Best of Holland
Netherlands Bike + Boat Tours
The best of Holland on the best boats
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1384 Rates
Overview
This new bike and boat tour in Holland on board premium barges combine many of the highlights that you might expect on a tour in Holland, and then some that you do not! The cycling cruise begins and ends in Amsterdam, the city that most want to visit, bursting with culture, art, history and, don't forget, the red light district. But the native Dutch are quick to point out that Amsterdam is NOT Holland. There is so much more to experience.
Think of water, flowers, and wind
One third of Holland's land mass is below sea level and the Dutch have expertly managed and mastered the seas for centuries. The water rich grey skies and dramatic clouds, have inspired some of the world's best artists. Flowers and Holland are inextricably linked, splashing the landscape with pastels, exploding in immaculate Dutch gardens, and cascading down canals, and buildings. Flowers are one of the main export products of the Netherlands. Dutch windmills have harnessed the power of the wind in Holland for as long as the country has been in existence. Windmills, old and new, dot the landscape.Think cheese, silver, and bicycles
Gouda, Schoonhoven, and EVERYWHERE, a bike. You will visit Gouda, the cheese and candle capital of Holland, and Schoonhoven, the silver city. Holland is the country of bikes! Outnumbering the people, flowing on the one of the world's most developed and well-maintained bicycle route system, bikes are not only a mode of travel but a way of life. You will see for yourself and experience the Best of Holland.
Highlights
- Unique wetlands of Waterland
- Marken
- The silver and UNESCO site at Kinderdijk or Schoonhoven
- Dordrecht
- Gouda
- CHEESE
Click this link to browse all of our bike and boat tours in Holland!
Itinerary
Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Zaandam, 3 mi. (1 - 5 km)
Day 2: Zaandam – Zaanse Schans museum – Waterland – Volendam, 21 or 26 mi. (33 or 43 km)
Day 3: Volendam – Marken (ferry) | Marken – Waterland – Muiden | Muiden – Vianen, 24 or 28 mi. (39 or 46 km)
Day 4: Vianen – Schoonhoven | Schoonhoven - Alblasserdam | Alblasserdam – Dordrecht (waterbus ferry), 26 or 34 mi. (41 or 55 km)
Day 5: Dordrecht – Alblasserdam (waterbus ferry) | Alblasserdam – Gouda, 22 or 33 mi. (37 or 52 km)
Day 6: Gouda – Leiden – Oude Wetering, 16 or 34 mi. (25 or 54 km)
Day 7: Oude Wetering - Amsterdam | Around Amsterdam Waterland, 18 mi. (28 km)
Day 8: Amsterdam, end of the tour*All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather, last minute mooring changes, and restructuring of locks or bridges. On this tour with more than 22 guests, the daily cycling tours will be accompanied by 2 knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leaders. On most days the tour leaders will offer a long and a short (or a quicker and a more relaxed) bike option. Those that choose the short option may not visit all the mentioned highlights. Parts in italics are covered on board.
Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Zaandam, 3 mi. (1 - 5 km)
Embarkation and check-in in the center of Amsterdam. (It is possible to bring your luggage on board as early as 9:30 am but the cabins will not be ready for check-in.) Just before dinner, the ship will leave Amsterdam to make a short dinner cruise to Zaandam. In Zaandam, the ship moors in the center of the city or near the open-air museum Zaanse Schans. Bikes will be handed out and you can take a short test ride to be sure the fit is correct.
