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Overview
We offer many Bike and Boat Tulip Tours, but this tour, a Bike and Sail experience, was just too unique to pass up.
As you sail across the Wadden Sea and Lake IJsselmeer, you will enjoy comfort and camaraderie on a beautiful, authentic sailing ship. You cycle a polder landscape crisscrossed with many quiet cycle tracks, showcasing the beauty and expanse of the North Sea beaches, the extremely bicycle-friendly Island of Texel, the small dreamlike farm villages, and romantic, picturesque harbor towns.
Not only will you visit the famous Keukenhof gardens, known for its hundreds of thousands of blooming tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other bulb flowers, but you will also bike through the lesser-known, and therefore less touristy, areas.
The North-Holland Dune reserve, wedged between the North Sea and the IJsselmeer, boasts the world’s single biggest flowering bulb field.
If you want a tour that is not your typical bike and boat experience, we invite you aboard for a tulip tour as unique as you are.
Highlights
- Amsterdam
- Incredible Dutch cycling infrastructure
- The province of North Holland, rich in agriculture and bulb fields
- Beauty and expanse of the North Sea beaches
- The island of Texel and its bike-friendly environment
- Quaint villages
- Romantic, picturesque harbor towns
- Lake IJsselmeer
- Full-day bus excursion to the famous Keukenhof gardens
- Authentic sailing experience
If this Tulip Tour is not quite your thing, we have other Tulip Tours. If you cannot travel in the Spring, we have many bike & boat tours in Holland throughout the year!
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Itinerary
All distances are approximate. This sailing itinerary is subject to change due to weather or other navigational circumstances. Please see Remarks for more details regarding this sailing experience. All parts in Italics are covered on board the ship.
Day 1: Amsterdam – Volendam
Day 2: Volendam – Hoorn, 14.4 mi. (24 km) | Hoorn – Enkhuizen
Day 3: Enkhuizen – Oudeschild | Sailing day
Day 4: Oudeschild – Den Helder | Wadden island of Texel, 26 or 29 mi. (43 or 48 km)
Day 5: Den Helder - St. Maartensvlothbrug | St. Maartensvlotbrug - Alkmaar, 19 or 32 mi. (32 or 53 km)
Day 6: Alkmaar – Keukenhof - Alkmaar | Full day bus excursion
Day 7: Alkmaar - Zaanse Schans, 20 or 26 mi. (33 or 43km)
Day 8: Zaanse SchansDay 1: Amsterdam – Volendam
You will be welcomed on board between 1 pm and 2 pm. You can bring your luggage on board at 11 am, but the cabins will not yet be ready for check-in. At 2.30 p.m., the ship navigates to Volendam. Your tour leader will take this opportunity to inform the group about life onboard, the cycling itinerary, and the safety procedures. Volendam is a lovely fishing village with a scenic promenade lined with quaint shops. Upon arrival, you will have the option to take a short test ride. After enjoying a delicious dinner on board, the tour leader will take you on a walk through Volendam, a small and picturesque fishing harbor on the shores of Lake IJsselmeer.Day 2: Volendam – Hoorn, 14.4 mi. (24 km) | Hoorn – Enkhuizen
Your cycling itinerary will lead to Hoorn, the former Dutch East India Company town, which was, in the 17th century, one of the world’s foremost harbors. Along the way, you will pass Edam, which is known for its famous Edam cheese. Once an industrious shipyard and port in the 17th century, provided the port's outlet to make Edam one of the most popular cheeses in the world. Sailors took wheels of Edam on their voyages – the cheese doesn’t spoil easily and could be traded for spices and other riches of the East. Later in the afternoon, you will join the ship for an afternoon sail to Enkhuizen, an old city with many centuries of maritime tradition. “The herring city” boasts a beautiful old harbor and an old town full of history.Day 3: Enkhuizen – Oudeschild | Sailing day
This day is devoted entirely to sailing. You will even have the opportunity to participate in the actual navigation of the ship as you sail to the harbor of Oudeschild on the island of Texel. Previous sailing experience is not necessary. Of course, you are also very welcome to just relax and enjoy the sailing and scenery as you progress along the IJsselmeer. While sailing you will enjoy an extensive lunch on board. Texel is the largest of the Dutch Wadden Isles. No dinner will be served tonight, to enable you to explore the harbor. You can make yourself a picnic meal or try one of the nice restaurants in Oudeschild.Day 4: Wadden island of Texel | Oudeschild – Den Helder, 26 or 29 mi. (43 or 48 km)
On this day, you have the freedom to choose your cycling adventure. You could opt for a shorter route or take a longer tour around the island of Texel. Either way, you'll experience the beauty of natural parks and ride through fields of blooming flowers. The journey will take you through picturesque villages and breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, you could even make a stop at the Ecomare seal sanctuary.As you reach the end of your cycling tour, you can treat yourself to a locally-brewed beer. You deserve it after a day of cycling! Head to the small brewery near Oudeschild for a refreshing beverage. Finally, late in the afternoon, the ship will transport you back to the mainland. You'll arrive at the port of Den Helder, feeling rejuvenated and fulfilled after a day of exploration.
