North Holland Tour
Netherlands Bike + Barge Tours
Bike & boat through Northern Holland & the Lake District
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€698 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
During this bike and boat tour in Northern Holland, you will explore the best of the urban north, such as Amsterdam, Alkmaar, and Volendam, but also the best of the rural landscape.
You will bike the flat “polder” landscapes, the North Sea coast, towering sand dunes, long sandy beaches, historic windmills, the island of Texel and the many picturesque harbor towns along the coast of IJsselmeer Lake. This is a tour not to be missed!
Each boat has a slightly different itinerary so please be sure to check corresponding itineraries to see what will be highlighted on each boat.
Highlights
- Typical fishing villages of Volendam and Enkhuizen
- Isle of Texel with its thousands of sheep and magnificent nature reserve
- Alkmaar, the capital of cheese
- Land of Leeghwater, Purmer, and the Beemster
- AMSTERDAM!
Be sure to check out all of our bike & boat tours in Holland.
Itinerary
*All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change sometimes without prior notice. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary. Each boat has a slightly different itinerary, so be sure to check each boat's daily itinerary and what is included and not included.
Day 1: Embarkation: Amsterdam
Day 2: Zaandam - Zaanse Schans - Alkmaar, 27 mi. (44 km)
Day 3: Dune tour, Alkmaar - Alkmaar, 20 or 25 mi. (33 or 40 km) | Alkmaar - Den Helder*
Day 4: Ferry to North Sea island of Texel: cycling round trips from ‘t Horntje (several options from 15 km/9 mi. to 65 km/41 mi.) | Den Helder - Den Oever
Day 5: Den Oever - Stavoren | South-west Friesland, round trip from/to Stavoren, 27 or 34 miles (43 or 55 km)
Day 6: Stavoren - Medemblik | Medemblik - Hoorn - Enkhuizen, 19 or 31 miles (30 or 50 km)
Day 7: Enkhuizen - Volendam | Volendam - Waterland - Amsterdam (Approx. 35 or 50 km/22 or 31 mi.)
Day 8: AmsterdamDay 1: Embarkation: Amsterdam
Embarkation and check-in between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in Amsterdam. Take the opportunity to go shopping, to explore downtown Amsterdam, to make a canal cruise or to visit a museum. At 5 p.m. welcome drink and safety instructions, dinner, and first briefing on board. During dinner, a short cruise to Zaandam.Day 2: Zaandam - Zaanse Schans - Alkmaar, 27 mi. (44 km)
The first cycling trip of this tour takes you via small villages through the beautiful flat and green polder landscape. The first stop is at the Zaanse Schans open air museum (free entry) with its traditional Old Dutch wooden houses, windmills, and the cheese- and clog factory. After this visit you will cycle through the “Land of Leeghwater”, a green polder area between Amsterdam, Alkmaar, and Hoorn. Stroll through the former whaler’s village De Rijp and pass by the windmills of Schermerhorn. Your ship will be waiting for you near the historical city center of Alkmaar.Day 3: Dune tour, Alkmaar - Alkmaar, 20 or 25 mi. (33 or 40 km) | Alkmaar - Den Helder*
Today you can discover the beautiful North-Holland Dune reserve. This is a 5.300 hectare large forest- and dune area with its unique landscapes. In these dunes, the drinking water for almost the whole province of North Holland is gained. After a visit to the beach and artists village Bergen you will return to Alkmaar where you can visit the wonderful city center. In the afternoon the ship will sail over the North-Holland Canal to the navy harbor of Den Helder.Day 4: Ferry to North Sea island of Texel: cycling round trips from ‘t Horntje (several options from 15 km/9 mi. to 65 km/41 mi.) | Den Helder – Den Oever
After breakfast, you’ll take a 20-minute ferry ride (ticket included) from Den Helder to the isle of Texel, where you can make beautiful cycling tours on the largest of the Dutch North Sea Isles. Ride through meadows, nature parks, and dunes to small villages and have the opportunity for a stop and some bathing at the sandy North Sea beach, or visit the “Ecomare” seal sanctuary. In the late afternoon, you will return by ferry to Den Helder. During dinner, your ship will sail to Den Oever.Day 5: Den Oever - Stavoren | South-west Friesland, round trip from/to Stavoren, 27 or 34 miles (43 or 55 km)
The vessel will cross the large inland lake IJsselmeer to sail to Stavoren in the Province of Friesland. You can opt for a shorter or longer cycling tour: discover the nature area of Gaasterland or explore a part of the wide lake district that Friesland is well-known for. You can also combine both options. Night in the small harbor of Stavoren, one of the famous traditional 11 cities of Friesland.Day 6: Stavoren - Medemblik | Medemblik - Hoorn - Enkhuizen, 19 or 31 miles (30 or 50 km)
The ship will cross the IJsselmeer again during breakfast. Take the short cycling trip from Medemblik along the IJsselmeer coast directly to Enkhuizen, where you can spend the afternoon. Enkhuizen is an old city with many centuries of maritime tradition. The “herring city” boasts a beautiful old harbor, a historical old town center and the very interesting Zuiderzeemuseum. If you prefer a longer cycling tour, ride from Medemblik to the former Dutch East India Company town of Hoorn, in the 17th century one of the world’s leading harbors. Enjoy your lunch break and make a short stroll in the old city center. Continue by bicycle to Enkhuizen via some picturesque rural villages. In the evening you can join a short city walk.Day 7: Enkhuizen - Volendam | Volendam - Waterland - Amsterdam (Approx. 35 or 50 km/22 or 31 mi.)
