Tulip Tour - 7 day
Netherlands Bike + Barge Tours
A bike & boat tour during peak Tulip season!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7 days
- Prices from€1585 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
The tulip has come to be a respected and treasured symbol in Holland and this seven-day bike and boat tour lets you experience them in all of their glory!
The flower exhibition in Keukenhof will bring you up close and personal with these majestic flowers (and others!), and in Baskoop, you will cycle pass hundreds of horticulture nurseries.
The tulips are a highlight for sure, but there is much more to biking in Holland all topped off with lovely accommodations, great food, and wonderful cycling camaraderie.
Highlights
- Kinderdijk, the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands
- Gouda, city of cheese and candles
- Haarlem, the oldest town in Holland
- St. Bavo Cathedral
- Lively university town of Leiden
Be sure to check out all of our Bike and Barge tours in Holland. If you are looking for a truly opulent tulip experience, check out the Luxury Tulip Bike Tour on the Aurora.
Itinerary
Day 1: Amsterdam - Utrecht
Day 2: Utrecht - Vianen - Schoonhoven 15 or 30 mi. (25 or 48 km, depending on weather conditions)
Day 3: Schoonhoven - Kinderdijk - Gouda, 33 mi. (53 km)
Day 4: Gouda - Leiden, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Leiden - Lisse - Keukenhof - Haarlem, 14 mi. (23 km)
Day 6: Haarlem - Amsterdam, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 7: Amsterdam (departure)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.
Day 1: Amsterdam - Utrecht
The Merlijn will be docked in Amsterdam within walking distance of the Central Train Station. (15 minutes). Check-in begins at 3:30 pm though you can bring your luggage on board by 10 am. Please be prompt as the Merlin sets sail at 4:30 pm. After a welcome drink, there will be an informational presentation. By 4:30 pm, the ship will begin its journey to Utrecht; dinner will be enjoyed along the way. Utrecht features many ancient buildings and structures dating back to the early Middle Ages. It has been the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and is home to the tallest church tower in the Netherlands: The Dom Tower. In the evening, you will be able to explore this breathtaking city.Day 2: Utrecht - Vianen - Schoonhoven, 15 or 30 mi. (25 or 48 km, depending on weather conditions)
Today you cycle Holland through the prettiest part, by far. Breakfast will be served while cruising to Vianen, where the bike tour will start to the charming city of Schoonhoven. Schoonhoven is renowned for its silver, hence its nickname Zilverstad ("Silver City"). Silversmiths have been present here since the 17th century and the trade is still thriving today!Day 3: Schoonhoven - Kinderdijk - Gouda, 17 or 33 mi. (28 or 53 km)
You will get to enjoy the gorgeous Dutch scenery while sailing on the river Lek and biking from Schoonhoven to Kinderdijk, home to an impressive 19 windmills, built around 1740, to drain the polder Alblasserwaard. They are a well-known tourist destination and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. After your visit, you will cycle to the city of Gouda, through a real Dutch scenery of polders. Gouda is famous for its cheeses, candles, and "stroopwafels". Dinner on board and overnight stay in Gouda.Day 4: Gouda - Leiden, 25 mi. (40 km)
Leaving Gouda, you will pass Baskoop, famous for its horticulture nurseries, particularly woody plant and perennial nurseries, of which some 774 are situated on long stretches of land divided by narrow canals. This is the "green heart" of Holland. Passing small towns and villages such as Alphen on the Rhine, you will finally reach Leiden. Leiden is a lively city where history comes alive. The birthplace of painting legend Rembrandt, this is where he developed his skills. His workshop can still be visited today. The University of Leiden contributes to the vibrant and convivial atmosphere and is quickly developing into a world-famous center of science. You will get a chance to stroll through this magnificent city after dinner.Day 5: Leiden - LIsse - Keukenhof - Haarlem, 14 mi. (23 km)
While you enjoy breakfast, the Merlijn will cruise into Lisse, and from here you will bike to the Keukenhof. It is estimated that nearly 7 million flower bulbs are planted here annually to cover an area of roughly 80 acres. This makes Keukenhof, easily, the largest flower garden in the world. At this stop, you will get to admire all these beautiful tulips and other flowers. On the ride to Haarlem, you will witness even more of Holland's beautiful countryside and of course, more flowers! While in Haarlem, it is a must to take a stroll through this historical city and maybe try the famous local beer: "Jopen". Dinner tonight is on your own in one of the many restaurants in Haarlem.Day 6: Haarlem - Amsterdam, 26 mi. (42 km)
Today’s bike tour will be from Haarlem to Amsterdam, along the Zaanse Schans, famous for its windmills and green wooden houses typical for this area. The day ends in Amsterdam, one of the greatest small cities in the world!Day 7: Amsterdam
Farewell breakfast, check-out, and departure. Think about extending your stay so that you can explore this amazing city. It has been said that whatever you are looking for, you can find it in Amsterdam. Art, culture, history, architecture....and more!Looking for more? View all of our featured bike and barge tours, or view our full list of bike trips.