Day 2: Zaandam – Zaanse Schans museum – Waterland – Volendam, 21 or 26 mi. (33 or 43 km)
Your first cycling tour leads to the open-air museum Zaanse Schans for a short visit and continues cycling through small villages in the beautiful wetlands of Waterland to Volendam. There will be two cycling options offered, one slightly shorter. The ship sails via Amsterdam to Volendam. Late afternoon, dinner, evening, and night on board in Volendam, the small and picturesque fishing harbor on the shores of the Lake IJsselmeer.Day 3: Volendam – Marken (ferry) | Marken – Waterland – Muiden | Muiden - Vianen, 24 or 28 mi. (39 or 46 km)
In the morning you will have a half hour ferry crossing from Volendam to the former island of Marken. After visiting an authentic Dutch village, you will continue cycling along the coastline towards IJburg, a new and modern part of Amsterdam that was recently built on reclaimed land from the sea. From there on you’ll cycle to the historical town of Muiden with its 14th Century castle on the waterfront. Your day ends in the nearby village of Weesp, where the ship is moored. Around 4 or 5 pm the ship departs for Vianen and you can enjoy a three-course dinner while cruising. Evening and night on board in Vianen, a small fortified town on the lower Rhine River.Day 4: Vianen – Schoonhoven – Alblasserdam | Alblasserdam – Dordrecht (waterbus ferry), 26 or 34 mi. (41 or 55 km)
Today you have a few cycle options. The long option leads all the way from Vianen to Alblasserdam. If you prefer a shorter bike tour you can either bike in the morning or bike in the afternoon. The ship will make a stop halfway in Schoonhoven, also called the ‘Silver City’. In the afternoon the cycling tour takes you from Schoonhoven through the Alblasserwaard polder to Alblasserdam, This is where you pass the famous 19 windmills of Kinderdijk (UNESCO World Heritage site). It is known as one of the most photogenic sights of the Netherlands. You can have a look around in one of the windmills and the visitor center before you will take the Waterbus ferry to Dordrecht. Dordrecht, or Dordt as it is called by insiders, is one of the oldest Dutch cities, at the junction of three major rivers. In the evening, after dinner, you can join for a short city walk. You will spend the night in Dordrecht on board of the ship.Day 5: Dordrecht – Alblasserdam (waterbus ferry) | Alblasserdam – Gouda, 22 or 33 mi. (37 or 52 km)
When you’ve finished breakfast you will return by Waterbus to Alblasserdam to start your cycling tour. Close to Bergambacht you may visit a cheese farm where you will learn about the traditional cheese-making process and you will have the opportunity to taste the results. Continue cycling to Gouda, the cheese and candle capital of Holland. Enjoy this beautiful historical city, the old market square and the Cheese Weighing House during the afternoon and evening. This evening dinner is not included, so you will enjoy a wonderful meal in one of many restaurants in Gouda. We have various restaurant recommendations available on board.Day 6: Gouda – Leiden – Oude Wetering, 16 or 34 mi. (25 or 54 km)
Today’s cycling tour starts in Gouda and shows you the typical scenery of the Green Heart of Holland with green landscapes, wide views, small canals, and tiny lakes – all below sea level! The optional longer cycling tour leads via Leiden, the birthplace of renowned painter Rembrandt and residence of the oldest university of the Netherlands. Both cycling options end in Oude Wetering. Dinner, evening and night on board the ship in this small village.Day 7: Oude Wetering - Amsterdam | Around Amsterdam Waterland, 18 mi. (28 km)
After breakfast, you’ll start your last cycling day from Oude Wetering along the canal and through the ‘Amsterdam forest’ into Amsterdam. During the afternoon you either have the opportunity to make a last beautiful cycling tour through the wetlands of Waterland or to discover this amazing city. Visit the inner city flower market, a museum, do some shopping... there is just so much to do! In the evening you can join a boat tour through the beautiful canals of old Amsterdam(UNESCO cultural heritage). A wonderful way to conclude of your trip!Day 8: Amsterdam, end of the tour
Check-out and disembarkation right after breakfast by 9:30 am. Please check your cabin for personal items. Before you leave, do not forget to hand over your cabin key to the crew. If you wish you can leave your luggage on board until noon (please ask the crew).Boats & Bikes
You will be accommodated on one of the Deluxe vessels in the Magnifique family.
- Princesse Royal
Deluxe Class Boat
This beautiful vessel features a beautiful salon with a spacious bar, a sun deck equipped with comfortable chairs, and a small whirlpool to relax in at the end of a long day of cycling. Delicious meals are served daily in the restaurant area. Read More
- Magnifique II
Deluxe Class Barge
In 2016, we saw the launch of a new premium barge, the Magnifique II, to wonderful reviews. The ship boasts a classical style with an emphasis on superior comfort. This ship has earned the deluxe designation! Read More
- Magnifique III
Deluxe Class Barge
Following the success of her sister ships, Princesse Royal and the Magnifique II, Magnifique lll was launched in 2018, adding to her owner/captain's portfolio of designing and constructing deluxe ships. The partially covered sundeck with sun loungers and a hot tub provide is the perfect spot for relaxation. The tastefully decorated lounge with large panoramic windows, located on the upper deck is wonderfully inviting and the combined light-filled restaurant, bar, and lounge adds to the ambience. Read More
- Magnifique IV
Deluxe Class Barge
Following the overwhelming success of the premium barges Princesse Royal, Magnifique II (2016), and Magnifique III (2018), we are proud to now offer a new addition, the Magnifique IV. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights in climate-controlled cabin
- 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches during bike tours, six three-course dinners (dinner in Gouda is not included)
- Complimentary coffee and tea
- Welcome drink and tour presentation
- Light daily cleaning of the cabin
- 2 tour leaders (multilingual)
- Daily briefings of the bike tours
- 7 gear hybrid unisex touring bike (Batavus - Dinsdag) with brakes, integral frame lock, gel saddle, pannier bag, repair kit, pump, water bottle, helmet.