During breakfast, the ship will sail to Volendam. Your final day of cycling will lead you through the beautiful area of Waterland, with its hundreds of small lakes and tiny canals. Near Volendam, you will have the opportunity to visit a cheese farm. Recommended (extra cycling miles) is a tour to the former island of Marken, to continue through the water-shaped region of Waterland back to the Dutch capital city of Amsterdam. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy everything Amsterdam has to offer. If you didn’t go for a canal cruise on the first day, you can do so today.Day 8: Amsterdam
After breakfast, disembarkation, and the end of the tour.Average biking distance per day 35 to 55 km
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam | Check-in from 3:30-4:30 | Merlijn sails for Zaandam
Day 2: Zaandam – Alkmaar
Day 3: Alkmaar – Den Helder
Day 4: Den Helder - Texel
Day 5: Texel – Wadden Sea – Stavoren
Day 6: Stavoren – Lemmer – Urk
Day 7: Urk – Lelystad – Amsterdam
Day 8: Amsterdam | Disembarkation following breakfast, by 9amDay 1: Amsterdam – Zaandam
Check in: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM. After boarding, the Merlijn will set sail for Zaandam where there is an overnight stay. We’ll present you with a welcome drink and introduce the crew. We will also provide information on the tour, the ship, and offer you a safety briefing. During dinner we will arrive in Zaandam. In the evening there will be time for a city walk through Zaandam.Day 2: Zaandam – Alkmaar
After your first breakfast on board, you can try out your bike and do some sightseeing in ‘de Zaanse Schans’, which is famous for its open-air museum and windmills, and you might want to visit one of the mills. You will get the experience of the real ancient Dutch history. Afterwards the bike tour gets underway, and you will cycle to Alkmaar, along the rest of the Zaanse Schans, leading you through an attractive Dutch landscape. After dinner we offer you an evening stroll through this pretty city, well known for its open-air-cheese-market, unfortunately on Fridays only.Day 3: Alkmaar – Den Helder
Today’s bike tour leads you through a part of the Netherlands that we call ‘Dutch nature at its purest’, meadows, canals, farm houses and more. Your tour ends in Den Helder, the most northern part of the province ‘North-Holland’, where we will stay overnight.Day 4: Den Helder - Texel
While you enjoy your breakfast, Captain steers the Merlijn to the isle of Texel. We will sail very close to open sea, if you look very carefully; you can see England. Arrived in Texel you will have the opportunity to cycle this island. Here are dunes, beaches and lots of great bike paths. You will have the chance to visit a cheese farm today or tomorrow and if you want to take a break from cycling you will definitely enjoy the nature and the sea. There are many local dishes on the island. Tonight you will enjoy this local cuisine while having dinner in one of the many restaurants here.Day 5: Texel – Wadden Sea – Stavoren
This morning we will stay longer on the island of Texel, so you will be able to cycle more on this beautiful island. Early afternoon we will sail across the Wadden Sea to Stavoren. The Wadden Sea sailing gives you a stunning view on the shallow body of water with tidal flats and wetlands. It has a high biological diversity and is an important area for both breeding and migrating birds. It is also possible you will be able to spot some seals. Early evening we will arrive in Stavoren. Enjoy your stroll through this ancient harbor city with many monuments to see.Day 6: Stavoren – Lemmer – Urk
Your bike tour starts in Stavoren and takes you through the charming landscape of province ‘Friesland’ - with lots of small canals and lakes - to Lemmer. Here you will board the Merlijn and together we sail to Urk, a formerly fisher village with a lot of history, your evening walk through this village after dinner will be very interesting to you.Day 7: Urk – Lelystad – Amsterdam
Early morning we motor from Urk to Lelystad, along the coast of our new land. Your bike tour of today will be in the ‘new land’, our youngest province called Flevoland. Once this was the ‘Zuiderzee’, an open sea. Flevoland has been reclaimed in the sixties and has become the 12th province of the Netherlands. After you board the Merlijn again, we have a wonderful afternoon of cruising. Have that last drink or finally read that book you brought! This evening there will be a farewell dinner and the last night on board.Day 8: Amsterdam
Breakfast, check out and departure.
Extend your stay in Holland and reserve some time to explore the city, you might want to go on a ride through the canals, or you may want to visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh museum.*On the above boats, it is possible to do the tour as self-guided with route descriptions. Please specify at the time of booking if you wish to do this. Maps are available for a small, additional fee. Ask us for details.
Day 1: Boarding in Amsterdam by pm; optional cycling, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 2: Amsterdam - Volendam, 29 mi. (46 km)
Day 3: Hoorn - Enkhuizen, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Enkhuizen - Medemblik, sailing to Texel, 23 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: Texel, roundtrip, 22/30/41 mi. (35/48/62 km)
Day 6: Texel - sail to Den Helder and cycle to Alkmaar, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 7: Alkmaar – Zaanse Schans - Amsterdam, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 8: Departure*All distances are approximate. The above-planned itinerary is subject to change, even on very short notice, due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, lock repairs, etc.
