Tulip Tour - 7 day

Day-To-Day Itinerary

APRIL 7, 2018 

Day 1: Arrival in Rotterdam
Day 2: Rotterdam - Delft - Rotterdam, 25 mi.  (40 km)
Day 3: Rotterdam - Gouda, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 4: Gouda - Leiden, 22 mi.  (35 km)
Day 5: Leiden - Keukenhof - Haarlem, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 6: Haarlem - Zaansche Schans - Amsterdam, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 7: Amsterdam

*All distances are approximate. Itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstance, including but not limited to weather, last minute mooring changes, and restructuring of locks or bridges.

Day 1: Arrival in Rotterdam
The crew will welcome you aboard the Merlijn with a welcome drink and information on the barge and the route. In the afternoon and evening there will be time to enjoy the city of Rotterdam.  Please check in by 4 PM. You can leave your luggage on board beginning at 10:30 am.

Day 2: Rotterdam - Delft - Rotterdam, (40 km)
Today you will enjoy the beautifully preserved historic center of Delft. Delft of course represents Delft Blue, but also House of Orange – such as the Nieuwe Kerk / New Church with its historic link to the Dutch Royal Family - Vermeer, Almshouses (there are 7), Churches and Monasteries. Delft is charming with all its canals and historical buildings. After this visit you will return by bike to Rotterdam and you will have time to explore Rotterdam a little more and enjoy your diner in one of the many restaurants in this lovely city.

Day 3: Rotterdam - Gouda, (35 km)
On board, as you navigate in the morning, you will enjoy the spectacular skyline of Rotterdam. First destination of the day is the Kinderdijk with its appears impressive row of 19 large windmills. You can visit one of the mills.  You will cycle through the Green Heart of Holland to Gouda, the city of cheese and ‘stroopwafels’. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Day 4: Gouda - Leiden, (35 km)
Today finds your biking through the Green Heart of Holland again, passing Boskoop, famous for it horticulture.  particularly woody plant and perennial nurseries, of which  774 are situated on long stretches of land, divided by narrow canals. You will pass small cities and villages such as Alphen aan den Rijn, and later arrive at today’s destination Leiden. When exploring Leiden you will notice it's rich histor. This is where Rembrandt was born and developed his painting skills. Leiden's atmosphere is largely determined by the first university in Holland (1575), which has developed into a world famous center of science, while its many students contribute to the lively and convivial atmosphere in the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Leiden.

Day 5: Leiden - Keukenhof - Haarlem, (35 km)
While you enjoy your sailing breakfast the Merlijn will take you to Lisse, which is close to the Keukenhof, the flower exhibition, one of the highlights of the tour. After your visit you will bike to the Merlijn, passing flower fields and great Dutch scenery. In Haarlem you will enjoy your dinner at your own expense, and stroll through the historical city. You may want to visit the Frans Hals Museum or the St. Bavo Church, where once Mozart played the organ. There are many things to see in Haarlem, known as the oldest city of Holland. Its history goes back to the 10th century. You may want to end your trip drinking the famous local “Jopen” beer in one of the many bars.

Day 6: Haarlem - Zaansche Schans - Amsterdam, (40 km)
In the morning your last bike tour  leads you to Zaandam, where you can admire the famous Dutch windmills. Your tour ends in the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. Here you will have time to explore the city. You might want to include a ride through the canals, or you may want to visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh museum. Farewell dinner and city walk through the beautiful illuminated lively centre of Amsterdam.

Day 7: Departure

APRIL 14, 2018

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, 17 or 33 mi. (28 or 53 km)
Day 4: Gouda - Leiden, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Leiden - Keukenhof - Haarlem, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Haarlem - Amsterdam, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 7: Amsterdam (departure)

Day 1: Amsterdam - Utrecht
The Merlijn will be docked in Amsterdam, behind the Central Station. Please check in by 4 PM. You can leave your luggage on board beginning at 10:30 am. After a welcome drink, there will be an informational presentation of the ship and a short tour. 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. Kinderdijk is 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. The Merlijn awaits here to sail on to Gouda.

Day 4: Gouda - Leiden, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today's bike tour takes you through the Green Heart of Holland. 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. 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. Birthplace of painting legend Rembrandt, it is where he developed his skills and 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 - Keukenhof - Haarlem, 25 mi. (40 km)
While you enjoy breakfast, the Merlijn will cruise into Lisse, near 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)
There are many things to see in Haarlem, one of the oldest cities in Holland dating back to the 10th century. You can visit the Frans Hals Museum or the St. Bavo Church, where Mozart once played the organ. The tour ends in Amsterdam, where you can visit the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum. After dinner, there will be time to walk through Amsterdam's stunning illuminated center, don't forget to take a ride through the beautiful canals!

Day 7: Amsterdam
Farewell breakfast, check-out, and departure. 

*The above-planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.

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