North Holland and the Island of Texel

Day 1: Amsterdam - Zaandam

The Merlijn awaits in Amsterdam between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM for boarding. A short cruise will bring you to Zaandam where you'll spend the first night. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with a welcome drink and introduced to the crew. You'll get an overview of the tour, details about the ship, and a safety briefing. Dinner will be served while en route to Zaandam. Afterward, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city on a leisurely evening walk.

Day 2: Zaandam - Alkmaar

Following your inaugural breakfast aboard, you’ll have the chance to hop on your bike and explore "de Zaanse Schans". This charming area is renowned for its open-air museum and iconic windmills—consider visiting one for a taste of authentic Dutch heritage. Once you've soaked up the history, your bike tour will commence, taking you through picturesque Dutch countryside on your way to Alkmaar. After enjoying dinner, take a relaxing evening walk through Alkmaar, a city famous for its open-air cheese market (only held on Fridays).

Day 3: Alkmaar - Den Helder

Today is a treat as your bike tour leads you through "Dutch nature at its purest". You'll cycle past meadows, canals, farmhouses, and much more. In Den Helder, the northernmost part of the province of North Holland, you'll see beaches, fortresses, and forests, and experience a fascinating history.

Day 4: Den Helder - Texel

While enjoying a sailing breakfast, the Merlijn heads towards the isle of Texel. You will be very close to open sea, and if you look carefully, you might see England! While the boat might move a little more with the waves, rest assured what is waiting for you in Texel is worth it! Here you will see stunning dunes, beaches, and tons of great bike paths. The island's charming villages and tranquil environment offer a peaceful retreat while you pedal. You will even have a chance to visit a cheese farm today or tomorrow, and if you'd rather take a break from biking why not enjoy some of the hiking trails? Don't forget to taste some of the local delicacies!

Day 5: Texel - Wadden Sea - Stavoren

The morning is spent on Texel Island, so get ready for more coastal cycling! In the afternoon, the Merlijn will sail across the Wadden Sea to Stavoren. Sailing through the Wadden Sea offers breathtaking vistas of its shallow waters, tidal flats, and wetlands. This ecologically rich area supports a wide array of bird species, serving as a crucial habitat for both nesting and migratory birds, and you might even catch a glimpse of some seals. By early evening, you'll reach Stavoren where you'll spend the night.

Day 6: Stavoren - Urk

Today's bike tour starts in Stavoren and takes you through the gorgeous landscapes of Friesland. Being on a bike and boat tour in Friesland is very special, considering innumerable lakes, canals, and waterways make it ideal for exploring aboard the Merlijn. In the afternoon you will sail to Urk, a former fishing village with a lot of history. Be sure to take an evening stroll through the tranquil streets after dinner!

Day 7: Urk - Amsterdam

You'll set off early in the morning, leaving the Harbor of Urk behind to cruise across the IJsselmeer to the next spot. Today’s bike tour takes you through Flevoland, the newest province in the Netherlands, which was reclaimed from the Zuiderzee back in the '60s. After getting back on the Merlijn, enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise. This is a perfect time for sipping a final drink or catching up on that book you brought. Tonight will be your final dinner on board the Merlijn.

Day 8: Amsterdam

Departure takes place after breakfast.