Day 1: Boarding in Amsterdam by 4 pm; optional cycling, 9 mi. (20 km)
Boarding begins between 3 & 4 pm. The mooring location in Amsterdam is the Oosterdok, near the Nemo Science Museum. Please be prompt and plan on having completed your embarkation by 4 pm. You can bring your luggage on board at noon but the cabins will not be ready for check-in. When you arrive onboard, you can put your baggage away in your cabin and then enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. It is a great time to become acquainted with the guide, skipper, crew, and of course, your fellow passengers. The bicycles are distributed and straight from the moorings of the boat, you can have a short bike trip through quiet parts of town. If time permits, you can also bike outside the city.Amsterdam first saw the light of day as a simple village at the mouth of the Amstel River but expanded rapidly with its famous rings of canals in the Golden Age (18th century). The palace on the Dam Square is sometimes called the 8th wonder of the world because it is built on 13,659 piles. Amsterdam, as we know it today, is famous for being able to cater to all tastes, including lovers of diamonds. In the evening, you dine on board. During the meal, the plans for the rest of the week are discussed.
Day 2: Amsterdam - Volendam, sailing to Hoorn, 29 mi. (46 km)
Amsterdam will be very quiet as you begin to cycle. A ferry takes you to the Amsterdam Noord quarter and soon you will be cycling through the rural area of Waterland. In this soggy peatland, the houses and villages are barely above the level of the water. You will visit the former Isle of Marken. It was not until 1957 that this island was connected to the mainland by a dike and it has retained its own particular character. The inhabitants are the only ones allowed to use their cars, so Marken can only be visited on foot or by bike. The route continues to the historic village of Monnickendam, which received its municipal charter in 1355. Gouwzee dike to Volendam is next on the agenda. Originally Volendam was a small fishing community. Practically all its inhabitants used to wear their distinctive and picturesque traditional costumes. Volendam started as a settlement when Edam dug its new, shorter waterway to the Zuiderzee in the 14th century. The old harbor became superfluous, a new dike was built and soon farmers and fishermen settled down. In the second half of the 15th century, a new village came into being: Volendam. From Volendam, you sail in a northerly direction towards the city of Hoorn. Hoorn was a major trading town in the 17th century. From here ships sailed for the Dutch East Indies, (now Indonesia), America, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean. The most beautiful gable is in the former town hall; the Statenpoort which houses an interesting museum with paintings and exhibits concerning the V.O.C. The V.O.C. (United East Indies Dutch Trading Company) was a very powerful almost monopolistic trading company in the 17th century. During the evening walk, you will have the opportunity to get a good impression of this beautiful city with its rich past.Day 3: Hoorn - Enkhuizen, 28 mi. (45 km)
You continue on the dike with a wonderful view over the Markermeer on your right and West-Frisian villages on your left-hand side. The recently (1976) built dike from Enkhuizen to Lelystad (in the Noordoostpolder) appears on the horizon. This was meant to be a polder dike for a huge new polder: the Markerwaard. However, the plans were never executed. The environment and fresh water supply became more important. So today the dike is there, but no polder…
The trip for today ends in Enkhuizen, a town that came into existence when two adjoining villages joined. You can end your day with a visit to the Zuiderzeemuseum. This museum showcases the history of everyday life around the Zuiderzee until the middle of the 20th century.Day 4: Enkhuizen - Medemblik, sailing to Texel, 23 mi. (35 km)
If you haven't visited the Zuiderzeemuseum yesterday you'll have some time for a visit this morning. This museum, which consists of an indoor and outdoor part, shows you the history of everyday life around the Zuiderzee until the middle of the 20th century. The cycling route begins over the dike of the IJsselmeer, but we leave it to ride through a nature reserve and then some of the characteristic villages of West Friesland. Medemblik comes into view, one of the old Zuiderzee harbors with an illustrious past and a castle dating from the 13th century. You take a break here, and if you wish, you can board the boat.After Medemblik, the route goes through a polder, Wieringermeer, which was created at the same time as the famous Afsluitdijk in 1932. This created new land out of the old Zuiderzee and turned the inland sea (IJsselmeer) into the largest sweet water basin in The Netherlands.
The food crisis resulting from the 1st World War created a need for more agricultural land so, in 1927, work on the Wieringermeer commenced. The dikes and pumping stations were built in the open sea. The polder itself was reclaimed during a period of mass unemployment and most of the work for preparing the land for agricultural use was done by hand and horsepower.
Halfway over the polder, you can step onboard again or otherwise ride through a forest to the fishing town of Den Oever. Sail by boat over the Wadden Sea to the harbor of the island of Texel.
Day 5: Texel, roundtrip, 22/30/41 mi. (35/48/62 km)
Today you could if you would like, you can visit the beach or take a bike ride on the island of Texel. There are numerous bicycle paths here. In the north, you have the nature reserve ‘de Slufter’, with an open connection to the sea.The largest village on the island is Den Burg, which could easily be the prototype of the typical Dutch town with its circle of canals around an old church. You will find most of the shops on the island in this village. The local museum is a good representation of island life and is housed in a building dating from 1599. De Koog is the principal bathing resort and is only a stone's throw away from the widest beach on the island. As well as a nature center, which has a lot of information about the flora and fauna to be found on Texel, De Koog has a rescue center for seals.
Cocksdorp is entered through a tunnel of interlocking tree branches, which give it a unique character. If you cycle to the most extreme northerly tip of the island you may be able to see Vlieland, the next island making up the chain of Wadden islands. This part of the island is called the Slufter, a nature reserve open to the sea and the rhythm of the tides.
The villages of Den Doorn, Oosterend, and de Waal have escaped modern architectural influences and are now officially protected. In Den Hoorn, some of the old 'Commandeurs' dwellings have been preserved. These were the houses belonging to the captains of the whaling ships that sailed from Texel. The oldest church is situated in Oosterend. In clear weather, you can see the neighboring island Vlieland. Oudeschild, where the boat is moored, was the entrance port of the island until 1962.
