Tulip Fields of Holland - 8-Day Bike & Boat Tour
A voyage through the vibrant tulip fields of Holland
Explore the enchanting tulip fields of Holland - world-famous for their riotous spring colors. These flowers turn the Netherlands into a petal patchwork!
This 8-day bike and boat tour brings you right into the heart of the blossoms - immersing you in Keukenhof, Aalsmeer, and Haarlem, where stunning flowers are grown, marketed, and displayed. Your tour winds its way through a windmill-dotted landscape to the 'World's Flower Garden', the 'World's Flower Auction', the birthplace of Rembrandt, and the capital of cheese. What could be more Dutch?
Prepare for phenomenal flower displays in Keukenhof, charming Dutch architecture in Leiden and Haarlem, and iconic cheese in Gouda on a once-in-a-lifetime bike and boat tour!
Daily Program
Day 1: Amsterdam – Spaarndam | Spaarndam – Haarlem
3 mi. / 6 km or 8 mi / 14 km
Your beautiful bike and boat tour will begin with check-in at 2:00 PM. You'll be greeted with coffee and tea by your welcoming crew as you settle into your floating hotel. At 2:30 PM, the boat will begin cruising toward Haarlem. During this first journey, your tour leader will introduce the itinerary, cycling plans, and safety information.
When you reach Spaarndam, you'll have the opportunity for a short test ride on your bike. You'll then enjoy dinner on board before your guide leads you on an interesting walk through Haarlem's charming historic center.
Day 2: Haarlem – Keukenhof – Leiden
23 mi. / 38 km
Today’s guided bike tour will take you through the heart of Holland’s oldest tulip-growing region. A visit to the Keukenhof Gardens will be the highlight, where over seven million tulips and other flowers will be blooming in a stunning 80-acre park.
In the afternoon, cycle to the historic university city of Leiden. After dinner on board, you'll be invited to join an evening walk along the city’s beautiful canals and old streets.
Day 3: Leiden – Gouda
22 mi. / 37 km or 26 mi. / 43 km
After breakfast, you'll cycle through the peaceful countryside of Holland’s “Green Heart.” Near Zoeterwoude, a visit to a traditional cheese farm will offer insight into the Dutch cheese-making process—and, of course, the chance to taste some delicious samples!
By the afternoon, you'll arrive in Gouda, known globally for its namesake cheese and beautiful city center. You'll have time to explore the historic market square, the Gothic town hall, and the stained-glass windows of St. John’s Church. An after-dinner walk will give you more time to appreciate Gouda’s charming character.
Day 4: Gouda – Alphen a/d Rijn | Alphen a/d Rijn – Kudelstaart
12 mi. / 20 km or 27 mi. / 44 km
This morning, you'll have time to explore Gouda at your leisure. You might like to browse the local shops, visit the cheese weigh house, or admire the artistry of St. John’s Church. Around midday, the barge will depart, and you'll enjoy a light lunch onboard.
From Alphen aan den Rijn, your bicycle tour will continue through South Holland’s tranquil countryside, following rivers and canals toward the village of Kudelstaart.
Day 5: Kudelstaart – Flower auction
5.4 mi. / 9 km | Aalsmeer – Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Zaanse Schans - Purmerend (5 mi. / 9 km or 27 mi. / 45 km
At 6:30 AM, coffee will be served for those heading to the flower auction in Aalsmeer - the largest in Europe! Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to witness a trade where millions of flower blooms are auctioned for markets across the continent.
After returning to the barge, you'll enjoy a late breakfast while cruising toward Amsterdam. Today will offer a relaxing transition from countryside to city - a transformation you can watch peacefully from your hotel on the water! The bike tour will lead you to Zaanse Schans, a charming village where historic windmills and houses have been preserved over the decades. You'll explore working windmills, a clog-making workshop, an old grocery store, a cheese farm, and more. It will feel like cycling through a living museum! At the end of the afternoon, you’ll bike to Purmerend, where the ship is moored for the night.
Day 6: Purmerend – Alkmaar
31 mi. / 50 km
Today begins with a scenic ride to the Hortus Bulborum, a unique garden museum dedicated to rare, heritage flower bulbs. From there, you'll cycle toward the North Sea dunes and on to the town of Egmond, continuing through coastal landscapes until reaching Alkmaar.
Known as one of Holland’s famous cheese towns, Alkmaar will welcome you with its 17th-century buildings, narrow canals, and lively old town. Dinner will be on your own tonight, giving you the chance to dine at one of Alkmaar’s cozy local restaurants.
Day 7: Alkmaar – Amsterdam
22 mi. / 37 km or 33 mi. / 54 km
Your final bicycle tour will take you to the Schermer Polder where you'll visit the Schermerhorn Windmill Museum. Afterward, you'll continue to the beautiful village of De Rijp, where wooden facades and historical buildings evoke centuries of maritime history.
From there, you'll ride back to Amsterdam, arriving in the late afternoon. There will be time to relax and perhaps take a canal cruise of Holland's capital to round off your bike and barge holiday in style.
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
After breakfast, your tour will officially end. Disembarkation will take place until 9:30 AM.
Boats
Clair d’Etoile
Formerly the Zwaantje, the Clair d'Etoile, whose name means 'Starlight', is a homely passenger barge boasting a large lounge with panoramic windows (perfect for relaxing as the beautiful…
Clair de Soleil
The Clair de Soleil is a welcoming passenger barge that combines classic river cruising charm with comfortable modern amenities. Originally built in 1910 as a cargo vessel and converted for…
Princesse Royal
The Princesse Royal sails under the Dutch flag and management. It was completely modernized in 2010, along with being extended by 46 feet (14 m) during the winter of 2012-13. It was…
Magnifique I
Many of the passenger vessels that cruise Europe's waterways were once cargo barges used for transporting materials up and down the rivers. This boat is no exception, but a new chapter has…
Magnifique II
The Magnifique II is a deluxe-class premium barge that offers both comfort and classical style. On the upper deck is a tastefully furnished salon with restaurant, bar, and lounge with wide…
Magnifique IV
The Magnifique IV, built in 2020, is the newest addition and a fan favorite for a luxury experience aboard a deluxe-class barge. On the upper deck is a spacious and tastefully decorated…
Lena Maria
The barge Lena Maria, originally a freight ship, was transformed into a comfortable cruise vessel in 2004. In 2020, owners Eelke and Carlijn renovated the main gathering areas, giving the…
Fleur
The Fleur, a small yet tasteful passenger boat with sleek lines, was built to fit through France's smaller locks and canals. It began cruising in 2002 and was taken over by Steffie Kranz…
Bikes
Depending on the boat, different bikes may be available. Select a boat below:

Touring Bicycle
Azor (or similar brand/model)
- Unisex city bike with a low-step frame
- Upright and comfortable riding position
- Handmade in the Netherlands by Azor
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal hub gearing
- Roller brakes with hand brake controls
- Adjustable Selle Royal gel saddle
- Frame-mounted lock
- Schwalbe Marathon puncture-resistant tires
- Available in three frame sizes

Electric Bicycle
Granville E-Bike (or similar)
- Granville E-Urban e-bike
- Bosch mid-drive motor (500 Wh)
- Four levels of pedal assistance
- Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal hub gearing
- Hand brakes
- Comfortable gel saddle
- Frame-mounted lock
Accessories
- Pannier bag
- Helmet rental available onboard
- Pump & repair kit available
Bicycle rental is included in tour pricing. Guests are not permitted to bring their own bicycles as space on deck is very limited. The only exception is when you require a special bike or tandem. Please let us know well in advance if you would like to bring your own special bicycle/tandem. There are bike helmets available onboard at no charge 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.

Electric bike
- Low-entry (step-through) frame
- Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub gears
- Hydraulic hand brakes
- Bosch mid-drive motor
- Integrated Bosch PowerTube 500 Wh battery
- Front suspension fork
Accessories
- Pannier bag
- Helmets are available and free of charge
- Water bottle
- A holder for your mobile phone is also available

Standard touring bike
- Low-entry (step-through frame)
- Lightweight aluminum
- High handlebars and upright riding position
- Handbrakes
- Shimano 7-speed nexus drive
- Selle-Royal adjustable gel saddle
- Easy to use lock which is fixed on frame
- Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tires
- Rear rack
- Mud guards
Accessories
- Pannier bag
- Helmets are available and free of charge*
- Water bottle
- A holder for your mobile phone is also available
*There are bike helmets available onboard at no charge but please request them when booking.

Touring Bicycle
Velo de Ville Hybrid bicycle (or similar brand/model)
- Trapeze frame (60 cm size features a diamond/men's frame)
- Shimano Alfine 11-speed gearing
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Carbon belt drive
- Suspension seat post
- Height-adjustable handlebar
- Frame lock included
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires
- 28-inch wheels
- Available in four frame sizes

Electric Bicycle
Granville E-Bike (or similar brand/model)
- Unisex city bike with a low-step frame
- Upright and comfortable riding position
- Handmade in the Netherlands by Azor
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal hub gearing
- Roller brakes with hand brake controls
- Adjustable Selle Royal gel saddle
- Frame-mounted lock
- Schwalbe Marathon puncture-resistant tires
- Available in three frame sizes
Accessories
- Pannier bag
- Helmet rental available onboard
- Pump & repair kit available
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 at no charge 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.

