Tulip Tour - 8 day
Netherlands Bike + Barge Tours
Biking & boating through the Tulips!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1234 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
One of our most popular, this bike and boat tour in Holland during tulip season, featuring the north and south provinces, is bursting with colors and scents.
When the Dutch spring dawns, 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!
Did you know that during the 17th century, 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!
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
Take a look at our full list of bike & barge tours in Holland.
Itinerary
Deluxe Class
Magnifiques
Day 1: Amsterdam - check-in on board 1:30-2pm | boat departs at 2:30 for Spaardnam | Spaarndam - Haarlem, 3 or 8 mi. (6 or 14 km)
Day 2: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Leiden, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 3: Leiden - Gouda, 19 or 24 mi. (32 or 40 km)
Day 4: Gouda - Alphen a/d Rijn | Alpehn a/d Rijn - Kudelstaart, 12 or 27 mi. (20 or 44 km)
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 33 mi. (37 or 54 km)
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam following breakfast, by 9:30amAll distances in italics are covered by ship. 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 - Spaarndam | Spaarndam - Haarlem, 3 or 8 mi. (6 or 14 km)
Boarding takes place between 1:30 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 2:30 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. While the barge sails to Haarlem, your tour leader will tell you about the tour, the cycling and safety. From Spaarndam you have the option to do a little test ride. After dinner on board, the tour leader will take you on a town walk through the beautiful city centre of Haarlem.Day 2: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Leiden, 23 mi. (38 km)
Today’s trip leads you through the oldest tulip fields of Holland, including a visit of the Keukenhof gardens. This is the most beautiful bulb park in the world. Keukenhof is the place where spring breaks. An overwhelming blaze of colors; seven million flowering tulips in a magnificent 80-acres’ background of traditional and modern gardening architecture. You also can admire the various hyacinths, daffodils and many other colorful flowers. In the afternoon you cycle to the city of Leiden. Dinner on board and after that you can join the walk through town.
Day 3: Leiden - Gouda, 22 or 26 mi. (37 or 43 km)
After breakfast you will cycle out of Leiden. You will travel through the ‘green heart’ of Holland. Near Zoeterwoude, you will visit a cheese farm where you will learn about the cheese-making process and you will have the opportunity to taste the results. In the afternoon you reach Gouda, famous for the Gouda cheese. Gouda has an attractive compact center with her pretty market square and Gothic town hall. The main church of Gouda, devoted to Saint John, is world famous for its stained glass windows. After dinner you can join the walk through town.Day 4: Gouda - Alphen a/d Rijn | Alpehn a/d Rijn - Kudelstaart, 12 or 27 mi. (20 or 44 km)
We stay in Gouda this morning. You have the opportunity to do some shopping and to visit the market square with its cheese weigh house or you can visit the St. Johns church. We leave by barge around noon and have a light lunch on board. From Alphen aan den Rijn you cycle through the ‘green heart’ of South Holland via river Drecht and Amstel-Drecht channel to Kudelstaart.Day 5: Kudelstaart - Flower auction | Aalsmeer - Amsterdam | Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans, 19 or 25 mi. (32 or 41 km)
At 6.30 a.m. you can drink an early cup of coffee. After that 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. After your visit you return on board (around 9 a.m.) for a late breakfast while the barge sails to Amsterdam. You will enjoy a nice cruise, right through the city.
Today’s cycling tour takes you from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, a unique hamlet where people live and work, with original houses and windmills from the river Zaan area. The hamlet is dominated by 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.Day 6: Zaanse Schans - Alkmaar, 24 mi. (40 km)
This morning you cycle to the 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. Your cycling tour continues to Egmond at the Northsea. The tour goes through the dunes to Alkmaar. This town is 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 in town at your own account.Day 7: Alkmaar - Amsterdam, 22 or 33 mi. (37 or 54 km)
After breakfast, your cycling tour leads you to the former windmill complex of the Schermer Polder. Here we visit the Schermerhorn Windmill Museum. Your next stop is the beautiful town of De Rijp. Centuries of history are still evident here in De Rijp’s wooden facades, beautiful church, lock, and town hall. From here, your ride continues 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 following breakfast, by 9:30 am.You can view all of our bike & boat tours or look at our featured trips, specials, & news.
