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Discover the Dutch provinces of North Holland and Friesland on a unique bike and barge journey, immersing yourself in the heart of Dutch culture and heritage. Over the course of a week, you'll cycle through the flat, green polder landscapes—stunning expanses of land reclaimed from the sea over centuries—and along serene coastal paths. Pedal past idyllic farm villages, scenic North Sea beaches, and towering dunes, and explore the bicycle-friendly island of Texel. Highlights include the open-air museum at Zaanse Schans, Alkmaar’s historic centre, and the picturesque harbour towns of Medemblik, Enkhuizen, Hoorn, and Volendam. You'll also cross Lake IJsselmeer to Stavoren in Friesland and visit Amsterdam with its iconic canals. Enjoy a truly Dutch experience of cycling, history, and scenic beauty in one remarkable holiday aboard the comfortable De Willemstad barge.
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101kg of CO2-e PP per day
(710kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Join barge in Amsterdam, afternoon departure to Zaandam
Embarkation and check-in at the barge is between 2 - 3:30pm in Amsterdam. At 3.50pm the boat will leave the harbour. There will be a welcome drink and safety briefing on board followed by dinner on board.
Meals: D
Day 2
Cycle through polder landscapes to Alkmaar (44km/27mi)
The first cycling journey takes you via small villages through the beautiful flat and green polder landscape typical of this area of northern Holland. The first stop is at the Zaanse Schans open air museum (free entry) with its traditional Old Dutch wooden houses, windmills and the cheese and clog factory. After spending some time visiting this site you will cycle through the “Land of Leeghwater”, a green polder area between Amsterdam, Alkmaar and Hoorn. Stroll through the former whaler’s village De Rijp and pass by the windmills of Schermerhorn. The barge will be waiting for you near the historical city centre of Alkmaar.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Loop cycle to discover the North Holland Dune reserve (33 or 40km/20 or 25mi)
Today you can discover the beautiful North Holland Dune reserve. This is a 5.300 hectare forest and dune area with unique landscapes. In these dunes the drinking water for almost the whole province of North Holland is sourced. After a visit to the beach and artists village Bergen, return to Alkmaar where you can visit the pretty city centre. In the afternoon the barge sails along the North-Holland Canal to the navy harbour of Den Helder.
Day 4
Ferry to Texel island, loop cycle and return to the mainland, by barge to Den Oever (34 or 51km/20.4 or 30.6mi)
After breakfast you’ll take a 20-minute ferry ride (ticket included) from Den Helder to ‘t Horntje the isle of Texel, where you'll enjoy an interesting loop cycle on the largest of the Dutch North Sea Isles. Ride through meadows, nature parks and dunes to small villages and have the opportunity for a swim at a sandy North Sea beach, or visit the “Ecomare” seal sanctuary. In the late afternoon you will return by ferry to Den Helder.
Day 5
Cross lake IJsselmeer to Stavoren, cycle through Friesland (43 or 55km/27 or 34mi)
The barge crosses the large inland lake IJsselmeer and we cruise to Stavoren in the province of Friesland. You can opt for a shorter or longer cycling tour: discover the nature area of Gaasterland or explore a part of the wider lake district, that Friesland is known for. You can also combine both options. Overnight in the small harbour of Stavoren, one of the famous traditional 'eleven cities of Friesland'.
Day 6
Cycle from Medemblik along the IJsselmeer coast to Enkhuizen (39 or 51km/23.4 or 31mi)
The barge will cross back to the other side of IJsselmeer during breakfast. Take a short cycling trip from Medemblik along the IJsselmeer coast directly to Enkhuizen, where you can spend the afternoon. Enkhuizen is an old city with many centuries of maritime tradition. The “herring city” boasts a beautiful old harbour, a historical old town centre and the very interesting Zuiderzee museum. If you prefer a longer cycle, ride from Medemblik to the former Dutch East India Company town of Hoorn, in the 17th century one of the world’s leading harbours. Enjoy your lunch break and have a short stroll in the old city centre. Continue by bike to Enkhuizen via some picturesque rural villages. In the evening you can join a short city walk.
Day 7
Cycle from Volendam through Waterland and continue to Amsterdam (28 or 50km/16.8 or 31mi)
During breakfast the barge will sail to Volendam. The final day of cycling will lead you through the beautiful area of Waterland, with its hundreds of small lakes and tiny canals. Near Volendam you will have the opportunity to visit a cheese farm. Recommended (extra cycling miles) is a tour to the former island of Marken, to continue through the water shaped region of Waterland back to the Dutch capital city of Amsterdam. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy everything Amsterdam has to offer. If you didn’t go for a canal cruise on the first day, you can do so today.
Day 8
Trip concludes after breakfast
Trip concludes, disembarkation is after breakfast by 9.30 a.m.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Lower Deck Twin Cabin
There are 25 twin cabins with two separate single beds and a large window with an upper hinged window that can be opened for ventilation. All cabins have a private ensuite.
Upper Deck Twin Cabin
On the upper deck there are 13 twin cabins (approx. 10 m² / 108 sq.ft) with two separate single beds. The cabins on the upper deck have a panoramic window that can be opened.
Single Cabin
There are 2 single cabins on the upper deck (approx. 7 – 8 m² / 75.35 – 86.11 sq.ft). The cabins on the upper deck have a panoramic window that can be opened.
Suite
There are 8 suite cabins on board de Willemstad. They are approx. 15 m² / 161 sq.ft with a French balcony and opening floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door, two single beds, set together as a queen size bed and a small seating area.
During the trip you will be provided with a 7 speed unisex (low bar) city bike with handbrakes, a gel-saddle (height adjustable), a lock on the frame and pannier bag. All bikes have 28 inch wheels. Some smaller frames are available on board. There are also a few bikes with a horizontal bar available (from 1.90m). Helmet rental is included.
An electric bike is available on request (limited supply). A supplement applies, see below.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft11in.
GRADE 1 - Daily cycling distances from 28 to 55km (17.5 to 34.5mi). As with all of our cycling programs, wind and poor weather could make the trip grade change. Should you not wish to cycle you are welcome to stay onboard. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit a museum or enjoy the market places in many of the interesting towns visited. It is considered suitable for children, as long as they have road sense, are familiar with the workings of a bike (gear change etc) and are comfortable cycling alongside moving vehicles at times. Electric bikes are available for a supplement and when used will ensure the cycling is comfortable for less physical cyclists - however it is still essential that you are comfortable cycling on roads and in light traffic in variable weather conditions. E-bikes are fabulous for taking some of the effort out of cycling however they are heavier than normal bikes which is a consideration when lifting them up the kerb etc. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets are worn during cycle sections.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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