Tulip Tour - 8 Day
Netherlands Bike + Barge Tours
Biking & boating through the Tulips!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1164 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
One of our most popular, this bike and boat tour in Holland during tulip season, 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
A full list of all of our bike and barge tours in Holland is here.
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 sometimes without prior notice. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.
Day 1: Amsterdam, 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 the Quo Vadis with coffee and tea. You can then explore the Dutch capital on your own as 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)
Be prepared for an early start this morning as you will cycle to the Aalsmeer bright and early 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, you will have time for a walk through the old university city of Leiden.
Day 4: Leiden - Keukenhof - Haarlem, 25 mi. (40 km)
This is a day filled with color. First on your cycling agenda is a ride to Lisse and then on to the famous ‘Keukenhof' flower gardens, known as Europe's Garden. 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)
From Spaarndam with a detour to the monument of the legendary figure, Hans Brinker, you pedal to the historic city to Zaandam, to visit the open-air museum "Zaanse Schans", featuring a collection of well-preserved historic windmills and houses. Then it is onward to your day's destination, Alkmaar.
Day 6: Alkmaar - Schagen - Alkmaar, 31 mi. (50 km)
In the early morning the boat cruises to Schagen, followed by cycling to 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
Your tour officially ends after breakfast. Disembarkation around 9:30 amDay 1: Arrival aboard the Iris (2:30 pm). Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans
Day 2: Zaanse Schans to Alkmaar
Day 3: Alkmaar to Haarlem
Day 4: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Leiden
Day 5: Leiden to Gouda
Day 6: Gouda - St. John's Cathedral - Uithoorn
Day 7: Uithoorn - the Amstel River - Amsterdam
Day 8: Amsterdam, end of our tour after breakfast.Day 1: Amsterdam - Uithoorn
The crew of the Iris welcomes you onboard and you set off on a short cruise through the historic 16th century center of Amsterdam. You can enjoy the scenery from the sundeck. On the edge of the city, you will be able to take the bikes on a short test ride along the Amstel river. At the end of the afternoon, you will arrive in Uithoorn where you will spend the night.Day 2: Uithoorn - Gouda, 22 mi. (35 km)
First on the agenda today is a visit to the Castle De Haar. Rated as the best castle in the Netherlands, it dates back to the 14th century and has been fully restored to its former glory complete with a moat, towers, and a beautiful garden. After touring the castle and grounds, there will be plenty of time to enjoy lunch or a nice drink in the palace gardens. Your bike tour continues to the town of Oudewater. The historic town square is built right over the canal. It is well known amongst cyclists because of its convenient location in the middle of many popular bike routes. From Oudewater, it’s only a short ride on the “dijk” (dike) to Gouda. Known for its cheese, the city center has quite a few cheese shops. You will be blown away by the Gothic Town Hall at the market square, which dates back to the 17th century.Day 3: Gouda - Leiden, 25 mi. (40 km)
A visit to the region of Gouda would not be complete without seeing how the famous Gouda cheese is made. Today's route is relatively urban through the outskirts of Rotterdam. THe little bridges and tunnels along the way make it so that you hardly have to stop or cross a road! Take a short tour through a greenhouse area where many export products are grown. Close to the end of the route, it’s then finally time to visit the cheese farm. Located in the Polder, so below sea level, this biological cheese farm is run by a family that does the whole process of cheese making right there on the farm. You’ll be able to see how it’s made, taste some of the products, and purchase some to take home. The day ends in the old town of Leiden, where the boat docks in the city canal, surrounding the old part of Leiden, once a defense against the Spanish soldiers. This is just a short walking distance to the city center.Day 4: Leiden - Haarlem, visit of Keukenhof, 31 mi. (50 km)
Holland is known for its amazing cycle paths and today's route showcases a bike highway! Designed to have no traffic lights and no road crossings, this is truly an amazing ride out of town. Also on the agenda is a visit to the most famous flower garden in the world: 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. Then it's off to Haarlem with its historic and intact inner city made up of big market square, terraces, and a dominating church. This evening, you will be able to take advantage of this beautiful city and have dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants.Day 5: Haarlem - Alkmaar, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today’s route takes you through the dunes and to the beach for lunch. After this, our Tulip theme returns with a visit to the Hortus Bulborum, a historical garden preserving the old varieties of tulips. Take a tour with the local volunteers who are very proud of their unique work. Have a cup of tea at their local shop and enjoy this hidden garden. The day ends in Alkmaar which is also called the cheese city. In the evening be sure to walk through its nice canals and alleyways.Day 6: Alkmaar - Zaanse Schans, 25 mi. (40 km)