Premium Class
Iris
Day 1: Arrival aboard the Iris. Amsterdam - Utrecht
Day 2: Utrecht - Gouda
Day 3: Gouda - Leiden
Day 4: Leiden - Haarlem
Day 5: Haarlem - Alkmaar
Day 6: Alkmaar - Zaanse Schans
Day 7: Zaanse Schans - Amsterdam
Day 8: Amsterdam, end of our tour after breakfast.Average daily distance is 24 mi. (38 km).
Day 1: Arrival aboard the Iris. Amsterdam - Utrecht
The crew of the Iris welcomes you onboard at approximately 1 pm. The boat departs Amsterdam and after getting settled into your room, there is a tour briefing about the ship and the day's ride. You have the option to begin cycling in the town of Breukelen to Utrecht or stay on the boat which crosses around over the Lek, an arm of the Rhine.Day 2: Utrecht - Gouda
Your day starts with a ride to the most beautifully built, Castle De Haar, in the Netherlands where local guides will welcome you. After this visit, you will cycle to Oudewater, a medieval town with a "Heksenwaag", scales used to determine whether a woman could be a witch by measuring her weight! Oudewater was the only town in all of Europe to receive the privilege of an honest weighing process from Emperor Charles V. Because of this special dispensation, no one was ever condemned as a witch here. The day's destination is Gouda, a beautiful historic city. From The Markt, the central square with its iconic town hall to the beautiful stained-glass windows of the Sint-Jans church and from street food to the first Fairtrade street in the Netherlands, old and new meet and merge in Gouda where the most exported kind of cheese the Netherland produces originated. So yes, you will find many cheese shops here, and also stroopwafels!Day 3: Gouda - Leiden
Today is a great ride through the agricultural green heart of Holland. Although the bigger cities are within close proximity, this region remains protected and serves as a great green area with grazing cows and ducks, and willow trees. Your first stop will be at a cheese farm for a tasting and educational tour.Day 4: Leiden - Haarlem
Today needs no introduction. The Keukenhof! Made up of 79 acres of garden with approximately 7 million flowers. While the Keukenhof is mostly known for its tulips, there are also Hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, roses, carnations, and irises. Before and after your visit to the Keukenhof, your ride will also lead right through the flower-growing fields. After this highlight, you will be docked in Haarlem, a lovely town also known as "Little Amsterdam".Day 5: Haarlem - Alkmaar
From Haarlem, you will cycle through the nature reserve area behind the dunes of the North Sea on wonderful cycling paths! You will enjoy lunch at the beach. You then follow the paths and ride a bit more inland to the private garden Hortus Bulborum, the world’s most important bulb garden, preserving some 4000 varieties of heirloom flower bulbs, most of which have gone “commercially extinct.” To wander through its amazing diversity in bloom time is an unforgettable experience. Take a tour with the local volunteers who are, and they should be, very proud of their unique work.Day 6: Alkmaar - Zaanse Schans
The first stop of the day is in the historic Schermer with its polder windmills, one of the greatest projects of the Dutch to reclaim land from the water. For 3 years the Scher Lake (Schermeer) was pumped out with he help of 52 polder mills and in 1635 the lake disappeared completely. Your lunch stop will be in De Rijp, another lovely little village, on the way to the Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum that welcomes many tourists during the daytime. It is a replica of how a living and working community in the Zaan district looked back in the mid 19th century at the start of the industrial revolution. You can enjoy this, and even better, walk through it after all tourists have left! It is a magical place, so tranquil at that time.Day 7: Zaanse Schans - Amsterdam
You can cut it short or have a longer ride. Your choice! The short option will arrive in Amsterdam at lunchtime, and you can then spend the afternoon on your own!
Book tickets for the museum if that is on your bucket list!Day 8: Amsterdam
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to your companions, guides, and crew.Please note, the 2024 itinerary is subject to changes. Itinerary coming soon!
