Tulip Tour - 5 day
Netherlands Bike + Boat Tours
Mini barge/bike tour during Tulip Time!
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length5 days
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Prices from€866 Rates
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Overview
This five-day bike and boat tour in Holland during peak tulip season goes through some of the most beautiful areas of the "Garden of Amsterdam."
The tulips and other spring flowers herald the awakening of Spring in all their color and glory. This cycling vacation provides an up-close and personal experience of the Keukenhof and the Alsameer, as well as the opportunity to visit the most beautiful highlights in and around the capital of the Netherlands.
There are many museums and shops to entice you in Amsterdam, the smallest metropolis in Europe, and the canals, which quite recently have been listed on the UNESCO world heritage list, are famous all over the world.
Welcome Spring in Holland, the land of flowers, windmills, and water.
Highlights
- The historical city of Haarlem
- World-famous flower exhibition, the Keukenhof
- World's largest flower auction near Aalsmeer
- Mill visit at Zaanse Schans
- Entrance North Holland Dune reserve
- Tulips and more
A comprehensive list of all of our bike & barge tours in Holland can be found here.
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Itinerary
All distances are approximate. Itineraries are subject to change, even on very short notice, due to changing wind and weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, lock repairs, etc.
Day 1: Boarding in Amsterdam at 2 pm (luggage can be brought on board at 11 am) | Amsterdam - Zaandam
Day 2: Zaandam - Zaanse Schans- Zaandam | Zaandam - Haarlem, 14 mi. (24 km) or 21 mi. (34 km)
Day 3: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Oude Wetering, 24 mi. (39 km) or 35 mi. (57 km)
Day 4: Oude Wetering - Nieuwe Meer | Nieuwe Meer - Amsterdam, 18 mi. (28 km)
Day 5: Departure from Amsterdam, disembarkation after breakfast by 9.30 a.m.Distances in italics covered by ship.
On this Tulip Tour with more than 22 guests, the daily cycling tours will be accompanied by 2 knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leaders. On most days the tour leaders will offer a long and a short (or a quicker and more relaxed) bike itinerary option. Not all mentioned highlights will be visited during the short bike option.
You can also choose to ride individually with the help of a map and route notes (available on board). GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the start date of the tour.Day 1: Boarding in Amsterdam | Amsterdam - Zaandam
Embarkation begins at 2 pm. It is possible to bring your luggage on board beginning at 11 am but cabins will not be ready for check-in. As soon as all guests have arrived a short cruise will lead to Zaandam, famous for its windmills. Here, your barge will berth in the center of the city for the night. Once you arrive in Zaandam, you may take your rental bike for a brief test ride through the surrounding area. In the evening, enjoy a short walk through the picturesque center of Zaandam.Day 2: Zaandam - Zaanse Schans- Zaandam | Zaandam - Haarlem, 14 mi. (24 km) or 21 mi. (34 km)
Following an easy 5 km bicycle ride, you will arrive at the open-air museum “Zaanse Schans” with its beautiful windmills, traditional wooden houses, an old Dutch village, a cheese farm, and a traditional wooden clog maker. Here, life in the 18th and 19th centuries comes alive.In the afternoon, you will have two options available to you.
1. You can either cycle (14 mi./24 km) to Haarlem
2. Stay onboard your vessel and enjoy the passing scenery. or take it easy and join the barge while enjoying the scenery. I
Once in Haarlem, you will 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, 24 mi. (39 km) or 35 mi. (57 km)
Today will be a highlight of your entire Tulip Tour experience as you will cycle to the Keukenhof, the garden of the world. Every year the flower park is dedicated to a specific theme. Hundreds of thousands of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and many other flowers are featured planted by design accordingly. After an extensive visit, you will get back on your bicycle at noon and will head to Oude Wetering, a small village, where the ship welcomes you once again.Day 4: Oude Wetering - Amsterdam, 18 mi. (28 km)
You continue your tulip and flower theme today! An early (optional) visit by bus (6.30 a.m.) to the biggest flower auction in the world at Aalsmeer is offered. In the morning millions of flowers are auctioned off here and are instantly sent out to all parts of the world*. By 9 am you will return to the barge where a late breakfast will be waiting for you before you make your way to Amsterdam by bicycle. Later in the afternoon, there is time 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!Important:
*The Aalsmeer flower auction is closed during weekends and on public holidays. This is an optional visit. Please be aware that on some departure dates a visit to the flower auction is not possible.
