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Overview
Welcome to springtime in Holland! The fields are alive with the sights and smells of brightly colored flowers featuring brilliant tulips as well as daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses.
You will bike (and boat) in North Holland where the bulbs are grown, and also visit the Keukenhof, south of Amsterdam, "the garden of the world."
Your tour also includes an excursion to one of the many flower auctions in Aalsmeer. You will walk over a specially designed gallery, enjoy the gorgeous flowers, and experience the hustle and bustle of the auction, where the world price for flowers and plants are set daily.
Highlights
- Cycling through the bulb fields
- Keukenhof, the best day out among the flowers!
- Windmills at Zaanse Schans
- City of Amsterdam
Be sure to check out all of our Bike & Barge tours in Holland & our Tripsite tulip tour guide.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam. Embarkation between 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm near Central Station. Cruising to Spaarndam and cycling to Haarlem, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 2: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Leiden, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Leiden - Kudelstaart, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Visit to flower auction. Cruising to Amsterdam. Cycling to Wormerveer via Zaanse Schans, 25 mi. (41 km)
Day 5: Wormerveer - Alkmaar, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 6: Alkmaar - Purmerend, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Purmerend - Amsterdam, 13 or 22 mi. (20 or 35 km)
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam*All distances are approximate. The above-planned itinerary is subject to change, even at very short notice, due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam. Embarkation between 12:30 and 1:30 pm near Central Station. Cruising to Spaarndam and cycling to Haarlem, 9 mi. (15 km)
After arrival on board the barge, you can put your luggage away in your cabin and then enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. It is also a good moment to become acquainted with the guide, skipper and crew, and of course your fellow passengers. Please be prompt as the barge sets off for Spaarndam, also known as the village of Hansje Brinker. From here, take an easy ride into the city of Haarlem. This is a lively city with good shopping possibilities. At the same time, there are many interesting 17th-century sights here. Back on board, after the bike ride, the program for the next day and the rest of the week will be explained to you at dinner time. After dinner, which will be the case on most evenings, the tour guide will take you on a walk around the city.Day 2: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Leiden, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today's tour will take you through the oldest tulip fields in Holland, including a visit to the world-renowned Keukenhof bulb park where you can marvel at the magnificent display of seven million tulips amidst 80 acres of traditional and modern gardening architecture. Your tour includes tickets to the park. In addition to tulips, you can also admire other colorful flowers such as hyacinths and narcissuses. Before and after your visit to Keukenhof, you will ride through endless fields of vibrant flowers, making for a truly spectacular sight. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the historic city of Leiden, famous for its charming courtyards, facades, and historic buildings dating back to the 15th and 18th centuries. Leiden is the birthplace of the renowned painter Rembrandt van Rijn and is also home to the oldest and most prestigious university in the Netherlands, which has been attended by members of the royal family. The city earned the right to found a university after successfully breaking the Spanish siege in 1574, a victory that is still celebrated each year on October 3rd. Your ship will be moored near the Zijlpoort, which was once part of the city walls.Day 3: Leiden - Kudelstaart, 28 mi. (45 km)