Comfort Class
Fleur, Lena Maria & Zwaantje
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 - Gouda, 19 or 24 mi. (32 or 40 km)
Day 4: Gouda - Alphen a/d Rijn | Alpehn a/d Rijn - Kudelstaart, 12 or 27 mi. (20 or 44 km)
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 33 mi. (37 or 54 km)
Day 8: Departure from AmsterdamAll distances in italics are covered by ship. 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 - Spaarndam | 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 2:30 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 the 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 - 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 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, 12 or 27 mi. (20 or 44 km)
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 33 mi. (37 or 54 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.Allure
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 - Gouda, 22 or 26 mi. (37 or 43 km)
Day 4: Gouda - Alphen a/d Rijn | Alpehn a/d Rijn - Kudelstaart, 12 or 27 mi. (20 or 44 km)
Day 5: Kudelstaart - Flower auction | Aalsmeer - Amsterdam | Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans - Purmerand, 5 + 21 mi. (9 + 36 km)
Day 6: Purmerand - Spijkerboor | Spijkerboor - Alkmaar, 18 or 24 mi. (29 or 39 km)
Day 7: Alkmaar - Amsterdam, 22 or 33 mi. (37 or 54 km)
Day 8: Departure from AmsterdamAll distances in italics are covered by ship. The tours on the Allure will be accompanied by one tour guide. During days when two distances are possible, 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 - 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 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, 12 or 27 mi. (27 or 44 km)
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 - Purmerand, 5 mi. + additional 14 mi. (9 + 23 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. From Zaanse Schans, it is back on the bike to cycle onward to PurmerandDay 6: Purmerand - Spijkerboor | Spijkerboor - Alkmaar, 18 or 24 mi. (29 or 39 km)
This morning you cycle to the 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. Your cycling tour continues to Egmond at the Northsea. The tour goes through the dunes to Alkmaar. This town is 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 in town at your own accountDay 7: Alkmaar - Amsterdam, 22 or 33 mi. (37 or 54 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.You can view all of our bike & boat tours or look at our featured trips, specials, & news.
Standard Class
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 - Gouda, 22 or 26 mi. (37 or 43 km)
Day 4: Gouda - Alphen a/d Rijn | Alpehn a/d Rijn - Kudelstaart, 12 or 27 mi. (20 or 44 km)
Day 5: Kudelstaart - Flower auction | Aalsmeer - Amsterdam | Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans - Purmerand, 5 mi. + additional 21 mi. (9 + 36 km)
Day 6: Purmerand - Spijkerboor | Spijkerboor - Alkmaar, 18 or 24 mi. (29 or 39 km)
Day 7: Alkmaar - Amsterdam, 22 or 33 mi. (37 or 54 km)
Day 8: Departure from AmsterdamAll distances in italics are covered by ship. The tours on the Sarah will be accompanied by one tour guide. During days when two distances are possible, 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 - Gouda, 22 or 26 mi. (37 or 43 km)
The day begins with a sailing breakfast! Imagine enjoying your morning coffee as the stunning Dutch scenery passes by! 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, 12 or 27 mi. (27 or 44 km)
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 - Purmerand, 5 mi. + additional 21 mi. (9 + 36 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. From Zaanse Schans, it is back on the bike to cycle onward to PurmerandDay 6: Purmerand - Spijkerboor | Spijkerboor - Alkmaar, 18 or 24 mi. (29 or 39 km)
This morning you cycle to the 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. Your cycling tour continues to Egmond at the Northsea. The tour goes through the dunes to Alkmaar. This town is 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 in town at your own accountDay 7: Alkmaar - Amsterdam, 22 or 33 mi. (37 or 54 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.
Map
Boats & Bikes
There are several boats/dates possible for your 8 day Tulip Tour. Please visit the corresponding boat pages to read details!