Day 5: Den Helder-St. Maartensvlotbrug | St. Maartensvlotbrug – Alkmaar, 19 or 32 mi. (32 or 53 km)
As you embark on your bike tour, the initial leg will take you through the northern region of North Holland province. This area, sandwiched between the IJsselmeer and North Sea, is home to the world's largest flowering bulb field - a truly spectacular sight! But the natural wonders don't stop there. As you venture closer to Alkmaar, you'll encounter some of the most beautiful tulip fields in the country. Upon reaching the North Sea, take some time to stroll along the stunning sandy beach with lovely views. Just a stone's throw away lies the charming artist's village of Bergen. This picturesque location is definitely worth a visit. At the end of your bike ride, the ship awaits you in the historic city center of Alkmaar, renowned for its delicious Dutch cheese. The old town area boasts narrow, winding canals and stunning, well-preserved 17th-century architecture that will leave you in awe.Day 6: Alkmaar – Keukenhof - Alkmaar | Full day bus excursionz
Experience the beauty of Holland's oldest tulip fields on an enchanting bus ride today, as you make your way to the world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens. Once you arrive, you'll have ample time to explore the most beautiful bulb park in existence. Keukenhof is renowned for being the quintessential location where spring comes to life. You will witness a breathtaking display of colors, with an astonishing seven million flowering tulips spread across an impressive 80-acre setting of traditional and modern gardening architecture. Different varieties of hyacinths, daffodils, tulips and other vibrant flowers are on display. You'll be awestruck by the magnificence of the park's flora. As the afternoon draws to a close, the bus will transport you back to Alkmaar. You'll have plenty of time to reflect on the beauty and grandeur of the Keukenhof Gardens, with memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.Day 7: Alkmaar - Zaanse Schans, 20 or 26 mi. (33 or 43 km)
You start your day with a refreshing bike ride to the beautiful towns of Egmond and Limmen with yet more opportunity to marvel at the colorful tulip fields. You will visit the Hortus Bulborum, a unique garden museum that's devoted to preserving rare and historic bulbs. Over 4,000 tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other special flowers are planted here, making it a truly magnificent sight to behold. Next up, Zaanse Schans, a remarkable hamlet where locals live and work in original houses and windmills, all situated alongside the river Zaan. As you explore the tiny village, you'll come across an array of functioning windmills, with the oldest dating back to 1673. These structures were used for a range of activities, from grinding mustard seeds, spices, and paint components, to extracting plant oil and sawing wood into planks. Aside from the windmills, there's plenty to see in Zaanse Schans. Take a walk around the village and you'll discover a clock museum, an old-fashioned grocery store, a house with period furniture, a clog maker, and even a cheese farm. It's a unique experience that's not to be missed. Your ship will be docked here, ready to take you on the next leg of your adventure.Day 8: Zaanse Schans
Today is the official end of your tour after breakfast. Disembarkation by 9:30 am.Amsterdam to Den Helder (May 3 departure)
Day 1: Amsterdam – Volendam
Day 2: Volendam – Hoorn, 14.4 mi. (24 km) | Hoorn – Enkhuizen
Day 3: Enkhuizen – Oudeschild | Sailing day
Day 4: Oudeschild – Den Helder | Wadden island of Texel, 26 or 29 mi. (43 or 48 km)
Day 5: Den Helder - St. Maartensvlothbrug | St. Maartensvlotbrug - Alkmaar, 19 or 32 mi. (32 or 53 km)
Day 6: Alkmaar, roundtour, 20 to 25 mi. (33 to 40 km)
Day 7: Alkmaar - Keukenhof - Den Helder | Full day bus excursion
Day 8: Den HelderDay 1: Amsterdam – Volendam
You will be welcomed on board between 1 pm and 2 pm. You can bring your luggage on board at 11 am, but the cabins will not yet be ready for check-in. At 2.30 p.m., the ship navigates to Volendam. Your tour leader will take this opportunity to inform the group about life onboard, the cycling itinerary, and the safety procedures. Volendam is a lovely fishing village with a scenic promenade lined with quaint shops. Upon arrival, you will have the option to take a short test ride. After enjoying a delicious dinner on board, the tour leader will take you on a walk through Volendam, a small and picturesque fishing harbor on the shores of Lake IJsselmeer.Day 2: Volendam – Hoorn, 14.4 mi. (24 km) | Hoorn – Enkhuizen
