Super Tulip Tour
Netherlands Bike + Barge Tours
The ultimate Dutch tulip bike & boat tour!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1360 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Welcome to springtime in Holland! The fields are alive with the sights and smell of brightly colored flowers featuring brilliant tulips as well as daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses.
You will bike (and boat) in North Holland where the bulbs are grown, and also visit the Keukenhof, south of Amsterdam, "the garden of the world."
Your tour also includes an excursion to one of the many flower auctions in Aalsmeer. You will walk over a specially designed gallery, enjoy the gorgeous flowers, and experience the hustle and bustle of the auction where the world price for flowers and plants are set daily.
Highlights
- Cycling through the bulb fields
- Keukenhof, the best day out among the flowers!
- Flower auction at Aalsmeer
- Windmills at Zaanse Schans
Be sure to check out all of our Bike & Barge tours in Holland. Also, If you are looking for a more opulent Tulip experience, check out the Luxury Tulip Bike Tour on the Aurora.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam. Embarkation between 1 and 2 pm near Central Station. Cruising to Spaarndam and cycling to Haarlem, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 2: Harlem - Keukenhof - Leiden, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Leiden - Kudelstaart, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Visit to flower auction. Cruising to Amsterdam. Cycling to Wormerveer via Zaanse Schans, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Wormerveer - Alkmaar, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 6: Alkmaar - Purmerend, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 7: Purmerend - Amsterdam, 13 or 22 mi. (20 or 35 km)
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam*All distances are approximate. The above-planned itinerary is subject to change, even at very short notice, due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam. Embarkation between 1 and 2 PM near Central Station. Cruising to Spaarndam and cycling to Haarlem, 9 mi. (15 km)
After arrival on board the barge, you can put your luggage away in your cabin and then enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. It is also a good moment to become acquainted with the guide, skipper and crew, and of course your fellow passengers. You are asked to be on board no later than 2 pm. At 2:15 pm the barge sets off for Spaarndam, also known as the village of Hansje Brinker. From here, take an easy ride into the city of Haarlem. This city, which rendered its name to Harlem, New York, is a lively city with good shopping possibilities. At the same time, there are many interesting 17th-century sights here. Back on board, after the bike ride, the program for the next day and the rest of the week will be explained to you at dinner time.Day 2: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Leiden, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today's route leads you through the oldest tulip fields of Holland, including a visit of the Keukenhof gardens, the most beautiful spring park in the world. The Keukenhof is an overwhelming blaze of colors, seven million flowering tulips in a magnificent 80-acres' background of traditional and modern gardening architecture. (Tickets are included in the tour price.) You also can admire the various hyacinths and many other colorful flowers. You spend the night in Leiden, which is a historic city with many little courtyards, façades, and historical buildings built between the 15th and 18th centuries. Leiden, meaning ‘built on waters’, came into existence around 800 AD as a marketplace at the confluence of the rivers Old and New Rhine, the Vliet, and the Mare. It was a center for the medieval linen industry. For a long time, it was second only to Amsterdam in importance. Leiden is also the city where Rembrandt van Rijn was born.Day 3: Leiden - Kudelstaart, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today you bike from Leiden to Kudelstaart, a small town bordered by the Westeinderplassen, around the Haarlemmermeer. You will go right through the green heart of Holland, an area with small cycle paths, lakes, small rivers, and cows.Day 4: Aalsmeer Flower Auction. Cruising to Amsterdam. Cycling to Zaanse Schans - Wormerveer, 28 mi. (45 km)
In the early morning, you can visit one of the many flower auctions in Aalsmeer. Every day ‘Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer’ sets the world price for flowers and plants. This happens by bringing supply and demand together by means of the auction clock- a fascinating process during which large and small batches of flowers are sold within fractions of seconds. As a visitor to Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer, you will walk over a specially designed gallery, enjoy the gorgeous flowers, and experience the hustle and bustle of the auction. The flowers and plants that are sold at the auctions are exported all over the world, a wonder of logistics. Later you will have breakfast while sailing in the direction of Amsterdam.Between the Schiphol and the city, you disembark to continue your tour by bike along the river Amstel and right into the city. A ferry will transport you to the other side of the river ‘IJ’. Here you leave the city behind and continue your tour through lush green polders towards the world-famous hamlet of Zaanse Schans. A unique place where people live and work, with original houses and windmills from the river Zaan area.
