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Dutch Bike Tours Cycling holiday Bike Boat Northern Tour
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Cycling days
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Bike & Boat: Northern Tour of Holland
Bike & Boat: Northern Tour of Holland
Type :
Hybrid :
E-Bike :
Duration :
8 days
Cycling days :
 6
Comfort :
period:
Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Code:
8-83
Nature IJsselmeer History Island
price from € 804
Bike & Boat: Northern Tour of Holland
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Bike & Boat: Northern Tour of Holland

Bike Tour: Bike & Boat: Northern Tour of Holland - 8 days

During this fascinating cycling cruise on board the ships De Willemstad or De Holland or Arkona you will discover the best of what the beautiful Provinces of North-Holland and Friesland offer. Explore flat “polder” landscapes – a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments – the North Sea coast, towering sand dunes, long sandy beaches, historic windmills, the island of Texel and the many picturesque harbor towns along the coast of IJsselmeer Lake. It is without doubt a tour not to be missed!

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Route
Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Zaandam
Day 2: Zaandam – Zaanse Schans – Alkmaar 44 km
Day 3: Dune tour: round trip Alkmaar 33/40 km | Alkmaar - Den Helder
Day 4: Ferry to North Sea island of Texel: round trips 34/51 km
Day 5: Den Helder – Stavoren | Southwest Friesland: round trip Stavoren 43/55 km
Day 6: Stavoren – Medemblik | Medemblik – Hoorn – Enkhuizen 39/51 km
Day 7: Enkhuizen – Volendam | Volendam – Waterland – Amsterdam 28/50 km
Day 8: Amsterdam: end of the tour

Day 1:    Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Zaandam

Embarkation and check-in between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in Amsterdam. Take the opportunity to go shopping, to explore downtown Amsterdam, to make a canal cruise or to visit a museum. At 5 p.m. welcome drink and safety instructions, dinner and first briefing on board. During dinner short cruise to Zaandam.

Day 2:    Zaandam – Zaanse Schans – Alkmaar 44 km
44 km

The first cycling trip of this tour takes you via small villages through the beautiful flat and green polder landscape. The first stop is at the Zaanse Schans open air museum (free entry) with its traditional Old Dutch wooden houses, windmills and the cheese- and clog factory. After this visit you will cycle through the “Land of Leeghwater”, a green polder area between Amsterdam, Alkmaar and Hoorn. Stroll through the former whaler’s village De Rijp and pass by the windmills of Schermerhorn. Your ship will be waiting for you near the historical city center of Alkmaar.

Day 3:    Dune tour: round trip Alkmaar 33/40 km | Alkmaar - Den Helder
40 km

Today you can discover the beautiful North-Holland Dune reserve. This is a 5.300 hectare large forest- and dune area with its unique landscapes. In these dunes the drinking water for almost the whole province of North-Holland is gained. After a visit to the beach and artists village Bergen you will return to Alkmaar where you can visit the wonderful city center. In the afternoon the ship will sail over the North-Holland Canal to the navy harbor of Den Helder.

Day 4:    Ferry to North Sea island of Texel: round trips 34/51 km
51 km

After breakfast you’ll take a 20-minute ferry ride (ticket included) from Den Helder to the isle of Texel, where you can make beautiful cycling tours on the largest of the Dutch North Sea Isles. Ride through meadows, nature parks and dunes to small villages and have the opportunity for a stop and some bathing at the sandy North Sea beach, or visit the “Ecomare” seal sanctuary. In the late afternoon you will return by ferry to Den Helder.

Day 5:    Den Helder – Stavoren | Southwest Friesland: round trip Stavoren 43/55 km
55 km

The vessel will cross the large inland lake IJsselmeer to sail to Stavoren in the Province of Friesland. You can opt for a shorter or longer cycling tour: discover the nature area of Gaasterland or explore a part of the wide lake district, that Friesland is well-known for. You can also combine both options. Night in the small harbor of Stavoren, one of the famous traditional 11 cities of Friesland.

Day 6:    Stavoren – Medemblik | Medemblik – Hoorn – Enkhuizen 39/51 km
51 km

The ship will cross the IJsselmeer again during breakfast. Take the short cycling trip from Medemblik along the IJsselmeer coast directly to Enkhuizen, where you can spend the afternoon. Enkhuizen is an old city with many centuries of maritime tradition. The “herring city” boasts a beautiful old harbor, a historical old town centre and the very interesting Zuiderzeemuseum. If you prefer a longer cycling tour, ride from Medemblik to the former Dutch East India Company town of Hoorn, in the 17th century one of the world’s leading harbors. Enjoy your lunch break and make a short stroll in the old city centre. Continue by bicycle to Enkhuizen via some picturesque rural villages. In the evening you can join a short city walk.

