Holland by Bike and Boat, Northern Tour
7 nights from €890
4.64
Discover Dutch culture along the waterways of Friesland and Northern Holland.
Nowhere else in the world will you find an area as fascinating to explore as the Dutch Provinces of North Holland and Friesland, two areas rich in tradition, full of romantic fishing and harbor villages, picturesque lakes, and expansive North Sea vistas. Over the course of your week onboard your floating hotel, the ship DE Willemstad, you will be able to discover typical Dutch culture in picturesque harbor towns and small villages while you cycle through a flat "polder land," extensively reclaimed over the centuries from the North Sea.
What you will soon realize is the truth behind the proverb "God created the earth but the Dutch made Holland." This has been proven through the extent of land reclamation in the region you will be cycling through. Since the 17th century, in an effort to save disappearing land from encroaching water, protective dikes have been built, low-lying land has been pumped dry, and tidal dams have been created in creeks to prevent flooding. Today’s green flat polder landscape is full of agricultural enterprise.
Given the Dutch love of cycling, the region is crisscrossed with many quiet cycle tracks that stretch from one end of the region to the other. You will be amazed by the beauty of the North Sea beaches, the towering sand dunes – who said there were no hills in Holland! – the extremely bike-friendly island of Texel, the beautiful flat landscapes, small dreamlike farm villages, and picturesque harbor villages. During the second part of the tour, you will cross the large lake IJsselmeer to Stavoren in the Province of Friesland.
Other highlights during your week tour include the open-air museum "Zaanse Schans," the historic city center of Alkmaar and the old harbor cities of Medemblik, Enkhuizen, Hoorn and Volendam, the islands of Texel and Marken, and, of course, Amsterdam with its beautiful canals.
Polder Farms & Towns Up Close
“The trip was very well organized, and the bikes were high quality. Great cycling through the polders of Holland.”
—Doug Z.
Wonderful Bike Cruise and exceptional sites to see while biking
“Loved this cruise. We hope to book Croatia next year. The staff was wonderful and our director (Ken I think?) worked tirelessly to make everyone's trip wonderful. The food…” Full Review
“Loved this cruise. We hope to book Croatia next year. The staff was wonderful and our director (Ken I think?) worked tirelessly to make everyone's trip wonderful. The food was good but we were disappointed that we had to pay to get water at dinner. This should always be free! Also we would have liked coffee available all day.
One complaint was our room. Others who also ordered the basic stateroom had twice the size of ours for the same price. We were in a back room that had minimal space and NO CLOSET space or anywhere to hang anything! We had two shelves each for our clothes. We think it was actually a staff room for one person, yet we had to share it. I needed to climb over my husband to get out of bed at night.
Not comfortable! That was disappointing but we got used to it and loved the cruise anyway. I do believe it should have been a much reduced price though.” Less
—Carol Morningstar
Holland by bike was a delight!
“The perfect way to see northern Holland! The boat was small enough to socialize but big enough to have all the amenities for comfort. Our guides were Dutch and really…” Full Review
“The perfect way to see northern Holland! The boat was small enough to socialize but big enough to have all the amenities for comfort.
Our guides were Dutch and really knowledgeable about the routes , the history and the sights. The boat staff were friendly and helpful. Solid bikes. Next time I’ll choose Anne-bike because the wind is equal to hills!” Less
—Marie DeBell
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam | Cruise Amsterdam – Zaandam
Embarkation between 2:00-4:30pm in Amsterdam. Take the opportunity to go shopping or explore downtown Amsterdam, world famous for its canals, its quirky "leaning" buildings, museums, the Anne Frank House, the Waterlooplein Flea Market, the Dam Square in the historical center and heart of the city. Welcome meeting, cocktail, and first briefing on board at 5:00pm. During dinner, the boat will cruise to Zaandam.
Overnight in Zaandam.
Day 2: Cycle Zaandam – "Zaanse Schans" – Alkmaar
27 miles/44 km
The first bike trip of this tour takes you via small villages through the beautiful flat and green polder landscape. The first stop is at the Zaanse Schans open-air museum (free entry) with its traditional Old Dutch wooden houses, windmills and the cheese and clog factory. After this visit you will cycle through the “Land of Leeghwater,” a green polder area between Amsterdam, Alkmaar and Hoorn. Stroll through the former whaler’s village De Rijp and pass by the windmills of Schermerhorn. Your ship will be waiting for you near the historical city center of Alkmaar.
Overnight in Alkmaar.
