Our Dutch treat is perfect for the novice cyclist with miles of quiet country roads, mostly very flat. You can enjoy seeing Holland while either riding on dedicated bike trails or the comfort of your movable hotel: our boat, which moves along the many canals of the Netherlands.
This unique holiday allows you the freedom to explore the countryside each day and sleep in comfort on board our ship at night, without having to pack each day. Cycling around 30 miles each day, you will enjoy seeing the lovely wind mills along the rural backwoods stopping in some old, picturesque towns for a snack or to pick up a lovely souvenir.
Although we have several routes to choose from, we have featured the most scenic region for our bicycling adventure. Starting in Amsterdam, where we board, we ride along the Vecht and Lek rivers, past historic towns, through farmland and in the spring past extraordinary tulip fields. Some of the highlights include Utrecht, Delft, and Haarlem.
The route past eighteen windmills will delight you in Kinderdijk, built originally in 1750. Explore the world’s largest seaport in Rotterdam very appropriately by boat, and discover the beaches and dunes near The Hague by bike. You will time to visit a museum or two, shop or just sit in an outdoor cafe and enjoy the views.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate
This is a fairly easy tour, mostly level, paved ground with a few hills on the route. You will cycle about 4-5 hours a day, depending on your pace and fitness level. If you are already cycling or are planning to increase your exercise regime to include cycling, you should not encounter any difficulty. Plan to cycle at least three to four times a week, with two of the sessions for about 2-3 hours, at least a month prior to your departure. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your cycling trip, eliminating saddle soreness.
ACCOMMODATION and MEALS:
This unique biking holiday uses a cruise boat as your accommodations for the night. You will cycle alongside throughout the day then stop and board for dinners and breakfast. Lunch will be a picnic type and you will be able to have it on your own wherever you like.
BICYCLES:
A European-made bicycle is included in tour cost. This is 21-speed hybrid bicycle with upright handlebars. Racing style bikes are not available. It will also be equipped with saddlebags so that you can carry your lunch, camera, water and anything else you may need for your day out. It also comes equipped with a lock and repair kit. If you would like to bring your own bike, you may; however, you will not receive a discount, as this is organized as a package.
ABOUT BIKE/BOAT HOLIDAYS:
On board the crew will consist of the captain and his/her mate and in the kitchen the cook prepares the meals. A bicycle guide will accompany the group; help you if your bike breaks down, give you advice on the routes and provide tourist information. He/She is multilingual and will be your contact person should you require any assistance.
The route notes and maps are provided each day. You then must return to the boat for your overnight.
These motorized passenger ships all comply with the strict regulations of the Dutch Shipping Inspectorate. They have a parlor, and sun deck, 2-berth (sometimes 3 & 4) cabins. All cabins have hot and cold running water and toilet. The prices quoted are based on superior cabins, which include more spacious cabins and twin or bunk beds.
The height of the tulip season where you can see fields of multi-colored flowers is in April and May.
A TYPICAL DAY:
Breakfast is at 8 o'clock. The daily distance is about 40 - 70 kilometers or 24 to 42 miles. The route notes tell you where to go and describes the places where we stop for our overnights. There are stops for exploring the many historic sights en route and for taking coffee and lunch breaks. Back on board tea and coffee are served. You can also use the minibar. After dinner the guide mostly offers a city tour, which might end up in a nice Dutch darkbrown cafe. The ship never sails during the night.
OUTLINE ITINERARY:
- Day 1: Saturday Amsterdam
- Day 2: Sunday Amsterdam to Utrecht (56 KM)
- Day 3: Monday Utrecht to Schoonhoven (55 KM)
- Day 4: Tuesday Schoonhoven-Kinderdijk-Delft (28 KM)
- Day 5: Wednesday Delft to Leiden (33 KM)
- Day 6: Thursday Leiden to Haarlem (46 KM)
- Day 7: Friday Haarlem to Amsterdam (45 KM)
- Day 8: Saturday Amsterdam – end of tour after breakfast
ACCESS:
Amsterdam is the joining point for the tour. From the airport you will take a taxi to the embarkation point at 4PM. Many guests enjoy the city and may choose to come a few days in advance to see the historic and cultural highlights of Amsterdam.
TRIP DETAILS
Departs Saturdays from April to September
Please contact us for prices - we will be happy to provide you with this information.
BIKE RENTAL: Included
GRADE: Easy to Moderate
LENGTH: 8 days
INCLUDES: Accommodation, breakfast, packed lunch & dinners, bike
STARTS/ENDS: Amsterdam
Contact us to join this great cycling trip.
