Bike and Barge
Amsterdam and the tulip tour
- NL030 / 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
- Guided Guided Travel in a group with other participants and a tour leader who knows the route.
-
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
- 5 days
-
- round tour Amsterdam - Keukenhof - Amsterdam
- Full board included
Highlights
A bike and boat adventure to discover Holland in spring! Cycle through colorful flower fields, the cities of Amsterdam and Haarlem, and the fabulous Zaanse Schans open-air museum. Don't miss the opportunity to attend the Aalsmeer flower auction and visit Keukenhof, the famous garden with more than six million flowers including tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.
- Amsterdam, the city of bicycles
- Aalsmeer's colorful flower auction
- Keukenhof, a flower garden open only in spring
What awaits you
Five days of boating with leisurely day trips by bicycle. The bike rides are suitable for everyone and run on completely flat terrain along a dense network of well-marked bike paths. The technical difficulties of the tour are really limited, but wind and rain, which can be very frequent in Holland, can make the rides more stimulating.
Accommodation
Overnight accommodation is provided aboard a comfortable riverboat: a comfortable floating hotel with restaurant, bar and lounge area. The atmosphere is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure that you have an unforgettable stay.
1. Arrival in Amsterdam and boarding
Arrival in Amsterdam and boarding at 2 p.m. Soon after, the boat sets out for Zaandam, which welcomes you with its windmills, one of the most beloved symbols of Holland. If you’d like, you can already do a little cycling in the surrounding area. After dinner, we recommend a leisurely stroll through Zaandam’s lovely old town to admire its colorful houses.
2. Cycling among the windmills of Zaanse Schans to Haarlem, the city of flowers
Today your cycling adventure begins. A short 5-kilometer ride takes you to Zaanse Schans, a unique open-air museum: it is a real village with windmills, cheese-making farms, and a wooden shoe factory. After the visit, you can choose to cycle to Haarlem or to relax on the barge. Haarlem is the city of flowers, jazz and sports and it is also known for its distinctive Hofjes, housing complexes grouped around a courtyard.
3. Scent of spring at Keukenhof and biking to Oude Wetering
Today you cycle to the famous Keukenhof garden (admission included in the fee for premium boats only) and enjoy the beautiful scenery that opens up around you. Keukenhof is a splendid flower garden open only in spring, where you can admire millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in bloom, not to mention the greenhouses, where orchids excel. In the afternoon, you’ll ride toward Oude Wetering, where the boat awaits you for an overnight stay.
* You can shorten the stage of 15 km (40 km).
4. The Aalsmeer flower auction and return to Amsterdam
Today the alarm is set early; at 6:30 a.m., a bus takes you to Aalsmeer, where the world’s most famous flower auction is held (entrance fee not included in package).
Here, thousands of flowers are stored in neat rows: a truly unique sight. Back on board the boat, a hearty breakfast awaits you, giving you energy for the ride back to Amsterdam. Before entering the capital, you’ll return to the barge to reach the pier. In the late afternoon, you can enjoy some free time in the center of Amsterdam.
Please note: the flower auction is closed on weekends and public holidays.
- comfort Gold
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 44 guests, 22 cabins
Fluvius
- comfort Gold
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 44 guests, 22 cabins
The friendly river boat Fluvius sails between Belgium and Holland. The cozy cabins and common areas make guests feel at home.
The outdoor terrace, with chairs and tables, allows you to enjoy sailing and admire the scenery. View more details
Cabins
- 14 twin cabins on the lower deck (below deck), 11 m², with two single beds and windows that cannot be opened
- 1 double on the lower deck, 10 m², with two single beds and windows that cannot be opened. On request it can become double single use.
- 4 doubles on the upper deck (above deck), 12 m², with double bed (140 x 200 cm) and large panoramic opening window
- 3 doubles on the upper deck, 11 m², with single beds and windows that cannot be opened
All cabins have private bathrooms with toiletries, air conditioning, TV and hair dryer.
Common areas
- Spacious lounge area with TV, bar and restaurant
- sun deck equipped with tables and chairs
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 2 sun decks
- WiFi available
- 34 guests, 17 cabins
Magnifique II
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 2 sun decks
- 34 guests, 17 cabins
The boat Magnifique II combines the classic style of a Dutch barge with the comfort of a star hotel.
Common areas are located on the upper deck: dining room, bar, lounge with TV and relaxation area. Sun decks, with chairs and tables outside, allow people to enjoy the sailing and have a drink while admiring the scenery. View more details
Cabins
- 12 twin cabins on the lower deck of 11 sq. meters with fixed portholes
- 1 premium cabin of approx. 13 sq. meters with fixed portholes and a sitting area
- 4 suites on the upper deck of 14 sq. meters, with a sitting area and large panoramic windows, which can be partially opened
All cabins have two single beds (can be joined to form a double on request), private bathroom, air conditioning, mini safe, TV, closet and hair dryer.
