Tulip Tour - 8 Day
Netherlands Bike + Barge Tours
Biking and boating through the Tulips!
One of our most popular, this bike and boat tour in Holland during Tulip season, is bursting with colors and scents. When Spring dawns in Holland, millions of eager bulbs rise, stretch toward the sun, and blossom for the occasion. Acres upon endless acres of exquisite tulips transform ordinary fields into a colorful kaleidoscope! Having been grown in the Netherlands for more than 400 years, 1200 different varieties of these flowers are now harvested!
Highlights:
- Keukenhof - the world's flower garden
- Aalsmeer - the world's flower auction
- Leiden - the birthplace of Rembrandt
- Haarlem - the center of the Dutch flower-growing district
- Gouda - CHEESE!
- Windmills, tulips, and more
Did you know that during the 17th century in the Netherlands, Tulips became so highly-prized that prices were sent soaring and markets crashing? This was known as Tulip Mania. Today, though Wall Street is unaware, Tulip Mania prevails!
Come and be dazzled!
A full list of all of our bike and barge tours in Holland is here.
Quo Vadis: £ 1170 $ 2,431 € 1365 $ 2075 NOK 12968 kr 11970 $ 1,556 Twin cabin for single use on request
Iris: £ 1260 $ 2,618 € 1470 $ 2234 NOK 13965 kr 12891 $ 1,676 Twin cabin for single use on request
Fleur and Zwaantje: £ 1118 $ 2,323 € 1304 $ 1982 NOK 12388 kr 11435 $ 1,487 Twin cabin for single use: £ 1632 $ 3,392 € 1904 $ 2894 NOK 18088 kr 16697 $ 2,171Allure and Sarah April 4 and April 11 April 18 - May 2 Twin cabin £ 968 $ 2,011 € 1129 $ 1716 NOK 10726 kr 9900 $ 1,287 £ 985 $ 2,047 € 1149 $ 1746 NOK 10916 kr 10076 $ 1,310 Twin cabin for single use £ 1199 $ 2,492 € 1399 $ 2126 NOK 13291 kr 12268 $ 1,595 £ 1216 $ 2,528 € 1419 $ 2157 NOK 13481 kr 12444 $ 1,618 Triple cabin £ 916 $ 1,904 € 1069 $ 1625 NOK 10156 kr 9374 $ 1,219 £ 933 $ 1,940 € 1089 $ 1655 NOK 10346 kr 9550 $ 1,241
Elodie: £ 1024 $ 2,129 € 1195 $ 1816 NOK 11353 kr 10479 $ 1,362 Twin cabin for single use on requestFeniks
Luxury twin cabin: £ 1256 $ 2,610 € 1465 $ 2227 NOK 13918 kr 12847 $ 1,670 Regular twin cabin: £ 1071 $ 2,227 € 1250 $ 1900 NOK 11875 kr 10962 $ 1,425 Single cabin: £ 1341 $ 2,788 € 1565 $ 2379 NOK 14868 kr 13724 $ 1,784 Bunk bed cabin/double use: £ 913 $ 1,897 € 1065 $ 1619 NOK 10118 kr 9339 $ 1,214extra options
Quo Vadis:
Electric bike rental: £ 86 $ 178 € 100 $ 152 NOK 950 kr 877 $ 114 Laundry service, one mesh bag (bag provided): £ 6 $ 13 € 8 $ 11 NOK 71 kr 66 $ 9 Iris:
Electric bike rental: £ 77 $ 160 € 90 $ 137 NOK 855 kr 789 $ 103 Fleur, Zwaantje:
Electric bike rental: £ 86 $ 178 € 100 $ 152 NOK 950 kr 877 $ 114 Allure, and Sarah:
Electric bike rental (Velo de Ville CEB 200 with Nexus 7 gears and 4 support levels): £ 90 $ 187 € 105 $ 160 NOK 998 kr 921 $ 120 Elodie: £ 129 $ 267 € 150 $ 228 NOK 1425 kr 1315 $ 171 Feniks:
Electric bike rental: £ 41 $ 86 € 48 $ 73 NOK 456 kr 421 $ 55 Beverage package (soda, wine, beer): £ 86 $ 178 € 100 $ 152 NOK 950 kr 877 $ 114please note
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Information to read before you book.
Travel
Travel to 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. Depending on your boat, sometimes the mooring location is within walking distance or only a short taxi ride away. In your final travel information, we will also provide details regarding public transportation is necessary.
Climate
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 with relatively mild winters and summers that are not too hot. Holland has the perfect climate and soil for the Tulips. Average high/low temp in °F for Amsterdam in April is 53°/41º and May 61°/46º. Don’t forget your layers and your rain gear!
Recommended
For the Allure, Sarah, Fleur, and Zwaantje:
Discounted ticket for a 1-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam is available. Please book your ticket in advance and you can collect it on board on the first day of the tour. Cost is approx. €13Remarks
Please note: Tulip season in Holland extends from the end of March to the beginning May but is dependent on temperatures and the weather. We cannot predict the weather (we wish we could) so cannot predict when the peak season will be!
Travel documents
Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc.
*Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) 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.
Tour Dates
2020
Deluxe Class
Quo Vadis: Saturdays, April 4 and April 11, 2020
Premium Class
Iris: Thursdays, April 9, April 16, and April 23, 2020
Elodie: Sundays, April 19, 2020
Comfort Class
Fleur: Saturdays, April 4, April 11, April 25, and May 2, 2020
Zwaantje: Saturdays, April 4, April 11, and April 18, 2020
Allure: Saturdays, April 4, April 11, April 18, and May 2, 2020
Standard Class
Sarah: Saturdays, April 4, April 11, April 18, April 25, and May 2, 2020
Feniks: Saturdays, April 4, April 11, April 18, and April 25, 2020
Where You’ll Stay
There are several boats/dates possible for your 8 day Tulip Tour. Please visit the corresponding boat pages to read details!
What’s Included
Quo Vadis
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfast, packed lunch or lunch on board, and dinner
- Daily cabin cleaning
- 8-speed hybrid bicycle with pannier and helmet
- Route information
- Tour guide
- Admission to Keukenhof, Aalsmeer Flower Auction, cheese farm Zaanse Schans, Alkmaar cheese market, Bulbarium Lisse, and evening canal cruise
- Laundry service provided with supplement. See pricing.