Standard touring bike
Velo de Ville Hybrid Bike (or similar brand/model)
- Trapeze frame (60 cm size features a diamond/men's frame)
- Shimano Alfine 11-speed gearing
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Carbon belt drive
- Suspension seat post
- Height-adjustable handlebar
- Frame lock included
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires
- 28-inch wheels
- Available in four frame sizes

Electrically assisted bike
Granville E-Bike
- Bosch mid-drive motor (500 Wh)
- Four levels of pedal assistance
- Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal hub gearing
- Hand brakes
- Comfortable gel saddle
- Frame-mounted lock
Accessories
- Pannier bag
- Helmet rental available onboard
- Pump & repair kit available
Bicycle rental is included in tour pricing. Guests are not permitted to bring their own bicycles as space on deck is very limited. The only exception is when you require a special bike or tandem. Please let us know well in advance if you would like to bring your own special bicycle/tandem. There are bike helmets available onboard at no charge 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.

Standard touring bike
Velo de Ville Hybrid bicycle
- Velo de Ville hybrid bike
- Trapeze frame (60 cm frame size features a diamond/men's frame)
- Shimano Alfine 11-speed gearing
- Hand brakes
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Carbon belt drive
- Suspension seat post
- Height-adjustable handlebar
- Frame lock included
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires
- 28-inch wheels
- Available in four frame sizes

Electrically assisted bike
Granville E-Bike
- Granville E-Urban e-bike (or comparable model if unavailable)
- Bosch mid-drive motor with 500Wh battery
- 4 levels of pedal assistance
- Nexus 7-speed gearing
- Hand brakes
- Comfortable gel saddle
- Frame lock included
- Available on request (limited number available on board)

Standard touring bike
Azor (or similar brand/model)
- Unisex city bike with a low-step frame
- Upright and comfortable riding position
- Handmade in the Netherlands by Azor
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal hub gearing
- Roller brakes with hand brake controls
- Adjustable Selle Royal gel saddle
- Frame-mounted lock
- Schwalbe Marathon puncture-resistant tires
- Available in three frame sizes

Electrically assisted bike
Granville E-Bike (or similar)
- Granville E-Urban e-bike
- Bosch mid-drive motor (500 Wh)
- Four levels of pedal assistance
- Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal hub gearing
- Hand brakes
- Comfortable gel saddle
- Frame-mounted lock
Accessories
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Equipment included with bike rental:
- Pannier bag
- Helmet
- Water bottle
You can bring your own bicycles for an additional charge(please inquire). The crew or tour operator are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles.
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. At this time, it is not possible to change the pedals.
Saddle:
At this time, it is not possible to change the saddle. We recommend a universal padded saddle cover which can be pulled taught around the provided saddle.
Helmets:
Please note that helmets are available on this tour (for free, included with bike rental). We recommend that you bring your own, or purchase one when you arrive at your destination. In the Netherlands and Belgium, cyclists are not obligated by law to wear a bike helmet, but we strongly recommend everyone to wear a helmet.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.

Touring Bicycle
Azor (or similar brand/model)
- Unisex city bike with a low-step frame
- Upright and comfortable riding position
- Handmade in the Netherlands by Azor
- Lightweight aluminum frame

Electric Bicycle
Granville E-Bike (or similar)
- Granville E-Urban e-bike
- Bosch mid-drive motor (500 Wh)
- Four levels of pedal assistance
- Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal hub gearing
- Hand brakes
- Comfortable gel saddle
- Frame-mounted lock
Accessories
- Pannier bag
- Helmet rental available onboard
- Pump & repair kit available
Bicycle rental is included in tour pricing. Guests are not permitted to bring their own bicycles as space on deck is very limited. The only exception is when you require a special bike or tandem. Please let us know well in advance if you would like to bring your own special bicycle/tandem. There are bike helmets available onboard at no charge 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
Gudereit (or similar brand/model)
- Aluminum frame
- Shimano Alfine 11-speed
- Handbrakes
- Comfortable gel saddles
- Schwalbe Marathon Performance Tires
- Frame lock

Electric Bicycle
Ebike Gudereit EC-4 (or similar brand/model)
- Bosch Active Line Plus Motor
- Aluminum frame
- Shimano Nexus gearing
- 8-speed
- Schwalbe Energizer Tires
- Bosch 500 Wh battery
- Selle Royal Essenza / Selle Royal Aurorae saddle
- Frame lock
Accessories
- Pannier bag
- Helmet rental available onboard
- Pump & repair kit available
Bicycle rental is included in tour pricing. Guests are not permitted to bring their own bicycles as space on deck is very limited. There are bike helmets available onboard at no charge 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.
Surface and terrain
This guided bike and boat tour is rated easy, with electric bikes also available. Daily distances range from 15-34 miles (25-55 km).
Guests can always choose to take a day off from the itinerary to relax on board the boat.
How to get there
Fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).
From the airport, take the train to Amsterdam Central Station in the city center. Your boat will be moored nearby, usually within walking distance or a short taxi journey away. You will receive precise details in your final travel information booklet with public transport recommendations if needed.
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