If you are looking for a more opulent Tulip experience, check out the Luxury Tulip Bike Tour on the Aurora.
Boats & Bikes
You will be accommodated on the lovely Deluxe class boat, the Merlijn
- Merlijn
Deluxe Class Boat
Hybrid Bicycle![]()
Sensa Superlite (or similar brand/model) • Lightweight aluminum frame (available in different sizes) • 27 speeds … • Handbrakes … • Shimano hydraulic disc brakes … • Sportourer FLX saddle … Read More"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
- Accommodations for 6 nights on board the Deluxe vessel, the Merlijn
- Climate-controlled cabin
- Complimentary arrival drink
- Tour presentation
- 6 breakfast buffets, 5 packed lunches, & 5 three-course dinners
- Coffee, tea, water, & unlimited water
- Tour guide
- 27-speed Sensa hybrid bike equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, waterproof pannier, water bottle, towel, & universal helmet
- Entrance fee to the Keukenhof
- All excursion fees mentioned in itineraries
- Harbor, lock, & canal fees
- Ferry fees
- GPS tracks available for most routes
- †Wifi
- †Important to note, due to steel construction of the ship, cruising locations, & other factors, Wifi signal speed & strength may not be what you are accustomed to & may not meet your expectations. If you are dependent on a constant, strong, fast, & reliable signal at all times, please consider a personal hot spot. See our FAQ page.
What’s Not Included
- One dinner
- Drinks other than those mentioned as included
- Excursions other than those mentioned in the itinerary
- Organized city tours
- City maps
- Bike maps
- Gratuities
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Saturday departures
March 27, April 3, & April 10, 2021
Saturday departures
April 2, April 9, & April 16, 2022
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Cabin type Twin/double $ 2609 £ 1385 $ 2,397 € 1585 ₪ 6061 NZ$ 2703 kr 16392 $ 1,895 Single On request Cabin type Twin/double $ 2675 £ 1420 $ 2,458 € 1625 ₪ 6214 NZ$ 2771 kr 16806 $ 1,943 Single On request Extra Options
Electric bike rental (rate is per day): $ 49 £ 26 $ 45 € 30 ₪ 115 NZ$ 51 kr 310 $ 36
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This tour is an easy, guided tour in Dutch cycling paradise!
Airport Info
Fly to Amsterdam International Airport, also known as Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).
Local Travel
From AMS airport, it is just a short train ride to Amsterdam Central Train Station, close to the center where the ship is moored. 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 approximately €5 per person for a single journey. Sometimes the mooring location is within walking distance , or just a short taxi ride away. In your final travel information, we will provide the mooring location of the boat as well as public transportation details if preferred.
Climate
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. April is normally the driest month of the year but that does not mean it does not rain. Average rainfall is 1.8 inches (47 mm). Rain showers are common and frequent but not long. Plan to dress in layers!
Day of Rest
Any day can be designated a day of rest by remaining on board and taking in the scenery from the deck of the boat.
Remarks
Electric bicycles are available for €30 per day, payable on board. Advanced reservation required. Helmets are available free of charge. Please note: tulip season in Holland extends from the end of March to the middle of May but peak blooming time is dependent on temperatures and the weather.
Important to know
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.
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. 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. It is important to research before you travel as airlines will not permit boarding if you do not have the required valid documents.
We recommend that you make copies of your important documents and papers (insurance cards, etc.). Leave a copy at home and have a copy with you. In the unfortunate situation that you lose your original documents, having copies facilitates the replacement process.
*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.
Extra Stay
Always recommended in Amsterdam.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Tripsite in cooperation with Coen van der Vlies.
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
![Bikes over the canal bridge in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Photo via Flickr:vgm8383]()
![Tulips made Holland famous. Photo via Flickr:Luke Price]()
![Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has many windmills, South Holland. Photo via Flickr:johnmcq]()
![Keukenhof flowers, Lisse, South Holland. Photo via Flickr:gnuckx]()
![Old Harbor in Leiden, the Netherlands. Flickr:Roman Boed]()
![Tulips in Holland, of course. Photo via Flickr:Hans Splinter]()
![Typical Dutch coffee with 'gebakt'. Photo via Flickr:Efren Sanchez]()
![Summertime in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Photo via Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![''t Kaaswinkeltje" in Gouda, South Holland, the Netherlands. Photo courtesy of Jantien Wondergem from the Merlijn ship.]()
![Tulip extravaganza at the Keukenhof near Lisse in the Netherlands. Flickr:Adrianoaurelioaraujo]()
![Biking along the canals in Kinderdijk, South Holland, the Netherlands. Photo via Flickr:luca casartelli]()
![Cheese Market in Gouda, South Holland province, the Netherlands. Flickr:bert knottenbeld]()
![Cycling Holland and the Tulip Fields! Photo courtesy of Jantien Wondergem]()
![Bike rest for sightseeing in Leiden, the Netherlands. Flickr:Tambako the Jaguar]()
![Yellow tulips in the Netherlands! Photo via Flickr:stokesrx]()
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