Common areas
- Spacious and refined lounge with dining area
- Bright bar and lounge with large panoramic windows
- whirlpool/jacuzzi
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 2 sun decks
- WiFi available
- 40 guests, 21 cabins
Magnifique III
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 2 sun decks
- WiFi available
- 40 guests, 21 cabins
Magnifique III makes guests feel at home with a dining room, sitting area with TV and a relax zone above deck! Chairs, tables, and a small whirlpool/Jacuzzi are available on the outdoor terrace to relax after adventurous cycling days. View more details
Cabins
- 14 twin cabins below deck of 12 sq. meters, with two single beds and fixed portholes
- 2 single cabins on the lower deck of approx. 9 sq. meters, with fixed portholes
- 5 suites on the upper deck of approx. 16 sq. meters with two single beds, a small sitting area and large sliding doors, which can be partially opened
All cabins have private bathrooms with shower, air conditioning, mini safe, TV, closet and hair dryer.
Common areas
- spacious living room with large windows
- restaurant, bar and lounge area
- 2 screens to see the boat’s position in real time
- access to the partially covered sun deck
- Jacuzzi and comfortable loungers for moments of relaxation
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 2 sun decks
- WiFi available
- 36 guests, 18 cabins
Magnifique IV
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 2 sun decks
- WiFi available
- 36 guests, 18 cabins
A newly built boat that offers its guests maximum comfort. Common areas include a lounge, lounge area, and bar. There are tables and chairs in the outdoor area and a relaxing hot-water pool located in the upper sundeck. The restaurant is located below deck with an open kitchen to watch the cooks at the stove. View more details
Cabins
- 8 twin cabins on the lower deck, 12 sq. meters, with two single beds and fixed portholes
- 10 suites on the upper deck with double bed, comfortable sitting area and a large sliding window. Two separate beds can be requested
All cabins have private bathrooms, air conditioning, mini safe, TV, closet and hair dryer.
Common areas
- salon with bar and carefully furnished lounge area on the upper deck
- comfortable lounge chairs and whirlpool
- Sun deck partially covered and equipped with tables and chairs on the lower deck
- TV and screens to see the boat’s position in real time
- cozy restaurant with glass-fronted kitchen
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 4 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
- Daily cabin cleaning service
Meals
- 4 breakfasts
- 3 self-made packed lunches
- 4 dinners, drinks excluded
- Coffee and tea on board
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 and lactose-free 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 within an international group
Participants come from all over the world, and the common language is English.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
On board you will find:
- maps and route description (one set per cabin)
- 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.
Additional services included
Only on Premium boats (Magnifique II, III and IV) the following services are included:
- Entrance ticket to Keukenhof
- Entrance ticket to the North Holland Dunes Reserve
- Visit mill at Zaanse Schans
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
- Beverages on board
- Museum entrance tickets
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Only for comfort Gold: entrance ticket to Keukenhof, to the North Holland Dunes Reserve, to the mill at Zaanse Schans
- 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
- 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
Route profile
- Total length: 120 km
The kilometers indicated on each leg are approximate.
Some days offer a choice between a longer and shorter route. Opting for the shorter route may mean missing some attractions.
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled by 2 p.m. 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)
Personal equipment
- a reusable water bottle
- a holder to fix for your mobile phone on the handlebar
- a power bank
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze and low grade disinfectant
- sun glasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- padded cycling shorts
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- 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
- 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.
Entrance tickets
- The flower auction is closed on weekends and holidays. Admission is not included in the fee.
- Admission to Keukenhof, the North Holland Dune Reserve, the mill at Zaanse Schans is included for Premium boats only (Magnifique II, III, and IV).
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.
Elena
Published: 24 Apr 2024
Reply by Girolibero
Travel year:
Valerio Flavio
Published: 24 Apr 2024
Ivana
Published: 16 Apr 2024
Browse the suggestions to discover other destinations and trips similar to this holiday.
Need advice? We are here to help
Contact us
Southern Dalmatia
8 days, round tour Trogir - Split - Trogir
Dalmatian Islands
8 days, from Split to Dubrovnik
Dalmatian islands for families
8 days, round tour Trogir - Split - Trogir
Dalmatia and Kornati Islands
8 days, round tour Trogir - Zadar - Trogir
Amsterdam and Flanders
8 days, from Amsterdam to Bruges
The Heart of Holland
8 days, round tour from Amsterdam
Gulf of Corinth and the Ionian Islands
8 days, from Athens to Corfu
Athens and the Gulf of Aegina
8 days, round tour from Athens
Cyclades islands
8 days, round tour Athens - Sifnos - Athens
Ionian islands for families
8 days, round tour Corfu Island - Cephalonia - Corfu Island
Bike tours in the Netherlands
Holland is truly the perfect destination for a cycling holiday. The network of bicycle paths is extensive: more than 37,000 kilometers of safe and well-marked routes allow cycling between city and countryside
Learn more
Bike and barge tours
A holiday along rivers, canals and coastal routes, with bike days and overnight stays in a hotel-float that follows cyclists stage by stage
Learn more
Receive our newsletter
Loving what you have read so far? Stay in the loop and get free travel tips, ideas, and news from us!
Yes, sign me up!
_Alberto-Urbani/pre_NL017_OLANDA_BICI-BARCA_2019_DSCF7405 (2)_Alberto-Urbani.?_i=AA)
_Alberto-Urbani/pre_NL017_OLANDA_BICI-BARCA_2019_DSCF7839 (2)_Alberto-Urbani.?_i=AA)
_Alberto-Urbani/pre_NL017_OLANDA_BICI-BARCA_2019_DSCF7872 (2)_Alberto-Urbani.?_i=AA)