Your cycling itinerary will lead to Hoorn, the former Dutch East India Company town, which was, in the 17th century, one of the world’s foremost harbors. Along the way, you will pass Edam, which is known for its famous Edam cheese. Once an industrious shipyard and port in the 17th century, provided the port's outlet to make Edam one of the most popular cheeses in the world. Sailors took wheels of Edam on their voyages – the cheese doesn’t spoil easily and could be traded for spices and other riches of the East. Later in the afternoon, you will join the ship for an afternoon sail to Enkhuizen, an old city with many centuries of maritime tradition. “The herring city” boasts a beautiful old harbor and an old town full of history.Day 3: Enkhuizen – Oudeschild | Sailing day
This day is devoted entirely to sailing. You will even have the opportunity to participate in the actual navigation of the ship as you sail to the harbor of Oudeschild on the island of Texel. Previous sailing experience is not necessary. Of course, you are also very welcome to just relax and enjoy the sailing and scenery as you progress along the IJsselmeer. While sailing you will enjoy an extensive lunch on board. Texel is the largest of the Dutch Wadden Isles. No dinner will be served tonight, to enable you to explore the harbor. You can make yourself a picnic meal or try one of the nice restaurants in Oudeschild.Day 4: Wadden island of Texel | Oudeschild – Den Helder, 26 or 29 mi. (43 or 48 km)
On this day, you have the freedom to choose your cycling adventure. You could opt for a shorter route or take a longer tour around the island of Texel. Either way, you'll experience the beauty of natural parks and ride through fields of blooming flowers. The journey will take you through picturesque villages and breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, you could even make a stop at the Ecomare seal sanctuary.As you reach the end of your cycling tour, you can treat yourself to a locally-brewed beer. You deserve it after a day of cycling! Head to the small brewery near Oudeschild for a refreshing beverage. Finally, late in the afternoon, the ship will transport you back to the mainland. You'll arrive at the port of Den Helder, feeling rejuvenated and fulfilled after a day of exploration.
Day 5: Den Helder-St. Maartensvlotbrug | St. Maartensvlotbrug – Alkmaar, 19 or 32 mi. (32 or 53 km)
As you embark on your bike tour, the initial leg will take you through the northern region of North Holland province. This area, sandwiched between the IJsselmeer and North Sea, is home to the world's largest flowering bulb field - a truly spectacular sight! But the natural wonders don't stop there. As you venture closer to Alkmaar, you'll encounter some of the most beautiful tulip fields in the country. Upon reaching the North Sea, take some time to stroll along the stunning sandy beach with lovely views. Just a stone's throw away lies the charming artist's village of Bergen. This picturesque location is definitely worth a visit. At the end of your bike ride, the ship awaits you in the historic city center of Alkmaar, renowned for its delicious Dutch cheese. The old town area boasts narrow, winding canals and stunning, well-preserved 17th-century architecture that will leave you in awe.Day 6: Round tour of Alkmaar, 20 mi. or 25 mi. (33 or 40 km)
Today, you'll explore the stunning North-Holland Dune Reserve, a vast 5,300-hectare area of forests and dunes, known for its unique landscapes. These dunes are also a vital source of drinking water for nearly all of North-Holland. After visiting the serene beach and the charming artists' village of Bergen, you’ll return to Alkmaar, where you can spend time wandering through the picturesque city center.Day 7: Alkmaar - Keukenhof - Den Helder | Full bus day
Today, you embark on a scenic bus journey to two of the Netherlands' most iconic destinations. Begin with a visit to Zaanse Schans, a charming village on the banks of the Zaan River, where traditional Dutch life unfolds next to historic windmills and wooden houses. The village is home to several working windmills, including the oldest, dating back to 1673.Next, continue through the stunning tulip fields of Holland’s oldest growing region on our way to the world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens. Here, you’ll have ample time to wander through the breathtaking displays of flowers, including over seven million vibrant tulips across 80 hectares of beautifully designed gardens. In addition to tulips, you can admire a wide array of hyacinths, daffodils, and other colorful blooms that make Keukenhof one of the most spectacular gardens on Earth.
