Experience Holland in the best possible way: a gorgeous spring short break dominated by flowers. This 5-day mini-cruise plows through the most beautiful season of the year and will take you to gorgeous areas such in “the Garden of Amsterdam”. Enjoy some unforgettable days on board of a passenger barge with excellent service and an alternating itinerary.
Amsterdam is also called, by some, the smallest metropolis of Europe. There are many unique museums, enticing shopping and, recently added to the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage list, the canals in the heart of Amsterdam certainly make a visit to Amsterdam a highlight. Visit the famous flower market in the center of the capital and discover the Zaanse Schans open air museum including windmills, a traditional cheese maker, a clog maker and an authentic traditional Dutch village. Other highlights of this trip are the historic city of Haarlem, the world famous flower park Keukenhof, near Lisse and the largest flower auction in the world in Aalsmeer (closed during weekends and public holidays)
In collaboration with: Boat Bike Tours.
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. Fully Guided Accompanied by a competent, professional and multilingual tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting sights and places on the daily cycling tours. During the bike tour, they will explain the local history and culture behind the things you encounter along the way. You can also choose to ride individually with the help of the Ride with GPS app and our BBT cycling map (available on board).
Good to know
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 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.
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.
Day 3: Haarlem – Keukenhof – Oude Wetering
39 km
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.
Day 4: Oude Wetering – Amsterdam | Amsterdam
28 km
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..
Day 5: Amsterdam
Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.: End of your trip.
Prices
MS FLUVIUS
Twin Upper Deck
Twin Lower Deck
Single Lower Deck
Double Upper Deck
Small twin Lower deck single use
Price per person €
Euro
Euro
Euro
Euro
Friday 05-04-2024
939,00
819,00
1.059,00
Tuesday 09-04-2024
939,00
819,00
1.059,00
1.228,50
MS MAGNIFIQUE II
Twin Lower Deck
Single Lower Deck
Twin or Triple Lower Deck
Premium twin Cabin
Suite upper Deck
Suite upper Deck - triple
Twin lower deck single use
Price per person €
Euro
Euro
Euro
Euro
Euro
Euro
Saturday 06-04-2024
1.059,00
1.059,00
1.209,00
1.459,00
1.459,00
1.588,50
Wednesday 10-04-2024
1.059,00
1.059,00
1.209,00
1.459,00
1.459,00
1.588,50
Sunday 14-04-2024
1.059,00
1.059,00
1.209,00
1.459,00
1.588,50
MS MAGNIFIQUE III
Twin Lower Deck
Single Lower Deck
Twin or Triple Lower Deck
Premium twin Cabin
Suite upper Deck
Suite upper Deck - triple
Twin lower deck single use
Price per person €
Euro
Euro
Euro
Euro
Euro
Euro
Saturday 30-03-2024
899,00
1.159,00
899,00
1.299,00
1.299,00
Wednesday 03-04-2024
899,00
1.159,00
899,00
1.299,00
1.299,00
Sunday 07-04-2024
1.059,00
Thursday 11-04-2024
1.059,00
MS MAGNIFIQUE IV
Twin Lower Deck
Single Main Deck
Suite Upper Deck
Twin lower deck single use
Price per person €
Euro
Euro
Euro
Monday 01-04-2024
899,00
1.299,00
1.348,50
Friday 05-04-2024
1.299,00
Tuesday 09-04-2024
1.059,00
Accommodation
MS Fluvius For many years the river cruiser Fluvius has been a popular choice. On board of this charming ship, which caters for a maximum of 44 guests, there are 18 twins and 4 double cabins: 14 regular and 1 smaller twin on the lower deck, and 3 twins and 4 double cabins on the upper deck. All of these are equipped with the necessary facilities: beds, bathroom, air conditioning and a cabinet for your belongings. Have drink in the salon on the upper deck and enjoy your meal in the restaurant area. Or take a seat on the large sun deck if the weather allows it.
Description of the cabins: The Fluvius has eighteen twin cabins and four double cabins. On the upper deck, there are three standard twin cabins (11 m² – 118 sq.ft. ) with two separate single beds and four double cabins (12 m² – 129 sq.ft. ) with a double bed (160 x 200 cm) and a large panoramic window. On the lower deck you will find fourteen standard twin cabins (11 m² – 118 sq.ft.) and one smaller twin cabin (10 m² – 108 sq.ft.), all of which have two separate single beds. On prior request, a child’s cot can be placed in two of the standard twin cabins.
Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. All twin cabins have a fixed window, the panoramic window in the double cabins can be opened. Each cabin has an individually adjustable air-conditioning unit, a ventilation system, a flatscreen TV and a hair dryer.
Description of the ship: The Fluvius has a large lounge (air-conditioned) with TV, bar and a semi-separate restaurant area. Wi-Fi is available. The barge also has a large sun deck with sitting places (tables and chairs) and a storage room for the bikes. While cruising, you can enjoy the scenery from here.
Facts about the ship Length:69,9 m (229 ft.) Width: 5,6 m (18 ft.) Crew: 7 Cabins: 22 Pass: 44 (max.)
Magnifique II The premium ship Magnifique II was constructed in 2015/2016. The proud owner, Walter van Berkum, is one of the most experienced ship builders and operators of the fleet: he converted several former cargo ships into beautiful passenger ships. By constructing the Magnifique II, Walter was the first one to introduce “upper deck suites” for smaller passenger barges. The Magnifique II has set new standards for comfort for bike and barge tours. The vessel sails under Dutch flag and management and is a very popular ship on several tours in The Netherlands and Belgium.