Day 7:    Enkhuizen – Volendam | Volendam – Waterland – Amsterdam 28/50 km
50 km

During breakfast the ship will sail to Volendam. Your final day of cycling will lead you through the beautiful area of Waterland, with its hundreds of small lakes and tiny canals. Near Volendam you will have the opportunity to visit a cheese farm. Recommended (extra cycling miles) is a tour to the former island of Marken, to continue through the water shaped region of Waterland back to the Dutch capital city of Amsterdam. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy everything Amsterdam has to offer. If you didn’t go for a canal cruise on the first day, you can do so today.

Day 8:    Amsterdam: end of the tour

End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m..

Prices

Prices per person - 2025

 

Cabin type

 

For

 

Season A

 

Season B

 

Season C

 

Season D

 

Season E

 

Twin cabin lower deck

 

 

2 pax

 

€ 799, -

 

€ 899, -

 

€ 1.049, -

 

€ 1.199, -

 

€ 1.299, -

Twin cabin lower deck for single use (max. 4)

 

 

1 pax

 

€ 1.198,50

 

€ 1.348,50

 

€ 1.573,50

 

€ 1.798,50

 

€ 1.948,50

DWI: Twin cabin upper deck

 

 

2 pax

 

€ 1.049, -  

 

€ 1.149, -

 

€ 1299, - 

 

€ 1.449, -  

 

€ 1.549, -

DWI: Single cabin upper deck

 

 

1 pax

 

€ 1.363,70

 

€ 1.493,70 

 

€ 1.688,70 

 

€ 1.883,70 

 

€ 2.013,70

DWI: Twin cabin upper deck for single use (max. 1)

 

 

1 pax

 

€ 1.573,50 

 

€ 1.723,50 

 

€ 1.948,50 

 

€ 2.173,50 

 

€ 2.323,50

 

DWI: Suite upper deck

 

 

2 pax

 

€ 1.299, - 

 

€ 1.399, - 

 

€ 1.599, - 

 

€ 1.749, - 

 

€ 1.849, -

 

ARK: Twin cabin upper deck

 

 

2 pax

 

€ 1.199, - 

 

€ 1.299, - 

 

Not available 

 

€ 1.599, - 

 

€ 1.699, -

 

ARK: Single cabin upper deck

 

1 pax

 

€ 1.559, - 

 

€ 1.689, - 

 

Not available 

 

€ 2.079, - 

 

€ 2.209, -

Tour dates 2025:

Departures on Saturday: De Willemstad (DWI)

  • Season A:  March 29; April 5; Oct. 4
  • Season B:  April 12; Sept. 27
  • Season C: April 19; Sept. 20
  • Season D: April 26; July 5, 12, 19 and 26; August 2, 9 and 16; Sept. 13
  • Season E: May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; June 7, 14, 21 and 28; August 23 and 30; Sept. 6

Departures on Sunda: Arkona (ARK)

 

  • Season A:  March 30
  • Season B:  April 13
  • Season D: April 27
  • Season E: May 11 and 25; June 8

 

Prices per person - 2026

 

Cabin type

 

For

 

Season A

 

Season B

 

Season C

 

Season D

 

Season E

 

Twin cabin lower deck

 

 

2 pax

 

€ 799, -

 

€ 949, -

 

€ 1.099, -

 

€ 1.259, -

 

€ 1.369, -

 

Twin cabin lower deck for single use (max. 2)

 

 

 

1 pax

 

 

€ 1.198,50

 

 

€ 1.423,50

 

 

€ 1.648,50

 

 

€ 1.888,50

 

 

€ 2.053,50

 

Twin cabin upper deck

 

 

2 pax

 

€ 1.049, -  

 

€ 1.199, -

 

€ 1.349, - 

 

€ 1.509, -  

 

€ 1.619, -

 

DWI: Single cabin upper deck (max 2)

 

 

 

1 pax

 

 

€ 1.419, -

 

 

€ 1.549, - 

 

 

€ 1.759, - 

 

 

€ 1.959, - 

 

 

€ 2.099, -

 

Twin cabin upper deck for single use (max. 1)

 

 

 

1 pax

 

 

€ 1.573,50 

 

 

€ 1.798,50 

 

 

€ 2.023,50 

 

 

€ 2.263,50 

 

 

€ 2.428,50

 

DWI: Suite upper deck

 

 

2 pax

 

€ 1.299, - 

 