At the end of the day, the bus takes you to Den Helder, where the ship is docked.
Day 8: Departure from Den Helder
Today is the official end of your tour after breakfast. Disembarkation by 9:30 am.Day 1: Zaanse Schans - Alkmaar
Day 2: Round trip to/from Alkmaar, 20 or 25 mi. (34 or 40 km)
Day 3: Alkmaar - Den Helder, 19 or 31 mi. (30 or 50 km)
Day 4: Den Helder - Oudeschild | Wadden Island of Texel, 26 to 29 mi. (43 to 48 km)
Day 5: Oudeschild - Enkhuizen | Sailing day
Day 6: Enkhuizen - Hoorn | Hoorn - Volendam, 14 mi. (24 km)
Day 7: Volendam - Keukenhof - Amsterdam | Full day bus excursion
Day 8: AmsterdamDay 1: Zaanse Schans - Alkmaar
Check-in is offered between 1 and 2 pm. The ship is docked next to the Zaanse Schans, a unique hamlet where people live and work alongside original houses and windmills built next to the river Zaan. This tiny village is dominated by its operating windmills — the oldest of which was built in 1673 — and these were used for grinding mustard seeds, spices, and paint components; extracting plant oil; and for sawing wood into planks.Day 2: Round trip to/from Alkmaar, 20 or 25 mi. (34 or 40 km)
Today you'll discover the beautiful North Holland Dune reserve. Close by — and certainly worth a visit — is the artist’s village of Bergen. Your ship will be waiting for you near the historic city center of Alkmaar. This town is well known as a Dutch cheese city. As you wander through the streets, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of Alkmaar’s old town, with its well-preserved 17th-century buildings and narrow, winding canals.Day 3: Alkmaar - Den Helder, 19 or 31 mi. (30 km or 50 km)
Today you can take a bike tour north of Alkmaar where you will find the most beautiful tulip fields on your way to the North Sea. The sandy beach here is one of the most wonderful to walk along in the entire Netherlands, the perfect spot for feeling the wind in your hair or simply enjoying the view. Then you will bike on through the North-Holland Dune reserve to Den Helder: this piece of land, wedged between the North Sea and the IJsselmeer boasts the world’s single biggest flowering bulb field. In one word: spectacular!Day 4: Den Helder – Oudeschild | Wadden island of Texel: round trip from/to Oudeschild, 26 or 29 mi. (43 to 48 km)
During breakfast, the ship will sail to the island of Texel, the largest of the Dutch Wadden Isles. Today you can choose to cycle a shorter route or to take a longer tour around the island. You will cycle through delightful natural parks, and ]on Texel, you will bike through fields of blooming flowers! The signposts lead you through picturesque villages and landscapes, and to the Ecomare seal sanctuary. At the end of your cycling tour, you can enjoy a locally-brewed, well-deserved beer during a visit to the small brewery near Oudeschild.Day 5: Oudeschild - Enkhuizen | Sailing day
Today your ship will set sail to Enkhuizen. You may lend a hand during navigation and hoisting the sails. Previous sailing experience is not at all necessary. Of course, you are also very welcome to just relax and enjoy the sailing and scenery as you progress along the IJsselmeer. While sailing you will enjoy an extensive lunch on board. In the afternoon, the ship will arrive in Enkhuizen, an old city with many centuries of maritime tradition. You can spend some time exploring here. “The herring city” boasts a beautiful old harbor and an old town full of history. No dinner will be served tonight, to enable you to explore the city. You can make yourself a picnic meal or try one of the nice restaurants in Enkhuizen.Day 6: Enkhuizen - Hoorn | Hoorn - Volendam, 14 mi. (24 km)
In the morning you will sail the Ijsselmeer to the former Dutch East India Company town of Hoorn, which was, in the 17th century, one of the world’s foremost harbors. Your afternoon ride leads to Volendam, a small and picturesque fishing harbor on the shores of Lake IJsselmeer. Along the way, you will pass Edam, which is known for its famous Edam cheese, covered in red or yellow wax. While this adorable village is now renowned for cheese, it was once an industrious shipyard and port. That’s why, in the 17th century, the town’s specialty became one of the most popular cheeses in the world. Sailors took wheels of Edam on their voyages – the cheese doesn’t spoil easily and could be traded for spices and other riches of the East.Day 7: Volendam - Keukenhof - Amsterdam | Full day bus excursion
Today a beautiful bus ride leads you through the oldest tulip fields of Holland to the famous Keukenhof Gardens. You will have plenty of time to discover the most beautiful bulb park in the world. Keukenhof is the place where spring is celebrated. It features an overwhelming blaze of colors: seven million flowering tulips in a magnificent 80-acre setting of traditional and modern gardening architecture. You also can admire various hyacinths, daffodils, and many other vibrant flowers. In the afternoon the bus will bring you back to Amsterdam to spend a restful night here in your floating hotel.Day 8: Amsterdam