Day 3: Dune tour: Cycle round-trip Alkmaar | Cruise Alkmaar – Den Helder
20 miles/33 km or 25 miles/40 km
Today you can discover the beautiful North-Holland Dune reserve. This is a 5,300-hectare forest and dune area with its unique landscapes. The drinking water for almost the whole province of North-Holland is gained in these dunes. After a visit to the beach and artists village Bergen you will return to Alkmaar where you can visit the wonderful city center. In the afternoon your ship will sail over the North-Holland Canal to the navy harbor of Den Helder.
Overnight in Den Helder.
Day 4: Ferry to North Sea island of Texel; roundtrip tour from 't Horntje | Cruise Den Helder – Den Oever
your choice of distance: 20-30 miles/ 34-51 km
During breakfast, you'll take a 20 minutes ferry ride from Den Helder to the isle of Texel (ticket included in tour cost), where you can take a cycling tour on the largest of the Dutch North Sea Isles. You will cycle through beautiful natural parks and have the opportunity for a stop and some bathing at the beach. Suggestion: cycle the beautiful “Thijsse-route” (with signposting, approximately 25 miles) through picturesque villages and landscapes and visit the seal sanctuary “Ecomare.” In the afternoon you'll cycle back to Den Helder, and during dinner you'll cruise to Den Oever.
Overnight in Den Oever.
Day 5: Cruise Den Oever – Stavoren | Cycle Southwest Friesland round trip
27 miles/43 km or 34 miles/55 km
The vessel will cross the large inland lake IJsselmeer to cruise to Stavoren in the Province of Friesland. You can opt for a shorter or longer cycling tour: discover the nature area of Gaasterland or explore a part of the wide lake district, that Friesland is well-known for. You can also combine both options. Night in Stavoren, one of the famous 11 cities of Friesland.
Overnight in Stavoren.
Day 6: Cruise Stavoren – Medemblik | Cycle Medemblik – Hoorn – Enkhuizen
24 miles/39 km or 31 miles/51 km
Your ship will cross the IJsselmeer again during breakfast. Take the short bike trip from Medemblik along the IJsselmeer coast directly to Enkhuizen, where you can spend the afternoon. Enkhuizen is an old city with many centuries of maritime tradition. The “herring city” boasts a beautiful old harbor, a historical old town center, and the very interesting Zuiderzeemuseum. If you prefer a longer cycling tour, ride from Medemblik to the former Dutch East India Company town of Hoorn, in the 17th century one of the world’s leading harbors. Enjoy your lunch break and make a short stroll in the old city center. Continue by bike to Enkhuizen via some picturesque rural villages. In the evening you can join a short city walk.
Overnight in Enkhuizen.
Day 7: Cruise Enkhuizen – Volendam | Cycle Volendam – Waterland – Amsterdam
17 miles/28 km or 31 miles/50 km
During breakfast, the ship will cruise to Volendam. Your final day of cycling will lead you through the beautiful area of Waterland with its hundreds of small lakes and tiny canals. Near Volendam you will have the opportunity to visit a cheese farm. Recommended (extra miles) is a detour to the former island of Marken, to continue through the water shaped region of Waterland back to the Dutch capital city of Amsterdam.
The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy everything Amsterdam has to offer. If you didn't go for a canal tour on the first day, you will have the opportunity to do so today.
Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 8: Amsterdam: Disembarkation
After breakfast, disembarkation by 9:30am and end of the tour.
If guests don’t want to cycle a day (or more) they can relax and stay on board while the ship is cruising. Please note: lunch will not be served on board, so you can enjoy your packed lunch. In case of unfavorable weather conditions, the captain may decide to change the route.
Boats
De Willemstad
48 cabins, 2 decks, 1 tour The De Willemstad was originally used on the Danube waterways. After it's complete renovation in 2017/2018, the boat now cruises the waterways of Holland. She boasts an upper deck salon…
Arkona
58 cabins, 2 decks, 2 tours The Arkona was completely refurbished in 2018, prioritizing comfort and elegance. It has two deck levels, a lovely dining room, and a partially shaded sundeck, making it the perfect place…
Poseidon
48 cabins, 2 decks, 1 tour The Poseidon, a classy river cruise ship, sails the rivers and canals of Germany, Belgium, and Holland. Its elegant atmosphere will make you feel comfortable and at home during your lovely…
Bikes
Depending on the boat, different bikes may be available. Select a boat below:
Touring Bicycle
Velo de Ville City 100 (or similar)
- Unisex, aluminum frame
- Handbrakes
- Shimano 7-speed nexus drive
- Selle-Royal gel saddle
- Fixed lock
- Schwalbe Marathon tires
Electric Bicycle
Velo de Ville CEB 200
- Aluminum step-through frame
- Bosch Active Line Mid-Engine
- Adjustable stem
- Front suspension
- Nexus 7 speed
- Hydraulic brakes
- Comfort sadle
- 28" Wheels
- Schwalbe Marathon tyre
- Flat pedals
Accessories
- Pannier bag
- Helmet rental available onboard (10 EUR)
- Pump & repair kit available
Touring bicycle rental is included in tour pricing. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles (discount will apply). However, the crew or tour operators are NOT responsible for any damage, loss, or theft of such. There are bike helmets available onboard but please request them when booking.