€ 1.449, - 

 

€ 1.649, - 

 

€ 1.809, - 

 

€ 1.919, -

 

Tour dates 2026:

Departures on Saturday: De Willemstad (DWI)

  • Season A:  Oct. 3 and 10
  • Season B:  March 28; April 4 and 11; Sept. 26
  • Season C: April 18; Sept. 19
  • Season D: April 25; May 2 and 9; July 11, 18 and 25; August 1, 8 and 15; Sept. 12
  • Season E: May 16, 23 and 30; June 6, 13, 20 and 27; July 4; August 22 and 29; Sept. 5

 

Departures on Sunday: Poseidon

  • Season B:  March 29; April 5 and 12
  • Season C: April 19

 

Discount triple cabin (lower/upper): -20€ p.p. (only available on Poseidon)

Accommodation

Cycling cruise ship De Willemstad 
De Willemstad is the youngest member of the “family”, which also includes De Amsterdam, De Holland and De Nassau. The comfortable ship was completely renovated and converted in 2017/2018. There are two tour leaders on board during the tours with this ship. The ship was used for cycling cruises for several years on the Danube river under its previous name Arlene II. Look forward to meeting nice people, riding beautiful bike tours and spending pleasant hours on board.

Description of the cabins
All cabins are ‘outside cabins’ that are equipped with two single beds, TV, mini safe and individually controlled air conditioning. Each cabin has a bathroom with shower, toilet and hairdryer.

Upper deck: There are 8 suites (approx. 15 m²) with a French balcony and opening floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door, two single beds, set together as a queen size bed and a small seating area.
On the upper deck there are also 13 twin cabins (approx. 10 m²) with two separate single beds; 1 double cabin (approx. 10 m²) with a double bed (140×200 cm) and 2 single cabins (approx. 7 – 8 m²). The cabins on the upper deck have a panoramic window that can be opened.

Lower deck: There are 25 twin cabins with two separate single beds and a large window with an upper hinged window that can be opened for ventilation.

Description of the ship
In the salon / bar with large panoramic windows on the upper deck, you can review the day’s experiences in a pleasant way while enjoying a beer or a glass of wine. Your physical well-being is taken care of in the tastefully furnished and air-conditioned restaurant on the lower deck. The spacious and partly covered sundeck offers space to let the landscape pass comfortably in a deck chair. The bicycles are stored on the rear part of the sun deck.

Facts about the ship:
Year of construction: 1986, renovation: 2017/2018
Flag: Dutch
Length: 91.35 m 
Width: 10.45 m 
Draught: 1.45 m 
Passengers: 96
Crew: 20
Number of cabins: 49
Credit and debit cards (with PIN): Visa, Master Card (no cash payment possible)
Currency on board: Euro
Wi-Fi on board (for a fee)
Languages ​​on board: English / German

 

Cycling cruisehip Poseidon

The Poseidon is an elegant medium-sized river cruise ship sailing the Dutch, German and Belgian rivers and canals. You will immediately feel at home on board this beautiful and intimate ship. The relaxed atmosphere and excellent service make every trip a pleasure. The ship sails under the Dutch flag and management and has a very enthusiastic and helpful crew.

Description of the cabins

The lower deck has 20 twin cabins (approx. 11 m2) and one triple cabin (approx. 15m2). On the upper deck there are 25 twin cabins (approx. 11 m2) and one larger triple cabin (approx. 15 m2). Each twin cabin has two comfortable separate single beds. During the day, the crew modifies one bed into a bench. The triple cabin on the lower deck has three separate single beds. The triple cabin on the upper deck has two separate single beds and one bunk bed. All cabins have air conditioning, a TV, mini-safe, plenty of cupboard space, a small desk, hair dryer and a large window that can be partially opened. The bathroom has a sink, shower and toilet.

Description of the ship

Characteristic of the contemporary interior of the Poseidon are the carefully selected types of wood and warm upholstery. The reception is in the centrally located hall. The lounge with cozy bar on the upper deck has comfortable seating areas and large windows, so that you can enjoy the surroundings during the cruise while enjoying a drink. The restaurant on the lower deck also has large windows. The lounge and restaurant are air-conditioned. You can optimally enjoy the view from the spacious and partially covered sun deck. The bicycles are stored on a separate part of the sun deck.

Facts about the ship

Length: 78 m

Width: 10.5 m 

Crew: 20

Cabins: 48

Passengers: 96 (max.)

 

Cycling cruisehip Arkona
The Arkona is a very well equipped river cruise ship and was completely refurbished during the winter of 2017/2018. The modern and elegant atmosphere aboard the vessel will make your journey a relaxed experience. In recent years, the vessel has been operated for river cruises in Germany.

