Bike and Barge
Amsterdam and the Northern Tour
- NL022 / Netherlands
- Bike and Barge Bike and barge In the daytime by bike, in the evening on board a hotel-boat that follows the cyclists along the route. Your luggage stays in the cabin and you can stay on the boat if you don't feel like cycling. Details
- Self-guided Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance.
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Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
- 8 days
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- round tour from Amsterdam
- Full board included
Highlights
Embark on a bike and barge adventure in Holland, on the shores of the North Sea amid nature, folklore and tradition. Enjoy the unspoiled landscape of the West Frisian Islands by landing on Texel Island. Explore beautiful beaches and dunes on the pedals and be amazed by the green Dutch countryside and the quaint port towns of the IJsselmeer. The tour begins and ends in Amsterdam, the charming Dutch capital famous for its canals.
- The friendly seals at Ecomare Park, on the island of Texel
- The cheese-producing farms at the Zaanse Schans
- Lake IJssel, the Dutch inland sea
What awaits you
A week of pleasant cycling and relaxing stretches of boating. The bicycle routes are suitable for everyone and run on flat terrain, below sea level. The technical difficulties of the tour are really limited, but wind and rain, which can be very frequent in Holland, can make your holiday more stimulating. On board, an experienced guide is ready to explain the daily stages, which you can follow freely and at your own pace.
Accommodation
There are seven overnight stays on board a riverboat, a real floating hotel ready to follow you during the biking stages and welcome you on board in the evening. The atmosphere is comfortable and is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure that you have an unforgettable stay. At dinner and in moments of relaxation, our chefs and crew treat you to a feast of flavors and aromas. The cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Arrive in Amsterdam and set sail for Zandaam!
The boat welcomes you between 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. We recommend that you set aside a couple of hours for an initial tour of Amsterdam and its museums. A welcome drink and meeting with the tour leader is scheduled at 5:00 p.m. During dinner, the boat sails to Zaandam.
2. Heading north, past windmills in the Dutch countryside, to Alkmaar
In the morning, you’ll start pedaling to the Waterland green area, your first taste of Holland’s famous cycle paths. Continuing on, you’ll reach the “Zaanse Schans,” a unique open-air museum structured as a small village with windmills, cheese-producing farms, and a wooden shoe factory. After the visit, continue cycling along the “Land of Leeghwater” in the verdant Dutch countryside. Today’s destination is the town center of Alkmaar, where your boat awaits you.
3. Beaches and dunes, cycling and boating to Den Helder
Today, you’ll discover the beautiful Northern Dunes National Park: 5300 hectares of forests and dune areas, making for a unique landscape. Your route passes through enchanting oases and beaches until you reache the picturesque village of Bergen. At the end of the stage, you’ll return to Alkaamar, where there is time to visit the beautiful town. In the afternoon, your boat takes you along the Noordhollands Kanaal to Den Helder, the port base of the Royal Navy, where you spend the night.
*Possibility to shorten the stage of ca. 7 km.
4. The island of Texel, a taste of the West Frisian Islands, then by boat to Den Oever
After breakfast, you’ll take a 20-minute ferry ride from Den Helder to the island of Texel: here you are at last on the Frisian Islands! Texel will captivate you with its lush nature and beautiful beaches, where you can take a rejuvenating break. You can ride the splendid “Thijsse-route” in the southern part of the island, which passes through picturesque villages and breathtaking natural landscapes. Alternatively, we recommend a visit to the friendly seals at the Ecomare nature museum and seal sanctuary in the Texel Dunes National Park. During dinner, the boat sails to Den Oever.
*Possibility to shorten the stage of ca. 17 km.
5. The statue of the Lady of Stavoren welcomes you to Friesland
By boat you’ll cross the IJsselmeer, the Dutch inland sea, to Stavoren where you are greeted by the statue of the beautiful Lady of Stavoren: the Vrouwtjie. According to legend, she was the most important shipowner in the city. Having disembarked on Frisian land, you can choose to cycle on a short tour of the Gaasterland nature area, or explore the region among cultivated fields, quaint villages and small lakes, extending the ride by about 10 kilometers. And why not combine the two itineraries and thus truly discover every hidden corner of this part of Friesland?
During the night the boat is moored in the small harbor of Stavoren.
*Possibility to shorten the stage of ca. 12 km.
6. From Stavoren to Enkhuizen, Lake IJssel coast to coast
During breakfast, the boat will take you to Medemblik, “the steam city,” where you can visit the unique steam streetcar, now a museum. Today’s cycle route follows the shores of Lake IJssel, starting in Medemblik, passing through Hoorn, the pearl of the lake, and ending in Enkhuizen, a picturesque city with a charming old town full of traditional buildings. Don’t miss the Zuiderzeemuseum, where you can discover how people used to live on the Zuiderzee coast, now known as the IJsselmeer.
*Possibility to shorten the stage of ca. 12 km.
7. Between lakes and canals in verdant Waterland and back to Amsterdam
The morning starts with a boat ride to Volendam, a real discovery. You are greeted by a town of alleys, narrow canals and wooden shoes still in front of the gates. From here you reach Marken, a small town that in the past was an island in the North Sea, connected to the mainland by a bridge that is now a dike. You’ll cycle through the area known as ‘Waterland’, with hundreds of small lakes and canals. The route takes you to Amsterdam, which you’ll have time to explore in the afternoon and evening.