Iris
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, and 6 dinners
- 1 lunch on board
- Coffee and tea on board
- Daily cabin cleaning
- 11-speed bicycle equipped with water bottle and panniers and a helmet
- Tour guide (two tour guides for groups of 18 or more)
- Route information
- Entrance to the Hortus Bulborum, Keukenhof, Cheese Farm, and Flower Auction
Zwaantje and Fleur
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfasts, packed lunches, and 6 dinners
- 1 lunch on board
- Coffee and tea on board
- Rental bike
Sarah and Allure
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfasts, packed lunches, and 6 dinners
- Welcome drink
- Coffee and tea on board
- 7-speed Velo de Ville brand bicycle with hand brakes, equipped with helmet, water bottle, and pannier
- Tour guide
- Entrance to Keukenhof
- Route information
- WiFi with limited data (more available for supplement)
- GPS tracks (sent approx. one month before tour date)
Elodie
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, and 6 dinners
- Coffee and tea on board
- 24-speed hybrid bicycle with water bottle and pannier bag
- Tour guide
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Ferry fares en route
Feniks
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfast, 7 packed lunches, and 6 dinners
- Coffee, tea, and biscuits
- Afternoon snacks
- Toiletries in bathroom
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Laundry service (clothes are returned clean but not dry. Clothes can be hung mid ship)
- Ferry Fares
- 24-speed touring bike with pannier, lock, and water bottle
- Tour guide
What’s Not Included
Quo Vadis
- Drinks other than mentioned
- Gratuities
- Bicycle Protection
- Travel Insurance
Iris
- Drinks other than mentioned
- Entrance fees for museums, monuments, etc. other than mentioned
- 1 dinner
- Gratuities
- Bicycle Protection
- Travel Insurance
Fleur, Zwaantje, Allure, and Sarah
- Drinks other than mentioned
- Entrance fees for museums, monuments, etc. other than mentioned
- 1 dinner in Alkmaar
- Gratuities
- Bicycle Protection
- Travel Insurance
Elodie
- Beverages (incl. alcohol), available on board
- Museum entrance fees and other excursions not mentioned above
- 1 dinner
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
- Helmets on request and with surcharge
- Dietary requirements on request/surcharge may apply
- Bicycle Protection (mandatory on the Elodie)
- Travel Insurance
Feniks
- Beverages other than those mentioned (beverage package available with supplement. See pricing.)
- Museum entrance fees
- Gratuities
- Bicycle Protection
- Travel Insurance
Extra Stay
As you will begin and end your tour in Amsterdam, why not book extra nights and visit the world-famous museums like the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum (with Rembrandts’ Night watch), the Anne Frank House, and enjoy the abundance of terraces and boutique style cafes. And of course, the markets abound; the Flea Market, Flower Market, Noorder Markt, and Albert Kuip Markt!
Day-To-Day Itinerary
Each boat has a slightly different itinerary. If you do not see your boat listed below, we will be happy to send you the specific itinerary.
*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, embarkation
Day 2: Amsterdam - Kudelstaart, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 3: Kudelstaart - Leiden, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 4: Leiden - Keukenhof - Haarlem, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Haarlem, Alkmaar, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Alkmaar - Schagen - Alkmaar, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Alkmaar - Amsterdam, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
Embarkation begins at 3 p.m. The crew will welcome you aboard Quo Vadis with coffee and tea. Explore the Dutch capital on your own. All the major tourist highlights are within easy walking distance from the mooring location of the barge.
Day 2: Amsterdam - Kudelstaart, 23 mi. (37 km)
Leaving Amsterdam, you travel along the 'Amsterdam Forest', through Schiphol and Aalsmeer to Kudelstaart on "Westeinderplassen".
Day 3: Kudelstaart - Leiden, 34 mi. (55 km)
Today begins with an early ride to Aalsmeer so you have plenty of time to visit the largest flower auction in the world. From there you will pass through the beautiful Dutch landscape through the green heart of Holland in the direction of Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt. Along the way, visit a traditional Cheese farm. In the evening explore the old university city of Leiden.
Day 4: Leiden - Keukenhof - Haarlem, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today you will bike to Lisse and then on to the famous ‘Keukenhof' flower gardens. The Keukenhof displays 6 million tulips, narcissi, hyacinths, and other bulb flowers. In the afternoon, you bike through the blooming fields of flowers to Haarlem.
Day 5: Haarlem, Alkmaar, 31 mi. (50 km)
Leave from Haarlem and bike to Spaarndam with a detour to the monument of the legendary figure, Hans Brinker. The route continues to the historic city of Zaandam, before your visit to the open-air museum "Zaanse Schans". Here, you can expect an Old Dutch museum village. From there you bike to Alkmaar, known for its Dutch cheese.
Day 6: Alkmaar - Schagen - Alkmaar, 31 mi. (50 km)
In the early morning the boat cruises to Schagen. Today's bike tour begins here and you will cycle through the flower fields of Anna Pauwlonapolder. The return journey takes you along the coast and the ‘Schoorlse Duinen' and ends back in Alkmaar.
Day 7: Alkmaar - Amsterdam, 28 mi. (45 km)
After a visit to the cheese market in Alkmaar, cycle through polders with beautiful villages such as Beemster, de Rijp, Schermer (mills). The tour ends back in Amsterdam where you have more time to explore.
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
Tour ends after breakfast. Disembarkation by 10 a.m.
Day 1: Arrival aboard the Iris. Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 2: Zaanse Schans to Alkmaar, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Alkmaar - Haarlem, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Leiden, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Leiden to Gouda, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Gouda -St John's Cathedral - Uithoorn, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 7: Uithoorn - the Amstel River - Amsterdam, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Amsterdam, end of our tour after breakfast.
Day 1: Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans, 9 mi. (15 km)
You will be welcomed onboard the Iris at 2.30 pm. As you meet your fellow travelers, guides, and crew, the boat will navigate the harbor of Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans followed by a short cycle ride to become accustomed to your bike. You will experience the 19th century living and working community in the Zaan district, a living museum of farmsteads, paths, wooden houses, warehouses and windmills, ditches and fields. Stroll past the bakery museum and enjoy the smell of fresh bread, or take a look at the warehouse where clogs are made. You should be sure not to miss the cheese factory, pewter foundry, and the various windmills. The Zaanse Schans is a unique part of the Netherlands, full of wooden houses, mills, barns, and workshops.