- Magnifique I
Deluxe Class Boat
The totally renovated Magnifique I will join our line-up in 2024, joining her sisters the Magnifique II, III, & IV! Read More
- Magnifique III
Deluxe Class Barge
Following the success of her sister ships, Princesse Royal and the Magnifique II, Magnifique lll was launched in 2018, adding to her owner/captain's portfolio of designing and constructing deluxe ships. The partially covered sundeck with sun loungers and a hot tub provide is the perfect spot for relaxation. The tastefully decorated lounge with large panoramic windows, located on the upper deck is wonderfully inviting and the combined light-filled restaurant, bar, and lounge adds to the ambience. Read More
- Zwaantje
Comfort Class Barge
The MPS Zwaantje, which means "Little Swan", is a wonderful comfort class barge. The boat has 10 cabins with twin beds and 2 cabins with double beds. A large common room with heating, air conditioning, large panoramic windows, a restaurant area, lounge corner, and a small bar are on the upper deck. Read More
- Iris
Premium Class Barge
In 2005, the Iris was transformed from a cargo ship to a passenger ship. Her owner, Lenny Versteeg, has lovingly updated and maintained her throughout the years. The interior is fresh, tasteful, and comfortable. Read More
- Fleur
Comfort Class Barge
This vessel was originally built to fit the smaller locks and canals in France and has been cruising the French waters ever since. Though not a large boat, the atmosphere onboard is homey and comfortable. You will love the upper deck lounge with large windows and the partially covered sun deck, the ideal place to sip a beverage, enjoy an appetizer, and passing scenery while cruising. Read More
- Allure
Comfort Class Barge
In 1998, the Allure took to the water as a cruise vessel, but after undergoing a rejuvenating restyle, was transformed into a welcoming and cozy passenger barge boasting sleek lines and contemporary design. Since then, the Allure has become a staple for boat and bike tours across the picturesque regions of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Read More
- Sarah
Standard Class Boat
After years of use as a cargo ship, the Sarah was transformed into a passenger boat in 2002. The interior has been designed to take full advantage of the space with an emphasis on comfort. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
Magnifiques
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Breakfasts, packed lunches, & 6 three-course dinners
- Complimentary welcome drink
- Coffee & tea are available while on board
- 7-speed city touring bike with helmet, pannier & water bottle
- Bike protection
- Cycling tour guide (two tour guides for groups of 18 or more)
- Entrance to Keukenhof
- Entrance North Holland Dune Reserve
- Entrance Aalsmeer flower auction
- Visit an authentic Dutch cheese farm
- Route information
- GPS tracks via Ride With GPS app (sent approx. one month before tour date)
- WiFi (Due to the steel construction of the ship, signal strength and speed may not be what you are accustomed to)
- Carbon offset contribution to Justdiggit
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfasts, 6 packed lunches, & 5 dinners with a glass of wine
- Coffee & tea on board
- Daily cabin cleaning
- 8-speed city touring bicycle equipped with panniers, helmet & water bottle
- Bike protection
- Cycling tour guide (two tour guides for groups of 18 or more)
- Route information
- Entrance to the Hortus Bulborum, Keukenhof, Cheese Farm, & the Castle de Haar
- WiFi (Due to the steel construction of the ship, signal strength and speed may not be what you are accustomed to)
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfasts, packed lunches, & 6 three-course dinners
- Complimentary welcome drink
- Coffee & tea available while on board
- Fleur: 11-speed Gudereit unisex city touring bicycle equipped with handbrakes, water bottle, lock, & pannier. Bike protection included.
