Tulip Tour - 8 Day
Netherlands Bike + Barge Tours
Biking & boating through the Tulips!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1159 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 and barge tours in Holland.
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. Tonight you may enjoy dinner in town in one of the many great restaurants Haarlem has to offer.
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 - Aalsmeer Flower Auction - the Amstel River - Amsterdam
Day 8: Amsterdam, end of our tour after breakfast.Day 1: Arrival aboard the Iris (2:30 pm). Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans
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 while sailing through the harbor of Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans where you can take a short test ride on your rental bike. Zaanse Schans is a living museum, 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. Stroll past the bakery museum and enjoy the smell of fresh bread, or take a look at the warehouse where clogs are made. Don't 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 to Alkmaar
The bike path leads through lovely villages like De Rijp. A visit to the Windmill Museum is on the agenda. Cycling along little canals and through fields of flowers, the cycling itinerary leads into the cheese city, Alkmaar. The old heart of this city offers canals, bridges, terraces, and shops. The Iris will be moored within walking distance of the center.Day 3: Alkmaar to Haarlem
The private gardens Hortus Bulborum, a historic garden preserving the old varieties of tulips is the highlight today. You will take a tour with the local volunteers who are, and they should be, very proud of their unique work. You then bike along the coastal area to the beach and continue on by local ferry to the other side of the canal between Amsterdam and the North Sea. Then onward to Haalem with its very old and intact inner city with a big market square, terraces and a dominating church. Great shopping too! Or a visit to a museum…You will definitely run out of time hereDay 4: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Leiden
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 the old town of Leiden, once a defense against the Spanish soldiers.Day 5: Leiden to Gouda
After an early sail out of Leiden your first stop will be at a cheese farm for a tasting and educational tour. Gouda is 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.Day 6: Gouda - St. John's Cathedral - Uithoorn
You will visit St. John’s Cathedral in the morning, built in the Gothic style during the 15th and 16th centuries. It is is 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.As you enjoy lunch, the IRIS will take you to a drop off point, to cycle along the canals and rivers passing the smallest lock just big enough to let the barge pass through. The boat will moor in Uithoorn for the overnight.
Day 7: Uithoorn - Aalsmeer Flower Auction - the Amstel River - Amsterdam
Today you bike to the Flower Auction early in the morning 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 on the barge, the last cycling stretch leads to the outskirts of Amsterdam where you will join the barge for a unique sail on the Amstel River into Amsterdam.
Day 8: Amsterdam
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to your companions, guides, and crew.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.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. (20 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.
Map
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
Touring/Trekking BicycleElectric Bicycle (E-Bike)![VSF T-50 city touring bike]()
VSF Fahrradmanufactur touring bike (T-50 or T-300) • Aluminum frame (available in low entry or horizontal bar) with a weight of 15.8 kg … • VSF T-50 frame size 45 or 50 cm … • VSF T-300 fame size 50… Read More![]()
Kreidler Vitality Eco 3 Electric Bike … • Aluminum frame … • Bosch Performance 250 watt motor … • Bosch 500 watt frame battery … • Shimano Deore gearing … • 9 speeds … • Shimano disc brakes … • Selle… Read MoreThe 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 Rendert 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… 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
Hybrid BicycleElectric Bicycle (E-Bike)![]()
Hybrid Gudereit (or similar brand/model) • Aluminum frame … • Shimano Alfine 11-speed … • Handbrakes … • Comfortable gel saddles … • Schwalbe Marathon Performance Tires … • Frame lock … Accessories … Read More![]()