Day 5: Departure from Amsterdam
End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast by 9.30 a.m.Day 1: Boarding in Amsterdam, Amsterdam - Zaandam
Day 2: Zaandam - Zaanse Schans- Zaandam | Zaandam - Haarlem, 14 mi. (24 km) or 21 mi. (34 km)
Day 3: Haarlem - Keukenhof - Oude Wetering, 23 mi. (38 km) or 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 4: Oude Wetering - Nieuwe Meer | Nieuwe Meer - Amsterdam 18 mi. (28 km)
Day 5: Departure from AmsterdamDistances in italics are covered by ship.
On this Tulip Tour with more than 22 guests, the daily cycling tours will be accompanied by 2 knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leaders. On most days the tour leaders will offer a long and a short (or a quicker and more relaxed) bike option. Not all mentioned highlights will be visited during the short bike option.
You can also choose to ride individually with the help of a map and route notes (available on board). GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the start date of the tour.Day 1: Boarding in Amsterdam, Amsterdam - Zaandam
The crew will warmly welcome you on board during the embarkation and check-in process, which is scheduled for 2 p.m. Once all guests have arrived, a delightful short cruise will commence, taking you to the charming town of Zaandam, renowned for its iconic windmills. Your barge will moor at the heart of the town, providing a perfect base for the night. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to take your new bike for a quick spin around the beautiful surroundings. Later in the evening, you can relish a leisurely stroll through the quaint and picturesque center of Zaandam.Day 2: Zaandam - Zaanse Schans- Zaandam | Zaandam - Haarlem, 14 mi. (24 km) or 21 mi. (34 km)
Following an easy 5 km bicycle ride, you will arrive at the open-air museum “Zaanse Schans” with its beautiful windmills, traditional wooden houses, an old Dutch village, a cheese farm, and a traditional wooden clog maker. Here, life in the 18th and 19th centuries comes alive.In the afternoon, you will have two options available to you.
1. You can either cycle (14 mi./24 km) to Haarlem
2. Stay onboard your vessel and enjoy the passing scenery
Once in Haarlem, you will 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, 23 mi. (38 km) or 34 mi. (55 km)
Today will be a highlight of your entire Tulip Tour experience as you will cycle to the Keukenhof, the garden of the world. Every year the flower park is dedicated to a specific theme. Hundreds of thousands of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and many other flowers are featured and planted by design accordingly. After an extensive visit, you will get back on your bicycle at noon and will head to Oude Wetering, a small village, where the ship welcomes you once again.Day 4: Oude Wetering - Nieuwe Meer | Nieuwe Meer - Amsterdam, 18 mi. (28 km)
Get ready for an extraordinary experience this morning as you embark on an early bus trip (6:30 a.m.) to the world's largest flower auction located in Aalsmeer. Witness the auction of millions of flowers taking place in the morning, which are promptly dispatched to various parts of the globe. By 9 a.m., you will return to your barge where a scrumptious late breakfast will be awaiting you. After a brief bike excursion, you will rejoin the barge for an afternoon of cruising through the mesmerizing city of Amsterdam. There, you will have the chance to explore this fantastic metropolis and indulge in various activities such as visiting the flower market in the city center, browsing museums, shopping, and much more. Do note that the Aalsmeer flower auction is closed during weekends and public holidays, and the visit is optional.Optional: end-of-day canal tour in Amsterdam.