As you depart from Leiden, your tour will take you around the Haarlemmermeer area, a flat and lush landscape dotted with windmills on the horizon. You may stop for lunch on the other side of the bridge in Leimuiderbrug. It's worth noting that this area was once home to the largest lake in Holland and was nicknamed "the waterwolf". Your cycling route will lead you through the green heart of Holland, an idyllic region characterized by small cycle paths, traditional black and white cows, and a considerable amount of water, despite the efforts of Mr. Leeghwater. Your final destination for today's tour is the charming town of Kudelstaart, which is nestled along the banks of the Westeinderplassen.Day 4: Cruising to Amsterdam. Cycling to Zaanse Schans - Wormerveer, 28 mi. (45 km)
As you enjoy breakfast on board, the barge will sail towards Amsterdam. Once you reach the area between Schiphol airport and the city, you'll disembark to continue your tour by bike along the picturesque Amstel River, which will lead you directly into the heart of Amsterdam. You'll hop on a ferry (be sure to look to the left and admire the whale tail-shaped building of the Eye Filmmuseum) to cross the IJ River to the other side, leaving the bustling city behind you as you continue your journey through lush green polders towards the world-famous hamlet of Zaanse Schans. This unique and charming place is home to original houses and windmills from the river Zaan area, where people live and work. Your barge will be moored in Wormerveer, providing a comfortable and convenient place to rest after a day of exploring.Day 5: Wormerveer - Alkmaar, 28 mi. (45 km)
Starting from Wormerveer, you'll embark on a cycling adventure through the Netherlands' most beautiful dunes. If the weather is pleasant, you might want to take a refreshing swim in the North Sea during your lunch break at the beach. As you ride along the edge between the dunes and the lush green meadows, you'll discover an abundance of flower fields that are even more magnificent than the ones around the Keukenhof, yet far less crowded. Your destination for the day is the charming cheese town of Alkmaar, which boasts a lively atmosphere and a variety of small and large shops. With nearly 400 heritage sites, canals, and a bustling harbor, the town is an ideal place to explore on an evening walk with your tour guide, followed by a relaxing drink at one of the many outdoor terraces.Day 6: Alkmaar - Purmerend, 25 mi. (41 km)
Today you can discover the origins of Beemster cheese and the birthplace of the man who defeated ‘the waterwolf’. The Beemster Polder, dating from the early 17th century, is an exceptional example of reclaimed land in the Netherlands. It has preserved intact its well-ordered landscape of fields, roads, canals, dikes, and settlements, laid out in accordance with classical and Renaissance planning principles. These unique features earned Beemster a UNESCO world heritage listing.
Around the Schermer and Beemster older, a lot of the original windmills used for pumping out the water are preserved. There will be time to visit the windmills and museum at Schermerhorn and walk around the iconic village de Rijp to see the house where Mr. Leeghwater was born. The day ends at the former market town Purmerend.Day 7: Purmerend - Amsterdam, 13 or 22 mi. (20 or 35 km)
Purmerend is situated on the outskirts of an area known as ‘Waterland’, where roads and waterways coexist at the same level. The longer and more captivating route leads to the towns of Edam, Volendam, and Monnickendam. If you have enough time, you can even cross the Gouwzee Lake to explore the charming fishing village of Marken, with its distinctive wooden houses. Alternatively, the shorter route takes you through Llpendam and Watergang. There is an extensive network of bicycle paths available for an easy return journey to the city, taking you through some remarkable sites in the center. Once you're back in town, it's time to bid farewell to your bike. Before the farewell dinner, you may want to take a stroll around town. In the evening, you can opt for a canal trip or a guided walking tour through the city center.Upon reaching Amsterdam, you can reflect on the experience of cycling for seven days through a diverse range of typical Dutch landscapes, towns, and numerous highlights.
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
Disembarkation by 10 am.The Clair de Lune will sail the itinerary in the reverse order to avoid crowding along the route and at mooring locations.
Don't forget that we offer many tours & trips including hiking, multi-adventure, active cruising, & more!
