Harlingen | Harlingen – Kornwerderzand, 14 or 21 mi. (23 or 35 km) | Kornwerderzand – Den Helder
In the morning, sail to Harlingen, a historic harbor town, and take a short guided walk. Continue cycling along the coastline to Kornwerderzand on the Afsluitdijk, an iconic Dutch engineering structure. Visit the Wadden Sea Experience Center and enjoy views of the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea tidal ecosystem. Afterward, continue by ship to Den Helder.

Day 6: Den Helder – St. Maartensvlotbrug | St. Maartensvlotbrug – Alkmaar, 28 mi. (45 km)
Begin the day with a short sailing section, then cycle through the North Holland Dune Reserve, an area of shifting dunes, quiet forests, and coastal scenery. Pass through small villages before reaching Alkmaar, known for its historic center and cheese market traditions.

Day 7: Alkmaar – Wormerveer | Wormerveer – Zaanse Schans – Amsterdam, 23 or 29 mi. (38 or 47 km)
While enjoying breakfast, the ship sails along the North Holland Canal. Cycle through the Beemster Polder, a UNESCO-listed reclaimed landscape, and continue to Zaanse Schans, where traditional windmills and green-timbered houses line the riverbank. Return to Amsterdam and end the day with an evening canal cruise through the UNESCO-protected canal district.

Day 8: Amsterdam
After breakfast, disembark and say farewell to the crew and fellow travelers.

• Magnifique II

  Deluxe

  ?

  4.9 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

  View Boat

  Deluxe Class Barge

  Unisex City Bike

  Hybrid Azor (or similar brand/model) • Low-entry (step-through frame) • Lightweight aluminum … • High handlebars and upright riding position … • Handbrakes … • Shimano 7-speed Nexus drive … • Chain… Read More

  Unisex City Electric Bike

  Azor (or similar brand/model) • Low-entry (step-through frame) • Lightweight aluminum … • High handlebars and upright riding position … • Nexus 7 gears … • Hand brakes … • Shimano motor (400 WH)… Read More

  In 2016, we saw the launch of a new premium barge, the Magnifique II, to wonderful reviews. The ship boasts a classical style with an emphasis on superior comfort. This ship has earned the deluxe designation! Read More