Tulip Tour on the Magnifique II, III, & IV
4 nights from €1139
4.83
Bike and boat through Holland's glorious Spring flower fields
Experience Holland in the best possible way: a gorgeous spring short break dominated by flowers. This five-day mini-cruise plows through the most beautiful season of the year and will take you to gorgeous areas such as "the Garden of Amsterdam." Enjoy some unforgettable days on board a passenger barge with excellent service and an alternating itinerary.
Amsterdam is also called, by some, the smallest metropolis of Europe. There are many unique museums, enticing shopping, and, recently added to the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage list, the canals in the heart of Amsterdam which certainly make a visit to Amsterdam a highlight. Visit the famous flower market in the center of the capital and discover the "Zaanse Schans," including windmills, a traditional cheesemaker, a clog maker, and an authentic traditional Dutch village.
Other highlights of this trip are the historic city of Haarlem, the world-famous flower park "Keukenhof" near Lisse, and the largest flower auction in the world in Aalsmeer.
Enjoy the personal service, delicious meals, and excellent accommodation on board of the premium barges.
Note: The Aalsmeer flower auction is closed during weekends and on public holidays. This is an optional visit. Please be aware that on some departure dates a visit to the flower auction is not possible
In case you prefer a day of rest, you can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next town.
Relaxing tour around the Netherlands
“Early April in the Netherlands is beautiful and unpredictable. Our tour group navigated our day to day travel perfectly. They adjusted to the riders, weather, and many other…” Full Review
“Early April in the Netherlands is beautiful and unpredictable. Our tour group navigated our day to day travel perfectly. They adjusted to the riders, weather, and many other factors with grace and positive attitudes. I think the tours themselves attract positive people who are flexible and willing to adjust, because this group of strangers from all over Europe and the US got along like a group of old friends. At the end of the day we enjoys 3 to 4 course amazing meals and shared stories from home. The tulips, windmills, gardens, and towns were great to see, but it was the people that made this tour so amazing. A huge thanks to everyone that worked the Magnifique II during my tour.” Less
—Ashley Harvey
Fantastic way to see Holland and the Tulips
“An excellent way to experience Amsterdam and the countryside of Holland. The barge was luxurious with a chef that created amazing meals. The crew was completely committed to…” Full Review
“An excellent way to experience Amsterdam and the countryside of Holland. The barge was luxurious with a chef that created amazing meals. The crew was completely committed to ensuring we had everything we wanted. The bicycles were ready to go every morning, and the crew took them from us at the end of the day. Completely hassle free. The routes were well planned out with a long and short option each day.” Less
—Marvin Babcock
Bucket list!! What an amazing trip!
“Holland at tulip time on bikes and a boat is pretty amazing. Our group was quite small but mixed together very well. Then our guides! Thomas and Hans, along with intern, Angela…” Full Review
“Holland at tulip time on bikes and a boat is pretty amazing. Our group was quite small but mixed together very well. Then our guides! Thomas and Hans, along with intern, Angela, added the extra touch with extra night time excursions and extra attention for all.
We did spend an entire day riding in the rain (touring Keurkhoff). In one respect it made the day a bit miserable, but at the same time the rainy day was indicative of Holland and added to the overall experience. Each day’s experience was above and beyond our expectations.” Less
—John McNeiece
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam | Cruise to Haarlem
Embarkation begins at 2:00 p.m. in Amsterdam. After all guests have boarded, the ship cruises through a traditional Dutch lock system toward Haarlem, a short distance west of the capital.
Haarlem is one of the Netherlands’ oldest cities and has a compact historic center that’s easy to explore on foot. After arriving, you’ll take a short test ride to get comfortable with your bike, followed by dinner on board. The evening is free to stroll through town. The Grote Markt is the heart of the city, and St. Bavo’s Church stands at its center. Cafés and small shops line the surrounding streets.
Day 2: Haarlem – Keukenhof – Haarlem,
31 mi / 50 km
Today’s ride takes you through the flower-growing region south of Haarlem to Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse. In spring, this area is known for its colorful bulb fields. Keukenhof is open only during the blooming season and features millions of planted bulbs across landscaped gardens and indoor pavilions. You’ll have time to explore the park before cycling back to Haarlem in the afternoon.
