Day-To-Day 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)
*Average daily distances are between 35 to 55 km. All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather, last-minute mooring changes, and restructuring of locks or bridges.
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 ists cheeses, candles and "stroopwafels". Dinner on board and overnight stay in 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 - LIsse - Keukenhof - Haarlem, 14 mi. (23 km)
While you enjoy breakfast, the Merlijn will cruise into Lisse, near Keukenhof. From Lisse, 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.
Also, If you are looking for a more opulent Tulip experience, check out the Luxury Tulip Bike Tour on the Aurora.
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Tour Reviews
Todd O. 11 months ago Verified Reviewer
Best part: Biking through the Dutch countryside and being exposed to the Dutch people and their wonderful culture, history, and way of life.
Boat: Merlijn
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James D. 11 months ago Verified Reviewer
Merlijn and her crew were outstanding hosts for our Tulip Tour. Our guide, Ilsa, was knowledgeable and full of energy and interesting information everywhere we toured.
Boat: Merlijn
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Lynda A. 1 year ago Verified Reviewer
Wonderful guide and the owners of the barge were a delight
Boat: Merlijn
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Michael S. 1 year ago Verified Reviewer
Our guide and crew were the best! "The Merlijn Rocks!" Our group was so compatible...It was like traveling with family. The scenery and experiences were so beautiful and to be one with your natural surroundings while on a bike was an added bonus!
Boat: Merlijn
Reply
Lynda A. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
Most Memorable Part? Cycling in the warm spring weather seeing the fields of spring bulbs in bloom with windmills almost always in view.
Boat: Merlijn
Reply
Eileen S. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
Exceeded my expectations. Best value for great experience.
Boat: Merlijn
Reply
Mary A. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
Our boat, the Merlijn, and its crew were fabulous! A huge thank you to Jantien and Henk for an amazing weeklong experience! This is the way to see The Netherlands! We rode bikes from one port to another, exploring the countryside, meeting local families, enjoying the beautiful fields of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, purples, reds, yellows flowing across the land. Our hosts fed us 3 wonderful meals a day, and gave us opportunities to explore each city in the evenings with our knowledgeable and dedicated guide, Ferry. We stayed a few extra days to learn all about Amsterdam as well, which was definitely worth it. So much to see and learn about. Tripsite did a great job of organizing this trip, from efficient email contacts, timely billing reminders, and tips for preparing for a unique trip such as a Bike and Barge in Amsterdam. Absolutely we recommend Tripsite, and the Merlijn in particular!
Boat: Merlijn
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Carla Puntel 3 years ago Verified Reviewer
We did the Tour of Tulips of last day 8 April 2017. Our group was of 9 brazilians and the compliments were unanimous. The boat is amazing, very cozy and comfortable, the food delicious and the wonderful staff. Our guide, Lia, was extremely professional, attentive and available. The bike tour was really indescribable. We’ve been through wonderful places and we could learn a bit from Netherlands and its charms.
I would like to especially thank Jantien and all the care and attention with which she dedicated to me, when I hurt my ankle.
Thank you for everything Jantien! We hope to see you soon in another bike tour. Big hug !
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N. Tucker 4 years ago Verified Reviewer
We had a blast on this trip! My first Bike and Barge through Tripsite. Our captains, Hank and Yantine, made us feel like part of the family. The boat was very clean and we loved the table designs at each sitting! Our guide, Francine, made us feel very welcome and really went out of her way to provide us friendly travel tips as we continued on our journey! Thanks for such an awesome time!
Boat: Merlijn
Reply
J. Geall 4 years ago Verified Reviewer
We had a super time. My only suggestion is have a snack for post bike ride and pre dinner. We arrived starving so that would be great. Otherwise this was just an amazing way to see Europe.
Boat: Merlijn
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T. & C. Tucker 4 years ago Verified Reviewer
We had a total of six people who we traveled with. All had a positive option of he barge and the bikes. The owners, Hank and his wife gone over the top to make sure everyone had a good time and responded to any issues or problems. Our bike tour guide was outstanding and explained many of the sites. Great value.
Boat: Merlijn
Reply
J. Ruetz 4 years ago Verified Reviewer
The only comment I have is "I want to do another bike and barge trip."
Boat: Merlijn
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C. Wells 4 years ago Verified Reviewer
I had a wonderful time and will recommending the trip to others!
Boat: Merlijn
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Marilyn Mendelson 4 years ago Verified Reviewer
Ode From An Enthusiastic Tripsite User
I had never worked with Tripsite before.
Their competent planning received a high score.
All details were covered, everything was first rate.
They delivered what they promised, now isn't THAT great?!!
I'll remember this fab trip my whole life through.
Listen up, fellow travelers, Tripsite's for you.
Boat: Merlijn
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Melinda Johnson 4 years ago Verified Reviewer
I have booked a couple trips through tripsite.com and frequently recommend them to my friends. What separates Tripsite from the pack is their service, value and expertise. I am looking forward to working with them on my next adventure!
Boat: Merlijn
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Debby Repensky 4 years ago Verified Reviewer
Loved the trip!!
Boat: Merlijn
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Liz and Bill Chudoba 6 years ago Verified Reviewer
Highly recommend Trip Site for our bicycling vacations. We, family and friends booked the Tulip Tour - Amsterdam to Amsterdam. Had a fantastic time again on the MERLIJN. Knew one week was not enough, after our 1st tour in 2011 in Germany, we had to book the following week also - Amsterdam to Brugge. The highlight of course were all the flowers in the Keukenhof. This is a must see for all flower lovers. Trip Site employees in PA were very easy to work with and will book all our tours for us. In fact we will return to the MERLIJN on September 27 to October 4th 2014 for wine country.
Boat: Merlijn
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Susan Cumming 6 years ago Verified Reviewer
This is a great way to travel in Europe. The flowers were beautiful at Keukenhof and the Merlijn provides wonderful accommodations! This was our second trip through Tripsite and we are going again.
Boat: Merlijn
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CONSUELO PAGANI VIEIRA MACHADO 7 years ago Verified Reviewer
Boat: Merlijn
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Sharon Brunhuber 7 years ago Verified Reviewer
A group of us will be doing the Tulip Tour on the Merlijn. A couple of years ago we toured Germany on Merlijn. It was a top notch experience and we are looking forward to this years trip.
Boat: Merlijn
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Rick Teitell 7 years ago Verified Reviewer
This was a fabulous tour (April 2012). The boat was spacious and clean, with very good food & amenities. The bikes provided were in excellent condition. The hosts & staff were friendly & accommodating. The daily bike trips were interesting & well organized- too many highlights to describe. A great way to see many parts of Holland, especially if you combine the bike tour with several days before and/or after in Amsterdam. The staff at Tripsite provided all necessary information.
Boat: Merlijn
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Jon Lafleur 8 years ago Verified Reviewer
The tour was one of my best travel experiences. The meals were so good that people asked for recipes. The days were varied, interesting and rewarding; the pacing comfortable. Highlights were seeing "The girl with the pearl earing" and visiting the Keukenhof gardens. We happened to hit a rainy week but still had fun.
Boat: Merlijn
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