Day 5: Wormerveer - Alkmaar, 28 mi. (45 km)
From Wormerveer you will cycle to and through the most beautiful dunes of the Netherlands and if weather permits, you may like to swim in the North Sea during your lunch break at the beach. Today's overnight stay is in cheese town Alkmaar, a historic, lively city with many quaint shops. A little less than 400 heritage sites, canals, and harbor dominate the townscape.Day 6: Alkmaar - Purmerend, 22 mi. (35 km)
Today you'll cycle into the polder landscape of the Beemster and Purmer, part of a big green polder area. The Beemster Polder, dating from the early 17th century, is an exceptional example of reclaimed land in the Netherlands. Its well-ordered landscape of fields, roads, canals, dikes, and settlements are all laid out in accordance with classical and Renaissance planning principles. Also on the agenda is a visit to one of the big water mills at the Rijp. Graft and De Rijp are two proud, typical 17th-century villages that enjoyed great prosperity at the height of the fishing and whaling industries. You spend the night in Purmerend.Day 7: Purmerend - Amsterdam, 22 mi. (35 km)
Purmerend lies at the edge of an area called ‘Waterland’ where roads and water are nearly on the same level. Visit the nice village of Zunderdorp and Ransdorp. Those that wish to lengthen today's route can cycle the long route to Edam and Volendam and if time permits, you can cross the lake Gouwzee to admire the traditional fisherman’s village, Marken, with its typical wooden houses.The day ends in Amsterdam.
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
Disembarkation by 10 am.Don't forget that we offer many tours & trips including hiking, multi-adventure, active cruising, & more!
Map
Boats & Bikes
- Zwaan
Comfort Class Barge
Touring BicycleElectric Bicycle (E-Bike)![]()
Batavus Boulevard City Touring Bicycle … • Upright riding position … • Comfortable gel saddle … • Flat pedals* … • 24 speeds … • Handbrakes … • Bike lock … Accessories … • Pannier bag … • Helmet… Read More![]()
Batavus Ventoux … • Step-through frame … • 24 gears … • Detachable lithium-Ion battery … • Handbrakes … Acessories … • Pannier bag … • Helmet rental included and available onboard … • Water bottle … Read MoreOnce 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
- Clair de Lune
Standard Class Boat
Touring BicycleElectric Bicycle (E-Bike)![]()
Batavus Boulevard City Touring Bicycle … • Upright riding position … • Comfortable gel saddle … • Flat pedals* … • 24 speeds … • Handbrakes … • Bike lock … Accessories … • Pannier bag … • Helmet… Read MoreChildren’s accessories![]()
• Step-through frame … • 24 gears … • Detachable lithium-Ion battery … • Handbrakes … Acessories … • Pannier bag … • Helmet rental included and available onboard … • Water bottle … • Repair kit… Read MoreYouth bikes, tag-along bikes, trailers, and child seats are available for rental. We will provide a price quote to you as well as the child discount applicable. Read MoreOriginally built in 1936 as a freight ship in Belgium, like many of the vessels now used for biking and boating, this vessel was renovated and equipped for a new bike and boat adventure in and around Paris, launching in the spring of 2015. Read More
- Anna Antal
Standard Class Barge
Touring BicycleElectric Bicycle (E-Bike)![]()
Batavus Boulevard City Touring Bicycle … • Upright riding position … • Comfortable gel saddle … • Flat pedals* … • 24 speeds … • Handbrakes … • Bike lock … Accessories … • Pannier bag … • Helmet… Read More![]()