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Map
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Boats & Bikes
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Clair de Lune
Standard Class Boat
Touring BicycleElectric Bicycle (E-Bike)![]()
Oxford Touring Bicycle … • 24 speeds … • Handbrakes … • Step-through frame: for passengers from 4'11 to 5'10 / 150 cm - 178 cm … • Men's frame: for passengers from 4'11 to 6'8 / 150 cm - 203 cm … •… Read MoreChildren’s accessories![]()
Freebike … • 7 speeds … • Handbrakes … • With integrated battery … • For passengers from 5'1 to 6'6 / 155 cm - 198 cm … Accessories … • Pannier bag … • Bike helmet … • Bike lock … • Water bottle … Read MoreYouth bikes, tag-along bikes, trailers, and child seats are available for rental. We will provide a price quote to you as well as the child discount applicable. Read MoreOriginally built in 1936 as a freight ship in Belgium, like many of the vessels now used for biking and boating, this vessel was renovated and equipped for a new bike and boat adventure in and around Paris, launching in the spring of 2015. Read More
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Elisabeth van Aemstel
Comfort Class Barge
City Touring BicycleElectric Bicycle (E-Bike)![]()
Velo de Ville City 100 … • Aluminum step-through frame … • Adjustable stem … • Shimano Nexus 7-speed … • Schwalbe Marathon tires … • Roller brakes … • Comfort saddle … • 28" Wheels … • Flat pedals … Read More![]()
Velo de Ville CEB 200 … • Aluminum step-through frame … • Bosch Active Line Mid-Engine … • Adjustable stem … • Front suspension … • Nexus 7 speed … • Hydraulic brakes … • Comfort saddle … • 28… Read MoreIn 1998, the Elisabeth van Aemstel (formerly the Allure) took to the water as a cruise vessel, but after undergoing a rejuvenating restyle, was transformed into a welcoming and cozy passenger barge boasting sleek lines and contemporary design. Since then, the it has become a staple for boat and bike tours across the picturesque regions of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Read More
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Floor van Aemstel
Comfort Class Barge
Touring BicycleElectric Bicycle (E-Bike)![]()
Velo de Ville bikes (unisex frames) • Aluminum frame … • Upright handlebar … • Selle Royal saddle … • 7-speed (Shimano) • Flat pedal … • Shimano coaster brakes (backpedal & hand) or freewheel hub… Read More![]()
E-Bike (Pedelec) Velo de Ville bikes (unisex frames) • Upright handlebar … • Selle Royal saddle … • Flat pedal … • 8-speed … • Bosch mid-drive motors … • 500 Wh Bosch detachable rechargeable… Read MoreThe Floor van Aemstel is a distinctive motor passenger barge that blends proven craftsmanship with modern comfort. Launched in 1998 and extensively renovated in 2016, her stylish cabins offer a fresh, welcoming retreat on the water. Read More
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Breakfasts, packed lunches, & 3-course dinners
- Coffee & tea on board
- Fully guided cycling itinerary
- Minimum 3 city walks with the tour guide
- Roadbook (1 per cabin)
- Entrance fee for the Keukenhof
- Ferry fares on the route
- Free WiFi is available (up to 100 MB) in the lounge & on the deck. (Surcharge for more MB)
- GPS tracks on request (maps are not available, they can be bought in local shops)
- 24-speed touring bicycle equipped with pannier bags, lock, water bottle, & helmet
- Bike Protection
What’s Not Included
- Beverages (incl. alcohol) (available on board)
- Surcharge for gluten-free, & celiac diets (see pricing)
- Museum entrance fees (approx. €25)
- Entrance to flower auction (approx. €8)
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026 Clair de Lune € 2060 Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026 Clair de Lune € 2150 Apr 23, 2026Apr 23, 2026 Clair de Lune € 2060 Apr 23, 2026Apr 23, 2026 Clair de Lune € 2150 Apr 1, 2027Apr 1, 2027 Clair de Lune € 1475 Book Apr 1, 2027Apr 1, 2027 Clair de Lune € 1535 Book Apr 1, 2027Apr 1, 2027 Elisabeth van Aemstel € 1475 Book Apr 1, 2027Apr 1, 2027 Elisabeth van Aemstel € 2145 Book Apr 1, 2027Apr 1, 2027 Elisabeth van Aemstel € 2110 Book Apr 1, 2027Apr 1, 2027 Elisabeth van Aemstel € 3055 Book Apr 8, 2027Apr 8, 2027 Clair de Lune € 2110 Book Apr 8, 2027Apr 8, 2027 Clair de Lune € 2205 Book Apr 15, 2027Apr 15, 2027 Clair de Lune € 2110 Book Apr 15, 2027Apr 15, 2027 Clair de Lune € 2205 Book Apr 22, 2027Apr 22, 2027 Clair de Lune € 2110 Book Apr 22, 2027Apr 22, 2027 Clair de Lune € 2205 Book Pricing details and extra options
- Clair de Lune2026 departures: Apr 16, 23
2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Double cabin € 2060 Twin cabin, split-level beds € 2060 Single occupancy Price Single cabin € 2150 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Youth bike from 9 yr old, 3'9 ½" to 5'1"On request Tag along bike 5-8 yrs old, up to 77 lbs/35 kiloOn request Child bike seats 1-4 yrs old, 55 lbs/25 kilosOn request Child trailers On request - Elisabeth van Aemstel
