Tulip Tour - 5 day
Netherlands Bike + Boat Tours
Mini barge/bike tour during Tulip Time!
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length5 days
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Prices from€896 Rates
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Overview
This five-day bike and boat tour in Holland during peak tulip season goes through some of the most beautiful areas of the "Garden of Amsterdam."
The tulips and other spring flowers herald the awakening of Spring in all their color and glory. This cycling vacation provides an up-close and personal experience of the Keukenhof and the Alsameer, as well as the opportunity to visit the most beautiful highlights in and around the capital of the Netherlands.
There are many museums and shops to entice you in Amsterdam, the smallest metropolis in Europe, and the canals, which quite recently have been listed on the UNESCO world heritage list, are famous all over the world.
Welcome Spring in Holland, the land of flowers, windmills, and water.
Highlights
- The historical city of Haarlem
- World-famous flower exhibition, the Keukenhof
- World's largest flower auction near Aalsmeer
- Mill visit at Zaanse Schans
- Entrance North Holland Dune reserve
- Tulips and more
A comprehensive list of all of our bike & barge tours in Holland can be found here. For more information, read our Tripsite tulip tour guide.
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Itinerary
All distances are approximate. Itineraries are subject to change, even on very short notice, due to changing wind and weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, lock repairs, etc.
Disclaimer: The itinerary is subject to change and may be updated without prior notice.
Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Zaandam
Day 2: Zaandam – Zaanse Schans – Zaandam | Zaandam – Haarlem, 14 mi. (24 km) or 21 mi. (34 km)
Day 3: Haarlem – Keukenhof – Oude Wetering, 24 mi. (39 km) or 35 mi. (57 km)
Day 4: Oude Wetering – Nieuwe Meer, 18 mi. (28 km) | Nieuwe Meer – Amsterdam
Day 5: Departure from AmsterdamDistances in italics covered by ship.
On this Tulip Tour with more than 22 guests, the daily cycling tours will be accompanied by 2 knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leaders. On most days, the tour leaders will offer a long and a short (or a quicker and more relaxed) bike itinerary option. Not all the mentioned highlights will be visited during the short bike option.
You can also choose to ride individually with the help of a map and route notes (available on board). GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the start date of the tour.Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Zaandam
Embarkation and check-in begin at 2 pm. Once all guests have arrived, the ship will make a short cruise to Zaandam, known for its windmills. Your vessel will berth in the center of the city for the night. Upon arrival, you may take your rental bike for a brief test ride. In the evening, enjoy a short walk through the picturesque center of Zaandam.Day 2: Zaandam – Zaanse Schans – Zaandam | Zaandam – Haarlem, 14 mi. (24 km) or 21 mi. (34 km)
After breakfast, you will cycle 5 km to the open-air museum of Zaanse Schans with its windmills, traditional wooden houses, cheese farm, and wooden clog maker.
In the afternoon, you may choose to cycle to Haarlem or stay on board and enjoy the scenery while the ship covers the distance to Haarlem.
Once in Haarlem, you will visit the historical inner city with the Grote Markt and St. Bavo Church. The ship will berth near the center, so you will have time for a short walk in the afternoon or evening.Day 3: Haarlem – Keukenhof – Oude Wetering, 24 mi. (39 km) or 35 mi. (57 km)
Today you will cycle to the Keukenhof, one of the most famous flower parks in the world. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and many other flowers bloom here in spectacular displays. After an extensive visit, continue cycling to Oude Wetering, a small village where your floating hotel meets you again.Day 4: Oude Wetering – Nieuwe Meer, 18 mi. (28 km) | Nieuwe Meer – Amsterdam
This morning includes an early optional visit by bus (6:30 am) to the Aalsmeer flower auction, the largest in the world. Millions of flowers are traded here every morning and sent worldwide. By 9 am, you will return to the ship, where a late breakfast will be waiting. After a short bike ride, rejoin the ship for the afternoon cruise through Amsterdam.
Later, you will have time to explore the city. Visit the flower market, go to a museum, do some shopping, or enjoy the canals.Important: The Aalsmeer flower auction is closed on weekends and public holidays. This is an optional visit and may not be possible on some departure dates.