Day 6: Texel - sail to Den Helder and cycle to Alkmaar, 37 mi. (60 km)
The ship takes you back to the mainland, where you disembark in the city of Den Helder, the Dutch naval port, situated at the mouth of the Noord-Hollandskanaal or further south at the canal. Today you ride through the dunes (the dunes between Schoorl and Bergen have the highest dunes in The Netherlands) and over the Hondsbossche Zeewering (seawall) with its spectacular view over the North Sea. On your left, you will see the dunes, and on your right, the sweep of a 5 km long dike keeping the sea at bay. This was at once time all dunes. However, in 1421, in what is known as the St Elizabeth's Floods, the dunes were swept away along with the village of Hondsbossche. The dike replacing the dunes is called the Hondsbossche Sea Dike. If the weather allows you to cross to the island of Texel, you will head straight for Den Helder. Otherwise, you will take a leisurely tour around the land bounded by the dikes. This part of the country, known as the Kop van Noord Holland (head of North Holland), is well known for bulb growing with the town of Anna Paulowna at its center. The bulbs bloom in April and May.The stage ends in Alkmaar, which boasts almost four hundred buildings on the monument list, and typical Old-Dutch canals and harbor. Alkmaar is often called the cheese town as the weighing and selling of cheese in the 'Waag' (weighing house) was a popular activity in the past.
Day 7: Alkmaar – Zaanse Schans - Amsterdam, 37 mi. (60 km)
The last stage of the week takes you through the ‘droogmakerij’ land with the 17th-century towns of Schermerhorn, Graft and De Rijp. You will visit the world-famous hamlet and open-air museum of Zaanse Schans in Zaandam. A unique place where people live and work, with original houses and windmills from the river Zaan area.The last stretch of the trip takes you through ’t Twiske (the Twiske) Leisure Park. Since the beginning of the Christian era, the peat region around the Zaan had been used for cattle grazing. In the peatland, ditches were dug to help to drain the land. The dried peat was used as fuel. Once you are back at the barge in Amsterdam it is time to take leave of your bikes. In the afternoon there is still some time to go into town and after dinner, you may want to finish off your trip by going on a city walk or taking a trip on one of Amsterdam’s canal boats.
Day 8: Amsterdam - Day of departure
Breakfast as usual, and departure by 10 AM.Day 1: Enkhuizen
Day 2: Enkhuizen, 18 -23 mi. (28 - 36 km)
Day 3: Enkhuizen - Lemmer | Lemmer roundtrip, 20 - 28 mi. (32 - 45 km)
Day 4: Lemmer - Stavoren | Stavoren - Oudeschild (Island of Texel), 21 or 30 mi. (33 - 48 km)
Day 5: Island of Texel | Oudeschild - Den Helder, 19 - 31 mi. (31 - 49 km)
Day 6: Den Helder - Sint Maartensvlotbrug - Alkmaar, 21 - 24 mi. (27 - 57 km)
Day 7: Alkmaar - Wormerveer | Wormerveer - Hoorn, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 8: DepartureParts in italics are covered by the ship. A knowledgeable and multilingual tour leader is available onboard. He/she will provide you with all the necessary tour information during daily briefings. You will cycle the tours independently, at your own pace, with the help of a detailed cycling map, GPS tracks, and printed route notes.
Day 1: Enkhuizen
Check-in on board in the afternoon.Day 2: Enkhuizen, 18 -23 mi. (28 - 36 km)
Today you will discover the pretty harbor town on the banks of the IJsselmeer and its beautiful surroundings.
The city's rich history can still be felt during a walk through the old town with its numerous villas, canals, churches, city walls, and ports. Tip: You should visit the Zuiderzee Museum. If you would like to make a day trip to Amsterdam: The Enkhuizen train station is within walking distance of the berth. There are train connections to Amsterdam and back every 30 minutes. Journey time approx. 1 h (ticket not incl.)Day 3: Enkhuizen - Lemmer | Lemmer roundtrip, 20 - 28 mi. (32 - 45 km)
By ship, you will navigate the IJsselmeer to Lemmer and then begin your loop bike ride over the Oosterzee Buren to the Tjeukemeer, further to Munnekeburen, then around the Rottige Meente over Scherpenzel and Schoterzijl back to Lemmer with its historical old town and the beautiful gable houses. Suggested is a visit to the world's largest still-functioning steam pumping station, “Woudagemaal.”Day 4: Lemmer - Stavoren | Stavoren - Oudeschild (Island of Texel), 21 mi. (33 km)
You cycle today to Sondeler Leien Lake and from there through the woods of Rijsterbos passing the Mokkebank (a birds’ reservation) to the Roode Klif at Stavoren. Back on board, you navigate to Oudeschild on the Island of Texel.Day 5: Island of Texel | Oudeschild - Den Helder, 19 - 31 mi. (31 - 49 km)
Today you will enjoy a loop ride on the biggest North Sea Island of the Netherlands - Texel. There are many distances to choose from today (29, 32, 47, or 70 km). At about 6 pm, back on board the ship, you will navigate to Den Helder.Day 6: Den Helder - Sint Maartensvlotbrug - Alkmaar, 16 or 34 mi. (25 or 55 km)
In the morning your cycle route leads through the dunes to Alkmaar. If you prefer a shorter ride, It is possible to board the Serena in St. Maartensvlotburg and ship the rest of the way to Alkmaar. As an alternative, you wait to start cycling tour in St. Maartensvlotburg.Day 7: Alkmaar - Wormerveer | Wormerveer - Hoorn, 34 mi. (55 km)
In the morning you start from Wormerveer to the open-air museum Zaanse Schans (windmills, ancient Dutch village, cheese factory, etc.) and then continue in the direction of Volendam. On the way, you can visit a cheese dairy in Katwoude. Here you can see how Gouda cheese and traditional Dutch wooden shoes are made. Via Volendam, known as a traditional fishing village with typical authentic cottages, you cycle to Hoorn. Be sure to visit the historic old town with its many buildings from the 17th century (e.g., the harbor tower and the storage houses at the old quai).Day 8: Departure
Disembarkation by 9 am.Check out our full list of tours in Europe & beyond including biking, hiking, multi-adventure, & adventure cruises!