Other bikes (e.g. bikes with back pedal brakes, children’s bikes, “slip streamers”, tandems, etc.) and rear child seats may be possible upon request and are in very limited numbers.
*NOTE: E-bikes feature a small electrical engine and battery that assist and ease your pedaling but you still have to pedal yourself. While riding an e-bike can greatly contribute to the enjoyment of your trip, it is not intended for untrained cyclists as it is not easy to handle such a bike. The engine and battery make the bike much heavier than a regular bike and it also accelerates faster. Handling it well requires good basic cycling skills and confidence.
Touring Bicycle
- Unisex, aluminum frame
- Handbrakes
- Shimano 7-speed nexus drive
- Selle-Royal gel saddle
- Fixed lock
- Schwalbe Marathon tires
Electrical Bicycle
Azor Steps (or similar)
- Nexus 7-gears
- Handbrakes
- Selle-Royal gel saddle
- Shimano motor (400 WH) with 4 levels of support
- Gel saddle
- Fixed lock
Accessories
- Pannier bag
- Helmet rental available onboard (10 EUR)
- Pump & repair kit available
Touring bicycle rental is included in tour pricing. There are bike helmets available onboard but please request them when booking.
Other bikes (e.g. bikes with back pedal brakes, children’s bikes, “slip streamers”, tandems, etc.) and rear child seats may be possible upon request and are in very limited numbers.
*NOTE: E-bikes feature a small electrical engine and battery that assist and ease your pedaling but you still have to pedal yourself. While riding an e-bike can greatly contribute to the enjoyment of your trip, it is not intended for untrained cyclists as it is not easy to handle such a bike. The engine and battery make the bike much heavier than a regular bike and it also accelerates faster. Handling it well requires good basic cycling skills and confidence.
Touring Bicycle
Hybrid Velo de Ville C100 (or similar)
- Aluminum step-through frame
- Shimano Nexus gearing
- Gel saddles
- 7 speeds
- V-Brakes
- Impact Streetpac 47-622 tires
- VDV City saddle
- 28" Wheels
Hybrid Gazelle Chamonix
- Step-through frame
- Shimano gearing
- 7 speeds
- Gel-saddle (adjustable)
- Handbrakes
- Frame lock
- 28" Wheels
Electrical Bicycle
Velo de Ville CEB 200 (or similar)
- Limited number available, request at the time of booking
- Wh 400 battery
- Bosch Intuvia, Bosch Purion display
- Max. 25 km/h motor speed
- Bosch Active line motor version
- Hydraulic rim brake
Accessories
- Pannier bag
- Helmet rental available onboard (10 EUR)
- Pump & repair kit available
Touring bicycle rental is included in tour pricing. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles (discount will apply). However, the crew or tour operators are NOT responsible for any damage, loss, or theft of such. There are bike helmets available onboard but please request them when booking.
Other bikes (e.g. bikes with back pedal brakes, children’s bikes, “slip streamers”, tandems, etc.) and rear child seats may be possible upon request and are in very limited numbers.
*NOTE: E-bikes feature a small electrical engine and battery that assist and ease your pedaling but you still have to pedal yourself. While riding an e-bike can greatly contribute to the enjoyment of your trip, it is not intended for untrained cyclists as it is not easy to handle such a bike. The engine and battery make the bike much heavier than a regular bike and it also accelerates faster. Handling it well requires good basic cycling skills and confidence.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Surface and terrain
The terrain is flat and the cycle paths are mostly concrete or paved roads. If guests don’t want to cycle a day (or more) then can relax and stay on board while the ship is sailing.
How to get there
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Nearest train station: Amsterdam Centraal
It's a short distance from the train station to the pier via taxi.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Loading reviews…
More About This Tour
Related Bike Tours 
Amsterdam to Cologne along the IJssel and Rhine
Holland 
Custom and Private Bike Tours in Holland
Holland 
Germany, Netherlands, Belgium by Bike/E-Bike and Boat
Holland Related Day Tours
Amsterdam Windmills E-Bike Tour to Zaanse Schans
Amsterdam 
Amsterdam City Bike Tour
Amsterdam 
Amsterdam Extended Countryside E-Bike Tour
Amsterdam 
Amsterdam City E-Bike Tour
Amsterdam 
Amsterdam Hidden Gems Bike Tour
Amsterdam 
Amsterdam Compact Countryside Bike Tour
Amsterdam 
Email
Office Hours