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Experience the Netherlands in full spring colour on this memorable bike and barge adventure from Amsterdam. Cycle through a picture-perfect landscape of vibrant tulip fields, iconic windmills, peaceful canals and historic towns, returning each day to the comfort of your floating hotel. Discover the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens, where millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths create an unforgettable celebration of spring. Pedal through the coastal dunes of North Holland to the seaside village of Egmond and explore the charming canal towns of Haarlem and Alkmaar. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction, the beating heart of the Netherlands’ world-famous flower industry. Continue through the classic polder landscapes of North Holland, passing waterways, green pastures and traditional villages enroute to picturesque De Rijp and Zaanse Schans, famous for its working windmills, wooden houses and traditional Dutch crafts. Combining easy cycling, spectacular spring colours and some of Holland’s most iconic sights, this short bike and barge journey is the perfect way to experience the Netherlands at its colourful best.
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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. When all guests are on board, the boat will cruise to Haarlem via an historic lock. Upon arrival, a short test ride takes place, followed by dinner on board. Evening at leisure in Haarlem. 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 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
Cycle to Keukenhof, return to Haarlem (50km/31.3mi)
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 flower auction*, cycle north to Alkmaar (50km/31.3mi)
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 the open air museum Zaanse Schans (41km/25mi), by boat to Amsterdam
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 - Twin Cabins
There are 12 regular twin cabins (approx. 11 m²) with 2 single beds next to each other. All cabins have en-suite facilities (shower and toilet), individually regulated air conditioning, a flat screen satellite TV, a small safe and a hair dryer. The cabins on the lower deck have portholes that cannot be opened.
Lower Deck - Premium Twin Cabin
On the lower deck there is 1 premium twin cabin. This cabin (approx. 13m²) has 2 single beds next to each other and a small sitting area.
Upper Deck - Suite Cabins
The upper deck has 4 beautiful suites (approx. 14m). The suites have 2 single beds next to each other, a small sitting area and large panoramic windows. One of these windows can be opened.
Lower Deck twin Cabin
The twin cabins below deck, measuring 12 m² (129 ft²) feature two single beds and fixed portholes. All cabins have their own private bathroom with shower, basin and toilet; as well as individually-regulated air-conditioning, flat screen satellite TV, mini safe and hair dryer.
Upper Deck Suites
The spacious suites, each measuring 16 m² (172 ft²), have double beds, a cozy sitting area, and French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
Twin Cabin
All beautifully decorated cabins are on the lower deck and have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, a mini-safe and a hair-dryer; the windows cannot be opened for security reasons. The Twin cabin is 11 m².
Junior Suite
Four junior suites have queen size beds (two single beds set together) and are approx. 15 m².
During the trip you will be provided with a 7 speed trekking bike with hand brakes and lock. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear required for each day. Helmet rental is included.
An electric bike is available on request. 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 confident or fit cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capabilities.
GRADE 1 - 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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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