Breakfast, end of tour, and disembarkation by 9:30 am.If you're looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike & boat tours or view all our featured trips, specials, & news.
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Map
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Boats & Bikes
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Leafde fan Fryslân
Deluxe Class Sailing Ship
City Touring BikeUnisex City Electric Bike![]()
Azor (or similar brand/model) • Low-entry (step-through frame) • Lightweight aluminum … • High handlebars and upright riding position … • Handbrakes … • Shimano 7-speed nexus drive … • Selle-Royal… Read More![]()
Azor (or similar brand/model) • Limited number available, request at the time of booking … • Low-entry (step-through frame) • Lightweight aluminum … • High handlebars and upright riding position … •… Read MoreAs the only four-masted schooner in Dutch waters, this luxurious vessel blends timeless elegance with modern design for an unparalleled sailing experience. Read More
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Mare fan Fryslân
Standard Class Sailing Ship
Unisex City BikeUnisex City Electric Bike![]()
Hybrid Azor (or similar brand/model) • Low-entry (step-through frame) • Lightweight aluminum … • High handlebars and upright riding position … • Handbrakes … • Shimano 7-speed nexus drive … •… Read More![]()
Azor (or similar brand/model) • Limited number available, request at the time of booking … • Low-entry (step-through frame) • Lightweight aluminum … • High handlebars and upright riding position … •… Read MoreThe Mare fan Fryslân was built in 1960 as a freight ship and was then completely renovated in 2006 to be used as a beautiful, elegant, three-masted schooner. Get ready for an authentic sailing experience! Read More
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Wapen fan Fryslân
Standard Class Sailing Ship
Unisex City BikeUnisex City Electric Bike![]()
Hybrid Azor (or similar brand/model) • Low-entry (step-through frame) • Lightweight aluminum … • High handlebars and upright riding position … • Handbrakes … • Shimano 7-speed nexus drive … •… Read More![]()
Azor (or similar brand/model) • Limited number available, request at the time of booking … • Low-entry (step-through frame) • Lightweight aluminum … • High handlebars and upright riding position … •… Read MoreIn 1965, this sailing ship was launched as a freight ship and then in 2003 it was completely transformed into a sailing passenger ship. Today is the largest two-master schooner on the Dutch waterways. Read More
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights on an authentic sailing vessel
- 7 breakfasts
- 5 packed lunches
- 1 three-course lunch onboard
- 6 three-course dinners
- 1 packed picnic dinner
- Coffee & tea on board
- Welcome drink
- 7-speed Azor city touring bicycle equipped with Selle Royal saddle, integral frame lock, & a waterproof pannier bag
- Daily cleaning of the cabin
- Daily tour briefings
- Fully guided cycling tours
- Some short walking tours
- Full-day bus excursion including Keukenhof Gardens
- Maps & notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- Wi-Fi
What’s Not Included
- All beverages other than those mentioned
- Helmet rental
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
- Entrance fees & excursions not mentioned as included
- Fees for ferries
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2025 > Zaanse Schans to Amsterdam > Season B:
Leafde fan Fryslân: March 30
Mare fan Fryslân: April 12, 262025 > Zaanse Schans to Amsterdam > Season C:
Leafde fan Fryslân: April 13, 272025 > Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans > Season C:
Leafde fan Fryslân: April 6, 202025 > Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans > Season A:
Mare fan Fryslân: April 52025 > Amsterdam to Den Helder > Season B:
Mare fan Fryslân: May 32025 > Zaanse Schans to Amsterdam > Season A:
Wapen fan Fryslân: April 5Zaanse Schans to Amsterdam
- Season B Mar 20252025 departures: March 30
2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Small twin - lower deck € 1315 Twin cabin - lower deck € 1515 Junior suite € 1715 Suite - upper deck € 2115 Single occupancy Price Single cabin (max. 2) € 1815 Twin for single-use € 2215 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21 speed Included Electric bike rental € 154 Helmet rental € 10 - Season C Apr 20252025 departures: April 13 and April 27