Day 5: Departure from Amsterdam
End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast by 9.30 a.m.You can view all of our bike & boat tours or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
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Map
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Boats & Bikes
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Magnifique II
Deluxe Class Barge
Unisex City BikeUnisex City Electric Bike![Azor City Touring 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 … • Chain… Read More![]()
Azor (or similar brand/model) • Low-entry (step-through frame) • Lightweight aluminum … • High handlebars and upright riding position … • Nexus 7 gears … • Hand brakes … • Shimano motor (400 WH)… Read MoreIn 2016, we saw the launch of a new premium barge, the Magnifique II, to wonderful reviews. The ship boasts a classical style with an emphasis on superior comfort. This ship has earned the deluxe designation! Read More
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Magnifique III
Deluxe Class Barge
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 MoreFollowing the success of her sister ships, Princesse Royal and the Magnifique II, Magnifique lll was launched in 2018, adding to her owner/captain's portfolio of designing and constructing deluxe ships. The partially covered sundeck with sun loungers and a hot tub provide is the perfect spot for relaxation. The tastefully decorated lounge with large panoramic windows, located on the upper deck is wonderfully inviting and the combined light-filled restaurant, bar, and lounge adds to the ambience. Read More
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Magnifique IV
Deluxe Class Barge
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) • Low-entry (step-through frame) • Lightweight aluminum … • High handlebars and upright riding position … • Nexus 7 gears … • Hand brakes … • Shimano motor (400 WH)… Read MoreFollowing the overwhelming success of the premium barges Princesse Royal, Magnifique II (2016), and Magnifique III (2018), we are proud to now offer a new addition, the Magnifique IV. Read More
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Fluvius
Comfort Class Barge
City Touring BikeElectric Bike (E-Bike)![]()
Azor City Touring (or similar) • Unisex aluminum frame … • Shimano gearing … • 7 speeds … • Handbrakes … • Sell-Royal gel saddles (adjustable) • 28" Wheels … Accessories … • Pannier bag that can be… Read More![]()
Azor Electric Bike (or similar brand/model) • Limited number available, request at the time of booking … • Low entry frame … • Nexus 7-gear … • Shimano 400 wh motor … • 4 support levels … •… Read MoreWe are pleased to announce, during the winter of 2023/2024, the Fluvius will undergo many renovations. These will include a new air filtration system, new air conditioning units, remodeled bathrooms, new flooring and ceilings in all the cabins, new beds, as well as several updates to the salon area. The MS Fluvius accommodates 44 guests. With a large common area, complete with lounge, bar, & dining area, and a lovely partially covered sundeck, there is enough room on board for everyone to… Read More
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Inclusions
What’s Included
Magnifiques
- Accommodations for 5 day/4 nights
- Welcome presentation with a complimentary drink
- Climate-controlled cabins
- Daily cleaning of cabins
- 4 breakfasts, packed lunches, & 4 three-course dinners
- Coffee & tea
- 7-speed unisex touring bicycle (Batavus Dinsdag) with step-through frame, hand brakes, gel saddle, pannier, helmet, frame lock, & water bottle
- Bike Protection
- Two cycling tour guides so guests can opt for longer/shorter or quicker/slower cycling tours (depending on the route)
- A few short walking tours
- Entrance to the Keukenhof
- Entrance North Holland Dune Reserve
- Mill visit at Zaanse Schans
- Fees for ferries
- WiFi (signal strength & speed may not be what you are accustomed to)
- GPS tracks
- Tour maps & notes (one set per cabin)
- Accommodations for 5 day/4 nights
- Climate-controlled cabins
- Complimentary welcome beverage
- 4 breakfasts, packed lunches, & 4 three-course dinners
- Coffee & tea
- 7-speed unisex hybrid touring bicycle (Bikkel) with handbrakes, equipped with pannier, repair kit, & pump. Helmet rental is available for a supplement.
- Cycling tour guide
- Fees for ferries
- Tour maps & notes (one set per cabin)
- WiFi is available however you may pay a fixed fee of approx. €10 to €15 per week
- A GPS app is available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace
Fluvius
What’s Not Included
- Transfers to and from the port in Amsterdam
- Drinks on board
- Excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Helmets on the Fluvius available for surcharge, see pricing & please reserve at time of booking
- Electric bicycle. Available for supplement. See pricing
- Gratuities
- Bike Protection (Fluvius)
- 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.
Magnifique II:
Season A: Mar 29; Apr 2
Season B: Apr 6Magnifique III:
Season A: Mar 31; Apr 4,
Season B: Apr 8, 12, 16, 20, 25Magnifique IV:
Season A: Apr 1
Season B: Apr 5, 9, 13- Season A 2025 Mar 29, Apr 2 from € 10342025 departures: Mar 29, Apr 2
2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1034 Premium twin cabin - lower deck € 1204 Suite - upper deck € 1454 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin - lower deck € 1509 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21-speed Included Electric bike € 92 - Season B 2025 Apr 6 from € 12342025 departures: Apr 6
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1234 Premium twin cabin - lower deck € 1404 Suite - upper deck € 1654 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin - lower deck € 1809 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21-speed Included Electric bike € 92
- Season A 2025 Mar 31, Apr 4 from € 10342025 departures: Mar 31, Apr 4
2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1034 Suite - upper deck € 1454 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 1314 Twin cabin - lower deck € 1509 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21-speed Included Electric bike € 92 - Season B 2025 Apr 8, 12, 16, 20, 25 from € 12342025 departures: Apr 8, 12, 16, 20, 25
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1234 Suite - upper deck € 1654 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 1564 Twin cabin - lower deck € 1809 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21-speed Included Electric bike € 92
- Season A 2025 Apr 1 from € 10342025 departures: Apr 1
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1034 Suite - upper deck € 1454 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin - lower deck € 1509 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21-speed Included Electric bike € 92 - Season B 2025 Apr 5, 9, 13 from € 12342025 departures: Apr 5, 9, 13
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 1234 Suite - upper deck € 1654 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin - lower deck € 1809 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike, 21-speed Included Electric bike € 92
- Season A 2025 Apr 1 from € 8962025 departures: Apr 1
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - below deck € 896 Twin cabin - upper deck € 1016 Double cabin - upper deck € 1156 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin for single-use - below deck € 1306 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 88 - Season B 2025 Apr 5 from € 9462025 departures: Apr 5
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - below deck € 946 Twin cabin - upper deck € 1066 Double cabin - upper deck € 1206 Single occupancy Price Twin cabin for single-use - below deck € 1380 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 88
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 A 2025 Mar 29, Apr 2 from € 1034
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
Easy guided bike and boat tour with relatively low mileage. Terrain is very flat and consists mainly of well-maintained cycling paths. Headwinds can at times be bothersome
Airport Info
Fly to Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS)
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 approx. €4,20 per person for a single journey. The airport train station is located on the lower level of the airport. Depending on what boat you are on, the mooring location could be within walking distance or otherwise, a short taxi ride away.
