It doesn’t get any better than the Southern Tour of Holland on board your home away from home, ships De Amsterdam or De Holland. Not only will you get the chance to visit a number of famous Dutch cities, but you will also uncover another side of Holland as you cycle through the countryside – the country’s “Green Heart”. It is here that you will see a landscape of water, meadows, grazing cows, windmills and picturesque farms… it is a landscape that is impossible to feel or look any more Dutch. In short the Southern Tour is the perfect tour for anyone wanting to see as much of “typical” central Holland as is possible in one week. What you will come away with at the end of the tour is a greater appreciation of why this part of the Netherlands attracts so many visitors from all corners of the globe every year.
In collaboration with: Boat Bike Tours.
Bike and Boat Southern Tour
As well as being able to discover the natural beauty of Holland’s Green Heart you will visit:
-The world famous city of Amsterdam -Utrecht, the geographical center of The Netherlands -Rotterdam, the busiest port in Europe -Delft, a city with close ties to the Dutch Royal family and the world renowned painter Johannes Vermeer -Haarlem, a sightseeing paradise -Other attractions over the course of the tour include the cheese city of Gouda, the windmills at Kinderdijk (Unesco World Heritage Site), the silver city of Schoonhoven, the dunes and beaches of the North Sea coastline and the open air museum “Zaanse Schans”.
The ship – Your sailing hotel In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.
You cycle independently During this trip there is an expert and experienced tour leader on board. He or she will discuss the next day’s cycling routes on a daily basis and provide you with tips and information about the route. You will cycle the tours independently and at your own pace using a detailed cycling map, GPS directions via the free Ride With GPS app and printed route descriptions (available on board). The tour leader will also cycle the routes, so they will be riding nearby and can be reached by phone in case of emergencies, problems or questions.
Highlights during this great bike and boat tour
Uncover another side of Holland as you cycle through the countryside
See a landscape of water, meadows, grazing cows
Windmills and picturesque farms
The world famous city of Amsterdam
Cheese city of Gouda, the windmills at Kinderdijk
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. A detailed cycling map, route tips and a GPS app are available to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.
Day 6: Haarlem– North Sea coast – Haarlem – Zaandam
Day 7: Zaandam – Amsterdam
Day 8: Amsterdam: end of the tour
Day 1: Arrival and boarding in Amsterdam
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. First night on board in Amsterdam.
Day 2: Amsterdam – Breukelen – Utrecht – Rotterdam
39 km
Your first cycling tour starts in Breukelen. You’ll tour along the beautiful and winding river Vecht with its enchanting background of imposing castles, country houses and quaint tearooms. You will follow the Vecht into the center of Utrecht where you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful historical city center: the Dom Cathedral with its tower, the canals, special shops and nice cafes. In the afternoon you will continue by ship from Utrecht to Rotterdam. (20 km / 12 mi. or 39 km / 23.4 mi.)
Day 3: Rotterdam – Schiedam – Delft – Rotterdam
48 km
Today you will cycle via the “jenever city” of Schiedam and through the Delfland area to Delft, famous, of course, for its blue pottery. Visit the beautiful city centre with its small canals, picturesque streets, bridges and alleys. For many of our guests a visit to the Delftware factory is one of the highlights of their tour. Afterwards, you will cycle back to Rotterdam, where you can enjoy a short city walk in the evening. (48 km / 28.8 mi.)
Day 4: Rotterdam – Kinderdijk – (Gouda) - Schoonhoven
58 km
Today you can cycle the first part or the “waterbus” will take you and your bicycle to Alblasserdam. After just a few minutes of cycling you will reach Kinderdijk (UNESCO cultural heritage, with its impressive row of 19 large windmills). You then have the choice between a longer cycling tour with a visit to the beautiful cheese city of Gouda and a short cycling tour through the Alblasserwaard. Both tours end in the “silver city” of Schoonhoven, where you can visit a silversmith. *On some departures, the night in Schoonhoven on day 4 is not possible. The ship will dock in the cheese city of Gouda instead. All cycling highlights will remain in the program. (30 km / 19 mi. or 58 km / 36 mi.)