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Small twin - lower deck € 1415 Twin cabin - lower deck € 1615 Junior suite € 1815 Suite - upper deck € 2215 Single occupancy Price Single cabin (max. 2 ) € 1915 Twin for single-use € 2365 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21 speed Included Electric bike rental € 154 Helmet rental On request
Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans
- Season C Apr 20252025 departures: April 6 and April 20
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Small twin - lower deck € 1415 Twin cabin - lower deck € 1615 Junior suite € 1815 Suite - upper deck € 2215 Single occupancy Price Single cabin (max. 2 ) € 1915 Twin for single-use € 2365 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21 speed Included Electric bike rental € 154 Helmet rental € 10
Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans
- Season A Apr 20252025 departures: April 5
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin € 1415 Junior suite € 1615 Single occupancy Price Twin for single-use € 2065 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21 speed Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet rental € 10
Zaanse Schans to Amsterdam
- Season B Apr 20252025 departures: April 12 and April 26
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin € 1515 Junior suite € 1715 Single occupancy Price Twin for single-use € 2215 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21 speed Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet rental € 10
Amsterdam to Den Helder
- Season B May 20252025 departures: May 3
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin € 1515 Junior suite € 1715 Single occupancy Price Twin for single-use € 2215 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21 speed Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet rental € 10 This departure follows a slightly different itinerary and ends in Den Helder.
Zaanse Schans to Amsterdam
- Season A Apr 20252025 departures: April 5
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin € 1415 Single occupancy Price Twin for single-use € 2065 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21 speed Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet rental € 10
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
- Season B Mar 2025
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This tour is an easy, guided, authentic sailing and biking experience. Your average daily distance will be approximately 25 miles. Holland is the ultimate cycling country as the entire country is crisscrossed with multiple National Cycling Routes, as well as local routes. During the days when two different options are possible, the group along with the tour leader will decide which route the entire group will cycle. Not all mentioned highlights will be visited during the short bike option.
You can also choose to cycle self-guided with the help of a map and route notes (available onboard). GPS tracks will be sent to you approximately 4 weeks before the start date of the tour. If you prefer a day of rest, you can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next town.Airport Info
Fly to Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS).
Local Travel
The Amsterdam Schiphol train station is located directly below the airport. You may buy train tickets at the ticket kiosks. Additionally, customer service desks are situated close to the red and white checkered cube at Schiphol Plaza. Staff at the desk will also be able to provide you with train departure information and general information on traveling by train in Holland. Train travel from the airport to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans is just over 1/2 hour but does require a transfer in Amsterdam Sloterdijk. Trains depart regularly throughout the day. Please be sure to underscore when purchasing your ticket that you want to travel only by train as some departures require bus travel. Price for a ticket is approx. €6. For tours beginning in Amsterdam, from AMS airport, it is just a short train ride to Amsterdam Central Train Station, close to the center where the ship is moored. 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. Sometimes the mooring location is within walking distance or only a short taxi ride away. In your final travel information, we will also provide details regarding public transportation if necessary.
Climate
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. Average high temperature is 55° F (12.8° C) and average low is 38° F (3.3° C). April is normally the driest month of the year but that does not mean it does not rain. Average rainfall is 1.8 inches (47 mm). Rain showers are common and frequent but not long. Plan to dress in layers!