Day 2: Zaanse Schans - Alkmaar, 25 mi. (40 km)
You will get to explore the Zaanse Schans a bit more. The cycling itinerary leads through lovely villages like De Rijp and a stop to the Windmill Museum. Following little canals and fields of flowers, you bike into the cheese city Alkmaar. The barge will be docked within walking distance of the heart of this delightful city.
Day 3: Alkmaar - Haarlem, 28 mi. (45 km)
You will love your highlight this day, the private gardens Hortus Bulborum! This is a historical garden preserving the old varieties of tulips. You will take a tour with the local volunteers who are very proud of their unique work. You continue biking along the coastal area to the beach and lunch. Perhaps you would enjoy a swim? The local ferry the transfers the group to the other side of the canal between Amsterdam and the North Sea and then onward to Haarlem, with its old and well preserved intact inner city with a big market square, terraces, and dominant church.
Day 4: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Leiden, 31 mi. (50 km)
Ah, this is the day you have been waiting for, a visit to the Keukenhof, showcasing 7 million flowering tulips, hyacinths, narcissus and more, in a traditional and modern landscape. These gardens are visited by millions of international guests every year!
Once again, the barge will dock within walking distance of Leiden city center.
Day 5: Leiden - Gouda, 25 mi. (40 km)
After an early sail out of Leiden, the first stop will be at a cheese farm, for a tasting and experience of how cheese is made! The city center of Gouda has quite a few cheese shops. A highlight here is the 17th century Town Hall at the market square. Dinner is on your own this evening!
Day 6: Gouda - Uithoorn, 22 mi. (35 km)
You will visit the St. John’s Church this morning, built in the Gothic style during the 15th and 16th centuries, notable not only for its beautiful windows but also because it is the longest church in the Netherlands. The church has been placed on the UNESCO list of Dutch monuments specifically for its stunning stained-glass windows.
While you enjoy lunch on board, the IRIS will navigate to a drop off point so you can cycle along the canals and rivers passing the smallest lock just big enough to let the barge pass through.
At Uithoorn, it is onboard again. Tomorrow begins bright and early.
Day 7: Uithoorn - Amsterdam, 28 mi. (45 km)
Early in the morning, you will bike to the Flower Auction at Aalsmeer. Although the internet has brought a new era of trading, it is still a place where a lot of logistics are handled. Loads of flowers are auctioned and brought to their destinations all over the world.
After a late breakfast back on board the barge, the last stretch takes you to the outskirts of Amsterdam to join the barge for a unique sail on the Amstel River to the final docking spot in the Oosterdok.
Day 8: Amsterdam
Departure after breakfast.
Zwaantje, Fleur, Allure, and Sarah
Day 1: Amsterdam - Spaardnam | Spaarndam - Haarlem, 3 or 8 mi. (6 or 14 km)
Day 2: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Leiden, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 3: Leiden - Zoeterwoude | Zoeterwoude - Gouda, 19 or 24 mi. (31 or 40 km)
Day 4: Gouda - Alphen a/d Rijn | Alpehn a/d Rijn - Kudelstaart, 16 or 27 mi. (27 or 44 km) 22 mi.
Day 5: Kudelstaart - Flower auction | Aalsmeer - Amsterdam | Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans, 19 or 25 mi. (32 or 41 km)
Day 6: Zaanse Schans - Alkmaar, 18 or 24 mi. (29 or 40 km)
Day 7: Alkmaar - Amsterdam, 22 or 31 mi. (37 or 51 km)
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
All distances in italics are covered by ship. The tours on the Allure and Sarah will be accompanied by one tour guide. The Zwaantje and Fleur will have two tour guides as long as there are 18 or more guests. During days when two distances are possible, and only one tour leader is included, he/she will make a choice to guide the longer or the shorter option after consultation of the group. Not all mentioned highlights will be visited during the short bike option.
Day 1: Amsterdam - Spaardnam | Spaarndam - Haarlem, 3 or 8 mi. (6 or 14 km)
Boarding takes place between 1 and 2 pm. It is possible to bring your luggage on board earlier at 11 am but your cabin will not be ready for check-in. It is important to be on time as the boat leaves the harbor at 2:00 pm. During this first short sailing, you can enjoy coffee, tea or another beverage, while being introduced to the crew, the boat and the program ahead. Upon arrival in Haarlem, there is an opportunity to test your bike and to have necessary adjustments made to ensure a comfortable ride throughout the week! Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm this evening and each evening and on most nights, a town walk will be offered by your guide.
Day 2: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Leiden, 23 mi. (38 km)
Get ready to pedal through the oldest tulip fields of Holland, including a visit to the infamous Keukenhof gardens! This is the most beautiful flower garden in the world, an overwhelming blaze of colors as seven million flowering tulips rise up in a magnificent background of traditional and modern gardening architecture. It is here that Spring begins. Hyacinths, narcissus, and many other flowers dazzle as well. After being saturated with color and scent, the cycling continues ending in the historic city of Leiden, who unabashedly boasts of its own beauty and charm. In the evening, there will be an opportunity to experience this enchanting place for yourself, strolling along the canals and alleyways, viewing the historical buildings, and, like Rembrandt himself, be inspired by its beauty.
Day 3: Leiden - Zoeterwoude | Zoeterwoude - Gouda, 19 or 24 mi. (31 or 40 km)
The day begins with a sailing breakfast! Imagine enjoying your morning coffee as the stunning Dutch scenery passes by! The boat will moor in Alphen from where the cycling itinerary begins and leads through the ‘green heart’ of Holland. Near Zoeterwoude, you will visit the cheese farm to learn about the cheese-making process and of course, to sample the wares! Holland is not just famous for its Tulips as you will come to know! In the afternoon, you reach Gouda, famous for the Gouda cheese. If truth be told, Gouda ("How-da" as the locals say) is one of the most popular cheeses in the world, accounting for 50 to 60 percent of the world's cheese consumption, The market square here is lovely with its Gothic town hall and Saint John Cathedral, famous the world over, whose stain glass windows flood the interior with a diffused light and impress with understated elegance.