Climate
Please note: the tulip season in Holland extends from the end of March to approx. the first week in May but is completely dependent on temperatures and the weather. Going early or late in the season may affect what is in bloom. 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 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.
Day of Rest
Any day can be designated a day of rest by remaining on board and enjoying the scenery from the comfortable deck. Do keep in mind that you will then limit your sightseeing possibilities.
Recommended
Discounted ticket for a one-hour canal cruise in Amsterdam: €18 in 2024. Please book your ticket in advance and you can collect it on board the ship on the first day of the tour.
Remarks
Bicycle rental is optional. You may bring your own touring or electric bike (a discount will be applied) but there will be a charge for reserving a parking/charging space on board. In 2024, this will be €7 for a touring bike and €17 per electric bike. Please be aware that there are a limited number of parking spaces on board.
Important to know
Travel Documents
Before you travel, please check your passport expiration and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section 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
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. You can then upload all tour information to your phone, 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.
Extra Stay
As you will begin and end your tour in Amsterdam, why not book extra nights and visit the world-famous museums like the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum (with Rembrandts’ Night watch), the Anne Frank House, and enjoy the abundance of terraces and boutique-style cafes. And of course, the markets abound; the Flea Market, Flower Market, Noorder Markt, and Albert Kuip Markt! Extra nights in Amsterdam are always recommended. 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, can read 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.
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
![Tulip heaven in the Netherlands. Flickr:Steven Bittinger]()
![Riding the countryside!]()
![The Keukenhof near Lisse, the Netherlands. Flickr:Borkursigurbjornsson]()
![Bike rest in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Francesca Cappa]()
![Open Air Museum, Zaanse Schans. Photo via Netherlands Board of Tourism]()
![Tulip fields forever in Holland. Flickr:T.Kiya]()
![Weigh House in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Elyktra]()
![Biking the Zaanse Schans region in Zaandam, the Netherlands. Flickr:Liorek7z]()
![Quiet bike paths just outside of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Flickr:Francesca Cappa]()
![Kleine Houtstraat in Haarlem, the Netherlands. Wikimedia Commons:Marek Slusarczyk]()
![Sunset in Zaanse Schans, Zaandam, the Netherlands. Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![Quiet bike paths just outside Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Francesca Cappa]()
![Windmills are all over Europe!!! This one is at the Zaanse Schans. Photo via Netherlands Board of Tourism]()
![Klompen for sale as souvenirs in Zaandam at the Zaanse Schanse. Flickr:Zicario van Aalderen]()
![Biking through Aalsmeer, North Holland. Flickr:Benkraan Architecten BNA]()
![Old Harbor in Leiden, the Netherlands. Flickr:Roman Boed]()
![Red tulips blooming, Keukenhof, South Holland. Flickr:Kelly Sikkema]()
![A Haring (Herring) Shop in Amsterdam. Flickr:cheeseslave]()
![Keukenhof, near Lisse in the Netherlands. Photo via Netherlands Board of Tourism]()
![Keukenhof, Lisse, Holland. Photo via Netherlands Board of Tourism]()
![Van Gogh paintings in Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. Flickr:Herry Lawford]()
![Summer evening in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![De Adriaan windmill in Haarlem, the Netherlands. Wikimedia Commons:dfarrell07]()
![Biking through Zaandam, the Netherlands. Flickr:David Sanz]()
![Group photo! ©TO]()
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