We board our barge in the magnificent European city of Amsterdam this afternoon at about 3pm where you can settle in and enjoy a welcome drink. At 6pm we set sail through a myriad of locks to the infamous IJssel Lake – a shallow freshwater lake created in 1932 due to the establishment of a dam on the former inland sea of Zuider Zee. The sailing time is about 4 hours during which you will be treated to you first dinner on the way to Hoorn. Hoorn was once an important base for the Dutch East India Company, and the reason why Cape Horn (Kaap Hoorn) was named in the 17th century by a Dutch explorer after his hometown. Overnight Hoorn

Meals:  D

Our cycle today takes us through countryside and villages typical of North Holland – or as the locals say ‘Noordholland’. Beginning in Hoorn, this ancient city in which you can still find many buildings dating back to the 17th century when it was at the peak of it's influence and grandeur. Worth a visit are the Regentur of Westfries-land – today a museum -, the town’s scales at the Rodesteen, the harbour tower as well as the storage houses at the old quay. When you arrive in Enkhuizen, you will want to explore. Some great places to visit are the marina or the Zui-der Zee Museum. With indoor and outdoor components, the museum reveals the way of life of the people of the area until the mid 1900's. overnight Enkhuizen

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we learn why the province of Friesland is so well-known for its numerous lakes and other waterways. We pass many canals and Tjeukemeer Lake during the day. Our route takes us to Oosterzee Buren to the Tjeukemeer, further to Munnekeburen, then around the Rottige Meente over Scherpenzel and Schoterzijl back to Lemmer with its historical old part of town and beautiful gable houses. If you have the time and inclination, a visit of the largest still-functioning steam pumping station in the world, “Woudagemaal” rounds out your day. Overnight Lemmer

Meals:  B,L,D

You are going by bike to the lovely Sondeler Leien Lake and from there through the ancient woods of Rijsterbos. These woods were planted over 250 years ago and the majestic beeches are worth taking it slow and enjoying the forest. You'll be passing the Mokkebank (a protected area for birds’ nesting and living in the area) to the Roode Klif at Stavoren. From there you will cruise to Oudeschild on the Island of Texel. Cycle tour: approx. 33 km

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is about discovering a most unique island of the Netherlands. This large island with provide with a pleasant environment. Whether cycling past the dunes on coastal routes or inland across meadows the paths throughout the island will provides you with sights different than any others in Holland. One great sight is the beer brewery of Texel but don't linger! At about 6:00 pm the boat departs back to Den Helder. Cycle tour from Oudeschild and back, cycle tour: from 25km. up to 70 km, Cruise from Oudeschild to Den Helder

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning you will cycle through the dunes to Alkmaar. if you prefer, it is possible to board the boat to St. Maar-tensvlotburg and cruise the rest of the way to Alkmaar. As an alternative, you can also start your cycling tour in St. Maartensvlot-burg cycle tour: approx. 25 to 55 km

Meals:  B,L,D

Shipping from Alkmaar to Wormerveer – Cycling from Wormerveer to Amsterdam, cycle tour: approx. 35 km In the morning you have the opportunity to visit the cheese market in Alkmaar where cheese trading began as long ago as 1365. At midday we will cruise to Wormerveer from where you are cycling to the open-air museum Zaanse Schans (windmills, ancient Dutch village, cheese factory, etc. – entrance fee is not included). You are cycling through the recreational area Twiske to Amsterdam. In the afternoon you have the opportunity to take part in a “Grachtenrundfahrt” (Optional: sailing on the channels of Amsterdam in small boats, additional cost)

Meals:  B,L,D

Disembark after breakfast around 9am and individual departure.

Meals:  B