Day 4: Gouda - Alphen a/d Rijn | Alpehn a/d Rijn - Kudelstaart, 16 or 27 mi. (27 or 44 km) 22 mi.
This morning, you stay in Gouda and will have the opportunity to do some shopping and to visit the market square with its cheese weigh house or you can visit the St. John's church. Once back on board the barge, you take off at noon enjoying a light lunch on board. From Alphen aan den Rijn, you bike through the green hear of South Holland via the Drecht River and the Amstel-Drecht channel to Kudelstaart.
Day 5: Kudelstaart - Flower auction | Aalsmeer - Amsterdam | Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans, 19 or 25 mi. (32 or 41 km)
Today begins early! Coffee is served at 7 am and then at 7:15, you cycle to the flower auction of Aalsmeer, the largest of Europe. Here huge quantities of flowers are trucked in and sold every day, after which they are distributed all over Europe. Back on board, you will enjoy a late breakfast and then another cycling itinerary takes you through the ‘Amsterdamse Bos’, west of Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, a unique hamlet where people live and work, with original houses and windmills from the Zaan River area. The hamlet is dominated by fully operating windmills, the oldest built in 1673, for grinding mustard, spices, paint, and oil and for sawing wood into planks. As you walk through the village you will see a clock museum, an old-fashioned grocery store, a house with period furniture, a clog maker, and a cheese farm and get a sense of early history in Holland.
Day 6: Zaanse Schans - Alkmaar, 18 or 24 mi. (29 or 40 km)
First on the agenda is the beautiful town of De Rijp. Centuries of history are still evident here in the wooden facades, beautiful church, and town hall. From here, your ride continues across the Beemster Polder, an almost untouched open polder landscape, after which, you visit the former windmill complex of the Schermer Polder and the Schermerhorn Windmill Museum. Then it is off to Alkmaar, known as a Dutch cheese city. As you wander through the streets you'll be amazed by the beauty of Alkmaar's Old Town, with its well-preserved 17th-century buildings and narrow, winding canals! Dinner this evening will be on your own!
Day 7: Alkmaar - Amsterdam, 22 or 31 mi. (37 or 51 km)
Once again, this morning, you will enjoy your breakfast as the boat cruises the Dutch canals, followed by Hortus Bulborum, a unique garden museum dedicated to the preservation of rare and historic bulbs. More than 4,000 tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other flowers are planted here. As the cycling continues, you pedal through the unique Waterland back to Amsterdam. In the late afternoon or evening, there is time for a canal tour through the famous canals of the city.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, your adventure officially ends! Departure from the boat by 9 am.
Day 1: Amsterdam to Kudelstaart, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 2: Kudelstaart - Gouda, 6, 20, or 33 mi. (10, 32, or 53 km)
Day 3: Gouda - Rotterdam - Delft, 17 mi. (27 km)
Day 4: Delft -The Hague-Leiden, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 5: Leiden - Hoogmade - Leiden, 8 mi. (13 km)
Day 6: Leiden Harlem, 13 mi. or 24 mi. (21 or 39 km)
Day 7: Haarlem - Amsterdam, 5 or 17 mi. (8 or 27 km)
Day 8: Amsterdam
On some days a shorter tour is optional (for example on Monday 6 or 20 or 33 miles). This means, however, that you would possibly miss some of that day’s highlights.
Day 1: Amsterdam to Kudelstaart, 12 mi. (20 km)
The crew will welcome you aboard the Elodie with coffee and tea. The boat will sail through the center of Amsterdam to the locks of the Nieuwe Meer. At the Nieuwe Meer, you will leave the boat for your first cycle trip. In the evening your guide will give you a more detailed explanation of the program.
Day 2: Kudelstaart - Gouda, 6, 20, or 33 mi. (10, 32, or 53 km)
The day begins early with a visit to the flower auction in Aalsmeer. You will see the world biggest flower auction at work. Every day the world's market prices for flowers and plants are being determined right here in this building. Millions of flowers and plants find their way all over the world when the auction starts. You will proceed through the green heart of Holland towards Gouda. Along the route, you can enjoy the views of windmills, lakes, and green pastures.
Day 3: Gouda - Rotterdam - Delft, 17 mi. (27 km)
Gouda is famous for its cheese and beautiful town hall, from here you will cycle to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO protected windmill park. From here, you will take the fast ferry to Rotterdam, the largest port in the world were the Elodie will be waiting for you to take you to Delft. Delft has a beautiful historical center. Here you will find the church where the members of the royal family, beginning with William of Orange, are buried.
Day 4: Delft-The Hague-Leiden, 24 mi. (39 km)
Before leaving Delft, pay a visit to a studio where earthenware is hand-painted with the famous "Delfts Blauw" (Delft's blue). On the bicycle, ride to the seat of government capital, The Hague. The houses around the hunting castle "de graven van Holland" (The Earls of Holland) grew into a town, and the castle got its name, 's-Gravenhage. The area is exceptionally cycle-friendly and that makes a visit by bicycle something special. You cycle along the many cycle paths, straight through the city where you can admire the government buildings, museums, and stately mansions. The town ends abruptly on the beach of Scheveningen with its charming boulevard and fishing port. The Hague has many attractions such as "Panorama Mesdag", a painting of enormous measurements, 14 meters high and a circumference of 120 meters. At the end of the day, you cycle back to the university town of Leiden.
Day 5: Leiden - Hoogmade - Leiden, 8 mi. (13 km)
In the morning, set out for a short bike tour to visit a Dutch cheese farm where you can admire and taste the art of Dutch cheese making. In the afternoon there will be plenty of time to spend in Leiden. The oldest Dutch university town has a charming and lively center. The Elodie lies in the center of Leiden, a good place to get acquainted with this historical town.
Day 6: Leiden Harlem, 13 or 24 mi. (21 or 39 km)
Early in the morning, set sail out of Leiden. Outside Leiden, you begin to pedal to the Keukenhof. This flower exhibition has everything Holland has to offer when it comes to flowers. You can expect to be overwhelmed by colors at this time of year when most flower bulbs show their beauty. After the Keukenhof, continue on the bicycle to Harlem.