The theme today is windmills! First, you ride through the polder to an old water pumping mill which was used to pump the lake dry for farming. You can get all the way to the top of the mill and see the cogs turning. After this , continue to the open-air museum Zaanse Schans where the barge will be docked. At the Zaanse Schans, you’ll get a glimpse of what living in the Zaan district must have been like back in the 18th century: 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 do not want 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 7: Zaanse Schans - Amsterdam, 9 mi. (15 km)
Your last cycling day includes a countryside ride to Amsterdam. Enjoy a coffee at the lake in the nature reserve Twiske and after that, enter Amsterdam from the north side on very easy bike paths. The day ends with a ferry ride across the IJ lake into the city, right to where the ship is docked. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Amsterdam. This evening is a farewell dinner on board.Day 8: Amsterdam
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to your companions, guides, and crew. After 9.00 AM the crew and guides need to start cleaning and preparing for the next tour. Check out time: before 9.00 AM.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. (31 or 40 km)
Day 4: Gouda - Alphen a/d Rijn | Alpehn a/d Rijn - Kudelstaart, 12 or 27 mi. (27 or 44 km)
Day 5: Kudelstaart - Flower auction | Aalsmeer - Amsterdam | Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans, 19 or 25 mi. (32 or 41 km). If onboard the Sarah or Allure, your tour will end in Purmerand, 5 mi. + additional 14 mi. (9 + 23 km) or 18 mi. (30 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 - 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, 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 (Purmerend) - 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.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. (31 or 40 km)
Day 4: Gouda - Alphen a/d Rijn | Alpehn a/d Rijn - Kudelstaart, 12 or 27 mi. (27 or 44 km)
Day 5: Kudelstaart - Flower auction | Aalsmeer - Amsterdam | Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans - Purmerand, 5 mi. + additional 14 mi. (9 + 23 km) or 18 mi. (30 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 and 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, 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) or 18 mi. (30 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.Looking for more? View all of our featured bike and barge tours, or view our full list of tours.
Boats & Bikes
There are several boats/dates possible for your 8 day Tulip Tour. Please visit the corresponding boat pages to read details!
- Quo Vadis
Deluxe Class Barge
The beautiful MS Quo Vadis, a refurbished cargo barge, was put into service in April 2006 as a bike and boat vessel and continues to be lovingly maintained by her owners Jan de Waard and Ina Middelburg. The ship exudes a comfortable but stylish ambiance that will put you right at home. The upper deck with restaurant, bar, and terrace will find you relaxing and enjoying newfound camaraderie. Delicious dishes prepared with fresh, organically grown products, whenever possible, will be a highlight. Read More
- Iris
Premium Class Barge
The Iris is a refitted freight barge that accommodates 24 overnight passengers. The interior of the Iris is fresh, tasteful, and comfortable. This vessel can navigate on most rivers and canals in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. On the top deck, you will find the lounge, a roomy sitting area, a cozy bar, and a sun deck. The whole barge has central heating and air-conditioning. 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 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. Read More
- Fleur
Comfort Class Barge
This small, yet very tasteful passenger barge with its sleek lines was built to fit the smaller locks and canals in France and has been cruising the French waters ever since. In 2018, Steffie Kranz and Evert Jan Muurling, took over ownership. Their years of experience and commitment are reflected in every detail and guarantee that your vacation will be a pleasant one. The whole barge radiates a homelike atmosphere. You will love the upper deck lounge with large windows and the partially covered… Read More
- Allure
Comfort Class Barge
The Allure is a cozy comfort class ship. It has ten, 2-person cabins, each with their own private bathroom. Read More
- Lena Maria
Standard Class Barge
The barge Lena Maria is a former freight ship rebuilt in 2004 into a comfortable cruise barge. There is a lounge for relaxation with many windows to create an open atmosphere and allows for a nice view while motoring. There is an outside sundeck with chairs. Each cabin has two low single beds and can accommodates two people comfortably. Read More
- Sarah
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. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
Quo Vadis
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- 7 breakfast, 6 packed lunches, 5 three-course dinners, & 1 four-course dinner
- Daily cabin cleaning
- 8-speed hybrid bicycle with pannier & helmet
- Route information
- Cycling tour guide (two guides)
- Admission to Keukenhof, Aalsmeer Flower Auction, Cheese farm, Zaanse Schans, Alkmaar cheese market, Hortis Bulborum Lisse, & evening canal cruise
- Laundry service provided with supplement. See pricing.