Today you will cycle from Schoonhoven through the beautiful “Green Heart” of Holland along small villages and quiet roads to Utrecht. On your way you can visit a traditional cheese farm and in Oudewater you can visit the Witches Weigh House. In the late afternoon the ship will sail from Utrecht to Haarlem. (36 km / 21.6 mi. / 44 km / 26.4 mi. )
Day 6: Haarlem– North Sea coast – Haarlem – Zaandam
50 km
Today you can choose from 2 cycling tours. Both tours takes you through the beautiful Kennemer dunes, a national park where you can spot several bird species, Scottish Highland cows and Shetland ponies. After a visit to the seaside resorts Bloemendaal and Zandvoort you cycle through the forests and the center of Haarlem back to the ship. The longer cycling tour leads to the largest steam engine of the world, the Cruquius pumping station and back to Haarlem. During dinner your ship will cruise to Zaandam. (40 km/25 mi. / 50 km/31 mi.)
* Departures dates between March 27 and incl. May 1: From Haarlem you have the opportunity to visit the world famous Tulip exhibition park “Keukenhof” in Lisse (by bicycle or public transport; transfers/tickets/entrance fee not included).
Day 7: Zaandam – Amsterdam
53 km
From Zaandam your final day of cycling will take you to the open air museum the Zaanse Schans (free entry), with its beautiful windmills, an Old Dutch village with traditional wooden houses, a cheese farm and a traditional wooden clog maker. After exploring the museum you cycle through the recreational area “Twiske” back to Amsterdam. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy everything Amsterdam has to offer. If you didn’t go for a canal tour on the first day, you will have the opportunity to do so today. (32 km / 19.2 mi. or 53 km / 31.8 mi.)
Day 8: Amsterdam: end of the tour
End of your tour: Departure after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.
Prices
De Amsterdam, Saturday departures
Twin Lower Deck
Twin lower deck single use
Twin Upper Deck
Twin upper single use
Suite Upper Deck
Price per person €
Euro
Euro
Euro
Euro
Saturday 30-03-2024
799,00
1.198,50
1.049,00
1.573,50
1.349,00
Saturday 06-04-2024
799,00
1.198,50
1.049,00
1.573,50
1.349,00
Saturday 13-04-2024
999,00
1.498,50
1.249,00
1.873,50
1.549,00
Saturday 20-04-2024
999,00
1.498,50
1.249,00
1.873,50
1.549,00
Saturday 27-04-2024
1.099,00
1.848,50
1.349,00
2.023,50
1.649,00
Saturday 04-05-2024
1.199,00
1.798,50
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 11-05-2024
1.199,00
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 18-05-2024
1.199,00
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 25-05-2024
1.199,00
1.798,50
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 01-06-2024
1.199,00
1.798,50
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 08-06-2024
1.199,00
1.798,50
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 15-06-2024
1.199,00
1.798,50
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 22-06-2024
1.199,00
1.798,50
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 29-06-2024
1.199,00
1.798,50
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 03-08-2024
1.199,00
1.798,50
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 10-08-2024
1.199,00
1.798,50
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 17-08-2024
1.199,00
1.798,50
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 24-08-2024
1.199,00
1.798,50
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 31-08-2024
1.199,00
1.798,50
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 07-09-2024
1.199,00
1.798,50
1.449,00
2.173,50
1.749,00
Saturday 14-09-2024
1.099,00
1.648,50
1.349,00
2.023,50
1.649,00
Saturday 21-09-2024
1.099,00
1.648,50
1.349,00
2.023,50
1.649,00
Saturday 28-09-2024
999,00
1.498,50
1.249,00
1.873,50
1.549,00
Saturday 05-10-2024
799,00
1.198,50
1.049,00
1.573,50
1.349,00
Saturday 12-10-2024
799,00
1.198,50
1.049,00
1.573,50
1.349,00
De Holland
Twin lower
Twin or triple lower
Twin lower deck single use
Twin upper
Twin upper deck single use
Suite upper deck
Prijs per persoon €
Euro
Euro
Euro
Euro
Euro
Euro
Sunday 31-03-2024
759,00
759,00
1.138,50
1.009,00
1.513,50
1.259,00
Sunday 07-04-2024
759,00
759,00
1.138,50
1.009,00
1.513,50
1.259,00
Sunday 21-04-2024
1.069,00
1.069,00
1.603,50
1.319,00
1.978,50
1.569,00
Sunday 19-05-2024
1.169,00
1.169,00
1.753,50
1.469,00
2.203,50
1.719,00
Sunday 16-06-2024
1.169,00
1.169,00
1.753,50
1.469,00
2.203,50
1.719,00
Sunday 28-07-2024
1.169,00
1.169,00
1.753,50
1.469,00
2.203,50
1.719,00
Sunday 11-08-2024
1.169,00
1.169,00
1.753,50
1.469,00
2.203,50
1.719,00
Sunday 06-10-2024
1.169,00
1.169,00
1.753,50
1.469,00
2.203,50
1.719,00
Accommodation
De Amsterdam De Amsterdam is a very well equipped river cruise ship, built in 1991 and last refurbished in 2017. In recent years, the vessel has been operated for river cruises (4 star category) in Germany. In 2018, De Amsterdam made her first cycling cruises on the Southern Tour of Holland! The ship sails under German flag and Dutch management.
