Tulip Tour - 5 day
Netherlands Bike & Boat Tours
A mini bike and boat 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€950 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 Aalsmeer, 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 were recently listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, are famous all over the world.
Welcome to Spring in Holland, the land of flowers, windmills, and water.
Highlights
- The historical city of Haarlem
- World-famous Keukenhof Gardens
- World's largest flower auction in Aalsmeer
- Mill visit at Zaanse Schans
- Entrance to the 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: Arrival in Amsterdam | Cruise to Haarlem
Day 2: Haarlem – Keukenhof – Haarlem, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Haarlem – Alkmaar, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Alkmaar – Zaanse Schans 25 mi. (41 km) | Zaanse Schans – Amsterdam
Day 5: Departure from AmsterdamDay 1: Arrival in Amsterdam | Cruise to Haarlem
Embarkation begins at 2:00 p.m. in Amsterdam. Once everyone has boarded, the ship sails through a traditional Dutch lock system toward Haarlem, a beautifully preserved medieval city just 20 kilometers west of Amsterdam. Often considered one of the Netherlands’ most charming cities, Haarlem features cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards (hofjes), and the impressive Grote Markt square. After arriving, enjoy a brief test ride to familiarize yourself with the bicycles before dinner is served on board. The evening is free to explore Haarlem at your leisure.Day 2: Haarlem – Keukenhof – Haarlem, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today’s round-trip ride takes you through the Dutch countryside to Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse. Known as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof is one of the largest flower gardens in the world, featuring more than seven million spring bulbs in bloom. The tulip displays, themed gardens, and floral pavilions make it one of the most iconic spring experiences in the Netherlands. After an extended visit to the gardens, you’ll cycle back to Haarlem for the evening.Day 3: Haarlem – Alkmaar, 31 mi. (50 km)
Early risers may choose an optional 6:30 a.m. bus excursion to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the largest flower auction in the world. Here, millions of flowers from around the globe are traded daily using a unique Dutch auction system (Note: The auction is closed on weekends and public holidays and may not be available on all tours). After returning to the ship for a late breakfast, today’s cycling route leads through the North Holland Dune Reserve, a protected coastal landscape of rolling dunes, forests, and wildlife. You’ll pass through seaside villages, including Egmond, known for its abbey and historic lighthouse. By evening, the ship docks near the center of Alkmaar. This historic city is famous for its centuries-old cheese market, where traditional cheese trading ceremonies are still reenacted in the summer months.Day 4: Alkmaar – Zaanse Schans, 25 mi. (41 km) | Zaanse Schans – Amsterdam
Today’s ride takes you through the Schermer Polder, a reclaimed lake bed that showcases the Netherlands’ remarkable water-management engineering. Much of this land lies below sea level and is maintained through an intricate system of dikes and pumping stations. You’ll continue via the historic village of De Rijp, once a prosperous 17th-century whaling port, toward Zaanse Schans. This open-air museum is one of the country’s most iconic heritage sites, featuring working windmills, wooden houses, cheese-making demonstrations, and traditional crafts. During your visit, you’ll explore a functioning windmill and learn how wind power shaped the Dutch economy. In the afternoon, the ship cruises back to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore the city.Day 5: Departure from Amsterdam
After breakfast, disembark in Amsterdam. Depending on your travel schedule, you may wish to explore more of the city’s cultural landmarks, such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, or the Jordaan district, before continuing your journey home.Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Haarlem
Day 2: Haarlem – Keukenhof – Haarlem, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Haarlem – Alkmaar, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Alkmaar – Zaanse Schans | Zaanse Schans – Amsterdam, 25 mi. (41 km)
Day 5: Departure from AmsterdamDay 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Haarlem
Embarkation and check-in begin at 2 pm, where the crew will welcome you aboard. Once settled, the ship will cruise to the historic city of Haarlem, passing through a picturesque lock along the way. Do a test ride to familiarize yourself with your bike before gathering for a welcome dinner on board. Tonight is yours to explore Haarlem's charming streets, cafés, and historic center.Day 2: Haarlem – Keukenhof – Haarlem, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today you'll cycle through the Dutch countryside to Keukenhof, one of the world's most famous flower gardens. Wander through spectacular displays of blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and countless other spring flowers while enjoying the vibrant colors and beautifully landscaped gardens. After plenty of time exploring, return by bike to Haarlem through classic Dutch scenery of fields, canals, and quiet country roads.Day 3: Haarlem – Alkmaar, 31 mi. (50 km)
Early this morning, you have the opportunity to join an optional bus excursion (departure at 6:30 am) to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the largest flower auction in the world, where millions of flowers are traded each day. Return to the ship by 9 am for a leisurely late breakfast before setting out on today's ride.Cycle through the North Holland Dune Reserve, a protected coastal landscape of rolling dunes, grasslands, and fresh sea air. Along the way, you may spot grazing cattle or wild ponies before stopping in the seaside town of Egmond, where you can relax with a coffee overlooking the beach or dip your toes in the North Sea. Continue cycling to the historic city of Alkmaar, where the ship awaits near the city center. After dinner, enjoy an evening stroll through Alkmaar's charming streets.