Double occupancy Twin cabin € 2140 Double cabin double beds, limited availability€ 2140 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin for single-use € 3090 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Youth bike from 9 yr old, 3'9 ½" to 5'1"On request Tag along bike 5-8 yrs old, up to 77 lbs/35 kiloOn request Child bike seats 1-4 yrs old, 55 lbs/25 kilosOn request Child trailers On request - Floor van Aemstel
Double occupancy Twin cabin € 2140 Superior twin € 2405 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin for single-use On request Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Youth bike from 9 yr old, 3'9 ½" to 5'1"On request Tag along bike 5-8 yrs old, up to 77 lbs/35 kiloOn request Child bike seats 1-4 yrs old, 55 lbs/25 kilosOn request Child trailers On request
Season A
- Clair de Lune 2027 Apr 1 from € 14752027 departures: Apr 1
2027 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Double cabin € 1475 Twin cabin, split-level beds € 1475 Single occupancy Price Twin/double cabin for single-use € 2120 Single cabin € 1535 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Youth bike from 9 yr old, 3'9 ½" to 5'1"On request Tag along bike 5-8 yrs old, up to 77 lbs/35 kiloOn request Child bike seats 1-4 yrs old, 55 lbs/25 kilosOn request Child trailers On request - Elisabeth van Aemstel 2027 Apr 1 from € 14752027 departures: Apr 1
2027 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin € 1475 Double cabin double beds, limited availability€ 1475 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin for single-use € 2145 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Youth bike from 9 yr old, 3'9 ½" to 5'1"On request Tag along bike 5-8 yrs old, up to 77 lbs/35 kiloOn request Child bike seats 1-4 yrs old, 55 lbs/25 kilosOn request Child trailers On request
Season B
- Clair de Lune 2027 Apr 8, 15, 22 from € 21102027 departures: Apr 8, 15, 22
2027 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Double cabin € 2110 Twin cabin, split-level beds € 2110 Single occupancy Price Twin/double cabin for single-use € 3055 Single cabin € 2205 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Youth bike from 9 yr old, 3'9 ½" to 5'1"On request Tag along bike 5-8 yrs old, up to 77 lbs/35 kiloOn request Child bike seats 1-4 yrs old, 55 lbs/25 kilosOn request Child trailers On request - Elisabeth van Aemstel 2027 Apr 1 from € 21102027 departures: Apr 1
2027 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin € 2110 Double cabin double beds, limited availability€ 2110 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin for single-use € 3055 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Youth bike from 9 yr old, 3'9 ½" to 5'1"On request Tag along bike 5-8 yrs old, up to 77 lbs/35 kiloOn request Child bike seats 1-4 yrs old, 55 lbs/25 kilosOn request Child trailers On request
Extra Options
- Extra Options
Extra options Dietary requests (ex: gluten free or dairy free) must be reserved in advance.€ 100
Please note that the tour prices are based on the current fuel price. Should the fuel price increase more than 5% (reference date March , 2026), a supplement will be required (even for confirmed reservations).Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Clair de Lune
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an average daily distances range from 9 to 28 miles (15 or 45 km).
Airport Info
Fly to Amsterdam International Schiphol International Airport
Local Travel
There is a direct train that leaves 6 times per hour from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station. It takes about 16 minutes. The price for a train ticket Schiphol-Amsterdam Central is € 4,20 per person for a single journey. The barge will be moored at the Oosterdock. Walking distance to the barge is about 10 to 15 minutes. A taxi from the airport to the barge in Amsterdam takes about 30 minutes and costs approximately € 45. If you wish to take a taxi from the central train station to the barge it will only take about 5 minutes and will cost approximately €10.
Climate
Tulip season in Holland extends from the end of March to the beginning of May but is dependent on temperatures and the weather. We cannot predict the weather (we wish we could) so we cannot predict when the peak season will be! Please check local conditions prior to arrival. Holland is near or below sea level and experiences a Maritime climate influenced by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and has the perfect climate and soil for the Tulips. The Dutch have a saying “April doet wat hij wil”. It means that April does whatever it wishes to do. Keep this in mind as you pack for your cycling holiday. Though cooler in April, the sun does shine on average 177 hours. Don’t forget your layers and your rain gear!