Day 7: Haarlem - Amsterdam, 5 or 17 mi. (8 or 27 km)
In the morning there is the possibility to do a short cycle trip to the statue of Hans Brinker. The Elodie will pick you up along the route to Amsterdam (e.t.a. 12.00). Amsterdam is certainly well worth spending more time because of its many possibilities: a boat tour around the canals, the Van Gogh museum, and the Rijks Museum; or just savor the atmosphere. For dinner, you can pick one of the many nice restaurants in the center of town.
Day 8: Amsterdam
Departure after breakfast.
Day 1: Amsterdam
Day 2: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Leiden
Day 3: Leiden - Kudelstaart
Day 4: Kudelstaart - Wormerveer
Day 5: Wormerveer - Alkmaar
Day 6: Alkmaar - Purmerend
Day 7: Purmerend - Amsterdam, via Monnickendam
Day 8: Amsterdam
Daily distances of 40 - 50 kms (4 hours by bike)
Day 1: Amsterdam
Individual arrival to Amsterdam. Embarkation before 2 pm. Sailing to Haarlem followed by a short bike ride.
Day 2: Haarlem – Keukenhof – Leiden (incl. visit to Keukenhof)
Today's trip leads you through the oldest bulb fields of Holland and along the Keukenhof. An overwhelming blaze of colors will greet you. Millions of flowering tulips in a magnificent 80-acres’ background of gardening architecture. You also can admire the various hyacinths, narcissus, and many other colorful flowers. You spend the night in the oldest university town of Holland, Leiden.
Day 3: Leiden – Kudelstaart
Today you will enjoy a tour around the Haarlemmermeer. This polder once was the biggest lake in Holland. The cycle route leads through the green heart of Holland on small cycle paths. Your destination for today is Kudelstaart.
Day 4: Kudelstaart - Wormerveer
You will have a full day today. Early in the morning you visit the "Flower Auction Aalsmeer", the biggest flower auction in the world. Disembark on a canal in Amsterdam to bike to the ferry which brings you across the "IJ". You continue your tour through the green polders to the famous Zaanse Schans. A unique place of wooden houses and mills. Mooring in Wormerveer.
Day 5: Wormerveer - Alkmaar
From Wormerveer you will cycle through the most beautiful dunes of the Netherlands and if weather permits, you may have your lunch break at the beach. Overnight stay is in the cheese town Alkmaar, an historic lively city.
Day 6: Alkmaar – Purmerend
Today you can discover the descent of Beemster cheese. The Beemster Polder, dating from the early 17th century, is an example of reclaimed land in the Netherlands. It has preserved intact its well-ordered landscape of fields, roads, canals, dykes, and settlements, laid out in accordance with classical and Renaissance planning principles. There will be time to visit the windmills at the Rijp.
Day 7: Purmerend –Amsterdam, via Monnickendam
Purmerend lies at the edge of an area called ‘ Waterland’ where roads and water are almost on the same level. Visit of the nice villages Zunderdorp and Ransdorp. The better cyclists can cycle the long route to Edam and Volendam. In Amsterdam you can look back at cycling seven days in great variation of typical Dutch landscapes, towns and many highlights.
Day 8 Saturday, Amsterdam, end of the tour after breakfast.
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Travel Details
This tour is run by MPS Iris BV, Eurosail, Martijn Van Tatenhove, and the Meeuwessens.
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.
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Tulip Tour - 8 Day Boats + Barges
Elodie Netherlands, Belgium, France Premium Class Boat The Elodie was built in 1931 and has been completely refurbished into a luxury holiday ship. The ship has a saloon and sundeck and all of its cabins come with air-conditioning. The saloon of the Elodie is furnished in ship-style by using various types of wood in the finishing.
Fleur France, Netherlands Comfort Class Boat The Fleur was first put into service in 2002. The previous owner, had the beautifully-lined barge converted into a comfortable passenger ship, according to her own design. Her female touch is definitely recognizable by the tasteful interior and her sharp eye for detail. The whole barge radiates a homelike atmosphere. In 2018 Steffie Kranz and Evert Jan Muurling, have taken over ownership.
Iris France, Germany Premium Class Boat The Iris was put to sea in April 2005. She is a refitted freight barge that accommodates 24 overnight passengers. The interior of the Iris is fresh, tasteful and comfortable. The Iris can navigate on most rivers and canals in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. On the top deck you will the lounge, a roomy sitting area, a cozy bar and a sun deck. The whole barge has central heating and air-conditioning.
Quo Vadis Belgium, Netherlands, Germany Deluxe Class Boat The beautiful MS Quo Vadis, a refurbished cargo barge, was put into service in April 2006 as a bike and boat vessel.
Sarah Belgium, Netherlands Standard Class Boat The Sarah is a very comfortable and spacious ship. After years of use as a cargo ship, the Sarah was transformed into a passenger boat in 2002. It is a very modern ship with tasteful accommodations, a spacious air conditioned lounge/restaurant, and large and inviting sun deck. The corridor is air conditioned as well.
Zwaantje France, Netherlands, Belgium Comfort Class Boat The MPS Zwaantje, which means "Little Swaan", is a wonderful comfort plus barge. The boat has 10 cabins with twin beds and 2 cabins with double beds. A nice and cozy salon with heating, air conditioning, large panoramic windows, a restaurant area, lounge corner and a small bar are on the upper deck.
Feniks Belgium, Netherlands, France Standard Class Boat Originally, the Feniks was built in 1928 as a freighter on the Dutch, Belgium and French inland waters. In 1992, the Feniks was converted to a hotel passenger ship and put in service for various sailing holidays. Since then, she has undergone several renovations to keep up-to-date with all modern facilities.
Allure Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg Comfort Class Boat The Allure is a very comfortable comfort class ship. It has ten, 2-person cabins, each with their own private bathroom.
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Tour Reviews
Marcia F. 1 month ago Verified Reviewer
Most Memorable Part: My banter daily with one of the guides, Harm Jung. He related well to my personality. The food, boat, and accommodations were all better than anticipated. Thank you.
Boat: Iris
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Erik G. 1 month ago Verified Reviewer
8 day Tulips bike and barge trip last April 2019 was excellent! Great scenery and cultural experience, fun living on the barge, and the entire group was fun. The meals were wholesome and tasty and the crew super friendly. The week went by too quickly. The bikes were top of the line and well maintained. Bring layers to wear as the weather can change quickly. If you're at all concerned that you can't bike the distance, then just get an e-bike and it will be easy and doable. Some people who thought they were strong cyclists wished they had e-bikes. Holland is flat, but that means cycling against the wind at times!