Map
Boats & Bikes
- De Willemstad
Deluxe Class Boat
The De Willemstad, no stranger to river cruising the Danube, is now navigating the rivers and canals of Holland, accommodating cyclists who enjoy the mid-size deluxe vessels with all the amenities of the larger river cruisers. On the upper deck you will find a light-filled common area with large panoramic windows, the perfect place to forge new friendships, and enjoy refreshment. The spacious and partly covered sundeck is a favorite spot for those who want to kick back and enjoy the fresh air… Read More
- Zwaan
Comfort Class Barge
Once a cargo boat, the Zwaan (Swan) was completely renovated and converted into a comfortable passenger barge. On board you will find seven comfortable cabins allowing a total capacity of 16 passengers. Read More
- Liza Marleen
Comfort Class Barge
The Liza Marleen is a lovely motor passenger barge that was built in 1998 and the cabins were completely renovated in 2016. This "robust" lady is ideally suited for trips on the wider waterways. It has a beautiful salon area and a spacious deck. Read More
- Serena
Comfort Class Boat
After a day of cycling through the beautiful landscape of North Holland, you'll enjoy coming back on board the Serena. Relax with a cup of coffee or tea in the air-conditioned lounge or enjoy the scenery from the partially covered sun deck. Read More
- Merlijn
Deluxe Class Barge
"The Divine Miss M" as we lovingly call the Merlijn is a diva, for sure. What can we say? Is it the luxurious cabins with most comfortable beds you have ever slept in? Is it the lovely dining area with the large windows and skylight that let the air, light, and sun pour in? Or perhaps it is the sun deck, where you can relax with newfound friends, sharing good wine and good conversation. We think you will find it is the entire divine package! Step onboard and discover for yourself! Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
De Willemstad
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Breakfast, packed lunches, & 7 three-course dinners
- Daily light cleaning of cabin
- Daily complimentary coffee & tea until 4 pm
- Welcome drink
- Onboard tour leader
- Roadbook (1 set per cabin)
- Short city walks with the tour guide
- Ferry to Texel
- Discounts on entrance fees & excursions as mentioned in the program
- Live music on board
- 7-speed unisex city touring bike with 28-inch wheels, handbrakes, gel saddles, & frame lock. Accessories include one rear pannier, repair kit, & pump.
- †WiFi in the lounge - data not included
- GPS tracks
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Breakfast buffets, packed lunches, & 3-course dinners
- Coffee & tea
- Cycling tour guide
- Minimum of 3 city walks with the tour guide
- 24-speed city touring bicycle (Batavus Boulevard) with high handlebars and more upright riding position equipped with hand brakes, panniers, lock, water bottle, & repair kit
- Helmet
- Road book (1 per cabin)
- Ferry fares en route
- Free limited WiFi in lounge & on deck (for more than 100 MB, there will be a surcharge.)
- GPS tracks on request
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- 7 breakfasts (buffets), 6 packed lunches or light lunch on board for non-cyclists, 7 three-course dinners
- Complimentary welcome drink
- Afternoon coffee or tea
- 7-speed unisex touring bike (Velo de Ville) with hand brake and back pedal brakes, or hand brakes only (please specify).
- Pannier
- Roadbook (1 per cabin)
- Onboard tour guide
- GPS tracks
- Harbor, bridge, and lock fees
- Bike protection
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Complimentary welcome drink
- 7 breakfast buffets, 6 packed lunches, & 6 three-course dinners
- Coffee, tea, & ice water
- Daily cleaning of your cabin
- Supply of bedding, towels, facial tissues, soap, shampoo, sewing kit, vanity kit, bathrobe & slippers
- Cycling tour guide
- Daily tour information meeting
- 27-speed bicycle, including a waterproof pannier, towel, universal helmet, & water bottle
- Canal, bridge & harbor fees
- All ferry fares en route
- Visit to a cheese farm
Liza Marleen & Zwaan
Serena
Merlijn
What’s Not Included
De Willemstad
- Arrival transfers
- Cycling guide
- Museum/excursion entrance fees not mentioned as included
- Beverages other than those mentioned as included
- Electric bike rental. Available for supplement. See pricing
- Helmets, available on request with supplement, reserve at time of booking. See pricing.
- Ferry fares (Ferry to Texel included)
- Optional excursions, see travel section
- Gratuities
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
- Arrival transfers
- Museum/excursion entrance fees not mentioned as included
- Beverages other than those mentioned as included
- Electric bike rental. Available for supplement. See pricing.