Day of Rest
Any day can be designated as a day of rest by remaining on board and taking in the scenery from the deck of the boat.
Recommended
Amsterdam City Card
Amsterdam Museum CardRemarks
Tulip season in Holland extends from the end of March to the middle of May but is dependent on temperatures and the weather.
Important to know
Travel Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have proper identification and documents. For US citizens, the U.S. Passports & International Travel website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
If you would like to book extra days in Amsterdam to see all this vibrant city as to offer, we advise Booking.com for researching and reserving your extra nights. You can read a detailed description of the hotels offered including a clear listing of amenities, but more importantly, you can view customer reviews and ratings.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Cycletours.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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Photos
![Dew on multi-colored tulips, Netherlands. Unsplash:Anatol Rurac]()
![Super Tulip Bike & Boat Tour in Holland]()
![Super Tulip Bike & Boat Tour in Holland]()
![Super Tulip Bike & Boat Tour in Holland]()
![Cheese market in Alkmaar, the Netherlands. Flickr:Javier Lastras]()
![Super Tulip Bike & Boat Tour in Holland]()
![Leiden, South Holland, the Netherlands. CC:Norbert Reimer]()
![Haarlem, North Holland, the Netherlands.]()
![Super Tulip Bike & Boat Tour in Holland]()
![Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:syuqoraizzat]()
![Spaarne River through Haarlem, North Holland, the Netherlands.]()
![Working windmill at the Zaanse Schans, also home of the great Open Air Museum in Zaandam, North Holland. Flickr:Peter Visser]()
![Volendam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Jose A.]()
![Famous church in Haarlem, North Holland, the Netherlands. Unsplash:Hamid Bagheri]()
![Purple tulips, of course. Flickr:C_osett]()
![Haarlem, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:David Baron]()
![Bike path outside Amsterdam in province North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Francesca Cappa]()
![Architecture in Haarlem, North Holland, the Netherlands. Unsplash:Alex Dudar]()
![Zaanse Schans, Zaandam, the Netherlands. Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![Leiden, South Holland, the Netherlands. Unsplash:Frederic Paulussen]()
![Flowers for sale in Leiden, South Holland, the Netherlands. Unsplash:Lisa Anton]()
![Super Tulip Bike & Boat Tour in Holland]()
![Volendam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Jose A.]()
![Windmills and tulips are Holland's trademarks! Flickr:Matheus Swanson]()
![Super Tulip Bike & Boat Tour in Holland]()
![Leiden, South Holland, the Netherlands. CC:Ben Bender]()
Tripsite Traveler Photos
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Reviews
Reviews 1 to 20 of 29
Cyndie K.
1 week agoVerified Reviewer
Catherine S.
2 weeks agoVerified Reviewer
Michaela d.
3 weeks agoVerified Reviewer
Antoine D.
3 weeks agoVerified Reviewer
ROBERTO K.
4 weeks agoVerified Reviewer
Silvia Z.
4 weeks agoVerified Reviewer
Andrew M.
4 weeks agoVerified Reviewer
Michelle S.
May 13, 2025Verified Reviewer
Mitch H.
May 13, 2025Verified Reviewer
The trip was great. The boat - the last time to be used for this trip - was nice except no A/C. The crew were so friendly - the food was good especially the last night's dinner. The bike guide was such a nice guy, very experienced but he did to provide good safety briefings or information about each day's activities. There was a lot of down time and he spent time sitting in cafes instead of showing us the small villages and towns.
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Carla Tripsite Staff May 16, 2025
Hi Mitch -
Thank you for your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that the AC was not working for 2 days. We hope this did not hinder too much on the overall enjoyment of your trip!
Helen B.
May 31, 2024Verified Reviewer
Joy E K.
May 21, 2024Verified Reviewer
JOYCE D.
April 25, 2024Verified Reviewer
Debra M.
April 22, 2024Verified Reviewer
Carl V.
April 15, 2024Verified Reviewer
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Tripsite Customer Reviews
Catherine S.
2 weeks ago
Verified Reviewer
Antoine D.
3 weeks ago
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