Boat: Quo Vadis
Reply
Marilyn T. 1 month ago Verified Reviewer
I loved cycling through the country side and coming across the beautiful and colorful tulip fields.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Liz L. 1 month ago Verified Reviewer
We did 8 day Tulip bike and barge last April 2019. What an amazing trip! Our first bike and barge was the Dalmation islands last Sept with a different company. Tripsite compared to the other company was so much better. We had better food, great bikes, and a gorgeous barge with excellent staff. The value for money was excellent and we look forward to our next bike and barge trip with Tripsite. Really liked how the routes were optimized for the weather each night for the next day, and the friendly captain and crew. Meals and snacks were plentiful and the scenery was spectacular. Would highly recommend cycling through Holland during the tulip season!
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Mary C. 1 month ago Verified Reviewer
The guides were wonderful. We saw so many interesting and beautiful spots. The highlights were the Keukenhof Gardens and the Floral Market, but we have many many memories. We have friends booking based on our recommendation!
Boat: Fleur
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Gigi S. 1 month ago Verified Reviewer
We had a wonderful time on the tulip tour. The staff was courteous and helpful whenever we needed anything. The boat was immaculate and the scenery and tulips were the best ever! Can't wait to do this trip again.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Coert & Christelle J. 1 month ago Verified Reviewer
A once in a lifetime experience.....not at all thought bike and barge would be so nice!
Boat: Iris
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Jean B. 3 months ago Verified Reviewer
The expected/promised highlights on our 8 Day - Tulip Tour (Keukenhof Gardens, the Royal Flora Holland Auction, Zaanse Schans and a visit to a cheese farm on an island in Rijpwetering) were wonderful. But it was the unexpected stops introduced by our guides that were most memorable. The visit to a windmill making paper from recycled rags, watching the release of cows for the first time in the spring near Spaarndam , the stop at the Aalsmeer Crash Museum and a visit to the Hortus Bulborum in Limmen made our trip extra special.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Michael & Margaret G. 3 months ago Verified Reviewer
We had a wonderful time on the barge Iris, biking through the Netherlands. The trip was well planned and the information given each day really highlighted the sights that we saw. The visits to the various venues were full of information and gave us a nice view of life in Holland. We could not have asked more from our guides, Wouter and Sarah. Each day when we rode up to the barge at its new dock site, the crew welcomed us and asked about our day. The meals were excellent with a different area of the world serving as the source for the menu each evening. Wines had been chosen to go with each serving. The rooms were as expected on a ship and very clean. they offered an easy base for our adventure. We had a very good time and we thank the guides and the crew including the chef.
Boat: Iris
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Elizabeth S. 3 months ago Verified Reviewer
We had a wonderful Tulip Tour week on the Quo Vadis. We had excellent tour guides who were knowledgeable and personable. In addition to the planned events, we "happened upon" many extras, including "a cow dance," farmers shearing sheep, a WWII museum and some regal looking deer in the dunes at the North Sea. The ship was comfortable, the staff friendly and the food was great. Highly recommendable!
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Susan D. 3 months ago Verified Reviewer
We had the perfect week for our Bike & Barge adventure! We brought rain gear but never had to use it. First day it was rather cold 39 degrees when we started out biking with wind, but of course it is the land of windmills. I was glad I had an ebike. The guides were knowledgeable and our experiences very local. They knew the market days, unique cafes, great places we wouldn’t have wanted to miss. The tulips were all in bloom and we biked through seas of color. The captain and crew of our barge, “Quo Vadis” were absolutely the best and individually got to know us all. I would highly recommend this trip to all. You don’t have to be an avid biker to enjoy this trip, all levels were welcomed.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Carl B. 3 months ago Verified Reviewer
The Crew and Guides were exceptional! Boat was more than we could ask for.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Coert & Christelle 3 months ago Verified Reviewer
We had a wonderful time on the Iris April 2019. This exceeded our expectations by far. Excellent staff.... Gijs, Gerhard, Aline, Tina and guides Mieke and Harm-Jan. The food, boat, the scenery (Tulips!!) were great, but most of all the cycling. The weather was perfect and since we were the only South African couple, we enjoyed the company of at first strangers and then sing-along travel friends! Memories made forever!
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Will E. 4 months ago Verified Reviewer
The Tulip tour was wonderful. Loved the Quo Vadis and it’s crew and enjoyed the biking. Our guide Rikko was so well informed and enthusiastic about the places we saw. Everything about the tour was first-rate.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Linda H. 7 months ago Verified Reviewer
Our bike tour included stopping to visit inside a working windmill, a roadside stand for regional cuisine called kibbeling, the flower auction and a seaside stop for fresh herring. An unforgettable trip even though the tulips weren't quite in full bloom.
Boat: Fleur
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Brenda C. 8 months ago Verified Reviewer
We loved our trip and we enjoyed staying on the Iris. We are going to be booking again in July 2019 and specifically picked the Iris so we can be on the same boat. Looking forward to it.
Boat: Iris
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Louise H. 8 months ago Verified Reviewer
So many things are memorable even a year after the trip. Loved the Kucken Gardens. They were a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But also the windmill tour, the tulip museum, the cheese factory, and the small town tours with the guide. What also stands out are the delicious dinners shared with all the other fascinating folks on the trip as well as the boat owner and her son who were our guides. Suggestions: Just GO!
Boat: Iris
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Randy B. 9 months ago Verified Reviewer
The entire trip was exceptional from beginning to end. The accommodations were perfect (you can't beat having your hotel follow you). The food was amazing and the staff were the perfect hosts. The guides did an exceptional job guiding us through the beautiful towns, villages and countryside of Holland. A trip my wife and I will always remember.
Boat: Fleur
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Betty S. 1 year ago Verified Reviewer
We absolutely loved our first Bike & Barge. We did the Tulip Tour the week of Apr 14 - 21/18 on board the Sarah and had a fantastic time. We had beautiful weather the entire week with absolutely no rain. The scenery was amazing and the tulips were at their peak during this week. We enjoyed the Dutch culture and food especially the cheese, chocolate and yogurt. The crew were amazing. Thanks to Ivo, Reintje, Kristof and Agnieszka who looked after us so well on the Sarah. A special thanks to Cornel our tour guide. He went above and beyond to make sure we were safe and that we all had an enjoyable week. We would love do another tour in the future.
