NEW
Northern Holland Bike & Barge

Cyclists enjoying the flat polder landscape of northern Holland

Texel Lighthouse on the North Sea coast of Holland

Cyclists on the dyke in Volendam

Classic Dutch scenes in northern Holland

Voldenam Marine Park

Cyclists leaving the barge De Willemstad

Cyclists enjoying the flat polder landscape of northern Holland

Texel Lighthouse on the North Sea coast of Holland

Cyclists on the dyke in Volendam

Classic Dutch scenes in northern Holland

Voldenam Marine Park

Cyclists leaving the barge De Willemstad

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Duration

8 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

7 nights in a twin share cabin

Meals

7 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Price

$1490USD

Overview

Trip Code: NHL

Trip highlights

Discovering the north of the Netherlands by bike and on foot from Amsterdam all the way to the North Sea
Visiting Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum with historical windmills and traditional Dutchhouses and Alkmaar, home to a traditional cheese market
Exploring interesting towns and cities such as Marken, famous for its boat harbour and Amsterdam with its vibrant nightlife and canals
Enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow passengers aboard a comfortable barge

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 a comfortable barge - De Willemstad or Arkona.

Trip Grading

introductory

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Join barge in Amsterdam, cruise to Zaandam

Check-in at the barge is between p.m and 4:30p.m in Amsterdam. The day is free to explore downtown Amsterdam, visit a museum or take a cruise down the canals. At 5p.m there will be a welcome drink and safety briefing followed by dinner on board. During dinner the barge will cruise to Zaandam.

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 large 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 you will 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.

Meals: B,L,D

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 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. During dinner the boat will sail to Den Oever.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Cross lake IJsselmeer to Stavoren, cycle through Friesland (43 or 55km/27 or 34mi)

The barge crosses the large inland lake IJsselmeer to sail 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 well-known for. You can also combine both options. Overnight in the small harbour of Stavoren, one of the famous traditional 11 cities of Friesland.

Meals: B,L,D

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 cycling tour, 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 bicycle to Enkhuizen via some picturesque rural villages. In the evening you can join a short city walk.

Meals: B,L,D

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.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Trip concludes after breakfast

End of your cycle tour. Disembarkation is after breakfast by 9.30 a.m.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 7 dinners (does not include drinks)
Continental breakfasts are served and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. At breakfast you will prepare your packed lunch for the day which will be sandwiches, fruit & juice. If you choose not to cycle on a particular day, the crew will serve lunch on board. Dinner will consist of three courses inclusive of either a pasta, vegetarian or meat dish.
7 nights accommodation aboard a Deluxe category barge (either Arkona or de Willemstad) with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. The trip price is based on a standard twin cabin below deck - supplement applies for other cabin categories (twin cabin upper deck, double cabin upper deck, suite or single use of cabin). We do not match clients together so if you are travelling solo you will need to book a single cabin (limited and on a request basis).
Rental bike with helmet, biodegradable water bottle and pannier (e-bike available on request - supplement applies)
Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening
Experienced multilingual tour leader for daily briefings (while the trip is self guided, the tour leader also cycles the tour and is available during the day to assist if required)
Information pack including route notes & maps (one set per cabin), navigational app with GPS tracks
Several city walking tours
Linen and change of towels as required
Daily cabin cleaning
Tea and coffee during breakfast and after the cycling tours til 4pm
Semi guided cycle tours - cyclists navigate independently along a set route. The guide will also cycle.
Ferry ticket to Texel
Live music onboard
Carbon offset
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to and from Amsterdam docking location
Meals not mentioned as included
Drinks including water at dinner, coffee and tea after 4pm and other items of a personal nature
Entrance fees and excursions not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Travel insurance - mandatory
Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the tour leader and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend EUR30-60 per person (to be distributed between the guide/s, captain and crew).
Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian). A supplement is payable for example lactose or gluten free diets - EUR65pp (subject to change) paid locally on board.
Bike insurance. Optional bike insurance is available (Limitation of Liability for damage), fee applies, must be prepaid - ask our team
Fees for ferries and Waterbus (excld. Texel Ferry)
WIFI - a fee applies, payable onboard if required - allow approx. eur10 for the week
Items of a personal nature

Cabins

De Willemstad

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.

De Willemstad

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.

De Willemstad

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.

De Willemstad

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.

MS Arkona

Main Deck Cabins

There are 33 twin cabins on the main deck which have two lower beds, ensuite facilities, individually controlled air conditioning, and non-opening windows.

MS Arkona

Upper Deck Twin Cabins

There are 12 twin cabins on the upper deck which have two lower beds, ensuite faciliites and air conditioning. These cabins have a floor to ceiling panoramic window of which the upper half can be opened.

MS Arkona

Upper Deck Single Cabin

There are 2 single cabins on the upper deck which have a small double bed, ensuite faciliites and air conditioning. These cabins have a floor to ceiling panoramic window of which the upper half can be opened.

Bike information

Standard Bike

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.

Electric Bike

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.

Grading

introductory

INTRODUCTORY - GRADE 1 The cycling is introductory (1) grade with 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.

Departure dates

Notes

Mid Season

High Season

Peak season supplement

Note:

Peak season is from 1 May to 30 Jun, 23 Aug to 6 Sep, High season is from 26 to 30 Apr, 1 Jul to 22 Aug, 7 to 19 Sep, Mid season is from 19 to 25 Apr and 20 to 26 Sep. Supplement applies to peak, high and mid season departures.

Discount applies to departures from 29 March to 5 April and on 4 October 2025

Note:

Departures based on De Willemstsad denoted with D, departures on Arkona denoted with K

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1490USD

Options & Supplements*

Discount for departures on 29 Mar to 5 Apr and 4 Oct - twin lower deckUSD$-68
Optional Bike insurance (limitation of liability-damage) - standard bikeUSD$20
Optional Bike insurance (limitation of liability-damage) - e-bikeUSD$40
Upper deck twin cabin supplement pp De WillemstadUSD$290
Upper deck twin cabin supplement pp ArkonaUSD$460
Upper deck suite cabin supplement pp De WillemstadUSD$570

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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