Batavus Ventoux … • Step-through frame … • 24 gears … • Detachable lithium-Ion battery … • Handbrakes … Acessories … • Pannier bag … • Helmet rental included and available onboard … • Water bottle … Read MoreThe Anna Antal is the perfect vessel for those seeking an active bike and boat vacation providing comfortable accommodations and all the amenities that the the more luxurious vessels offer; great food, expert tour guides, hospitable crew, and fantastic cycling! Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Breakfasts, packed lunches, & 3-course dinners
- Coffee & tea on board
- Fully guided cycling itinerary
- Minimum 3 city walks with the tour guide
- Route information (2022 only)
- Roadbook (1 per cabin)
- Entrance fee for the Keukenhof
- Ferry fares on the route
- Free WiFi is available (up to 100 MB) in the lounge & on the deck. (Surcharge for more MB)
- GPS tracks on request (maps are not available, they can be bought in local shops)
- 24-speed city touring bicycle with higher handlebars & a more upright riding position with pannier bags, lock, water bottle, & helmet
What’s Not Included
- Beverages (incl. alcohol) (available on board)
- Surcharge for gluten-free, celiac, & vegan diets (see pricing)
- Museum entrance fees (approx. €15)
- Entrance to flower auction (approx. €8)
- Gratuities
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2023
Prices valid from July 4, 2022
Comfort Class
Zwaan
Standard season: April 8, 2023
High season: April 15 & April 29, 2023All seasons Larger double $ 2946 £ 1626 $ 2,693 € 1860 ₪ 6798 NZ$ 3127 NOK 19555 kr 20671 $ 2,000 Twin/double $ 2629 £ 1451 $ 2,403 € 1660 ₪ 6067 NZ$ 2791 NOK 17452 kr 18448 $ 1,785 Small double/front of the boat $ 2281 £ 1259 $ 2,085 € 1440 ₪ 5263 NZ$ 2421 NOK 15139 kr 16003 $ 1,548 Small double/single-use/front of the boat $ 3334 £ 1840 $ 3,047 € 2105 ₪ 7693 NZ$ 3539 NOK 22130 kr 23394 $ 2,263
Standard Class
Clair de Lune
Standard season: April 1 & April 8, 2023
High season: April 15, April 22, & April 29, 2023Standard season High Season Double $ 2162 £ 1193 $ 1,976 € 1365 ₪ 4989 NZ$ 2295 NOK 14351 kr 15170 $ 1,467 $ 2344 £ 1294 $ 2,142 € 1480 ₪ 5409 NZ$ 2488 NOK 15560 kr 16448 $ 1,591 Split level bed $ 2162 £ 1193 $ 1,976 € 1365 ₪ 4989 NZ$ 2295 NOK 14351 kr 15170 $ 1,467 $ 2344 £ 1294 $ 2,142 € 1480 ₪ 5409 NZ$ 2488 NOK 15560 kr 16448 $ 1,591 Single $ 2273 £ 1254 $ 2,077 € 1435 ₪ 5244 NZ$ 2413 NOK 15087 kr 15948 $ 1,543 $ 2542 £ 1403 $ 2,323 € 1605 ₪ 5866 NZ$ 2699 NOK 16874 kr 17837 $ 1,725
Anna Antal
Standard season: April 8 & May 6, 2023
High season: April 15, April 22, & April 29, 2023Standard season High season Twin $ 2162 £ 1193 $ 1,976 € 1365 ₪ 4989 NZ$ 2295 NOK 14351 kr 15170 $ 1,467 $ 2344 £ 1294 $ 2,142 € 1480 ₪ 5409 NZ$ 2488 NOK 15560 kr 16448 $ 1,591 Bunk bed $ 1861 £ 1027 $ 1,701 € 1175 ₪ 4294 NZ$ 1976 NOK 12353 kr 13058 $ 1,263 $ 2020 £ 1114 $ 1,846 € 1275 ₪ 4660 NZ$ 2144 NOK 13404 kr 14170 $ 1,371 Single-use bunk $ 2313 £ 1276 $ 2,113 € 1460 ₪ 5336 NZ$ 2455 NOK 15349 kr 16225 $ 1,570 $ 2519 £ 1390 $ 2,302 € 1590 ₪ 5811 NZ$ 2673 NOK 16716 kr 17670 $ 1,709 Extra Options
2023
Zwaan, Clair de Lune, Anna Antal, & Wending
Electric bicycle rental (including helmet): $ 150 £ 83 $ 138 € 95 ₪ 347 NZ$ 160 NOK 999 kr 1056 $ 102 Gluten-Free, Lactose-free, or Vegan Diet: $ 119 £ 66 $ 109 € 75 ₪ 274 NZ$ 126 NOK 788 kr 834 $ 81
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 kilo)
Child bike seats (1 - 4 yrs old, 55 lbs/25 kilos)
Child trailers
Discounts are available for children. Ask us for details.2023: Please note that the tour prices are based on the current fuel price. Should the fuel price increase more than 5% (reference date July 2022), a supplement will be required (even for confirmed reservations).