- Zwaantje: 21-seed unisex city touring bicycle equipped with handbrakes, water bottle, lock, & pannier. Bike protection included.
- Helmets
- Cycling tour guide (two tour guides for groups of 18 or more)
- Entrance to Keukenhof
- Entrance North Holland Dune Reserve
- Entrance Aalsmeer flower auction
- Visit an authentic Dutch cheese farm
- Route information
- GPS tracks via Ride With GPS app (sent approx. one month before tour date)
- WiFi (Due to the steel construction of the ship, signal strength and speed may not be what you are accustomed to)
- Carbon offset contribution to Justdiggit
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Breakfasts, packed lunches & 6 dinners
- Welcome drink
- Coffee & tea on board
- Daily cabin cleaning
- 7-speed Velo de Ville brand touring bicycle with hand brakes, equipped with helmet, & pannier
- Cycling tour guide
- Entrance to Keukenhof
- Route information
- GPS tracks (sent approx. one month before tour date)
- WiFi (Due to steel construction of ship, signal strength and speed may not be what you are accustomed to. Surcharge may apply, depending on the amount of data used)
Iris
Zwaantje & Fleur
Allure & Sarah
What’s Not Included
Magnifiques
- One Dinner (in Alkmaar)
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Any entrance fee not mentioned as included
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Entrance fees for museums, monuments, etc. other than those mentioned
- 2 dinners (Day 3 + 4)
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Entrance fees for museums, monuments, etc. other than those mentioned
- 1 dinner in Alkmaar
- Gratuities
- Bike protection (Sarah & Allure)
- Travel Insurance
Iris
Fleur, Zwaantje, Allure & Sarah
Dates & Pricing
2024
Magnifique I
Monday departures
Season B: April 1, 2024
Season D: April 8, April 15, April 22 & April 29, 2024Season B Season D Twin $ 2805 £ 1466 $ 2,474 € 1674 ₪ 6800 ¥ 253839 NZ$ 3030 NOK 20263 kr 19801 $ 1,821 $ 3056 £ 1598 $ 2,696 € 1824 ₪ 7410 ¥ 276584 NZ$ 3301 NOK 22079 kr 21575 $ 1,984 Junior Suite $ 3475 £ 1816 $ 3,065 € 2074 ₪ 8425 ¥ 314494 NZ$ 3754 NOK 25105 kr 24532 $ 2,256 $ 3726 £ 1948 $ 3,287 € 2224 ₪ 9035 ¥ 337239 NZ$ 4025 NOK 26921 kr 26306 $ 2,419 Twin/single-use (limited availability) $ 4103 £ 2145 $ 3,619 € 2449 ₪ 9949 ¥ 371357 NZ$ 4433 NOK 29644 kr 28967 $ 2,664 $ 4480 £ 2342 $ 3,952 € 2674 ₪ 10863 ¥ 405475 NZ$ 4840 NOK 32368 kr 31629 $ 2,908 Magnifique III
Tuesday departure
Season D: April 23, 2024Season D Twin $ 3056 £ 1598 $ 2,696 € 1824 ₪ 7410 ¥ 276584 NZ$ 3301 NOK 22079 kr 21575 $ 1,984 Upper deck suite $ 4061 £ 2123 $ 3,582 € 2424 ₪ 9847 ¥ 367566 NZ$ 4387 NOK 29341 kr 28672 $ 2,637 Twin/single-use (limited availability) $ 4480 £ 2342 $ 3,952 € 2674 ₪ 10863 ¥ 405475 NZ$ 4840 NOK 32368 kr 31629 $ 2,908 Extra Options
Magnifiques I & III
Electric bike rental (limited number available, please reserve in advance) $ 251 £ 131 $ 222 € 150 ₪ 609 ¥ 22745 NZ$ 271 NOK 1816 kr 1774 $ 163 Canal cruise tickets $ 30 £ 16 $ 27 € 18 ₪ 73 ¥ 2729 NZ$ 33 NOK 218 kr 213 $ 20 Please Note
- Rates are per person, 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
2024
Iris
Thursday departures
April 11 & May 2, 2024Twin/double $ 3167 £ 1655 $ 2,793 € 1890 ₪ 7678 ¥ 286592 NZ$ 3421 NOK 22878 kr 22355 $ 2,056 Twin/single-use On request Extra Options
Electric bike rental $ 184 £ 96 $ 163 € 110 ₪ 447 ¥ 16680 NZ$ 199 NOK 1332 kr 1301 $ 120 Please Note
- Rates are per person, 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
2024
Fleur
Sunday departures
Season A: March 31, 2024
Season C: April 7, April 14, April 21, & April 28, 2024Season A Season C Twin/double $ 2721 £ 1422 $ 2,400 € 1624 ₪ 6597 ¥ 246257 NZ$ 2939 NOK 19658 kr 19209 $ 1,766 $ 2888 £ 1510 $ 2,548 € 1724 ₪ 7004 ¥ 261421 NZ$ 3120 NOK 20868 kr 20392 $ 1,875 Twin/single-use $ 3977 £ 2079 $ 3,508 € 2374 ₪ 9644 ¥ 359984 NZ$ 4297 NOK 28736 kr 28080 $ 2,582 $ 4229 £ 2211 $ 3,730 € 2524 ₪ 10253 ¥ 382730 NZ$ 4568 NOK 30552 kr 29855 $ 2,745 Zwaantje
