Dutch Blooms & Waterways: A Premium Tulip Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam, the Dutch capital, known for its UNESCO-listed canal ring, narrow gabled houses, and centuries of maritime history. A transfer from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to your hotel is included. This evening, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and an introduction to the week ahead. (D)

Day 2: Amsterdam – Zaandam
18 mi / 29 km

The tour begins with a bike fitting before setting out into Waterland, a low-lying region north of Amsterdam known for its network of canals, grazing pastures, and traditional villages. Cycling on quiet roads and bike paths, you'll pass through communities such as Broek in Waterland, often considered one of the prettiest villages in the country. A support vehicle accompanies the ride, providing refreshments and a picnic lunch. Later, board the Magnifique X, your floating hotel for the week. After a warm welcome from the captain and crew, settle into your cabin and enjoy a short cruise to Zaandam. Located on the River Zaan, this town played an important role in Dutch industry and shipbuilding during the 17th century. This evening, enjoy a walk through the historic harbor area. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Zaandam – Alkmaar
24 or 31 mi / 39 or 50 km

The morning begins at Zaanse Schans, where historic windmills, workshops, and traditional wooden houses offer a glimpse into life in the Netherlands centuries ago. Several of the windmills remain operational, continuing the work they were originally built to perform. Continue north through the landscapes of North Holland to Hortus Bulborum, a unique living museum dedicated to preserving historic tulip, hyacinth, and daffodil varieties. Some bulbs grown here date back hundreds of years and can no longer be found in commercial production. The ride concludes in Alkmaar, a historic city famous for its cheese-trading tradition dating back to the 16th century. Spend the evening exploring its canals, courtyards, and compact medieval center. (B, L)

Day 4: Alkmaar – Haarlem
31 mi / 50 km

Before departing Alkmaar, enjoy an early-morning visit to the celebrated cheese market before it opens to the public. Watch as preparations get underway and discover the traditions behind this centuries-old event, where cheese carriers continue a custom that has become one of the city's most iconic attractions. From here, cycle through the North Holland Dune Reserve, a protected coastal landscape of forests, dunes, and sandy trails stretching along the North Sea. By afternoon, arrive in Haarlem. Once a major center of trade and art during the Dutch Golden Age, Haarlem is known for its historic Grote Markt, impressive St. Bavo Church, and attractive canal-lined streets. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Haarlem – Haarlem
29 mi / 47 km

Today's ride showcases the flower-growing region that has made the Netherlands famous around the world. Depending on the season and bloom cycle, the landscape may be filled with bands of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils stretching across the fields. The highlight is a visit to Keukenhof, one of the world's largest flower gardens. More than seven million bulbs are planted here annually, creating a constantly changing display of spring color. After time to explore the gardens and pavilions, continue cycling through the surrounding countryside before returning to Haarlem and the Magnifique X. (B)

Day 6: Haarlem – Zaandam
18 mi / 29 km | Cruise to Hoorn

An early visit to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction provides a behind-the-scenes look at the global flower trade. As the world's largest flower marketplace, millions of blooms pass through its vast halls each day before being shipped across Europe and beyond. After breakfast, cycle from Haarlem toward Zaandam, passing through villages such as Spaarndam, a town closely associated with Dutch water management and flood control. Rejoin the Magnifique X and cruise across the IJsselmeer to Hoorn. During the 17th century, Hoorn was one of the Netherlands' most important trading ports and a key base for the Dutch East India Company. Relax as your tour leader gives an onboard lecture about the history and culture of the region. This evening, see the city from a different perspective during a private canal cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Hoorn – Volendam
15 or 34 mi / 24 or 55 km | Cruise to Huizen

Today's ride passes through one of the Netherlands' principal bulb-growing regions. Because growers regularly rotate crops between fields, the exact pattern of colors and blooms changes from season to season, making every spring slightly different. The route ends in Volendam, a traditional fishing town on the shores of the IJsselmeer. Its harbor, wooden houses, and seafaring heritage have made it one of the country's most recognizable destinations. Take time to stroll along the waterfront before rejoining the Magnifique X. During dinner, the ship cruises onward to Huizen. (B, D)

Day 8: Huizen – Amsterdam
21 or 30 mi / 34 or 48 km

The final day of cycling begins in Huizen and follows quiet routes through the Dutch countryside toward Amsterdam. Along the way, stop in Naarden, one of Europe's best-preserved fortified towns. Its distinctive star-shaped layout, complete with defensive walls and moats, dates back to the 16th century and remains remarkably intact. Continue to nearby Muiden, home to Muiderslot Castle. Built in the late 13th century, the fortress has guarded the mouth of the River Vecht for more than 700 years and is considered one of the finest medieval castles in the Netherlands. The ride concludes in Amsterdam, where you'll gather aboard the Magnifique X for a farewell dinner and a final evening on board. (B, D)

Day 9: Departure from Amsterdam

After breakfast, a transfer is provided to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for your onward journey. Travelers wishing to spend additional time in the Dutch capital may arrange extra nights independently. (B)