Ebike Gudereit EC-4 (or similar brand/model) • Bosch Active Line Plus Motor … • Aluminum frame … • Shimano Nexus gearing … • 8-speed … • Schwalbe Energizer Tires … • Bosch 500 Wh battery … • Selle… Read MoreThis 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
- Zwaantje
Comfort Class Barge
Hybrid BicycleElectric Bicycle (E-Bike)![]()
Hybrid Oxford Clipper 21 (or similar brand/model) • Aluminum step-through frame … • Front suspension … • Adjustable stem … • Shimano derailleur … • 21 speeds … • V-Brakes … • Comfortable saddle … •… Read More![]()
Batavus Fuze E-go Active Plus (or similar brand/model) • Limited number available, request at the time of booking … • Aluminum step-through frame … • Bosch Active Line Mid-Engine … • Adjustable stem… Read MoreThe 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
- Allure
Comfort Class Barge
Touring BicycleElectric Bicycle (E-Bike)![]()
Velo de Ville City 100 … • Aluminum step-through frame … • Adjustable stem … • Shimano Nexus 7 speed … • Schwalbe Marathon tyre … • Roller brakes … • Comfort sadle … • 28" Wheels … • Flat pedals … Read More![]()
Velo de Ville CEB 200 … • Aluminum step-through frame … • Bosch Active Line Mid-Engine … • Adjustable stem … • Front suspension … • Nexus 7 speed … • Hydraulic brakes … • Comfort sadle … • 28" Wheels… Read MoreThe Allure is a cozy comfort class ship. It has ten, 2-person cabins, each with their own private bathroom. Read More
- Sarah
Standard Class Boat
Touring BicyclesElectric Bicycle (E-Bike)![]()
Hybrid Velo de Ville C100 (or similar brand/model) • Aluminum step-through frame … • Shimano Nexus gearing … • 7 speeds … • V-Brakes … • Impac Streetpac 47-622 tires … • VDV City saddle … • 28… Read More![]()
Velo de Ville CEB 200 (or similar brand/model) • Limited number available, request at the time of booking … • Wh 400 battery … • Bosch Intuvia, Bosch Purion display … • Max. 25 km/h motor speed … •… Read MoreAfter 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
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, & 5 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 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 dinners
- Welcome drink
- Coffee & tea on board
- Rental bike: 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
Sarah
What’s Not Included
Quo Vadis
- One Dinner (in Haarlem)
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Any entrance fee not mentioned as included
- Gratuities
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Entrance fees for museums, monuments, etc. other than those mentioned
- 2 dinners
- 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)
- Travel Insurance
Iris
Fleur, Zwaantje, & Sarah
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2023
Deluxe Class
Sunday departures
April 2, April 9, April 16, April 23, & April 30, 2023Twin/double $ 2374 £ 1337 $ 2,141 € 1550 ₪ 5603 NZ$ 2612 kr 16629 $ 1,667 Twin/single-use On request Premium Class
April 13, April 20, & April 27, 2023
Twin/double $ 2695 £ 1518 $ 2,432 € 1760 ₪ 6362 NZ$ 2966 kr 18882 $ 1,893 Twin/single-use On request Comfort Class
Sunday departures
April 2, April 9, April 16, April 23, & April 30, 2023Saturday departures
April 8, April 15, April 22, & April 29, 2022April 2 April 8 - April 29 Twin/double $ 2158 £ 1215 $ 1,947 € 1409 ₪ 5093 NZ$ 2374 kr 15117 $ 1,515 $ 2311 £ 1301 $ 2,085 € 1509 ₪ 5455 NZ$ 2543 kr 16189 $ 1,623 Twin/single-use $ 3145 £ 1771 $ 2,837 € 2054 ₪ 7423 NZ$ 3460 kr 22031 $ 2,209 $ 3375 £ 1900 $ 3,044 € 2204 ₪ 7965 NZ$ 3713 kr 23640 $ 2,370 Standard Class
Sarah
Saturday departures
April 1, April 8, April 15, April 22, & April 29, 2023April 1 April 8 - April 29 Twin/double $ 1775 £ 999 $ 1,601 € 1159 ₪ 4190 NZ$ 1953 kr 12434 $ 1,247 $ 1928 £ 1086 $ 1,739 € 1259 ₪ 4551 NZ$ 2122 kr 13507 $ 1,354 Twin/double for single-use $ 2578 £ 1452 $ 2,326 € 1684 ₪ 6085 NZ$ 2837 kr 18062 $ 1,811 $ 2808 £ 1581 $ 2,533 € 1834 ₪ 6628 NZ$ 3090 kr 19671 $ 1,972 Triple $ 1683 £ 948 $ 1,518 € 1099 ₪ 3973 NZ$ 1852 kr 11791 $ 1,182 $ 1836 £ 1034 $ 1,657 € 1199 ₪ 4334 NZ$ 2020 kr 12864 $ 1,290 Extra Options
Quo Vadis
Electric bike rental (limited number available, please reserve in advance): $ 153 £ 86 $ 138 € 100 ₪ 361 NZ$ 169 kr 1073 $ 108 Laundry service, one mesh bag (bag provided, payable on board): $ 11 £ 6 $ 10 € 8 ₪ 27 NZ$ 13 kr 80 $ 8
Iris
Electric bike rental: $ 168 £ 95 $ 152 € 110 ₪ 398 NZ$ 185 kr 1180 $ 118
Fleur
Electric bike rental (limited number available, please reserve in advance): $ 184 £ 103 $ 166 € 120 ₪ 434 NZ$ 202 kr 1287 $ 129 * Discounted canal cruise tickets: $ 23 £ 13 $ 21 € 15 ₪ 54 NZ$ 25 kr 161 $ 16
*There are 6 e-bikes on board. An additional 4 may be requested but a supplement will apply.