Description of the cabins: The lower deck offers space to 30 twin cabins (11 m² – 135 sq.ft.). The upper deck has 18 twin cabins (11 m² – 135 sq.ft.) and 8 spacious suites (15 m² – 200 sq.ft.). All twin cabins have two separate single beds (200 x 80 cm – 78 x 31 inches), the suites have two separate beds set next to each other as a hotel style bed (200 x 160 cm – 78 x 62 inches) which, on previous request, can be arranged as two separate single beds.
All 56 cabins aboard De Amsterdam have an individual climate control system, digital TV, wardrobe, mini-safe, hair dryer, 230V and 115V sockets and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and basin.
The twin cabins have a large picture window (140 x 90 cm – 55 x 35 inches) that can be partly opened. The suites have the same amenities as the twin cabins, but are larger and – in addition – also have a desk with storage place, a minibar, a “French Balcony” (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors) instead of a window.
Description of the ship: De Amsterdam has a spacious restaurant on the lower deck. The pleasant lounge on the upper deck has large windows around, which offers you a great view of the surroundings. There is also a bar with a dance floor. 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.
Facts about the ship Length: 94.8 m (311 ft.) Width: 11 m (36 ft.) Crew: 21 Cabins: 56 Pass.: 112 (max.)
De Holland De Holland is a medium-sized cozy river cruise ship, built in 1952 and extended by 16 meters in 2012. In the winter of 2017/2018 the ship has been completely refitted: new marshalling, spacious and more luxurious cabins and a full restyle of the interior. The ship sails under Dutch flag and management and has always been very popular and appropriate for the Northern and the Southern Tours of Holland.
Description of the cabins: The lower deck has 24 twin cabins (10 m² – 108 sq.ft.). Three twin cabins in the front have two separate beds, set next to each other as a hotel style bed (200 x 160 cm – 78 x 62 inches) and an additional fold away bunk bed as optional third bed (only for children). 21 Twin cabins have two separate beds, set next to each other as a hotel style bed (200 x 160 cm – 78 x 62 inches). All lower deck cabins have a window (80 x 40 cm – 31 x 16 inches) that – for safety reasons – cannot be opened.
The upper deck offers nine identical twin cabins (10 m² – 108 sq.ft.) and one suite (13 m² – 140 sq.ft.), all with two separate beds set next to each other as a hotel style bed (200 x 160 cm – 78 x 62 inches). All upper deck cabins and the suite have a “French Balcony” (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors) instead of a regular window.
On previous request, in most cabins beds, normally set as hotel-style beds, can be arranged as two separate single beds. All 34 cabins aboard De Holland have an individual climate control system, digital TV, mini-safe, small wardrobe, hair dryer, 230V sockets and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. The suite has the same amenities as the superior twin cabins but is larger.
Description of the ship: De Holland has a large salon with large panoramic windows on the upper deck that combines the restaurant, bar and a lounge area. 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.
