Holland’s UNESCO Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam | Amsterdam - Hoorn
Day 2: Hoorn - Enkhuizen, 18 or 23 mi (30 or 37 km)
Day 3: Enkhuizen - Sneek, 22 or 31 mi (35 or 50 km)
Day 4: Sneek - Franeker, 27 mi (43 km)
Day 5: Franeker - Harlingen - Kornwerderzand - Den Helder, 14 or 21 mi (23 or 35 km)
Day 6: Den Helder - Alkmaar, 28 mi (45 km)
Day 7: Alkmaar - Amsterdam, 23 or 29 mi (38 or 47 km)
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam | Amsterdam - Hoorn
Check in aboard the deluxe sailing vessel, the Magnifique II, in the afternoon. Acquaint yourself with your sailing quarters and meet the crew before your boat begins to wind its way through the famous locks of Amsterdam. Unwind in the beautiful lounge as you sail to Hoorn, crossing Holland's largest freshwater lake - Lake IJsselmeer - along the way. Upon reaching the historic trading town of Hoorn, enjoy a welcome dinner on board. Hoorn's medieval port was once the linchpin of world trade, linking continents and boasting an impressively large fleet. These days, museums, restaurants, and stylish shops add to the town's attractions.

Day 2: Hoorn - (Medemblik) - Enkhuizen, 18 or 23 mi. (30 or 37 km)
After being fitted for your bicycle this morning, you'll pedal along quiet paths through the rural heartlands of North Holland. Whether you take the longer or shorter route is always up to you - both offer a tranquil day's riding. If you decide on the longer route, you'll weave your way to Medemblik, a trading town on the shores of Lake IJsselmeer, before joining the rest of the group in Enkhuizen, a well-preserved gem with rich maritime heritage and a historic center.

Day 3: Enkhuizen - Lemmer - Sneek, 22 or 31 mi. (35 or 50 km)
This morning, the Magnifique II sails over Lake IJsselmeer into the province of Friesland - a Dutch region defined by its waterways and lakes. Arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Woudagemaal, the world's largest still-operational steam-pumped power station. From here, your bicycle tour takes you to the lively town of Sneek via Friesland's labyrinth of green waterways. Once in Sneek, explore this sailing town famous for its Water Gate before dining out at one of its gorgeous restaurants (dinner is not served onboard tonight).

Day 4: Sneek - Franeker, 27 mi. (43 km)
Bike through Friesland's calming, cattle-dotted landscapes as you cycle from Sneek to Franeker, where another UNESCO World Heritage Site awaits your discovery. The fascinating Eise Eisinga Planetarium houses an incredible scale model of the solar system from the 18th century that's still mechanically functional, making it the world's oldest working orrery.

Day 5: Franeker - Harlingen - Kornwerderzand - Den Helder, 14 or 21 mi. (23 or 35 km)
This morning, your bike and boat tour sees you sailing to Harlingen, a historic harbor town with great seafaring heritage. Relax on a guided walking tour of this charming town before hopping back on your bicycle for a coastal ride to Kornwerderzand on the Afsluitdijk (a Dutch engineering marvel). Here, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea, renowned for its unique tidal ecosystem, is celebrated in the Wadden Sea Experience Center. Having delved into the unique heritage of the region, you'll reboard the Magnifique II to sail to Den Helder.

Day 6: Den Helder - St. Maartensvlotbrug - Alkmaar, 28 mi. (45 km)
The morning begins with a serene sail to St. Maartensvlotbrug, where you'll hop back on your bike to discover the sandy landscapes of the North Holland Dune Reserve. Cycle through a protected coastal landscape of shifting sand dunes, tranquil forests, and expansive sea vistas. As you ride, you'll pass through charming Dutch villages before reaching the historic city of Alkmaar. Nicknamed the 'Cheese Capital of the Netherlands', Alkmaar is known for its narrow streets, traditional facades, and typical Dutch canals and bridges.

Day 7: Alkmaar - Wormerveer - Zaanse Schans - Amsterdam, 23 or 29 mi. (38 or 47 km)
This morning, enjoy breakfast as the scenery of the North Holland Canal drifts serenely past the window. Today, you'll explore three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - first, your bike tour takes you through the beautiful fields of the Beemster Polder, one of the oldest reclaimed landscapes in the Netherlands. Then, you'll visit one of the most iconic sights in Holland - the magnificent Zaanse Schans windmills. This living village of functional windmills and traditional Dutch green-timbered buildings is sure to provide you with perfect pictures for your photo album and lasting memories of your trip. Once back in the iconic capital, you'll wind down the evening on an elegant canal cruise through the world-famous waterways of Amsterdam - also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
After saying a fond farewell to the Magnifique II, its crew, and your fellow travelers, it's time to depart from Amsterdam.

• Magnifique II

  Deluxe

  ?

  4.8 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