Important: The Aalsmeer Flower Auction is closed on weekends and public holidays. This optional excursion may not be available on all departure dates.
Day 4: Alkmaar – Zaanse Schans | Zaanse Schans – Amsterdam, 25 mi. (41 km)
After breakfast, cycle through the former windmill landscape of the Schermer Polder before arriving in the historic village of De Rijp, known for its well-preserved wooden houses, picturesque canals, and traditional Dutch architecture. Continue to the open-air museum of Zaanse Schans, where you'll visit one of its iconic windmills and discover traditional wooden houses, a cheese farm, and a clog-making workshop.Rejoin the ship for the afternoon cruise back to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, spend the remainder of the day exploring the Dutch capital. Browse the famous flower market, visit one of the city's renowned museums, stroll along the UNESCO-listed canals, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of Amsterdam.
Day 5: Departure from Amsterdam
After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. Disembarkation is 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
- Bed linen & towels and daily cabin cleaning
- Fully guided cycling tours with two tour leaders in two groups
- Daily briefings
- 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
- Entrance to the Keukenhof
- 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
- Parking fees
- Excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Helmets on the Fluvius available for a surcharge; see pricing & please reserve at the time of booking
- Electric bicycle is available at a supplement (see pricing)
- Gratuities
- Bike Protection (Fluvius)
- Travel Insurance
- €5 per person SGR Insolvency protection
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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.
Mar 28Mar 28 (11 cabins left) Magnifique II € 1192 Book Mar 28Mar 28 (11 cabins left) Magnifique II € 1732 Book Mar 28Mar 28 (11 cabins left) Magnifique II € 1167 Book Mar 29Mar 29 (20 cabins left) Fluvius € 950 Book Mar 29Mar 29 (20 cabins left) Fluvius € 1385 Book Mar 29Mar 29 (18 cabins left) Magnifique IV € 1192 Book Mar 29Mar 29 (18 cabins left) Magnifique IV € 1732 Book Apr 2Apr 2 (16 cabins left) Fluvius € 1010 Book Apr 2Apr 2 (16 cabins left) Fluvius € 1475 Book Apr 2Apr 2 (15 cabins left) Magnifique IV € 1192 Book Apr 2Apr 2 (15 cabins left) Magnifique IV € 1732 Book Apr 3Apr 3 (16 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1192 Book Apr 3Apr 3 (16 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1502 Book Apr 3Apr 3 (16 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1162 Book Apr 6Apr 6 (4 cabins left) Fluvius € 1010 Book Apr 6Apr 6 (4 cabins left) Fluvius € 1475 Book Apr 6Apr 6 (14 cabins left) Magnifique IV € 1542 Book Apr 6Apr 6 (14 cabins left) Magnifique IV € 2257 Book Apr 7Apr 7 (16 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1542 Book Apr 7Apr 7 (16 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1952 Book Apr 7Apr 7 (16 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1512 Book Apr 10Apr 10 (11 cabins left) Magnifique IV € 1542 Book Apr 10Apr 10 (11 cabins left) Magnifique IV € 2257 Book Apr 11Apr 11 (17 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1542 Book Apr 11Apr 11 (17 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1952 Book Apr 11Apr 11 (17 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1512 Book Apr 14Apr 14 (5 cabins left) Magnifique IV € 1542 Book Apr 14Apr 14 (5 cabins left) Magnifique IV € 2257 Book Apr 15Apr 15 (5 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1542 Book Apr 15Apr 15 (5 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1952 Book Apr 15Apr 15 (5 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1512 Book Apr 18Apr 18 (fully booked) Magnifique IV € 1542 Apr 18Apr 18 (fully booked) Magnifique IV € 2257 Apr 19Apr 19 (one cabin left) Magnifique III € 1542 Book Apr 19Apr 19 (one cabin left) Magnifique III € 1952 Book Apr 19Apr 19 (one cabin left) Magnifique III € 1512 Book Apr 23Apr 23 (11 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1542 Book Apr 23Apr 23 (11 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1952 Book Apr 23Apr 23 (11 cabins left) Magnifique III € 1512 Book Pricing details and extra options
