Holland's Tulip Fields and Historic Towns

Day 1: Dordrecht - Rotterdam

Check-in and embark in the afternoon as Merlijn sets sail. Enjoy a welcome drink, meet the crew, and receive a tour briefing and safety instructions. As the ship crosses Europe’s busiest river intersection, Rotterdam’s modern skyline comes into view. Dinner is served during the cruise, followed by an opportunity for an evening stroll through the highlights of Rotterdam.

Day 2: Rotterdam - Kinderdijk - Gouda
22 - 25 mi / 35 - 40 km

Begin the day with breakfast while cruising, followed by a bike introduction covering traffic rules and group cycling etiquette. Start cycling through the picturesque Dutch polder landscape, stopping at Kinderdijk, home to 19 historic windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey continues to Gouda, world-famous for its cheese, candles, and stroopwafels (syrup waffles). Depending on the schedule, a visit to a Dutch cheese farm may be included, offering insight into traditional cheese-making. Dinner is served on board, and the night is spent docked in Gouda.

Day 3: Gouda - Leiden
22 - 25 mi / 35 - 40 km or shorter route 15 - 19 mi / 25 - 30 km

Spend the morning exploring Gouda, including a guided tour of St. Jan Cathedral, known for its 72 world-famous stained glass windows. The bike tour begins after the visit, passing through the Green Heart of Holland and the nurseries of Boskoop, where 774 tree and plant farms are spread across narrow strips of land divided by canals. The day ends in Leiden, where Merlijn awaits.

Leiden, Rembrandt’s birthplace, is home to the Netherlands’ oldest university (1575) and remains a world-renowned scientific and cultural center. Its large student population gives it a lively and inviting atmosphere. After dinner, there is time to explore Leiden’s historic center.

Day 4: Leiden - Keukenhof - Haarlem
15 - 19 mi / 25 - 30 km

Enjoy breakfast while sailing through the Kager Plassen, a scenic network of Dutch lakes. The bike tour begins near Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden, where nearly 7 million bulbs bloom annually. After admiring the vibrant tulips and floral displays, the journey continues through the stunning Dutch countryside to Haarlem. In the evening, explore Haarlem’s historic center and perhaps enjoy a glass of local "Jopen" beer, brewed in the Jopen Church.

Day 5: Haarlem - Zaanse Schans - Alkmaar, 28-31 mi.
45-50 km

Cruise out of Haarlem in the morning, passing through scenic waterways before docking. Start the day’s ride at Zaanse Schans, a living museum of Dutch heritage, featuring traditional green wooden houses and working windmills. The journey continues through classic Dutch countryside to Alkmaar, famous for its open-air cheese market (held on Fridays). After a leisurely stroll through this charming town, return to Merlijn for the evening.

Day 6: Alkmaar - Schagen
19 - 22 mi / 30 - 35 km or extended route 34 - 37 mi / 55 - 60 km

Cycle through Noord-Holland, the province with the highest density of tulips per square meter. This is the final opportunity to see the colorful flower fields in bloom, depending on the season. The route passes through meadows, canals, and traditional Dutch farmhouses, leading back to Merlijn, docked in the northernmost part of the province.

Spend the afternoon on a leisurely cruise to Schagen, relaxing on the outdoor terrace or in the lounge with a drink, enjoying the last sights of the Dutch countryside. The day ends with a farewell dinner, a moment to thank the crew and celebrate with fellow travelers.

Day 7: Departure from Schagen

Enjoy a final breakfast on board before checking out. Transportation to Amsterdam is available, or travelers can continue their journey independently. Despite being a small town, Schagen has excellent train connections for further travel.