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Experience the Netherlands at its colourful best on this short springtime bike and barge adventure. From Amsterdam, cruise and cycle through quintessential Dutch landscapes where tulip fields, windmills, historic towns and peaceful waterways create a picture-perfect backdrop. Visit the magnificent Keukenhof gardens, where an extraordinary display of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths celebrates the arrival of spring. Cycle through the coastal dunes of North Holland, stop in the seaside village of Egmond and discover charming Haarlem and Alkmaar, with their canals, historic architecture and lively town centres. There is also the opportunity to experience the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction, where millions of flowers are traded each morning. Your final ride takes you through the traditional landscapes of the Schermer Polder to the historic village of De Rijp and the famous Zaanse Schans, home to working windmills, traditional wooden houses, cheese making and clog making. Each evening, return to the comfort of your floating hotel, with your barge cruising ahead to the next destination. Combining easy cycling, classic Dutch scenery and some of the Netherlands' most celebrated spring attractions, this compact bike and barge journey is an ideal way to experience Holland during tulip season.
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101kg of CO2-e PP per day
(405kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Join Amsterdam, cruise to Haarlem
At 2:00pm please check-in to the barge in Amsterdam. It is possible to bring your luggage on board from 11.00am. Meet your crew and fellow travellers before setting sail for Haarlem, cruising through the waterways and passing a historic lock enroute. On arrival, there will be an opportunity for a short test ride to familiarise yourself with your bike. After a welcome dinner on board, head out to explore Haarlem, an attractive historic city known for its picturesque canals, cobbled streets and impressive architecture. The barge will dock in Haarlem for two nights, allowing you time to explore the historical centre, with its Grote Markt (central square), St Bavo church and the Teylers and Frans Hals museums.
Meals: D
Day 2
Round cycle to Kuekenhof (49km/31mi)
Today is dedicated to one of the great highlights of a Dutch spring – the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens. Cycle through the countryside to this world-famous flower park, where magnificent displays of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and countless other spring flowers create an incredible patchwork of colour. Take time to wander through the gardens before returning by bike to Haarlem through quintessential Dutch landscapes.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Visit Aalsmeer, the world's biggest flower auction, cycle to Alkmaar (49km/31mi)
Today we have an early morning visit (6.30am) by bus to the world’s biggest flower auction in Aalsmeer*. Millions of flowers are auctioned here and are instantly sent to all corners of the world. By 9.00am we will return to the barge for a late breakfast then make our way to Alkmaar, cycling through the North Holland Dune Reserve, a protected coastal landscape of dunes, grasses, and fresh sea air. Along the way, you may spot grazing cattle or wild ponies. A stop in the seaside town of Egmond offers time for a beachside coffee or a quick dip of your toes in the North Sea before continuing on to Alkmaar. The ship docks near the city centre, perfect for an evening stroll through its charming streets after dinner. * The Aalsmeer flower auction is closed on weekends and public holidays - please be aware that on some departure dates a visit to the flower auction is not possible. This is an optional visit.
Day 4
Cycle to Zaanse Schans and its windmills and onto Amsterdam (40km/25mi)
Our final cycling day showcases some of the Netherlands' most iconic landscapes. Ride through the Schermer Polder, once dotted with dozens of windmills used to drain the surrounding land, before reaching the delightful village of De Rijp with its traditional wooden façades and historic centre. Continue to Zaanse Schans, an atmospheric open-air museum where working windmills, green-painted wooden houses and traditional crafts bring Dutch heritage to life. Visit one of the windmills and see traditional cheese and clog making before rejoining the barge. Cruise back to Amsterdam, where the remainder of the day is free to explore the city's canals, museums, shops and famous flower market.
Day 5
Trip concludes in Amsterdam
After breakfast on board, your colourful spring journey through Holland comes to an end. Disembark in Amsterdam by 9:30am.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Lower Deck Cabins
The lower deck has 15 twin cabins (approx. 10m²) and one smaller twin cabin (approx. 9m²). All cabins have two low separate beds and ensuite bathroom. The windows cannot be opened.
Upper Deck Cabins
On the upper deck there are 3 twin cabins (approx. 10m²) with the same features as the lower deck cabins (fixed windows). There are also 4 double cabins (approx. 12m²) with a large panoramic window that can be opened. A supplement applies for cabins on the upper deck.
During the trip you will be provided with a 7 speed trekking bike with a unisex frame and hand brakes. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear required each day. Standard rental bicycles are available for persons taller than approx. 150 cm (4.9 ft.)
An electric bike is available on request. The e-bikes have handbrakes and a pannier. 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 to allow less fit cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capabilities. Rental e-bikes are available for persons taller than 155 cm (5.1 ft.).
GRADE 1 - Daily cycling distances are from 17 to 40km (10 to 25mi). As with all of our cycling programs, wind and poor weather could make the trip grade change. Should you not wish to cycle there are walking options available or you are welcome to stay on board. 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 beginners and 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. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend a helmet is worn during cycle sections.
Per Person, Twin Share
The cycling is graded introductory (1). The daily cycling distances are from 17 to 40km (10 to 25mi). As with all of our cycling programs, wind and poor weather could make the trip grade change. Should you not wish to cycle there are walking options available or you are welcome to stay on board. 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 beginners and 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. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend a helmet is worn during cycle sections.
In order to secure your place on the trip we recommend you book as soon as you are ready. Bookings open for the following year in mid September.
Your closest airport is Amsterdam Schiphol. There are good connections throughout Europe and the rest of the world to this airport. You are then able to take a train directly from the airport to Amsterdam Central - services operate frequently with approximate journey time of 15-20min, tickets can be purchased locally.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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