It's no secret that the Netherlands is famous for its flowers, especially tulips. Anyone who has seen the sea of flowers at Keukenhof knows exactly why! Daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips in every color imaginable and in countless quantities. On this journey, you’ll explore by bike and boat from Amsterdam, visiting truly enchanting places. The cities of Zaandam, Haarlem, and Oude Wetering are well worth a thorough exploration. The MS Fluvius will always be close by, offering you wonderful comfort along the way.
You’ll begin your journey in the early afternoon with embarkation in Amsterdam. After a warm welcome from the crew, the MS Fluvius will take you to Zaandam. You’ll have plenty of time to explore this lovely city and enjoy a first short bike tour. The next day, your first destination is “Zaanse Schans” – an open-air museum that showcases traditional life in the region. You’ll also discover Haarlem, a charming city with a historic center.
Between Haarlem and your next stop, the charming town of Oude Wetering, lies the world-famous Keukenhof flower park. Countless blooms set against the backdrop of windmills – a sight that not only enchants flower lovers. On the final day of your journey, you’ll face multiple tempting choices. For early risers, there's the option to attend the world’s largest flower auction in Aalsmeer at 6:30 AM. In the afternoon, you can soak in the atmosphere of Amsterdam or cycle through the idyllic Waterland region.
An exploratory tour through Amsterdam: Start your day with a visit to the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum to admire masterpieces of art. A detour to the Anne Frank House offers a poignant glimpse into history. Stroll through the picturesque Jordaan district and the charming De Negen Straatjes, with its diverse boutiques and cozy cafés.
Art and culture in Haarlem: Highlights of the city include the impressive St. Bavo's Church with its stunning organ, as well as the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands, which combines art, science, and historical objects. The picturesque Grote Markt is surrounded by charming buildings and regularly hosts markets and events.
Impressive flower trade in Aalsmeer: An overwhelming assortment of flowers and plants from all over the world is traded here, from classic roses and tulips to exotic orchids and tropical plants. Immerse yourself in the exciting process of the flower auction, where millions of plants change hands daily.
Cycling in the Netherlands is wonderfully easy thanks to the flat terrain. Additionally, great care is taken to ensure the quality of the bike paths. On the MS Fluvius, you'll enjoy a cozy atmosphere, whether from the sun deck or the panoramic lounge. The crew pampers you with a diverse full-board service and is at your disposal throughout the entire journey with top-notch service.
This type of vacation offers numerous advantages – from a flexible daily schedule to a variety of places and sights for you to explore. A bike and boat journey through the Netherlands and Belgium takes you along enchanting waters and top-quality cycling paths.
Itinerary at a glance
Embarkation and check-in, where the crew will welcome you on board, takes place at 2 p.m. As soon as all guests have arrived a short cruise will bring you to Zaandam, a spot famous for its windmills. Here, your barge will berth in the center of the city for the night. Upon arrival you can enjoy taking your new bike for a brief test ride through the surrounding area. In the evening, enjoy a short walk through the picturesque center of Zaandam.
After breakfast you will enjoy a 5 km bicycle ride to the open air museum “Zaanse Schans” with beautiful windmills, traditional wooden houses, an old Dutch village, a cheese farm and a traditional wooden clog maker. In the afternoon you have a choice to make: you can either cycle (24 km/14 mi.) to Haarlem or take it easy and join the barge while enjoying the scenery. In Haarlem visit the historical inner city with the Grote Markt and St. Bavo church. Your barge will be berthed not far from the center of Haarlem for the night, so you will have time to enjoy a short city walk in the afternoon or in the evening.
Today you will cycle to the Keukenhof, arguably the most famous flower park in the world where you can admire hundreds of thousands of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and many other flowers in full bloom. After an extensive visit you will get back on your bicycle and will head to Oude Wetering, a small village, where your floating hotel will be waiting for you.
This morning you are in for a real treat – an early visit by bus (6.30 a.m.) to the biggest flower auction* in the world at Aalsmeer. In the morning millions of flowers are auctioned off here and are instantly sent out to all parts of the world. By 9 a.m. you will return on the your barge where a late breakfast will be waiting for you. After a short bike ride you will join the barge for an afternoon of sailing through Amsterdam. In Amsterdam you have the opportunity to discover this amazing city. Visit the inner city flower market, go to a museum, do some shopping… there is just so much to do!
*The Aalsmeer flower auction is closed during weekends and on public holidays. This is an optional visit.
Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.: End of your trip.
Difficulty level
Easy
Holland is a paradise for cyclists. The routes are flat and well suited for leisure cyclists.
Prices & Dates
Prices per person in EUR
Our rental bikes
The different types of rental bikes at a glance
Unisex bike
High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry
Available gear options can be found in the price table
Unisex Electro bike
High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry
Services & Information
Further details about this tour
Included
Fully guided cycling tours and program according to itinerary from/to Amsterdam
4 nights in the booked cabin category
1 welcome drink
Full meals (4x breakfast, 4x packed lunch for cyclists, 4x coffee and tea on board, 4x 3-course-dinner)
On board tour guide incl. daily tour briefing
Daily cabin cleaning, change of bed linen and towels as needed
1 route book per cabin
All harbour, lock and bridge fees
Some short walking tours
Wifi
GPS-data
Guarantee certificate for package holidays
Optional
Rental bike insurance for rental bike € 8,- /week, for electric bike € 16,- /week, limitation of risk and liability in the event of damage to or loss of the bicycle you have rented
Bring your own bike € 8,-/own electric bike € 16,- (on request, limited)
Helmets € 10,- /week, reservation necessary and to be paid in advance
Arrival / Parking / Departure
Parking Amsterdam (valet parking): Prices and reservation on request.
Things to note
Minimum number of participants: none
Further important information according to the package travel law and additional information about your bike and boat trip can be found here!
This tour is a partner tour.
Your boat
"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"
We wish you a relaxing Christmas and a happy new year and a healthy and active 2025! PS: Book now until 28 February and benefit from our early booking discount!
