Holland in Bloom
Cycle through tulip fields, cruise Dutch canals, and visit historic windmills on a springtime bike and boat tour
Get ready to discover Holland in full bloom! As spring unfolds, the countryside bursts with color, where fields of tulips stretch as far as the eye can see, framed by traditional Dutch windmills and clear blue skies. The air is sweet with the scent of hyacinths and daffodils. It’s the best time to experience Holland by bike and boat, surrounded by the season’s most stunning landscapes.
Beginning and ending in Amsterdam, you’ll explore Holland at your own pace on self-guided bike routes, weaving through some of the country's most celebrated locations. Visit Alkmaar’s cheese markets, stroll through the vibrant Keukenhof Gardens, and see the rarest bulbs at the Hortus Bulborum. You’ll cycle through Haarlem and take in the charm of Zaanse Schans, where centuries-old windmills spin gently in the breeze.
Although the bike routes are self-guided, a knowledgeable guide will be on board to offer tips and assistance as needed, providing the perfect balance of freedom and support. After a day of cycling, return to the boat each night to relax, unwind, and reflect on the beautiful sights and experiences of Holland in springtime.
Daily Program
The tour itinerary and route may be adjusted due to nautical, technical, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Day 1: Amsterdam - Hoorn
- Day 2: Hoorn - Enkhuizen, 25 - 31 mi. (40 - 50 km)
- Day 3: Enkhuizen - Volendam - Zaanse Schans - Alkmaar, 31 mi. (50 km)
- Day 4: Alkmaar, 21 - 31 mi. (33 - 50 km)
- Day 5: Alkmaar - Zaandam - Haarlem, 24 - 29 mi. (38 - 47 km)
- Day 6: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Haarlem, 30 mi. (49 km)
- Day 7: Haarlem - Amsterdam, 19 - 22 mi. (31 - 36 km)
- Day 8: Amsterdam
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam & cruise to Hoorn
Board the ship at 1:30 PM for check-in and a safety briefing. Begin your adventure with a scenic cruise across the IJsselmeer to the historic town of Hoorn, celebrated for its maritime history and picturesque streets.
Day 2: Hoorn - Enkhuizen
25 - 31 mi / 40 - 50 km
Explore the beautiful “West-Frisian” region, home to some of the largest tulip fields in the Netherlands. Choose between two cycling routes, winding through vibrant floral landscapes. Enjoy the flexibility of a semi-guided ride, allowing you to stop and capture the beauty at your own pace.
Day 3: Enkhuizen - Volendam - Zaanse Schans - Alkmaar
31 mi / 50 km
After a morning cruise to Volendam, embark on a bike ride through the charming “Waterland” area, following canals and visiting quaint villages. Stop at Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum featuring traditional Dutch windmills, wooden houses, and local artisans. In the evening, the ship sails to Alkmaar.
Day 4: Alkmaar
21 - 31 mi / 33 - 50 km
Cycle north from Alkmaar to explore more tulip fields, then head to Egmond aan Zee, a seaside resort with sandy beaches. Visit the nearby artists' village of Bergen and the North Holland Dune Reserve for some unique landscapes. Return to the ship in Alkmaar for a relaxing dinner.
Day 5: Alkmaar - Zaandam - Haarlem
24 - 29 mi / 38 - 47 km
Today’s ride takes you through Egmond-Binnen and Limmen, where you’ll visit Hortus Bulborum, a garden museum preserving rare and historic bulbs. Cycle through colorful tulip fields to Zaandam, where the ship will cruise to Haarlem. Spend your evening exploring Haarlem’s historic center, including the Grote Markt and St. Bavo Church.
Day 6: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Haarlem
30 mi / 49 km
Cycle through the oldest tulip fields in Holland on your way to Keukenhof Gardens. Marvel at the 80-acre park with its seven million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring flowers. Return to the ship in Haarlem for the evening.
Day 7: Haarlem - Amsterdam
19 - 22 mi / 31 - 36 km
Cycle back to Amsterdam, enjoying the lush, green landscapes as you approach the city. Spend the afternoon discovering Amsterdam’s attractions, from the flower market and Vondelpark to world-famous museums. Optional discounted canal tour tickets are available for those interested.
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
After a final breakfast on board, disembark by 9:30 AM to conclude your memorable journey.
An expert tour leader will join the trip, providing daily route briefings, tips, and key information. You'll cycle independently at your own pace with a detailed map, GPS via the free Ride With GPS app, and printed route descriptions, all provided on board. The tour leader will ride nearby and be available by phone for emergencies or questions.
Boats
De Holland
The De Holland, a cozy river cruise ship, has been completely refurbished. The De Holland has a large salon with large panoramic windows on the upper deck that combines the restaurant, bar…
Bikes
Depending on the boat, different bikes may be available. Select a boat below:

Touring Bicycle
Hybrid Velo de Ville C100 (or similar)
- Aluminum step-through frame
- Adjustable gel saddle
- Shimano Nexus gearing
- 7 speeds
- V-Brakes
- Impac 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

Electric 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 fee)
- Pump & repair kit available
Bicycle rental is included in the tour price. You are permitted to bring your own bicycle/e-bike (a discount will then be applied) but there is a very limited amount of space onboard. A parking place for a normal bicycle or a parking and charge station for an e-bike can be requested for a small additional fee. The crew or tour operators are not responsible for any damage, loss, or theft of a guest's own bicycle or e-bike.
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. You are permitted to bring your own e-bike but there is a very limited amount of space onboard. A parking and charge station for an e-bike can be requested for a small additional fee. The crew or tour operators are not responsible for any damage, loss, or theft of a guest's own e-bike. For safety reasons it is no longer possible to charge the batteries of your own e-bikes in the cabin. The crew will inform you where on deck/ on board you can recharge your battery.

Touring Bicycle
Hybrid Velo de Ville C100 (or similar)
- Aluminum step-through frame
- Adjustable gel saddle
- Shimano Nexus gearing
- 7 speeds
- V-Brakes
- Impac 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

Electric 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 fee)
- Pump & repair kit available
Bicycle rental is included in the tour price. You are permitted to bring your own bicycle/e-bike (a discount will then be applied) but there is a very limited amount of space onboard. A parking place for a normal bicycle or a parking and charge station for an e-bike can be requested for a small additional fee. The crew or tour operators are not responsible for any damage, loss, or theft of a guest's own bicycle or e-bike.
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. You are permitted to bring your own e-bike but there is a very limited amount of space onboard. A parking and charge station for an e-bike can be requested for a small additional fee. The crew or tour operators are not responsible for any damage, loss, or theft of a guest's own e-bike. For safety reasons it is no longer possible to charge the batteries of your own e-bikes in the cabin. The crew will inform you where on deck/ on board you can recharge your battery.
Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
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Surface and terrain
This is a relaxed bike and boat tour with daily routes ranging from 19 to 31 miles, following flat, well-maintained trails with smooth, paved, or gravel surfaces.
How to get there
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Nearest train station: Amsterdam Central Station
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