Day 5: Departure from Amsterdam
End of your tour. Disembarkation after breakfast until 9:30 am.Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Zaandam
Day 2: Zaandam – Zaanse Schans – Zaandam | Zaandam – Haarlem, 14 mi. (24 km) or 21 mi. (34 km)
Day 3: Haarlem – Keukenhof – Oude Wetering, 23 mi. (38 km) or 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 4: Oude Wetering – Nieuwe Meer, 18 mi. (28 km) | Nieuwe Meer – Amsterdam
Day 5: Departure from AmsterdamDistances in italics are covered by ship.
On this Tulip Tour with more than 22 guests, the daily cycling tours will be accompanied by 2 knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leaders. On most days, the tour leaders will offer a long and a short (or a quicker and more relaxed) bike option. Not all the mentioned highlights will be visited during the short bike option.
You can also choose to ride individually with the help of a map and route notes (available on board). GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the start date of the tour.Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Zaandam
Embarkation and check-in begin at 2 pm. After all guests have arrived, the ship will make a short cruise to Zaandam, known for its historic windmills. Your vessel will berth in the center of the city for the night. Upon arrival, you may take your rental bike for a brief test ride in the surrounding area. In the evening, enjoy a short walk through the picturesque center of Zaandam.Day 2: Zaandam – Zaanse Schans – Zaandam | Zaandam – Haarlem, 14 mi. (24 km) or 21 mi. (34 km)
After breakfast, you will take a 5 km bicycle ride to the open-air museum of Zaanse Schans, featuring windmills, traditional wooden houses, a cheese farm, and a wooden clog workshop.
In the afternoon, you may either cycle to Haarlem or stay on board and enjoy the scenery while the ship covers the distance to Haarlem.
Once in Haarlem, visit the historical inner city with the Grote Markt and St. Bavo Church. The ship will be berthed near the center, so you will have time to enjoy a short city walk in the afternoon or evening.Day 3: Haarlem – Keukenhof – Oude Wetering, 23 mi. (38 km) or 34 mi. (55 km)
Today you will cycle to the Keukenhof, one of the most famous flower parks in the world. Hundreds of thousands of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and many other flowers bloom here in vibrant displays. After an extensive visit, continue cycling to Oude Wetering, a small village where your floating hotel will meet you again.Day 4: Oude Wetering – Nieuwe Meer, 18 mi. (28 km) | Nieuwe Meer – Amsterdam
This morning includes an early optional visit by bus (6:30 am) to the flower auction in Aalsmeer, the largest in the world. Millions of flowers are auctioned here each morning and quickly transported worldwide. By 9 am, you will return to the ship, where a late breakfast will be waiting. After a short ride, you will rejoin the ship for the afternoon cruise into Amsterdam.
Later, you will have time to explore this remarkable city. Visit the flower market, browse museums, enjoy shopping, or stroll the canals.Important: The Aalsmeer flower auction is closed on weekends and public holidays. This is an optional visit and may not be available on all departure dates.