- Wifi (Due to steel construction of ship, signal strength and speed may not be what you are accustomed to)
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, & 6 dinners
- 1 lunch on board
- Coffee & tea on board
- Daily cabin cleaning
- 11-speed bicycle equipped with water bottle, panniers & helmet
- Bike protection included
- Cycling tour guide (two tour guides for groups of 18 or more)
- Route information
- Entrance to the Hortus Bulborum, Keukenhof, Cheese Farm, & the Aalsmeer Flower Auction
- WiFi (Due to steel construction of 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 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 (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)
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfasts, packed lunches, and 6 dinners
- Welcome drink
- Coffee and tea on board
- Rental bike: 7-speed Velo de Ville brand touring bicycle with hand brakes, equipped with helmet, and 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 amount of data used)
Iris
Zwaantje & Fleur
Sarah, Allure, Lena Maria
What’s Not Included
Quo Vadis
- One Dinner
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Any entrance fee not mentioned as included
- Gratuities
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks other than mentioned
- Entrance fees for museums, monuments, etc. other than mentioned
- 1 dinner
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks other than mentioned
- Entrance fees for museums, monuments, etc. other than mentioned
- 1 dinner in Alkmaar
- Gratuities
- Bike protection (Allure & Sarah)
- Travel Insurance
Iris
Fleur, Zwaantje, Allure, Lena Maria & Sarah
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2021
Deluxe Class
Saturday departures
April 3, April 10, April 17, & April 24, 2021
Cabin type Twin/double $ 2205 £ 1231 $ 2,167 € 1395 NZ$ 2357 kr 14440 $ 1,714 Twin/single-use On request Electric bike rental (limited number available, please reserve in advance): $ 158 £ 88 $ 155 € 100 NZ$ 169 kr 1035 $ 123 Laundry service, one mesh bag (bag provided): $ 12 £ 7 $ 12 € 8 NZ$ 13 kr 78 $ 9
Premium Class
Thursday departures
April 15, April 22, & April 29, 2021
Cabin type Twin/double $ 2474 £ 1381 $ 2,431 € 1565 NZ$ 2644 kr 16200 $ 1,923 Twin/single-use On request Electric bike rental: $ 150 £ 84 $ 148 € 95 NZ$ 160 kr 983 $ 117
Comfort Class
Saturday departures
April 3, April 10, April 17, April 24, & May 1, 2021
Cabin type Twin/double $ 2156 £ 1203 $ 2,119 € 1364 NZ$ 2304 kr 14119 $ 1,676 Twin/single-use $ 3144 £ 1755 $ 3,090 € 1989 NZ$ 3360 kr 20589 $ 2,444 Electric bike rental: $ 182 £ 101 $ 179 € 115 NZ$ 194 kr 1190 $ 141 Discounted canal cruise tickets: $ 22 £ 12 $ 22 € 14 NZ$ 24 kr 145 $ 17
Comfort Class
Saturday departures
April 3, April 10, April 17, & April 24, 2021
Cabin type Twin/double $ 2156 £ 1203 $ 2,119 € 1364 NZ$ 2304 kr 14119 $ 1,676 Twin/single-use $ 3144 £ 1755 $ 3,090 € 1989 NZ$ 3360 kr 20589 $ 2,444 Electric bike rental: $ 182 £ 101 $ 179 € 115 NZ$ 194 kr 1190 $ 141 Discounted canal cruise tickets: $ 22 £ 12 $ 22 € 14 NZ$ 24 kr 145 $ 17
Comfort Class
Saturday departures
April 3, April 10, April 17, & April 24, 2021
