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Duration
5 days
Activities
  • guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 4 nights on a deluxe barge
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

Price

$1450USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: TLD

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 deluxe 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 deluxe 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

 

Between 1:00-2:00pm, you can check-in to the barge in Amsterdam. It is possible to bring your luggage on board from 11:00am. You will cruise to Zaandam in the afternoon 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 cycle (5km) to the open air museum Zaanse Schans (entry included) which features beautiful windmills, traditional wooden houses, an old Dutch village, a cheese farm and a traditional wooden clog maker. After returning to the barge by bike in the afternoon, you have the option of cycling to Haarlem (24km/14mi) or enjoying the scenery from the barge as you 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 you plenty of time in the afternoon or evening to take a walk through the small and historical centre complete with the Grote Markt (central square), St Bavo church and the Teylers and Frans Hals museums.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will cycle to the famous flower garden ‘Keukenhof’ for a visit (included, or alternatively by local bus which is not included). It is arguably the most famous flower park in the world where you can admire hundreds of thousands tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and many others in full 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 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 9am we will return to the barge in Aalsmeer where a late breakfast will await, before we make your 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. You can visit the inner city flower market, go to one of the many museums, do some shopping or enjoy a boat trip through the canals. *Aalsmeer is closed on weekends and public holidays. This is an optional visit. Please be aware that on some departure dates a visit to the flower auction is not possible.

Meals:  B,L,D

Disembark after breakfast until 9:30am. It may be possible to leave your luggage on board until approx 1:30pm, allowing 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. 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.
  • 4 nights accommodation aboard a deluxe barge (Category A+) on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Cabins are configured with two lower beds (supplement applies for premium twin or upper deck suite on select departures, or single 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).
  • 7 speed unisex trekking bike rental with handbrake and/or backpedal brake, helmet, pannier and water bottle (electric bike; children's bikes; trailer bicycles; tandem bikes; front/rear child seats; available on request, limited supplies - supplement applies)
  • Short city walking tours
  • Information pack including route notes & maps (one set per cabin)
  • Two experienced multilingual tour guides for fully guided cycling tours (group sizes of 22 passengers or more), daily briefings
  • Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening
  • Entrance fee for Zaanse Schans museum (mill visit), Keukenhof and North-Holland Dune reserve
  • Linen and change of towels as required
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • Daily tea and coffee during breakfast and 3-4pm
  • GPS tracks on request
  • WIFI
  • Fees for ferries per the itinerary

  • Travel to and from Amsterdam
  • Drinks and other items of a personal nature
  • Entrance fees and excursions not stated as included. Allow EUR5 for flower auction in Aalsmeer. Prices subject to change. Note: The Aalsmeer flower auction is closed during weekends and on public holidays. This is an optional visit.
  • Transfers e.g. taxi Keukenhof-Kudelstaart (max 7 people), approx EUR70
  • A supplement applies if booking a single cabin (we do not match single travellers)
  • Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
  • 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.
  • 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 - EUR16, advance reservation and payment required, collect ticket on embarkation (or approx EUR19 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

Cabins


Bike information


Grading

introductory  

INTRODUCTORY – GRADE 1 The daily cycling distances are from 10 to 57km/6 to 35mi. 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
Note:
A high season supplement for departures from 7 to 21 April. Additional high season supplement does not apply to single cabins - variable pricing applicable.
Note:
Operates with Magnifique II (S), operates with Magnifique IV (O), operates with Magnifique III (K)
Note:
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.

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

$1450USD

Options & Supplements*
  • electric bike supplement - limited numberUSD$110
  • Single cabin supplement (MAGIII only) - low season MarchUSD$300
  • Upper deck suite upgrade supplementUSD$470
  • Single supplement (single use of twin) - low season/MarchUSD$520
  • Single cabin supplement (MAGIII only) - high season AprilUSD$580
*Prices listed are per person

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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