Day 5: Departure from Amsterdam
End of your tour. Disembarkation after breakfast until 9:30 am.You can view all of our bike & boat tours or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
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Map
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Boats & Bikes
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Magnifique II
Deluxe Class Barge
In 2016, we saw the launch of a new premium barge, the Magnifique II, to wonderful reviews. The ship boasts a classical style with an emphasis on superior comfort. This ship has earned the deluxe designation! Read More
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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
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Magnifique IV
Deluxe Class Barge
Following the overwhelming success of the premium barges Princesse Royal, Magnifique II (2016), and Magnifique III (2018), we are proud to now offer a new addition, the Magnifique IV. Read More
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Fluvius
Comfort Class Barge
We are pleased to announce, during the winter of 2023/2024, the Fluvius will undergo many renovations. These will include a new air filtration system, new air conditioning units, remodeled bathrooms, new flooring and ceilings in all the cabins, new beds, as well as several updates to the salon area. The MS Fluvius accommodates 44 guests. With a large common area, complete with lounge, bar, & dining area, and a lovely partially covered sundeck, there is enough room on board for everyone to… Read More
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Inclusions
What’s Included
Magnifiques
- Accommodations for 5 days/4 nights
- Welcome drink
- Climate-controlled cabins
- Daily cleaning of cabins
- 4 breakfasts, packed lunches, and 4 three-course dinners
- Coffee and tea
- Use of a helmet
- Use of a waterproof pannier bag
- Biodegradable water bottle
- Fully guided cycling tours with two tour leaders in two groups
- A few short walking tours
- Entrance to the Keukenhof
- Entrance to the North Holland Dune Reserve
- Mill visit at Zaanse Schans
- Cycling map (one per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- Fees for ferries
- WiFi (signal strength and speed may vary)
- Carbon offset contribution
- Bike Protection
- Accommodations for 5 days/4 nights
- Climate-controlled cabins with daily cleaning, bed linens, and towels
- Complimentary welcome drink
- 4 breakfasts, packed lunches, and 4 three-course dinners
- Coffee and tea available on board
- Fully guided cycling tours with daily briefings
- Select short walking tours
- Fees for ferries
- Tour maps, cycling notes, and a cycling map (one set per cabin)
- GPS tracks for individual cycling
- Use of a waterproof pannier bag and biodegradable water bottle
- WiFi available on board
- Carbon offset contribution
Fluvius
What’s Not Included
- Transfers to and from the port in Amsterdam
- Drinks on board
- Excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Helmets on the Fluvius available for surcharge, see pricing & please reserve at time of booking
- Electric bicycle is available at a supplement (see pricing)
- Gratuities
- Bike Protection (Fluvius)
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
- Discount of €100/person on select departures aboard the Fluvius!
Applicable to new bookings only.
Mar 29Mar 29 (fully booked) Magnifique IV € 1164 Mar 29Mar 29 (fully booked) Magnifique IV € 1694 Mar 30Mar 30 Discount (4 cabins left) Fluvius € 896 Book Mar 30Mar 30 Discount (4 cabins left) Fluvius € 1351 Book Mar 30Mar 30 (fully booked) Magnifique III € 1164 Mar 30Mar 30 (fully booked) Magnifique III € 1464 Apr 2Apr 2 (2 cabins left) Magnifique IV € 1164 Book Apr 2Apr 2 (2 cabins left) Magnifique IV € 1694 Book Apr 3Apr 3 Discount (5 cabins left) Fluvius € 946 Book Apr 3Apr 3 Discount (5 cabins left) Fluvius € 1426 Book Apr 3Apr 3 (fully booked) Magnifique III € 1164 Apr 3Apr 3 (fully booked) Magnifique III € 1464 Apr 7Apr 7 Discount (fully booked) Fluvius € 946 Apr 7Apr 7 Discount (fully booked) Fluvius € 1426 Apr 7Apr 7 (fully booked) Magnifique III € 1414 Apr 7Apr 7 (fully booked) Magnifique III € 1794 Apr 10Apr 10 (fully booked) Magnifique IV € 1414 Apr 10Apr 10 (fully booked) Magnifique IV € 2069 Apr 12Apr 12 (one cabin left) Magnifique III € 1414 Book Apr 12Apr 12 (one cabin left) Magnifique III € 1794 Book Apr 14Apr 14 (fully booked) Magnifique IV € 1414 Apr 14Apr 14 (fully booked) Magnifique IV € 2069 Apr 16Apr 16 (fully booked) Magnifique III € 1414 Apr 16Apr 16 (fully booked) Magnifique III € 1794 Apr 19Apr 19 (fully booked) Magnifique IV € 1414 Apr 19Apr 19 (fully booked) Magnifique IV € 2069 Apr 20Apr 20 (fully booked) Magnifique III € 1414 Apr 20Apr 20 (fully booked) Magnifique III € 1794 Apr 24Apr 24 (fully booked) Magnifique III € 1414 Apr 24Apr 24 (fully booked) Magnifique III € 1794 Pricing details and extra options
Magnifique II, III, & IV
- Season A 2026 Mar 30, Apr 3 from € 11642026 departures: Mar 30, Apr 3
2026 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 30 2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 3 Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1164 Suite - upper deck € 1614 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 1464 Twin cabin - lower deck € 1694 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21-speed Included Electric bike € 76 - Season B 2026 Apr 7, 12, 16, 20, 24 from € 14142026 departures: Apr 7, 12, 16, 20, 24
2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 7 16 20 24 Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1414 Suite - upper deck € 1864 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 1794 Twin cabin - lower deck € 2069 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21-speed Included Electric bike € 76
- Season A 2026 Mar 29, Apr 2 from € 11642026 departures: Mar 29, Apr 2
2026 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 29 2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1164 Suite - upper deck € 1614 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin - lower deck € 1694 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21-speed Included Electric bike € 76 - Season B 2026 Apr 10, 14, 19 from € 14142026 departures: Apr 10, 14, 19
2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 10 14 19 Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1414 Suite - upper deck € 1864 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin - lower deck € 2069 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21-speed Included Electric bike € 76
- Extra options
Dietary options Vegetarian free of chargeOn request Pescatarian free of chargeOn request Gluten-free* € 40 Dairy-free € 40 *Important Note for Guests with Celiac Disease: Because the kitchen on board is small and shares equipment and surfaces with foods containing gluten, we cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free environment. If cross-contamination could cause a severe reaction (including anaphylaxis), we do not recommend joining this trip for safety reasons.