Please Note
- Rates are 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 average daily distances range from 9 to 28 miles (15 or 45 km).
Airport Info
Fly to Amsterdam International Schiphol International Airport
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. The barge will be moored at the Oosterdock. Walking distance to the barge is about 10 to 15 minutes. A taxi from the airport to the barge in Amsterdam takes about 30 minutes and costs approximately € 45. If you wish to take a taxi from the central train station to the barge it will only take about 5 minutes and will cost approximately €10.
Climate
Tulip season in Holland extends from the end of March to the beginning of May but is dependent on temperatures and the weather. We cannot predict the weather (we wish we could) so we cannot predict when the peak season will be! Please check local conditions prior to arrival. Holland is near or below sea level and experiences a Maritime climate influenced by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and has the perfect climate and soil for the Tulips. 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. Don’t forget your layers and your rain gear!
Day of Rest
Any day can be designated as a day of rest by remaining on board and taking in the scenery from the deck of the boat.
Recommended
Amsterdam City Card
Amsterdam Museum CardRemarks
Tulip season in Holland extends from the end of March to the middle of May but is dependent on temperatures and the weather.
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 and documents. 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.
*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.
Covid-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.
Extra Stay
If you would like to book extra days in Amsterdam to see all this vibrant city as to offer, 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, but more importantly, you can view customer reviews and ratings.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Cycletours.
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?
Photos
![Plenty of tulips at the Keukenhof, near Lisse, South Holland. Flickr:Hans Splinter]()
![Cheese market in Alkmaar, the Netherlands. Flickr:Javier Lastras]()
![Amsterdam at night glows just as much in North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Elyktra]()
![Plenty of flowers at the Keukenhof, near Lisse, South Holland. Flickr:gnuckx CC0]()
![Many canals circumvent Amsterdam in North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:syuqoraizzat]()
![Windmills dot the Dutch landscape. Flickr:ComunicaTI]()
![Windmills and tulips are Holland's trademarks! Flickr:Matheus Swanson]()
![Working windmill at the Zaanse Schans, also home of the great Open Air Museum in Zaandam, North Holland. Flickr:Peter Visser]()
![Painting of the famous Cheese Market in Alkmaar, North Holland, the Netherlands. CC0]()
![Tulips galore on this bike tour! Flickr:stokesrx]()
![Biking through Volendam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Jose A.]()
![Biking through Morspoort in Leiden, South Holland, the Netherlands. Photo: Netherlands Board of Tourism]()
![Purple tulips, of course. Flickr:C_osett]()
![Side street in Haarlem, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:David Baron]()
![Bike path outside Amsterdam in province North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Francesca Cappa]()
![Biking through the Zaanse Schans, Zaandam, the Netherlands. Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![Bike rest in Volendam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Jose A.]()
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