- Gratuities
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages other than those mentioned as included
- Cycling guide
- Excursions
- City maps
- Ferry fees
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- 1 dinner
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Excursions other than those mentioned
- Bike maps
- Gratuities
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Liza Marleen & Zwaan
Serena
Merlijn
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Deluxe Class
De Willemstad
Saturday Departures
Season A: April 8 & October 7, 2023
Season B: April 15, April 22, September 23, & September 30, 2023
Season C: April 29, September 9, & September 16, 2023
Season D: Weekly from May 6 up to and including September 2, 2023Season A Season B Season C Season D Twin/lower deck $ 1329 £ 723 $ 1,220 € 804 ₪ 3177 ¥ 115551 NZ$ 1424 NOK 9251 kr 9418 $ 884 $ 1576 £ 858 $ 1,447 € 954 ₪ 3769 ¥ 137109 NZ$ 1690 NOK 10977 kr 11175 $ 1,049 $ 1760 £ 957 $ 1,616 € 1065 ₪ 4208 ¥ 153062 NZ$ 1887 NOK 12254 kr 12475 $ 1,171 $ 1940 £ 1055 $ 1,781 € 1174 ₪ 4639 ¥ 168727 NZ$ 2080 NOK 13508 kr 13752 $ 1,290 Twin for single-use/lower deck $ 1898 £ 1032 $ 1,743 € 1149 ₪ 4538 ¥ 165062 NZ$ 2035 NOK 13215 kr 13453 $ 1,262 $ 2270 £ 1235 $ 2,084 € 1374 ₪ 5427 ¥ 197399 NZ$ 2433 NOK 15804 kr 16089 $ 1,510 $ 2542 £ 1383 $ 2,334 € 1539 ₪ 6079 ¥ 221113 NZ$ 2725 NOK 17703 kr 18022 $ 1,691 $ 2815 £ 1531 $ 2,585 € 1704 ₪ 6731 ¥ 244827 NZ$ 3018 NOK 19601 kr 19955 $ 1,872 Twin/upper deck $ 1659 £ 903 $ 1,523 € 1004 ₪ 3967 ¥ 144295 NZ$ 1779 NOK 11552 kr 11761 $ 1,104 $ 1907 £ 1037 $ 1,751 € 1154 ₪ 4560 ¥ 165853 NZ$ 2044 NOK 13278 kr 13518 $ 1,268 $ 2089 £ 1136 $ 1,918 € 1264 ₪ 4994 ¥ 181662 NZ$ 2239 NOK 14544 kr 14806 $ 1,389 $ 2353 £ 1280 $ 2,161 € 1424 ₪ 5626 ¥ 204657 NZ$ 2523 NOK 16385 kr 16680 $ 1,565 Twin for single-use/upper deck $ 2394 £ 1302 $ 2,198 € 1449 ₪ 5723 ¥ 208178 NZ$ 2566 NOK 16667 kr 16967 $ 1,592 $ 2765 £ 1504 $ 2,539 € 1674 ₪ 6612 ¥ 240515 NZ$ 2965 NOK 19256 kr 19603 $ 1,840 $ 3055 £ 1662 $ 2,805 € 1849 ₪ 7304 ¥ 265666 NZ$ 3275 NOK 21270 kr 21653 $ 2,032 $ 2988 £ 1626 $ 2,744 € 1809 ₪ 7146 ¥ 259918 NZ$ 3204 NOK 20809 kr 21184 $ 1,988 Suite/upper deck $ 2072 £ 1127 $ 1,903 € 1254 ₪ 4955 ¥ 180225 NZ$ 2221 NOK 14429 kr 14689 $ 1,378 $ 2320 £ 1262 $ 2,130 € 1404 ₪ 5547 ¥ 201783 NZ$ 2487 NOK 16155 kr 16446 $ 1,543 $ 2502 £ 1361 $ 2,297 € 1514 ₪ 5982 ¥ 217592 NZ$ 2682 NOK 17421 kr 17735 $ 1,664 $ 2766 £ 1505 $ 2,540 € 1674 ₪ 6614 ¥ 240587 NZ$ 2965 NOK 19262 kr 19609 $ 1,840
Comfort Class
Zwaan
Saturday Departures
May 6, May 13, June 17, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 22, July 29, & August 12, 2023All Dates Twin/Double Cabin $ 2677 £ 1456 $ 2,458 € 1620 ₪ 6401 ¥ 232826 NZ$ 2870 NOK 18640 kr 18976 $ 1,781 Luxury Double Cabin $ 3007 £ 1636 $ 2,761 € 1820 ₪ 7191 ¥ 261570 NZ$ 3224 NOK 20942 kr 21319 $ 2,001 Small double/front of the boat $ 2313 £ 1259 $ 2,124 € 1400 ₪ 5532 ¥ 201208 NZ$ 2480 NOK 16109 kr 16399 $ 1,539 Small twin for single-use/front of the boat $ 3412 £ 1856 $ 3,133 € 2065 ₪ 8159 ¥ 296782 NZ$ 3658 NOK 23761 kr 24189 $ 2,270 Liza Marleen
Saturday Departures
Low season: August 5, 2023
Standard season: May 20 & June 10, 2023