Zwaantje
Electric bike rental (limited number available, please reserve in advance): $ 184 £ 103 $ 166 € 120 ₪ 434 NZ$ 202 kr 1287 $ 129 * Discounted canal cruise tickets: $ 23 £ 13 $ 21 € 15 ₪ 54 NZ$ 25 kr 161 $ 16
*Limited number available. Please request at time of booking.
Allure
Electric bike rental: $ 153 £ 86 $ 138 € 100 ₪ 361 NZ$ 169 kr 1073 $ 108 Discounted canal cruise tickets: $ 23 £ 13 $ 21 € 15 ₪ 54 NZ$ 25 kr 161 $ 16
Sarah
Electric bike rental: $ 161 £ 91 $ 145 € 105 ₪ 380 NZ$ 177 kr 1126 $ 113 Discounted canal cruise ticket: $ 23 £ 13 $ 21 € 15 ₪ 54 NZ$ 25 kr 161 $ 16
Please Note
- Rates are 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, 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.
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.
Tour Requirements
Aboard the Quo Vadis and the Iris, a printed vaccination certificate or a digital certificate with QR code (if you are a resident of the EU), or a certificate of convalescence from Covid-19 (maximum 6 months old) must be presented during check-in for participation in this tour until further notice. The application of this rule has been made with regard to the health and safety of the guests and the limited availability of testing opportunities during the trip. This obligation may be amended, modified, or waived in the event of changes in official requirements or changes in the epidemiological situation.
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
![Biking in south Holland. ©TO]()
![Tulips at the Keukenhof, Lisse, South Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Hans Splinter]()
![Windmills at the Zaanse Schans Open Air Museum, Zaandam, Holland. Flickr:kismihok]()
![Costumed girls in Schagen, the Netherlands. Flickr:Hans Griep]()
![Quiet bike paths past windmills in Zaanse Schans, North Holland. Flickr:iorek7z]()
![Cheese market in Alkmaar, Holland. Flickr:Manuel]()
![Zijlpoort in Leiden, South Holland. Flickr:Jan]()
![Holland's famous tulips are everywhere in April & May. Keukenhof. Flickr:gnuckx]()
![Canal in Leiden, the Netherlands. Flickr:Tambako the Jaguar]()
![Klompen for sale in Zaandam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Zicario van Aalderen]()
![Delft blue for sale. Flickr:bert knottenbeld]()
![Windmills aplenty in North Holland. Flickr:Peter Visser]()
!["Appeltaart met slagroom" in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Flickr:Omid Tavallai]()
![Tree-lined bike paths in Holland. ©TO]()
![Amsterdam enchants any time of day. Flickr:Elyktra]()
![Keukenhof, Lisse, the Netherlands. Flickr:Olga]()
![Leiden, the Netherlands. Flickr:Roman Boed]()
![Biking in South Holland, the Netherlands. ©Hollandfotograaf]()
![Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. CC:Nikolai Karaneschev]()
![Bikers in the Netherlands. ©TO]()
![Group shot! ©TO]()
![Heineken beer in Holland, of course! Flickr:Piervincenzo Madeo]()
![Biking past windmills. ©TO]()
!["Kaaswinkeltje" in Gouda, South Holland. Flickr:Norio NAKAYAMA]()
![More tulips at the Keukenhof, Lisse, the Netherlands. Flickr:Olga]()
![Lovely afternoon in Amsterdam, where orange reigns. Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![Canals & boats in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Sergey Galyonkin]()
![Quiet bike paths in Holland. ©TO-Nicholas Muza]()
![Shopping in Leiden, the Netherlands. Flickr:Tambako the Jaguar]()
![Serene biking in Holland. ©TO]()
![Tulips galore in the Keukenhof! Flickr:Adraino Aurelioaraujo]()
![Old harbor in Leiden, South Holland. Flickr:Roman Boed]()
![Hiking among the tulips. ©TO]()
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