*Possibility to shorten the stage of ca. 22 km.
8. Disembarkation in Amsterdam and end of tour
The holiday has come to an end: after breakfast, say goodbye to the crew and your fellow travelers. Goodbye Holland, on to the next adventure!
- comfort Gold
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- lounge area with bar
- Wi-fi
- 92 guests, 47 cabins
Arkona
- comfort Gold
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the cabini
- 1 sundeck
- lounge area with bar
- Wi-fi
- 92 guests, 47 cabins
Completely refurbished between 2017 and 2018, Arkona is a modern and elegant riverboat that sails the rivers of Holland and Germany. The spaces on board are perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere during the voyage. The upper deck features the tastefully furnished dining room with a bar and a bright and cosy restaurant. The spacious sun deck is partly shaded and has comfortable sun loungers that invite passengers to enjoy the surrounding landscape in complete relaxation.
Cabins
- 33 twin cabins on the lower deck (under deck) with non-opening windows
- 12 twin cabins on the upper deck (above deck) with opening windows
- 2 single cabins on the upper deck (above deck) with partially opening windows
All cabins measure about 11 sq. meters and have a private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, small closet, mini safe and hair dryer.
Common areas
- spacious lounge on the upper deck with large panoramic windows
- bar and restaurant
- a sundeck to admire the scenery and relax
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available for a fee
- 96 guests, 49 cabins
De Willemstad
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 96 guests, 49 cabins
De Willemstad has a large salon with large panoramic windows. The common area is located on the main deck with a restaurant, bar, and lounge. On the partially covered sundeck chairs and loungers for sunbathing, enjoying sailing and, in summer, having a drink while admiring the scenery. View more details
Cabins
- 25 twin cabins on the lower deck (below deck) with a large window with opening upper casement
- 13 twin cabins on the upper deck (above deck) with a panoramic opening window
- 1 double cabin on the upper deck (above deck) with a panoramic opening window
- 2 single cabins on the upper deck (above deck) with a panoramic opening window
- 8 upper deck suites with small balcony, large sliding glass doors and sitting area
All cabins have private bathroom with toiletries, air conditioning, mini-safe, TV, closet and hairdryer.
Common areas
- restaurant, bar and lounge area
- large living room with panoramic windows on the upper deck
- partially covered sun deck for relaxing moments
2025
Departures on Saturday
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Bed sheets and towels
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 packed lunches
- 7 dinners, drinks excluded
- Welcome drink
- Coffee and tea on board until 4 pm.
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets.
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Tour leader
- English-speaking tour leader on board
Each evening the tour leader gives a briefing of the next day’s stage, providing tips and information about the route and is your point of reference.
During the day you cycle independently with tracks and route descriptions provided.
The tour leader also cycles the routes and can be reached by phone in case of emergencies, problems or questions.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf
On board you will find:
- maps and route description
- GPS tracks
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Transfer
- Ferry to Texel island (day 4)
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Drinks on board
- Ferry tickets (except the ticket to Texel island on day 4)
- Entrance tickets
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip.
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local partner.
The helmet is not mandatory, but we recommend wearing it and bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Limitation of liability of the bike (negligence damage excluded): 14 €/week for the standard bike, 28 €/week for the e-bike
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
- battery charger
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
To attach your smartphone to the handlebar you have 3 options:
- use the Girolibero handlebar bag supplied free of charge (1 per room)
- buy a mobile phone holder in sports shops or major e-commerce outlets: for € 18-25 we recommend the models that clamp your mobile phone and its case like a vise.
- order the best product on the market, SP Connect™ with a special discount. The SP Connect™ mount is attached to the handlebar and works only with a special phone case. This case, which can also be used in everyday life, is slightly thicker than normal cases and is fixed to the handlebar mount with a simple click. The main advantage is that it is easy to attach and remove your phone, so you can immediately use it to take pictures or make calls, as well as grab it quickly when you want to stop cycling and have a break. Also, there are many other available accessories, including those for your car and writing desk. We recommend the Velcro Universal Mount SPC+ which costs € 29.90, which you can buy with a special 20% discount. The compatible phone case must be purchased separately and the price varies depending on your phone model. Visit the official SP Connect™ website and use the discount code TRAVEL20, which applies to all products.
Route profile
- Total length: 291 km
- Terrain: mainly on paved cycle paths or on secondary roads with little traffic
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled between 2 PM and 4:30 PM in Amsterdam. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
How to get there
Amsterdam is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
The closest airport is Amsterdam Schipol (AMS).
From Amsterdam Schipol (AMS):
- direct train Dutsch Railways (NS) to Amsterdam Centraal (about 20 min).
By train
Amsterdam Centraal is the closest station. For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Dutch Railways NS official website.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is Dutch.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for the Netherlands is +31.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 volts – 50 Hz. Type C and F power sockets.
We suggest to always carry a universal adapter for electronic devices.
Currency
The currency in the Netherlands is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
- a reusable water bottle
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
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Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
- Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Anna
Published: 20 Aug 2024
Maurizio
Published: 09 Aug 2023
Maria Grazia
Published: 06 Jul 2023
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