High season: September 16, 2023Low Standard High Regular Twin $ 2132 £ 1160 $ 1,957 € 1290 ₪ 5097 ¥ 185399 NZ$ 2285 NOK 14843 kr 15111 $ 1,418 $ 2355 £ 1281 $ 2,162 € 1425 ₪ 5630 ¥ 204801 NZ$ 2524 NOK 16397 kr 16692 $ 1,566 $ 2561 £ 1393 $ 2,352 € 1550 ₪ 6124 ¥ 222766 NZ$ 2746 NOK 17835 kr 18156 $ 1,704 Superior Twin (15 m²) $ 2495 £ 1357 $ 2,291 € 1510 ₪ 5966 ¥ 217017 NZ$ 2675 NOK 17375 kr 17688 $ 1,660 $ 2751 £ 1497 $ 2,526 € 1665 ₪ 6579 ¥ 239294 NZ$ 2949 NOK 19158 kr 19504 $ 1,830 $ 2974 £ 1618 $ 2,731 € 1800 ₪ 7112 ¥ 258696 NZ$ 3189 NOK 20711 kr 21085 $ 1,979 Twin for single-use $ 3007 £ 1636 $ 2,761 € 1820 ₪ 7191 ¥ 261570 NZ$ 3224 NOK 20942 kr 21319 $ 2,001 $ 3313 £ 1802 $ 3,042 € 2005 ₪ 7922 ¥ 288159 NZ$ 3552 NOK 23070 kr 23486 $ 2,204 $ 3635 £ 1978 $ 3,338 € 2200 ₪ 8693 ¥ 316184 NZ$ 3897 NOK 25314 kr 25770 $ 2,418 Superior twin for triple use (15 m²) $ 1983 £ 1079 $ 1,821 € 1200 ₪ 4741 ¥ 172464 NZ$ 2126 NOK 13808 kr 14057 $ 1,319 $ 2173 £ 1182 $ 1,995 € 1315 ₪ 5196 ¥ 188992 NZ$ 2329 NOK 15131 kr 15404 $ 1,445 $ 2363 £ 1286 $ 2,170 € 1430 ₪ 5650 ¥ 205520 NZ$ 2533 NOK 16454 kr 16751 $ 1,572 Serena
Saturday Departures
Season A: March 25** & October 7, 2023
Season B: April 1** & September 30, 2023
Season C: April 8 & September 23, 2023
Season D: April 15, April 22, April 29, September 9, & September 16, 2023
Season E: May 6, May 13, May 20, May 27, June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, August 5, August 12, August 26, & September 2, 2023Season A Season B Season C Season D Season E Main Deck Main Deck - Twin Cabin $ 1153 £ 627 $ 1,059 € 698 ₪ 2758 ¥ 100317 NZ$ 1236 NOK 8031 kr 8176 $ 767 $ 1319 £ 717 $ 1,211 € 798 ₪ 3153 ¥ 114689 NZ$ 1414 NOK 9182 kr 9348 $ 877 $ 1401 £ 762 $ 1,287 € 848 ₪ 3351 ¥ 121875 NZ$ 1502 NOK 9757 kr 9933 $ 932 $ 1567 £ 852 $ 1,438 € 948 ₪ 3746 ¥ 136247 NZ$ 1679 NOK 10908 kr 11105 $ 1,042 $ 1814 £ 987 $ 1,666 € 1098 ₪ 4338 ¥ 157805 NZ$ 1945 NOK 12634 kr 12862 $ 1,207 Main Deck - Junior Suite $ 1236 £ 672 $ 1,135 € 748 ₪ 2955 ¥ 107503 NZ$ 1325 NOK 8607 kr 8762 $ 822 $ 1401 £ 762 $ 1,287 € 848 ₪ 3351 ¥ 121875 NZ$ 1502 NOK 9757 kr 9933 $ 932 $ 1484 £ 807 $ 1,363 € 898 ₪ 3548 ¥ 129061 NZ$ 1591 NOK 10333 kr 10519 $ 987 $ 1649 £ 897 $ 1,514 € 998 ₪ 3943 ¥ 143433 NZ$ 1768 NOK 11483 kr 11690 $ 1,097 $ 1897 £ 1032 $ 1,742 € 1148 ₪ 4536 ¥ 164991 NZ$ 2034 NOK 13209 kr 13447 $ 1,262 Main Deck - Single Cabin (1 bed)* $ 1153 £ 627 $ 1,059 € 698 ₪ 2758 ¥ 100317 NZ$ 1236 NOK 8031 kr 8176 $ 767 $ 1319 £ 717 $ 1,211 € 798 ₪ 3153 ¥ 114689 NZ$ 1414 NOK 9182 kr 9348 $ 877 $ 1401 £ 762 $ 1,287 € 848 ₪ 3351 ¥ 121875 NZ$ 1502 NOK 9757 kr 9933 $ 932 $ 1567 £ 852 $ 1,438 € 948 ₪ 3746 ¥ 136247 NZ$ 1679 NOK 10908 kr 11105 $ 1,042 $ 1814 £ 987 $ 1,666 € 1098 ₪ 4338 ¥ 157805 NZ$ 1945 NOK 12634 kr 12862 $ 1,207 Promenade Deck Promenade Deck - Twin Cabin $ 1401 £ 762 $ 1,287 € 848 ₪ 3351 ¥ 121875 NZ$ 1502 NOK 9757 kr 9933 $ 932 $ 1567 £ 852 $ 1,438 € 948 ₪ 3746 ¥ 136247 NZ$ 1679 NOK 10908 kr 11105 $ 1,042 $ 1732 £ 942 $ 1,590 € 1048 ₪ 4141 ¥ 150619 NZ$ 1857 NOK 12059 kr 12276 $ 1,152 $ 1814 £ 987 $ 1,666 € 1098 ₪ 4338 ¥ 157805 NZ$ 1945 NOK 12634 kr 12862 $ 1,207 $ 1980 £ 1077 $ 1,818 € 1198 ₪ 4734 ¥ 172177 NZ$ 2122 NOK 13785 kr 14033 $ 1,317 Promenade Deck - Single Cabin (1 bed)* $ 1401 £ 762 $ 1,287 € 848 ₪ 3351 ¥ 121875 NZ$ 1502 NOK 9757 kr 9933 $ 932 $ 1567 £ 852 $ 1,438 € 948 ₪ 3746 ¥ 136247 NZ$ 1679 NOK 10908 kr 11105 $ 1,042 $ 1732 £ 942 $ 1,590 € 1048 ₪ 4141 ¥ 150619 NZ$ 1857 NOK 12059 kr 12276 $ 1,152 $ 1814 £ 987 $ 1,666 € 1098 ₪ 4338 ¥ 157805 NZ$ 1945 NOK 12634 kr 12862 $ 1,207 $ 1980 £ 1077 $ 1,818 € 1198 ₪ 4734 ¥ 172177 NZ$ 2122 NOK 13785 kr 14033 $ 1,317 *There are only 3 one-bed cabins onboard the Serena. They are quite small, measuring approximately 6 sqm. These cabins are offered at the same price as the cabins for two people.