Day 3: Haarlem – Alkmaar,
31 mi / 50 km
An optional early morning excursion is available to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction. This is the largest flower trading center in the world, where millions of flowers are sold daily using a Dutch auction system (Because It is closed on weekends and public holidays, this option may not be available on all tours). After breakfast, the cycling route heads north through the North Holland Dune Reserve, a protected coastal landscape of dunes and wooded paths. You’ll pass through Egmond, a seaside village with a historic abbey and lighthouse. In the evening, the ship docks near the center of Alkmaar. The city is known for its traditional cheese market, a practice that dates back to the 16th century.
Day 4: Alkmaar – Zaanse Schans | Zaanse Schans – Amsterdam,
25 mi / 41 km
Today’s ride takes you across the Schermer polder, land that was once a lake before being drained in the 17th century. This region reflects the Netherlands’ long history of water management. You’ll cycle via the village of De Rijp, once a prosperous whaling port, before reaching Zaanse Schans. This open-air museum preserves historic wooden houses and working windmills. During your visit, you’ll tour a windmill and have time to explore the site. In the afternoon, the ship cruises back to Amsterdam. The rest of the day is free to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 5: Departure from Amsterdam
After breakfast, disembark in Amsterdam. From here, you may transfer to the airport or continue your travels independently.
All distances are approximate distances of recommended bike tours. Program and information provided are subject to change, such as, for example, changes in weather conditions. Not all mentioned highlights will be visited during the short bike option. The company retains the right to change the program or to change the shipping time and/or the order of the program in the case it deems it necessary to do so.
Boats
Magnifique III
21 cabins, 3 decks, 3 tours The Magnifique III is a deluxe-class barge launched in 2018 after the great success of her sister ships, the Magnifique II and Princesse Royal. On the upper deck is a tastefully furnished…
4.86Magnifique IV
18 cabins, 3 decks, 2 tours 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…
Bikes
Depending on the boat, different bikes may be available. Select a boat below:
Standard touring bike
Azor
Unisex city bike with a low entry and a riding position that is upright and comfortable. The bike is handmade in the Netherlands by Azor, and specially designed for this tour.
The bike consists of a lightweight aluminum frame and is equipped with responsive roller brakes (handbrake), a Shimano 7-speed nexus drive, a Selle-Royal gel saddle (adjustable), an easy-to-use lock (fixed on frame) and the Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tire. This all results in a lightweight, stable, and reliable bike, good for many miles on the saddle.
Electrically assisted bike
Granville E-Bike
The e-bike is a Granville E-Urban with Nexus 7 gears and hand brakes. The crank Bosch motor (500WH) offers 4 support levels. The e-bikes have a comfortable gel saddle and a lock on the frame. If there is no Granville e-bike available a comparable brand/model will be provided
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.
Standard touring bike
Azor
Unisex city bike with a low entry and a riding position that is upright and comfortable. The bike is handmade in the Netherlands by Azor, and specially designed for this tour.
The bike consists of a lightweight aluminum frame and is equipped with responsive roller brakes (handbrake), a Shimano 7-speed nexus drive, a Selle-Royal gel saddle (adjustable), an easy-to-use lock (fixed on frame) and the Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tire. This all results in a lightweight, stable, and reliable bike, good for many miles on the saddle.
Electrically assisted bike
Granville E-Bike
The e-bike is a Granville E-Urban with Nexus 7 gears and hand brakes. The crank Bosch motor (500WH) offers 4 support levels. The e-bikes have a comfortable gel saddle and a lock on the frame. If there is no Granville e-bike available a comparable brand/model will be provided
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.
Surface and terrain
Mostly flat routes. Paved or cobblestone roads.
How to get there
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Nearest train station: Amsterdam Centraal Station
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Reviews
- ★★★★★ Laurie Hirschfeld Zeller
I feel lucky!