Description of the cabins: The upper deck has four spacious suites (14 m² – 151 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds, a small sitting area and large panoramic windows, of which the middle part can be opened. The lower deck has thirteen cabins: one premium twin cabin (13 m² – 140 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds and a small sitting area and twelve beautiful twin cabins (11 m² – 118 sq.ft.) with 2 separate single beds. In most cabins, on prior request, the beds can be set together as a double bed. On request, an extra bed is available in two twin cabins and one upper deck suite for children up to age 16 (above one of the other beds). All cabins have en-suite facilities with a shower, toilet and sink. The cabins on the lower deck have portholes (fixed for safety reasons), upper deck suites have 2 m / 6.6 ft. wide windows (which can be partly opened) and the air conditioning in all cabins can be individually regulated. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a flat screen satellite TV, a mini safe and a hair dryer.
Description of the ship: The upper deck has a large, tastefully furnished and spacious salon with air conditioning, a restaurant area, a beautiful bar and a lounge area with cozy sitting area, a wide screen TV and large panoramic windows. Wi-Fi is available. The Magnifique II has a beautiful, partly covered teak wooden sun deck with chairs and tables on the aft deck and a cycle storage on the front deck. On the top deck, the barge has a whirlpool/Jacuzzi and some deckchairs to relax while you enjoy the scenery when cruising. In winter ’23/’24, the restaurant and lounge area of the ship will get a makeover with new flooring, furniture and decoration.
Facts about the ship: Length: 63 m (207 ft.) Width: 7.2 m (24 ft.) Crew: 5 Cabins: 17 Pass: 37 (max.)
Magnique III Our premium ship Magnifique III was launched in 2018. The proud owner, Walter van Berkum, one of the most experienced ship builders and operators of the fleet, already converted several former cargo ships into beautiful passenger barges. The Magnifique III meets the highest standards for comfort for bike and barge tours. The vessel sails under Dutch flag and management on several tours in The Netherlands and Belgium.
Description of the cabins: The upper deck has five spacious suites (16 m² – 172 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds, a small sitting area and a “French Balcony”: ceiling-to-floor sliding glass doors. The lower deck has fourteen beautiful twin cabins (12 m² – 129 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds and two single cabins (approx. 7 – 9 m² / 75.3 – 97 sq.ft.). In most cabins and all suites, on prior request, the beds can be set together as a double bed. On request, an additional third bed is available in one of the suites and one of the twin cabins for children up to age 16 (Pullman bed, above one of the other beds). All cabins have en-suite facilities with a shower, toilet and basin. The cabins on the lower deck have portholes (fixed for safety reasons), upper deck suites have sliding glass doors that can be partly opened. The air conditioning in all cabins can be individually regulated. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a flat screen satellite TV, a mini safe and a hair dryer.
Description of the ship: The upper deck has a large, tastefully furnished salon with a restaurant area, a nice bar and a lounge area with cozy sitting corners, a wide screen TV and large panoramic windows. There are also two TV screens (a camera and a navigation system) to see the real-time movement and position of the barge. Wi-Fi is available. Large glass doors open to the beautiful partially roofed teak wood sundeck with chairs and tables on the aft deck. There is a cycle deck on the front deck. On the top deck, the barge has a whirlpool/Jacuzzi and some deckchairs to relax and enjoy the scenery while cruising.
Facts about the ship: Length: 67 m (220 ft.) Width: 7,2 m (23.6 ft.) Crew: 5 Cabins: 21 Pass.: 40 (max.)
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:
5 days/4 nights
4 x breakfast
Packed lunches
4 x 3-course dinner
Coffee and tea on board
Welcome drink
Use of bed linen and towels
Daily cleaning of the cabin
Climate-controlled cabin
Daily briefings
Fully guided cycling tours
Some short walking tours
Fees for ferries
BBT cycling map (1 set per cabin)
GPS tracks
Use of a waterproof pannier bag
Biodegradable water bottle
Wi-Fi
Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
Excluded in this tour:
Drinks
Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
Helmet rental
Personal insurances
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Entrance fees and excursions
Transfers to/from the docking place
Parking fees
SGR Insolvency protection
Fluvius:
Rental bicycle: € 60 per tour (optional)
Rental E-Bike: € 125 per tour (only a limited number of electrical bikes available: pref. reservation by booking)
Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle € 10/tour (only bookable in advance)
Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike € 25/tour (only bookable in advance)
Please click on this link for more information
Parking own bicycle: € 7 per tour (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
Parking + charge station own E-Bike: € 17 per tour (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
Please click on this link for more information about the rental and own bicycles/E-bikes
Helmets: € 10 per tour (only on prior reservation and payment). In the Netherlands bikers are not obligated by law to wear a bike helmet.
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.
Premium ships:
Rental bicycle Premium: € 70 per tour (optional) Rental E-Bike Premium: € 145 per tour (optional, only a limited number of electrical bikes available: pref. reservation by booking) Parking own bicycle: € 8 per tour (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking) Parking + charge station own E-Bike: € 19 per tour (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
The fee for parking your own bicycle is €10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is €25 to cover parking and charging the battery. For safety reasons it is not always possible to charge your e-bike batteries in your cabin. The crew will tell you where you can charge the battery on board the ship. Neither the crew nor Boat Bike tours is responsible in any way for any damage, loss or theft of a guest’s own bike or e-bike or its accessories. Note: not all the ships are suitable or have enough room for extra bikes, so make sure you check with us well ahead of travel.
It is possible to purchase an optional limitation of liability for damage and loss of your rented bicycle or e-bike: Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle € 10/tour Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike € 25/tour
This package includes:
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. However, the crew or tour operator is in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles.
Boarding 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.
Reviews
02-04-2017
...Overall it was a wonderful experience, hotels good and luggage transfer excellent...
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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.