- Printed instructions and detailed map for daily bike tours (one set per cabin)
- Wifi (steel construction of ship effects speed)
- Fees for ferries
- Mill visit at Zaanse Schans
- Entrance to cheese farm
- Visit to St. Johns church in Gouda
- Entrance “This is Holland”
- GPS tracks available for download via maps.me
What’s Not Included
- Transfers to/from the docking places in Amsterdam
- Dinner in Gouda
- Entrance fees not mentioned in inclusions
- Drinks other than coffee and tea. All additional beverages can be ordered on board and must be paid in cash
- Dietary requirements on request/surcharges may apply
- Electric bike (Batavus – Dinsdag E-go with Nexus 8 gears, 4 support levels, and hand brakes)
- Trip Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2020
Deluxe class
Magnifique
Saturday to Saturday
June 13, June 20, & September 12, 2020
Magnifique II
Wednesday to Wednesday
July 1, July 8, & September 2, 2020
Magnifique III
Saturday to Saturday
August 1 & August 8, 2020
Magnifique IV
Wednesday to Wednesday
June 24 & July 1, 202025% discount now being offered valid for all rebookings and new bookings from May 15, 2020 for departures in 2020. The discount will be applied to tour price when invoiced.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2020
Magnifique
Twin cabin $ 2301 £ 1215 $ 2,081 € 1384 kr 212326 ₪ 5672 ¥ 237045 Mex$ 25533 NZ$ 2528 NOK 16499 zł 6079 S$ 2061 kr 16531 $ 1,522 Premium twin $ 2633 £ 1390 $ 2,382 € 1584 kr 243009 ₪ 6492 ¥ 271300 Mex$ 29223 NZ$ 2893 NOK 18883 zł 6958 S$ 2359 kr 18919 $ 1,742 Twin cabin for single-use $ 3364 £ 1776 $ 3,043 € 2024 kr 310435 ₪ 8293 ¥ 346576 Mex$ 37331 NZ$ 3696 NOK 24122 zł 8889 S$ 3014 kr 24169 $ 2,225 Single cabin $ 2939 £ 1552 $ 2,658 € 1768 kr 271238 ₪ 7246 ¥ 302815 Mex$ 32618 NZ$ 3229 NOK 21076 zł 7766 S$ 2633 kr 21117 $ 1,944 *Triple cabin $ 2217 £ 1171 $ 2,006 € 1334 kr 204656 ₪ 5467 ¥ 228481 Mex$ 24611 NZ$ 2436 NOK 15903 zł 5860 S$ 1987 kr 15933 $ 1,467 *Premium triple $ 2517 £ 1329 $ 2,277 € 1514 kr 232270 ₪ 6205 ¥ 259311 Mex$ 27932 NZ$ 2765 NOK 18048 zł 6651 S$ 2255 kr 18083 $ 1,665 25% discount now being offered valid for all rebookings and new bookings from May 15, 2020 for departures in 2020. The discount will be applied to tour price when invoiced.
Magnifique II
Twin cabin $ 2301 £ 1215 $ 2,081 € 1384 kr 212326 ₪ 5672 ¥ 237045 Mex$ 25533 NZ$ 2528 NOK 16499 zł 6079 S$ 2061 kr 16531 $ 1,522 Premium twin $ 2633 £ 1390 $ 2,382 € 1584 kr 243009 ₪ 6492 ¥ 271300 Mex$ 29223 NZ$ 2893 NOK 18883 zł 6958 S$ 2359 kr 18919 $ 1,742 Upper deck suite $ 3132 £ 1654 $ 2,833 € 1884 kr 289034 ₪ 7721 ¥ 322683 Mex$ 34758 NZ$ 3441 NOK 22459 zł 8276 S$ 2806 kr 22503 $ 2,071 Twin cabin for single-use $ 3364 £ 1776 $ 3,043 € 2024 kr 310435 ₪ 8293 ¥ 346576 Mex$ 37331 NZ$ 3696 NOK 24122 zł 8889 S$ 3014 kr 24169 $ 2,225 *Triple cabin $ 2217 £ 1171 $ 2,006 € 1334 kr 204656 ₪ 5467 ¥ 228481 Mex$ 24611 NZ$ 2436 NOK 15903 zł 5860 S$ 1987 kr 15933 $ 1,467 *Triple suite upper deck $ 2966 £ 1566 $ 2,682 € 1784 kr 273692 ₪ 7311 ¥ 305555 Mex$ 32913 NZ$ 3258 NOK 21267 zł 7837 S$ 2657 kr 21308 $ 1,961 25% discount now being offered valid for all rebookings and new bookings from May 15, 2020 for departures in 2020. The discount will be applied to tour price when invoiced.
