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.

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Highlights

• Keukenhof Gardens- Famous for stunning tulip displays.
• Zaanse Schans- Traditional windmills and Dutch crafts in an open-air museum.
• Haarlem- Historic city known for Grote Markt square.
• Hortus Bulborum- Garden preserving rare and historic bulbs.
• Volendam- Picturesque fishing village with wooden houses and local cheese.
• Egmond aan Zee- Beach resort by the North Holland Dune Reserve.
• Tulip Fields- Vibrant fields in full bloom.

Daily program

The tour itinerary and route may be adjusted due to nautical, technical, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

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.

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Dates & Prices

Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.

Included services

• 7 nights accommodation
• Daily breakfast, packed lunches, and 7 three-course dinners
• Complimentary welcome drink upon arrival
• Coffee and tea service available until 4 PM
• Climate-controlled cabins with daily housekeeping
• Short walking tours
• Semi-guided cycling tours (independent riding with a tour leader available for assistance)
• 7-speed city touring bike with pannier & water bottle
• Detailed route information and GPS tracks provided
• WiFi access available in the restaurant
• Carbon offset contribution to Justdiggit

Tour Company

Map

Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

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