Boat: Sarah
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Patrick L. 1 year ago Verified Reviewer
Janteen's food was superior - even better than the other bike barges, and that's setting the bar pretty high.
Nico and Chango are great guys. Fun to chat with and good at their professions. The small group, cozy quarters on the Elodie, excellent crew, great riding companions, the people of The Netherlands - and, of course, the tulips - made this the best bike and barge trip ever.
Boat: Elodie
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Elizabeth T. 1 year ago Verified Reviewer
This was my first Bike and Barge trip . Now I am hooked and am making plans for another trip next year. There were many many WOW moments on the trip., on the barge, on the bikes and during the nightly tours of the cities visited. This is the only means to really learn about, see and interact with the country.
Everything on this trip was memorable from the staff, the guide ,the other tour participants and off course the scenery and the people and customs of The Netherlands
Thank you TRIPSITE for the excellent service!
Boat: Elodie
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Kathy C. 1 year ago Verified Reviewer
The 8 day Tulip tour was fantastic. The boat, bike, food, staff and scenery was everything we had hoped for! The only thing we couldn't control was the weather and the tulips not quiet in bloom....we dodged the rain and saw many daffodils and hyacinth and met new friends to top it all off. Thanks for the memories!
Boat: Fleur
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Randall B. 1 year ago Verified Reviewer
Wonderful trip! Even though the tulips were a bit behind because of the extended winter, the tour offered wonderful scenery and a plethora of other flowers. The guides were great and the pace accommodated all the participants. Great food, accommodations, service and staff!
Boat: Fleur
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Jean Balloon 1 year ago Verified Reviewer
Just ended this tour this morning and it was one of the best vacations we've ever taken. Can't say enough about the captain, staff and guides on the Fleur-very glad we chose a guided trip as there are numerous detours and unclear route signs. Fantastic sights, excellent equipment, wonderful food and fun fellow passengers, REALLY important to take the right clothes (we wore t-shirts, short, sandals and down coats/hat/gloves in the same week) Full rain gear including waterproof shoes or boots is essential. Also be aware the wind in the Netherlands can be brutal-we booked e-bikes and were REALLY glad we did! Steps down to cabin are very narrow and steep - almost like a ladder, so make sure you can do this several times each day. Excellent communication from Tripsite regarding booking and all information. Thank you Cpt. Steffy, Elsa, Aga, Nellie, Helena, Petra and Bert for an extraordinary holiday!
Boat: Fleur
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Amanda S. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
I am still raving about our trip - we loved every minute of it. Loved the cycling through all the fields of tulips and Lia our guide was fantastic. The barge was warm and welcoming - like coming home at the end of the day - excellent food. I only have good things to say. Just do it!
Boat: Fleur
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Mia & Jim M. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
Most Memorable Parts: The fields of flowers in the Netherlands, our fellow passengers, both the barge and bike riding experience.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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David F. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
Great atmosphere created by the staff and participants so much so that we still connect on email with the hope of another bike and barge cruise.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Natalie F. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
I loved everything about this trip. It was perfect in terms of length of ride, personalities on the boat etc...My husband and I REALLY enjoyed.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Darren B. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
The most memorable part was the whole staff and guide on the Elodie.
Boat: Elodie
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Paul Emile T. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
Excellent group spirit!
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Cindy G. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
The staff on Fleur were wonderful and our guide Lia was excellent sharing so much info about the Netherlands.
Boat: Fleur
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Troy T. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
One of the best European Vacations I have ever done. Well worth the money. Will never forget how beautiful the Tulips were.
Boat: Fleur
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Frank L. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
EVERYTHING about this trip was fabulous! We will have long lasting memories about everything related to this trip- the booking process with Tripsite to the barge and crew to the tulips and windmills to the wonderful biking experiences throughout The Netherlands. I would highly recommend this trip to everyone!
Boat: Fleur
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Kathleen C. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
Everything was wonderful, from the newly renovated Barge, the staff, food, agenda and bikes. The booking process sometimes was a bit confusing and questions took a bit to get answers to via email. The cost was so reasonable and good value overall! I will definitely travel this way again!
Boat: Fleur
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David F. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
Every participant showed great enthusiasm for a perfect holiday, not one moan or groan.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Kelly S. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
One of the best trips!
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Jim G. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
The most memorable parts were the Keukenhof Gardens and the monstrous Flower Market.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Dave S. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
The most memorable part was the wind mill sawmill. I have six people I have recommended this trip to next year they have already contacted you.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Mallory W. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
Honestly, it was a dream from booking to end. I had quite a few questions that Tripsite answered within hours, but the greatest surprise was the Quo Vadis. It was incredible; my first riverboat but most definitely not my last. The ship lulled me to sleep, Chef Frank cooked the best meal of my life every night, and Captain Rendert was so accommodating and intelligent. He surveyed the weather, the course, everything everyday, and tailored it to our crew. I can't wait for my next cruise!
Boat: Quo Vadis
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J. Stowell 3 years ago Verified Reviewer
This was an amazing trip. The scenery and flowers were absolutely stunning, the group was great, and we had wonderful food, thanks to our chef, Sander. Nico, our guide was fantastic. He is fun and knowledgable and took great care of us. I would love to take another of his tours! I loved the biking. It was pretty chilly and sometimes very windy, but always doable. The bike roads and scenery make the Netherlands a perfect place to bike.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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K Arehart 3 years ago Verified Reviewer
We were very pleased with the Zwaantje and its ownership / crew, and Felix, our guide. We have already booked our next adventure on the Zwaantje for Sept 2017.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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T. Gaeng 3 years ago Verified Reviewer
Boat, rooms, bikes, food, service, cleanliness, friendliness of crew (Captain, First Mate, Cook, Guide) - all excellent. It was was a fantastic trip !!!