It was a privilege to travel with your crew on the Magnifique Iii! The accommodations were very comfortable, and the food was spectacular! I was on a standard bike at 64+, and was proud - and a little sore - riding the “ long route” each day, We were lucky with the weather, and had splendid views of the tulips. I suggest, though, that you consider having two guides per groups of twentyish cyclists. Volunteer “ sweepers” did not provide the confidence of safety one would prefer. This trip goes through some urban areas where those of us unfamiliar with biking protocol in the Netherlands felt unsafe, and one of our guides, Marcel, provided rather sketchy directions and then proceeded through an intersection or roundabout rather cavalierly. Many of us on the trip were over sixty, and the possibility of an accident was very real and scary - indeed, two people in his group had falls the first day, and one did not get on a bike again for the rest of the trip. Please consider adding secondary guides, even if that means raising prices. Finally, a shout out to Cori - so well - informed about culture and history, so patient with our questions. I would follow her anywhere. I wrote a poem commemorating the trip which I shared with Captain Peter - please feel free to use it.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- One
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Ashley Harvey
Relaxing tour around the Netherlands
Early April in the Netherlands is beautiful and unpredictable. Our tour group navigated our day to day travel perfectly. They adjusted to the riders, weather, and many other factors with grace and positive attitudes. I think the tours themselves attract positive people who are flexible and willing to adjust, because this group of strangers from all over Europe and the US got along like a group of old friends. At the end of the day we enjoys 3 to 4 course amazing meals and shared stories from home. The tulips, windmills, gardens, and towns were great to see, but it was the people that made this tour so amazing. A huge thanks to everyone that worked the Magnifique II during my tour.
- ★★★★★ Marvin Babcock
Fantastic way to see Holland and the Tulips
An excellent way to experience Amsterdam and the countryside of Holland. The barge was luxurious with a chef that created amazing meals. The crew was completely committed to ensuring we had everything we wanted. The bicycles were ready to go every morning, and the crew took them from us at the end of the day. Completely hassle free. The routes were well planned out with a long and short option each day.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- This is our third Biketours.com
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ John McNeiece
Bucket list!! What an amazing trip!
Holland at tulip time on bikes and a boat is pretty amazing. Our group was quite small but mixed together very well. Then our guides! Thomas and Hans, along with intern, Angela, added the extra touch with extra night time excursions and extra attention for all.
We did spend an entire day riding in the rain (touring Keurkhoff). In one respect it made the day a bit miserable, but at the same time the rainy day was indicative of Holland and added to the overall experience. Each day’s experience was above and beyond our expectations.- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ John McNeiece
Bucket list!! What an amazing trip!
Holland at tulip time on bikes and a boat is pretty amazing. Our group was quite small but mixed together very well. Then our guides! Thomas and Hans, along with intern, Angela, added the extra touch with extra night time excursions and extra attention for all.
We did spend an entire day riding in the rain (touring Keurkhoff). In one respect it made the day a bit miserable, but at the same time the rainy day was indicative of Holland and added to the overall experience. Each day’s experience was above and beyond our expectations.- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ tim57
Nice trip biking through Holland and staying and eating on the Magnifique III
This was an excellent journey biking through Holland. The boat and the crew were first rate, grade of an A. The food was delicious. Bikes were ok. Too much time at the throwback village in Zaaham, probably could trim some time off the visit. The tulip gardens were too much, a sight to see. I had a single room. Much smaller than the brochure photo. Plus the bed mattress was sloped downward on the open end. Need to fix that.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 4/15 to 4/19 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
More About This Tour
Related Bike Tours 
Amsterdam to Cologne along the IJssel and Rhine
Holland 
Custom and Private Bike Tours in Holland
Holland 
Germany, Netherlands, Belgium by Bike/E-Bike and Boat
Holland Related Day Tours
Amsterdam Windmills E-Bike Tour to Zaanse Schans
Amsterdam 
Amsterdam City Bike Tour
Amsterdam 
Amsterdam Extended Countryside E-Bike Tour
Amsterdam 
Amsterdam City E-Bike Tour
Amsterdam 
Amsterdam Hidden Gems Bike Tour
Amsterdam 
Amsterdam Compact Countryside Bike Tour
Amsterdam 
Email
Office Hours