2025 Early Bird SaleSave Now
Duration
5 days
Activities
  • guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 4 nights on a premium barge
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

Price

ON SALE

$1290 USD

Adult$1226USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: TLP

Trip highlights


  • Experiencing Holland in the springtime and viewing the fields of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths
  • Visit the Flower Park Keukenhof and worlds biggest flower auction in Aalsmeer*
  • Exploring the Zaanse Schans open air museum and medieval city of Haarlem
  • Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable barge

Cycling through the tulip capital of the world in springtime must surely be one of life's must do experiences. Based on board a premium river barge, the journey takes in springtime highlights including the world's largest flower gardens of Keukenhof in Lisse where bulbous flowering plants such as hyacinths, crocuses and of course tulips will dazzle with their colour and design. Windmills, wooden houses, museums and Amsterdam are also featured on this short cycle tour.

Trip Grading

introductory

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

At 2:00pm you can check-in to the barge in Amsterdam. It is possible to bring your luggage on board from 12pm. We will cruise to Zaandam as soon as everyone is on board. Zaandam is a picturesque city renowned for its windmills and cheese making. The barge will dock in the centre of the city. On arrival, the bikes will be distributed and you can enjoy a short bike ride in the surrounding area. You will have the opportunity for an evening walk after dinner.

Meals:  D

After breakfast we will cycle (5km) to the open air museum Zaanse Schans (free entry to the site, mills etc extra, payable locally) which features beautiful windmills, traditional wooden houses, an old Dutch village, a cheese farm and a traditional wooden clog maker. In the afternoon, you have the option of cycling to Haarlem (24km/14mi) or enjoying the scenery from the barge as we cruise (approx 2.5hrs). This vibrant medieval city is known for its textiles, beer brewing and as a major centre for the Tulip trade. The barge will dock in the centre of Haarlem, allowing time in the afternoon or evening to take a walk through the small and historical centre. The Grote Markt (central square), St Bavo church and the Teylers and Frans Hals museums are recommended.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will cycle to the famous flower garden ‘Keukenhof’ for a visit, arguably the most famous flower park in the world where you can admire hundred of thousands of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other flowers in bloom. After an extensive visit, we will continue by bike to the barge docked in Oude Wetering on the shores of the Westeinder Lakes. (Alternatively by taxi - not included).

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we have an early morning bus transfer at 6:30am to visit the world’s biggest flower auction in Aalsmeer*. Millions of flowers are auctioned off here and are instantly sent out to all corners of the world. By 9am you will return by bus to the barge for a late breakfast while we make our way to Amsterdam by bike or on board the barge. During the afternoon and evening you will have ample time to discover this amazing city. During the afternoon you either have the opportunity to make a last beautiful cycling tour through the wetlands of Waterland or to discover this amazing city. Visit the inner city flower market, go to a museum, do some shopping… there is much to see and do. Optional: end-of-day canal tour in Amsterdam. * The Aalsmeer flower auction is closed on weekends and public holidays. This is an optional visit.

Meals:  B,L,D

Disembark after breakfast until 9:30am. It may be possible to leave your luggage on board until approx 1:30pm giving you more time to explore the beautiful city of Amsterdam (please speak with the crew).

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 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. Dinner will consist of three courses inclusive of either a pasta, vegetarian or meat dish.
  • 4 nights accommodation aboard a Comfort category barge on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. All twin cabins are configured with two lower beds, while double cabins are configured with a double bed. The trip price is based on a small twin cabin below deck - supplement applies for other cabin categories (twin cabin upper deck, double cabin upper deck or single cabin). We do not match clients together so if you are travelling solo you will need to book a single cabin, below deck only (limited and on a request basis).
  • 7 speed unisex trekking bike rental with handbrake, helmet, waterproof pannier and water bottle (electric bike; children's bikes; trailer bicycles; tandem bikes; front/rear child seats; available on request, limited supplies - supplement applies)
  • Cycling Map (1 per cabin) plus navigational App with GPS tracks
  • Experienced multilingual guide for fully guided cycle tours and daily briefings (you can also choose to ride independently using the app)
  • Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening
  • Linen and change of towels as required
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • Daily tea and coffee during breakfast and after the cycle tours
  • Short city walking tours
  • Ferry fees
  • Carbon offset payment
  • WIFI
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Amsterdam
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single cabin
  • Entrance fees not listed as included. Allow EUR25 (paid by credit card only) for Flower park Keukenhof. Allow EUR5 for flower auction in Aalsmeer. Prices subject to change. Note: The Aalsmeer flower auction is closed on weekends and public holidays. This is an optional visit.
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Optional transfers e.g. taxi Keukenhof-Kudelstaart (max 7 people), approx EUR70
  • Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian). A supplement is payable for example lactose or gluten free diets - EUR40pp paid locally on board. Vegans cannot be catered for on this trip
  • Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend EUR 15-30 per person (to be distributed between the guide/s, captain and crew).
  • Optional excursion: 1hour canal cruise through Amsterdam - EUR18, advance reservation and payment required, collect ticket on embarkation (or approx EUR22 at the ticket desk)
  • Bike insurance - payable locally (EUR10 for standard bikes and EUR25 for e-bikes) - further details of this Limitation of Liability (damage) policy are available on request
  • Items of a personal nature

Cabins


Bike information


Grading

introductory  

INTRODUCTORY – GRADE 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.


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
DN1
Aalsmeer is closed on weekends and public holidays. This is an optional visit. A visit to the flower auction may not be possible on some departure dates.
DN2
High season is from April 5-9 - supplement applies

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

$1226USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount for small twin lower deck (pp)USD$-20
  • electric bike supplementUSD$120
  • Upper Deck Twin cabin upgrade supplement (pp)USD$140
  • Upper Deck Premium Double cabin upgrade supplement (pp) -USD$280
  • Single supplement (single in twin cabin) - lower deckUSD$500
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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.


Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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