Description of the cabins
The lower deck offers space to 33 twin cabins with a window that – for safety reasons – cannot be opened.
The upper deck has 12 twin cabins and two single cabins (11 m²) with a small double bed (140cm) with floor to ceiling panoramic window of which the upper half can be opened. All comfortable twin cabins (11 m²) have two separate single beds. One of the separate beds can be turned into a sofa during the day. All 47 cabins aboard the Arkona have an individual climate control system, TV, wardrobe, mini-safe, hair dryer, 230V and 115V sockets and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and basin.

Description of the ship
The Arkona has a restaurant and separate lounge area with bar on the upper deck. Both are spacious and modern with large panoramic windows. Wi-Fi is available. On the partially roofed sun deck, chairs and sun loungers invite for a stay. Here you can relax and have a drink and enjoy the scenery while sailing.  Bicycles will be stored on a separate part of the sun deck.

Practical info

If you have special dietary wishes (vegetarian meals, lactose intolerance or gluten-free diet), then please indicate this when you book your tour. Vegetarian meals are always available, but we need to know in advance; in all other cases we will check the possibilities for the tour of your choice. In some cases, a small fee for preparing special meals will be charged. This mainly applies to lactose or gluten-free meals. Unfortunately, we cannot offer vegan meals. This is because the kitchens in our ships are not large enough to guarantee that the food can be prepared completely vegan. The available space on board is limited, so the chefs cannot store the necessary tools and supplies to prepare vegan food.

  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
  • Detailed cycling maps, route tips and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.


Included in this tour:

  • 8 days/7 nights
  • 7 x breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • 7 x 3-course dinner
  • Coffee and tea on board till 4 PM
  • Welcome drink
  • Use of bed linen and towels
  • Daily cleaning of the cabin
  • Climate-controlled cabin
  • Daily briefings
  • Semi guided cycling tours (guest cycle independently, tour leader also cycles the tour);
  • Some short walking tours
  • Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
  • GPS tracks
  • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
  • Biodegradable water bottle
  • Ferry ticket to Texel
  • Wi-Fi is available in restaurant – data use is not included
  • Live music on board
  • Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization: Justdiggit

Not included in this tour:

  • Coffee and tea on board after 4 PM
  • Drinks
  • Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
  • Helmet rental
  • Personal insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Entrance fees and excursions
  • Fees for ferries (ferry to Texel included)
  • Transfers to/from the docking place
  • Parking fees
  • SGR Insolvency protection

 

SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
 
  • Rental bicycle: € 91 per week
  • Rental E-Bike: € 252 per week (only on request, limited number available)
  • Helmets: A helmet can be rented for € 10 per week, only on prior reservation and payment.
  • Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle € 14/week (only bookable in advance, more information here)
  • Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike € 28/week (only bookable in advance, more information here)
  • Parking own bicycle: € 14 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
  • Parking + charge station own E-Bike: € 28 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
  • Canal cruise AmsterdamTicket for a 1-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam – special price for our guests: € 18 (at the ticket desk approx.: € 22). Please book your ticket in advance and you can collect it on board of your ship on the first day of the tour.
  • Parking in Amsterdam (valet parking): prices and pre-booking on request.



Reviews

04-09-2023

My group loved riding through the North Holland countryside and the small villages. The tour guides, Peter and Wilfred, were perfectly suited for their roles; very helpful, informative, friendly, and kind. The crew on board were very impressive and worked together as a team in a beautiful and refreshing way. My cabin was perfect for me and tidied every day. The meals were very tasty throughout the trip.


Cindy Coxwell - US

06-07-2018

...The kilometers were more than we had expected but we didn't have any issues. Holland has awesome bike trails!...

15-04-2017

...Everything worked really well. The booking process was simple. The E-mail support was good. The information provided was really useful. The trip was brilliant. The boat staff were excellent and the Guides were attentive and informative. The Netherlands themselves are beautiful...

31-08-2015

....Thank you for the wonderful holiday!. We really enjoyed every hour of it and I believe we are planning to come back. Thanks for your kind assistance and helpfulness in planning and fulfilling the plans!...

17-07-2015

....We had a wonderful experience, and the tour was beyond our expectations. We have nothing to complain. My only suggestion is, if possible, change the towels at least once. I really don't care to use just one towel during a week. The problem is that is almost impossible have it dry, especially for us, Brazilians, that use to take more than a bath a day. But it's not a big problem, and you can be sure, we'll be back soon....

 

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