Magnifique II, III, & IV
- Season A • Magnifique II 2027 Mar 28 from € 11922027 departures: Mar 28
2027 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1192 Premium twin cabin - lower deck € 1522 Suite - upper deck € 1672 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin - lower deck € 1732 Triple occupancy Price Twin for triple use - Lower deck 3rd bed only suitable for children 16 and under€ 1167 Suite for triple use - Upper deck 3rd bed only suitable for children 16 and under€ 1617 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21-speed Included Electric bike € 76
- Season A • Magnifique III 2027 Apr 7, 11, 15, 19, 23 from € 15422027 departures: Apr 7, 11, 15, 19, 23
2027 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1542 Suite - upper deck € 2022 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 1952 Twin cabin - lower deck € 2262 Triple occupancy Price Twin for triple use - Lower deck 3rd bed only suitable for children 16 and under€ 1512 Suite for triple use - Upper deck 3rd bed only suitable for children 16 and under€ 1962 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21-speed Included Electric bike € 76 - Season B • Magnifique III 2027 Apr 3 from € 11922027 departures: Apr 3
2027 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1192 Suite - upper deck € 1672 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 1502 Twin cabin - lower deck € 1737 Triple occupancy Price Twin for triple use - Lower deck 3rd bed only suitable for children 16 and under€ 1162 Suite for triple use - Upper deck 3rd bed only suitable for children 16 and under€ 1612 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21-speed Included Electric bike € 76
- Season A • Magnifique IV 2027 Mar 29, Apr 2 from € 11922027 departures: Mar 29, Apr 2
2027 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1192 Suite - upper deck € 1672 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin - lower deck € 1732 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21-speed Included Electric bike € 76 - Season B • Magnifique IV 2027 Apr 6, 10, 14, 18 from € 15422027 departures: Apr 6, 10, 14, 18
2027 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 18 Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1542 Suite - upper deck € 2022 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin - lower deck € 2257 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 2027 Apr 2, 6 from € 10102027 departures: Apr 2, 6
2027 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Below deck - twin cabin € 1010 Upper deck - twin cabin € 1290 Upper deck - double cabin € 1140 Single occupancy Price Below deck - twin for single-use € 1475 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 7-speed Included Electric bike € 98 Helmet rental € 10 - Season B 2027 Mar 29 from € 9502027 departures: Mar 29
2027 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Below deck - twin cabin € 950 Upper deck - twin cabin € 1080 Upper deck - double cabin € 1230 Single occupancy Price Below deck - twin for single-use € 1385 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 7-speed Included Electric bike € 100 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
- Season A • Magnifique II 2027 Mar 28 from € 1192
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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 (located on the lower level) that leaves 6 times per hour from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station and takes about 16 minutes. Depending on what boat you are on, the mooring location could be within walking distance or 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
You may request a discounted ticket for a one-hour canal cruise in Amsterdam. Please book your ticket in advance and 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. Please be aware that there is 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 Rembrandt’s 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.
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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