Cabin Type April 3 & April 10 April 17 - May 1 Twin cabin $ 1840 £ 1027 $ 1,808 € 1164 NZ$ 1966 kr 12049 $ 1,431 $ 1872 £ 1045 $ 1,839 € 1184 NZ$ 2000 kr 12256 $ 1,455 Twin cabin for single-use $ 2677 £ 1494 $ 2,631 € 1694 NZ$ 2861 kr 17530 $ 2,081 $ 2725 £ 1521 $ 2,678 € 1724 NZ$ 2912 kr 17841 $ 2,118 Electric bike rental: $ 158 £ 88 $ 155 € 100 NZ$ 169 kr 1035 $ 123 Discounted canal cruise ticket: $ 22 £ 12 $ 22 € 14 NZ$ 24 kr 145 $ 17
Standard Class
Saturday departures
April 3, April 10, April 17, April 24, & May 1, 2021
Cabin Type April 3 & April 10 April 17 - May 1 Twin cabin $ 1840 £ 1027 $ 1,808 € 1164 NZ$ 1966 kr 12049 $ 1,431 $ 1872 £ 1045 $ 1,839 € 1184 NZ$ 2000 kr 12256 $ 1,455 Twin cabin for single-use $ 2267 £ 1265 $ 2,228 € 1434 NZ$ 2422 kr 14844 $ 1,762 $ 2299 £ 1283 $ 2,259 € 1454 NZ$ 2456 kr 15051 $ 1,787 Triple cabin $ 1745 £ 974 $ 1,715 € 1104 NZ$ 1865 kr 11428 $ 1,357 $ 1777 £ 992 $ 1,746 € 1124 NZ$ 1899 kr 11635 $ 1,381 Electric bike rental: $ 158 £ 88 $ 155 € 100 NZ$ 169 kr 1035 $ 123 Discounted canal cruise ticket: $ 22 £ 12 $ 22 € 14 NZ$ 24 kr 145 $ 17
2022
Deluxe Class
Sunday departures
April 3, April 10, April 17, April 24, & May 1, 2022
Cabin type Twin/double $ 2205 £ 1231 $ 2,167 € 1395 NZ$ 2357 kr 14440 $ 1,714 Twin/single-use On request Electric bike rental (limited number available, please reserve in advance): $ 158 £ 88 $ 155 € 100 NZ$ 169 kr 1035 $ 123 Laundry service, one mesh bag (bag provided): $ 12 £ 7 $ 12 € 8 NZ$ 13 kr 78 $ 9
Premium Class
Thursday departures
April 7, April 14, April 21, & April 28, 2022
Cabin type Twin/double $ 2589 £ 1445 $ 2,545 € 1638 NZ$ 2767 kr 16956 $ 2,013 Twin/single-use On request Electric bike rental: $ 177 £ 99 $ 174 € 112 NZ$ 189 kr 1159 $ 138
Extra Options
Please note that electric bikes are limited and must be reserved in advance!
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- 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, 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. Discounted price is €14Remarks
For tours on the Allure, Sarah, Fleur, and Zwaantje: Ride With GPS is an app that you can download for free on your mobile phone. Your phone then becomes your own cycling navigation device, a bike route mapping tool for cyclists. This option is in addition to traditional printed route notes and printed maps. Once the app is installed, you can then download tour maps and daily itineraries directly to your smartphone. You will be able to use voice navigation on all the routes and access your tour content anytime, all from your phone. In your final tour information, approximately four weeks prior to your cycling vacation, you will the code you can use to access your specific tour. An account is not required.
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.
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!
Tour Operator
This tour is run by MPS Iris BV, Eurosail, Martijn Van Tatenhove, Boat Bike Tours, Feniks Charter.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
Reviews
Tripsite Customer Reviews
Jane M.
1 year ago
Verified Reviewer
Rick C.
1 year ago
Verified Reviewer