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
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:
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/waterbus
Transfers to/from the docking place
Parking fees
SGR Insolvency protection
Rental bicycle: € 90 per week Rental E-Bike: € 225 per week (only on request, limited number available) *Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle €10/week Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike €25/week Parking own bicycle: € 10 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking) Parking own E-Bike: € 25 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
Helmets: A helmet can be rented for € 10 per week, only on prior reservation and payment. Canal cruise Amsterdam: Ticket for a 1-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam – special price for our guests: € 16 (at the ticket desk approx.: € 19). 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. Embarking on a boat bike tour means leaving your worries behind. If you’re arriving for one of our tours by car then you can start your carefree experience immediately thanks to the CentralParking valet service. With this parking service, you can drive directly to your ship’s departure dock. Arrange a drop-off time in advance and a CentralParking valet driver will be waiting to help you with your luggage. Your valet will then drive your car to a secure garage where it will be parked under 24/7 camera surveillance. Set a pick-up time with CentralParking for your return and your car will be ready and waiting for you when the ship arrives, so you can set out on the road immediately.
* In case of theft of a properly locked bicycle, you are not liable for the loss/cost of the stolen bicycle, as long as you can present the original key of the lock as proof;
In case of a breakdown, technical failure or flat tire during your tour – but only after you have called and spoken to your tour leader – you can arrange the repair at a local bicycle shop (fietsenmaker). After presenting the receipt, repair costs will be reimbursed;
In case of damage, no cost for repair will be charged, except when this is a result of your own deliberate or neglectful acting;
When – as a result of a breakdown, technical failure or damage during your cycling tour – you cannot continue your cycling tour with this bicycle, and after you have spoken with your tour leader, you can safely store and lock the bicycle and travel to your ship by public transportation (if not available: by taxi). After arrival on board travel costs will be reimbursed;
If necessary and applicable, you can use another bicycle/e-bike for the remaining days of the tour at no extra costs.
**: These arrangements solely apply to and are valid for bicycles and E-bikes that have been rented from Boat Bike Tours. For tours, for which Boat Bike Tours is not the organizing tour operator (but the intermediary), and another partner company is the organizing tour operator, other arrangements may apply.
Please note: For safety reasons, it is not allowed to use the rental (e-) bikes for self-arranged rides in Amsterdam: in these cases, the limitation of liability does not apply.
Almost all of the rental bicycles are traditional touring bicycles (women’s models) with 7 or 8 gears, hand brakes (some with pedal brake) and pannier bags. E-bikes feature a small electric engine and battery that assist and ease your pedaling, but they do not feature autonomous propulsion. It is like having a tailwind, so it is easier, but you still have to pedal. Please note: all bicycles have normal pedals, no click pedals. So please wear ordinary sporting shoes. Changing pedals is not possible.
Prices for other rental bicycles, like children’s bikes, tandems, trailer bikes (slip streamers), children’s seats, and bike trailers are available on request. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles or E-bikes, please let us know so we can reserve a space on board for you.
Reviews
02-10-2019
...It was a Awesome time on my with your your Southern Netherlands Bike & Boat tour. My experience with the staff was a very good one, everyone was very helpful, kind, and thoughtful. I enjoyed the planned out cycle tours at my own pace, thanks to the help of the GPS and info give the night before. Also the map always was helpful too. My room was very clean and comfortable!! I highly recommend this tour to others :)...
01-07-2019
...The staff were an absolute delight and the boat was lovely...
18-08-2018
...The level of difficulty was fine, although some days we would have liked longer to see the the beautiful scenery and towns that we cycled through. This may, however, be a comment on the speed of our cycling! Overall the variety of experiences and scenery, making each day different, was well thought planned...
20-05-2017
...The scenery was amazing. We travelled through cities, villages, farmland and sea Shores. Our tour guide Marje was outstanding. She was very knowledgeable and helpful...
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Dutch Bike Tours uses cookies to manage the website, to show you personalized content and to manage business goals. Below you can find more information on how we use cookies. You can accept all cookies, select them individually or reject them all. To learn more about our cookie policy, you can visit the dedicated page at any time.