Saturday departures
Season C: April 6, April 13, April 20, & April 27, 2024Season C Twin/double $ 2888 £ 1510 $ 2,548 € 1724 ₪ 7004 ¥ 261421 NZ$ 3120 NOK 20868 kr 20392 $ 1,875 Twin/single-use $ 4229 £ 2211 $ 3,730 € 2524 ₪ 10253 ¥ 382730 NZ$ 4568 NOK 30552 kr 29855 $ 2,745 Allure
Friday departures
April 5, April 12, & April 19, 2024Twin/double $ 2369 £ 1238 $ 2,090 € 1414 ₪ 5744 ¥ 214414 NZ$ 2559 NOK 17116 kr 16725 $ 1,538 Twin/single-use $ 3457 £ 1807 $ 3,049 € 2064 ₪ 8383 ¥ 312901 NZ$ 3735 NOK 24978 kr 24408 $ 2,244 Triple $ 2268 £ 1186 $ 2,001 € 1354 ₪ 5500 ¥ 205315 NZ$ 2451 NOK 16390 kr 16015 $ 1,473 Extra Options
Fleur & Zwaantje
Electric bike rental (limited number available, please reserve in advance) $ 251 £ 131 $ 222 € 150 ₪ 609 ¥ 22745 NZ$ 271 NOK 1816 kr 1774 $ 163 Discounted canal cruise ticket $ 30 £ 16 $ 27 € 18 ₪ 73 ¥ 2729 NZ$ 33 NOK 218 kr 213 $ 20 Allure
Electric bike rental (limited number available, please reserve in advance) $ 226 £ 118 $ 200 € 135 ₪ 548 ¥ 20471 NZ$ 244 NOK 1634 kr 1597 $ 147 Discounted canal cruise ticket $ 30 £ 16 $ 27 € 18 ₪ 73 ¥ 2729 NZ$ 33 NOK 218 kr 213 $ 20 Please Note
- Rates are per person, 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
2024
Sarah
Saturday departures
March 30, April 6, April 13, April 20, & April 27. 2024March 30 April Twin/double $ 2201 £ 1151 $ 1,942 € 1314 ₪ 5338 ¥ 199250 NZ$ 2378 NOK 15905 kr 15542 $ 1,429 $ 2369 £ 1238 $ 2,090 € 1414 ₪ 5744 ¥ 214414 NZ$ 2559 NOK 17116 kr 16725 $ 1,538 Twin/double for single-use $ 3206 £ 1676 $ 2,828 € 1914 ₪ 7773 ¥ 290156 NZ$ 3463 NOK 23162 kr 22633 $ 2,081 $ 3457 £ 1807 $ 3,049 € 2064 ₪ 8383 ¥ 312901 NZ$ 3735 NOK 24978 kr 24408 $ 2,244 Triple $ 2101 £ 1098 $ 1,853 € 1254 ₪ 5094 ¥ 190152 NZ$ 2270 NOK 15179 kr 14833 $ 1,364 $ 2268 £ 1186 $ 2,001 € 1354 ₪ 5500 ¥ 205315 NZ$ 2451 NOK 16390 kr 16015 $ 1,473 Extra Options
Electric bike rental: $ 226 £ 118 $ 200 € 135 ₪ 548 ¥ 20471 NZ$ 244 NOK 1634 kr 1597 $ 147 Discounted canal cruise ticket: $ 30 £ 16 $ 27 € 18 ₪ 73 ¥ 2729 NZ$ 33 NOK 218 kr 213 $ 20
Please Note
- Rates are per person, 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
An easy, guided bike and boat tour with average daily distances between 15 and 34 miles (25 and 55 km).
Airport Info
The closest international airport to your tour start is 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 ships are 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 note: 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 a day of rest by remaining on board.
Recommended
For the Allure, Sarah, Lena Maria, Fleur, and Zwaantje & Magnifiques:
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. Discounted price is available for €18.Remarks
For tours on the Allure, Sarah, Lena Maria, Fleur, Zwaantje, & Magnifiques:
You can enhance your experience by downloading the Ride With GPS app for free on your mobile phone which will then serve as your cycling navigation device and bike route mapping tool, in addition to traditional printed route notes and maps. After installing the app, you can download the tour maps and daily itineraries directly to your smartphone. The app provides voice navigation for all the routes and allows you to access your tour content anytime, even offline. About four weeks before your cycling vacation, you will receive a code in your final tour information that will grant you access to your specific tour.Important to know
Travel documents
Before you travel, please check your passport expiration 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: 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
Extra time in Amsterdam is always recommended. There is so much to do and see. 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, customer reviews, and ratings.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by MPS Iris BV & Boat Bike Tours.
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?
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