**Discount on March 25 & April 1 departures $ 131 £ 71 $ 120 € 79 ₪ 312 ¥ 11354 NZ$ 140 NOK 909 kr 925 $ 87 Deluxe Class
Merlijn
Saturday Departure
May 11, 2024Twin/Double $ 3710 £ 2018 $ 3,406 € 2245 ₪ 8870 ¥ 322651 NZ$ 3977 NOK 25832 kr 26298 $ 2,468 Twin for Single-Use On Request Extra Options
De Willemstad
Electric bike: $ 174 £ 94 $ 159 € 105 ₪ 415 ¥ 15091 NZ$ 186 NOK 1208 kr 1230 $ 115 Helmet: $ 17 £ 9 $ 15 € 10 ₪ 40 ¥ 1437 NZ$ 18 NOK 115 kr 117 $ 11 Canal cruise Amsterdam (1 hour): $ 25 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 ₪ 59 ¥ 2156 NZ$ 27 NOK 173 kr 176 $ 16
Merlijn
Electric bike, payable on board, advanced reservation required: $ 297 £ 162 $ 273 € 180 ₪ 711 ¥ 25870 NZ$ 319 NOK 2071 kr 2108 $ 198
Zwaan & Liza Marleen
Electric bike: $ 157 £ 85 $ 144 € 95 ₪ 375 ¥ 13653 NZ$ 168 NOK 1093 kr 1113 $ 104 Gluten-Free, Lactose-free, or Vegan Diet: $ 124 £ 67 $ 114 € 75 ₪ 296 ¥ 10779 NZ$ 133 NOK 863 kr 879 $ 82
Also available for children:
Youth bike (from approx 9 years old, height range 3'9 ½" to 5'1")
Tag along bike (5 - 8 yrs old, up to 77 lbs/35 kilos)
Child bike seats (1 - 4 yrs old, 55 lbs/25 kilos)
Child trailers
Discounts are available for children. Ask us for details.Serena
Electric bike: $ 182 £ 99 $ 167 € 110 ₪ 435 ¥ 15809 NZ$ 195 NOK 1266 kr 1289 $ 121 Helmet (purchase): $ 66 £ 36 $ 61 € 40 ₪ 158 ¥ 5749 NZ$ 71 NOK 460 kr 469 $ 44
Merlijn
Electric bike: $ 297 £ 162 $ 273 € 180 ₪ 711 ¥ 25870 NZ$ 319 NOK 2071 kr 2108 $ 198
2023: Please note that the tour prices are based on the current fuel price. On the Zwaan and Liza Marleen, pricing is based on calculations as of July.
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
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy, self-guided or fully guided tour with average daily distances of ± 30 miles on flat terrain and well-maintained asphalt roads with little traffic. On the De Willemsted the on board tour leader will inform each day regarding the cycling route and the guests will cycle self-guided, equipped with GPS tracks. The tour leader will cycle the route and will be available for any problems that may arise. On the Serena, the onboard tour guide will give extensive descriptions of the day’s cycling route. Guests will bike using provided route descriptions, maps, and GPS tracks. On all other boats, tours are fully guided, with the option to cycle self-guided. This tour is suitable for families with children.
Airport Info
Fly to Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS).
Local Travel
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. We will inform you of the exact docking location of your barge with your final travel information. Some boats moor within walking distance, and others will require a short taxi ride. If you prefer to travel by taxi from the airport to the barge, this takes about 30 minutes and costs about €45.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. There are many good websites to use to research regional weather including average high/low temperatures, average rainfall, and more.
Day of Rest
You can always stay on board ship and sail to the next stop.
Recommended
For those who want to spend some time in Amsterdam either before or after your tour:
Amsterdam City Card
Museum CardRemarks
Due to variations in wifi signal strength and speed, If you are dependent on a constant, strong, fast, and reliable signal at all times, please consider a a personal hot spot.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*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.Discounted optional visits on board the De Willemstad
Optional visits (entrance fees not included, but offered with discount or free of charge:
* Open air museum Zaanse Schans
* Visitors center windmill Schermerhorn
* Beer brewery Oudeschild
* Seal sanctuary Ecomare De Koog
* Steam engine museum Medemblik
* Open air museum Zuiderzeemuseum Enkhuizen and moreCovid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Requirements
Please note that each boat may have different requirements on board. Face masks might be required in the common areas. If you test positive for Covid-19 while on board, you may be asked to quarantine in your cabin, or even leave the ship.
Extra Stay
Why not book extra days in Amsterdam and give yourself plenty of time to explore? We advise Booking.com to research and reserve 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 Cycletours, Boat-Bike Tours, SE Tours, & Merlijn.
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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