Magnifique III
Twin cabin $ 2301 £ 1215 $ 2,081 € 1384 kr 212326 ₪ 5672 ¥ 237045 Mex$ 25533 NZ$ 2528 NOK 16499 zł 6079 S$ 2061 kr 16531 $ 1,522 Upper deck suite $ 3132 £ 1654 $ 2,833 € 1884 kr 289034 ₪ 7721 ¥ 322683 Mex$ 34758 NZ$ 3441 NOK 22459 zł 8276 S$ 2806 kr 22503 $ 2,071 Single cabin $ 3364 £ 1776 $ 3,043 € 2024 kr 310435 ₪ 8293 ¥ 346576 Mex$ 37331 NZ$ 3696 NOK 24122 zł 8889 S$ 3014 kr 24169 $ 2,225 *Triple cabin $ 2217 £ 1171 $ 2,006 € 1334 kr 204656 ₪ 5467 ¥ 228481 Mex$ 24611 NZ$ 2436 NOK 15903 zł 5860 S$ 1987 kr 15933 $ 1,467 *Triple suite upper deck $ 2966 £ 1566 $ 2,682 € 1784 kr 273692 ₪ 7311 ¥ 305555 Mex$ 32913 NZ$ 3258 NOK 21267 zł 7837 S$ 2657 kr 21308 $ 1,961 25% discount now being offered valid for all rebookings and new bookings from May 15, 2020 for departures in 2020. The discount will be applied to tour price when invoiced.
Magnifique IV
Twin cabin $ 2301 £ 1215 $ 2,081 € 1384 kr 212326 ₪ 5672 ¥ 237045 Mex$ 25533 NZ$ 2528 NOK 16499 zł 6079 S$ 2061 kr 16531 $ 1,522 Upper deck Suite $ 3132 £ 1654 $ 2,833 € 1884 kr 289034 ₪ 7721 ¥ 322683 Mex$ 34758 NZ$ 3441 NOK 22459 zł 8276 S$ 2806 kr 22503 $ 2,071 Twin cabin/single-use $ 3364 £ 1776 $ 3,043 € 2024 kr 310435 ₪ 8293 ¥ 346576 Mex$ 37331 NZ$ 3696 NOK 24122 zł 8889 S$ 3014 kr 24169 $ 2,225 *Triple cabin $ 2217 £ 1171 $ 2,006 € 1334 kr 204656 ₪ 5467 ¥ 228481 Mex$ 24611 NZ$ 2436 NOK 15903 zł 5860 S$ 1987 kr 15933 $ 1,467 ***25% discount now being offered valid for all rebookings and new bookings from May 15, 2020, for departures in 2020. The discount will be applied to tour price.
Extra Options
Electric bike: $ 166 £ 88 $ 150 € 100 kr 15342 ₪ 410 ¥ 17128 Mex$ 1845 NZ$ 183 NOK 1192 zł 439 S$ 149 kr 1194 $ 110
Gluten free requests (payable on board): $ 83 £ 44 $ 75 € 50 kr 7671 ₪ 205 ¥ 8564 Mex$ 922 NZ$ 91 NOK 596 zł 220 S$ 74 kr 597 $ 55
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy guided or self-guided bike and boat tour. The majority of the time you will cycle on dedicated bike paths or county roads, but there are times that you will share the road with car traffic and have to cross busy intersections. Average distance is 40 km and 60 km each day and average speed is 15 km/hr. You should be confident and prepared to cover the distances. On most days there will be a choice between two cycling options: a shorter/longer or quicker/slower tour (this depends on the day-to-day program). Not all mentioned highlights will be visited during the short bike option. It is possible to cycle self-guided with the maps and route descriptions provided or with GPS tracks.
Airport Info
The closest international airport to your tour start is Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS)
Local Travel
Trains to Amsterdam Central leave from platforms 1, 2, or 3 which are all on the floor below the airport terminal. Tickets can be purchased either at the ticket desk on the arrivals level or at the yellow machines using Euro coins or credit/debit cards (pin required!) The direct trains to the Amsterdam train station run every 10 to 15 minutes between 6:00 AM and 12:30 AM and the trip takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Short taxi ride to mooring location. We will provide detailed docking/mooring information in your final travel information.
Climate
Be sure to check local conditions before your arrival. The climate in Holland is considered maritime, greatly affected by the sea. Below you will find Monthly Weather Averages.
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. Please be informed that it is your responsibility to ensure that you have proper identification. For US citizens, the U.S. Passports & International Travel website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. It is important to research before you travel as airlines will not permit boarding if you do not have the required valid documents.
We recommend that you make copies of your important documents and papers (insurance cards, etc.). Leave a copy at home and have a copy with you. In the unfortunate situation that you lose your original documents, having copies facilitates the replacement process.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Boat Bike Tours.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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