All entrance fees of the places we visited on the bike trips (Keukenhof, Flower Auction) were included and we also visited places that are not usually open for tourists (private cheese farm, retired tulip grower, ...). Some guests were not very experienced bikes (us included) but with e-bikes as options we managed to do all bike trips - although mostly flat we usually went at good clip and had frequently strong winds to battle. But the exercise only made the trip more fun and increased our appetite to look forward to the excellent 3-4 course dinners on the boat.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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J. Mumford 3 years ago Verified Reviewer
About the only confusion was the gratuity. In your write up it stated 3 - 4%. On our room door it said 5 to 8%. Which was a combined amount. So it was a little confusing. We tipped the 8% maybe a little more. Not a problem for us, but some people budget for an exact amount. The trip was wonderful.
Boat: Fleur
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Susan B. 3 years ago Verified Reviewer
Super trip. I was a inexperienced bicycler and the ebike made the journey very enjoyable.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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J Douglas 3 years ago Verified Reviewer
The barge (Zwaantje) was exceptionally nice. It helps that the captain is also the owner. You could tell that he took pride in the vessel and kept it in great condition. We were lucky with the weather for this trip, as this time of year for the Tulip Tour can be cold and rainy, as some friends of ours found out, when they took a later week. The Tulip Tour is worth doing once, however since the weather during this time of the year is so unpredictable, we would not take the chance of a second time. Instead, we will be doing the September 2-week Paris to Brugge next year.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Mona White 4 years ago Verified Reviewer
I left my heart in The Netherlands. The people are so great there.
Boat: Fleur
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Jan Bray 4 years ago Verified Reviewer
The route was altered due to bridge construction, beyond the control of the staff. They handled it well, though. It was very fun and the group bonded well. I would suggest at the beginning, a short refresher on hand signals, road signs, etc would be good so that we all understand the traveling circumstances.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Sharon Bozman 4 years ago Verified Reviewer
Had a wonderful time. The crew were amazing. Fred the guide was very attentive, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. Well organized with unique side trips. The food was great and the crew were all very friendly and helpful. What a beautiful country and lovely way to experience it. I will definitely recommend it to my friends.
Boat: Fleur
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Joyce Chizmadia 4 years ago Verified Reviewer
We loved our trip to the Netherlands to bike through the tulips and have recommended this trips to lots of friends and family!
Boat: Fleur
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Beth Groundwater 4 years ago Verified Reviewer
The staff of the Quo Vadis and our bike guide were absolutely wonderful.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Paula Bramble 4 years ago Verified Reviewer
We enjoy the international feel of Tripsite and tell our friends about the pleasures of bike and barge.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Prosper Bellizia 5 years ago Verified Reviewer
At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, this was a vacation that I still think about everyday, almost 2 months later. The only way to see this beautiful country is at ground level on a bike. And the only way to do it is with the crew of the Quo Vadis who made the trip so much fun.
Did I say how much I loved this trip?!!
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Ralph and Erna Fluit 5 years ago Verified Reviewer
We had an absolutely marvelous time.
The crew was amazing,the food very delicious, they all went out of their way to make it a very memorable vacation.
We truly appreciated all the extra things that Lia did for us, taking us on excursions in the town at night, even arranging a tour one night through the canals in one of the towns.
We highly recommend a bike and barge tour and have done so already, we will definitely do it again and would love to be with the same crew.
Thank you so much!
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Nick and Petra Voordenhout 5 years ago Verified Reviewer
Just a note to say how much we enjoyed the 8 day tulip bike and barge. The captin Rendert, crew Valdi, chef Alf and guide Lia went beyond our expectations. The boat was clean and well kept and cozy. The meals amazing and Lia did her best to make it enjoyable for everyone regardless of ability. We would truly recommend this tour to anyone. We would like to do another tour with them in the future.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Simon Husband 5 years ago Staff
Just a brief note to tell you how much we enjoyed the Tulip Tour aboard the Quo Vadis.
The Captain Rendert, the Second Mate Waldi, the Chef Alfe and Guide Lea were excellent. They worked hard to make everyone happy and made a good team. They really enjoy what they do and this showed in the attention and professionalism shown to all the guests.
The itinerary was spot on for content and interest. Not a moment was left to chance as they made sure we enjoyed every aspect of the Dutch culture, countryside and the beauty of the tulip fields.
Special mention to our Guide Lea for her excellent knowledge of all things Dutch, our Chef Alfe for his passion for food and ensuring our nutritional wellbeing and Waldi for going out of way to make sure that we did not want for anything practical on the boat.
We look forward to doing more tours with TripSite.
Boat: Quo Vadis
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Mary McLaughlin 6 years ago Verified Reviewer
The April 14th, 2013 trip on the Elodie far exceeded my expectations. The dynamite crew provided excellent care and service. Meeting people from other countries, sharing stories, riding in the wind (and just a little bit of rain) and dining with each other for the week was a bonding experience. Ine, our guide, was patient and knowledgable, Vamme was a good captain who joined us on some of our city strolls and Sander was a chef extraordinaire ~ definitely the "King of Creme Brulle" ! My friend and I hope to take another Bike & Barge trip ~ and would arrange our trip around the Elodie. What wonderful memories!!!
Boat: Fleur
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Noreen Stackpole 6 years ago Verified Reviewer
We just returned from the Tulip Tour on the Elodie. It was fantastic. Our guide, Ine, was great, even going the extra mile by offering city walks each evening. Sander, the chef, created outstanding gourmet dinners enhanced by his enthusiastic description and presentations. Our captain was great, pitching in as needed. The bikes were brand new and of excellent quality, and the biking was really fun - challenging at times with the wind, which added to the enjoyment. We got to tour a working windmill and a cheese producing farm and learned a lot about the Netherlands. No tulip fields this week but that was the only disappointment and it was overshadowed by all the positives. A fantastic trip!
Boat: Fleur
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Jane & Dale Honeycutt 6 years ago Verified Reviewer
What a fabulous time! The crew on the Elodie could not have been better. Sanders, the chef, put out gourmet meals every night, with wonderful breakfast choices each morning. Our guide for the week, Miriah, took such good care of us, was always cheerful & helpful, and we really saw an amazing cross section of the Netherlands.The April 7th trip, this year, was cold, and unfortunately because of the very late spring there were very few tulips, but that didn't dim our enjoyment, and it was highly unusual. Some of the mileages shown are a little short. Day 2 was possible to do 34 miles & day 7 was 22 miles. All do-able even for someone who hasn't kept up on their cycling.
Boat: Fleur
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