Fluvius
- Season A 2026 Mar 30 from € 8962026 departures: Mar 30
2026 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Below deck - twin cabin € 926 Below deck - small twin cabin € 896 Upper deck - twin cabin € 1046 Upper deck - double cabin € 1186 Single occupancy Price Below deck - twin for single-use € 1351 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 7-speed Included Electric bike € 92 Helmet rental € 10 - Season B 2026 Apr 3, 7 from € 9462026 departures: Apr 3, 7
2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 7 Double occupancy Below deck - twin cabin € 976 Below deck - small twin cabin € 946 Upper deck - twin cabin € 1096 Upper deck - double cabin € 1236 Single occupancy Price Below deck - twin for single-use € 1426 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 7-speed Included Electric bike € 92 Helmet rental € 10
- Extra Options
Dietary options Vegetarian (free of charge) On request Pescatarian (free of charge) On request Gluten-free € 40 Dairy-free € 40 Important note for guests with celiac disease: Due to the small kitchen space and shared equipment on board, we cannot guarantee that meals will be completely free from gluten cross-contamination. If even minimal exposure to gluten could trigger a severe or life-threatening reaction, you may want to consider alternative tours that can better meet your dietary safety needs.Vegan option not offered for this tour.
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
- Discount of €100/person on select departures aboard the Fluvius!
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
Easy guided bike and boat tour with relatively low mileage. Terrain is very flat and consists mainly of well-maintained cycling paths. Headwinds can at times be bothersome
Airport Info
Fly to Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS)
Local Travel
There is a direct train that leaves 6 times per hour from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station. It takes about 16 minutes. The price for a train ticket Schiphol-Amsterdam Central is approx. €4,20 per person for a single journey. The airport train station is located on the lower level of the airport. Depending on what boat you are on, the mooring location could be within walking distance or otherwise, a short taxi ride away.
Climate
Please note: the tulip season in Holland extends from the end of March to approx. the first week in May but is completely dependent on temperatures and the weather. Going early or late in the season may affect what is in bloom. 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 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.
Day of Rest
Any day can be designated a day of rest by remaining on board and enjoying the scenery from the comfortable deck. Do keep in mind that you will then limit your sightseeing possibilities.
Recommended
Discounted ticket for a one-hour canal cruise in Amsterdam: €18 in 2024. Please book your ticket in advance and you can collect it on board the ship on the first day of the tour.
Remarks
Bicycle rental is optional. You may bring your own touring or electric bike (a discount will be applied) but there will be a charge for reserving a parking/charging space on board. In 2024, this will be €7 for a touring bike and €17 per electric bike. Please be aware that there are a limited number of parking spaces on board.
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
Ride with GPS
For those who want to cycle self-guided, or are interested in having the route on your personal smart device, Ride With GPS is an app that you can download for free on your mobile phone. You can then upload all tour information to your phone, use voice navigation on all the routes, and access your tour content anytime, all from your phone. In your final travel information, you will find the code you can use to access your specific tour.
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! Extra nights in Amsterdam are always recommended. 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, but more importantly, can read customer reviews and ratings.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by 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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