Day of Rest
Any day may be designated a day of rest by remaining on board and enjoying the sailing experience. Certain days are set aside for excursion to Keukenhof and sailing. Please reference the detailed day to day itinerary on the corresponding ship.
Remarks
Due to the nature of a Bike and Sail tour, there is always a bit of adventure thrown into the mix. The planned daily sailing routes partially depend on the strength and direction of the winds. The skipper decides day by day the best route and discusses the options with everyone. The crew does whatever it can to run the program according to plan and to offer you a fascinating, varied, and active week, in which nature and culture play a major part. It is, however, possible that departure times and the time spent on the water – and even the order of the program itself – may have to be adjusted. So, enjoy the ride and let yourself be led by the elements!
Whenever possible, various passages will be undertaken fully rigged. Anyone who would like to help the crew sail and steer the boat is welcome to do so. Sailing experience is not necessary.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. 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. It is important to research before you travel as airlines will not permit boarding if you do not have the required valid documents.
We recommend that you make copies of your important documents and papers (insurance cards, etc.). Leave a copy at home and have a copy with you. In the unfortunate situation that you lose your original documents, having copies facilitates the replacement process.
*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.
Ride With GPS
For those who want to cycle self-guided, or are interested in having the route on your personal smart device, Ride With GPS is an app that you can download for free on your mobile phone. This option is in addition to traditional printed route notes and printed maps. Once the app is installed, you can then download tour maps and daily itineraries directly to your smartphone. You will be able to use voice navigation on all the routes and access your tour content anytime, all from your phone. In your final travel information, you will find the code you can use to access your specific tour.
Carbon offset
This tour is carbon neutral. To offset emissions that can't yet be reduced by any other means, carbon credits are purchased through the organization Justdiggit. Their mission is to cool down the planet by regreening Africa through rainwater harvesting, tree restoration, and the development of grass seed banks.
Extra Stay
Would you like to extend your stay in Amsterdam or elsewhere in Holland? 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, customer reviews, and ratings.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Boat Bike Tours.
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.
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Photos
![Tulips at the Keukenhof! Flickr:Hans Splinter]()
![Volendam in North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Juan Enrique Gilardi]()
![Tulips at the Keukenhof near Lisse, South Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Andrianoaurelioaraujo]()
![Sunset at the Zaanse Schans in Zaandam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![Biking through beautiful Zaandam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:David Sanz]()
![Great painting of the famous cheese market in Alkmaar, North Holland, the Netherlands.]()
![Mayonaise is what you get with french fries in the Netherlands. Flickr:OMid Tavallai]()
![Twilight at the harbor in Hoorn, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:bk]()
![Yellow tulips always brighten a day in the Netherlands. Flickr:Elen Agiglia]()
![Storms over the Zaanse Schans in Zaandam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Anne Dirkse]()
![Summer relaxing in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![Biking around Amsterdam in North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Francesca Cappa]()
![Pink tulips await in the Netherlands. Flickr:kaybee07]()
![Bike rest in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![Keukenhof is near Lisse in South Holland province, the Netherlands. Flickr:Borkur Sigurbjornsson]()
![Glimpse of a Vermeer in an Amsterdam window. North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Francesca Cappa]()
![Fried treats in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Fenla Balme]()
![Volendam in North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Jose A.]()
![Tasty Heineken because that is Dutch after all. Flickr:Brandon]()
![Sightseeing a bit in Enkhuizen, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Piotri Lowiecki]()
![Klompen for sale in Zaanse Schans in Zaandam, the Netherlands. Flickr:Zicario van Aalderen]()
![Lively harbor in Enkhuizen, the Netherlands. Flickr:Marcus Meissner]()
![Souvenirs at the Zaanse Schans, Zaandam, the Netherlands. Flickr:Mario Sanchez Prada]()
![Volendam on Marker Sea in the Netherlands. Flickr:Jose A.]()
![Great architecture in Hoorn, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:bertknot]()
![Bunches of tulips! Flickr:Rinapitucci]()
![Biking the windmills at the Zaanse Schans, Zaandam, the Netherlands. Flickr:kismihok]()
![Famous cheese market in Alkmaar, the Netherlands. Flickr:Javier Lastras]()
![Weigh House in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:not4rthur]()
![The Keukenhof is lovely! Flickr:gnuckx]()
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