Bike & Sail Through Tulip Country
Witness the explosion of colors and fragrances that define the Netherlands in spring
Feel the freedom of the open water as you sail across the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea and Lake IJsselmeer
Delve into the rich history and culture of hidden gems like Alkmaar and Enkhuizen
Opt for a day of relaxation on board, taking advantage of our top-tier amenities and panoramic views
Rely on the expertise of our multilingual tour guides to enrich your cycling adventures with local insights and historical context
Itinerary
Upon your arrival between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., you’ll be greeted with warm coffee and tea. The ship is anchored near Zaanse Schans, a charming village that’s home to fully operational windmills dating back to 1673. Mare FF: After soaking in the village’s atmosphere, we’ll set sail for Alkmaar, offering you a scenic cruise through the Dutch countryside, complete with a delightful sailing dinner.
Leafde FF: In the late afternoon, you’ll have the option to stretch your legs with a short test ride.
Today, you’ll explore the North-Holland Dune reserve, a unique forest and dune area that also serves as a water source for the province. After a visit to the beach and the artistic village of Bergen, you’ll cycle back to Alkmaar, where you can explore its captivating city center.
34 km/20 mi. or 40 km/25 mi.
Your cycling route today takes you north of Alkmaar through fields of blooming tulips, leading you to the North Sea’s sandy beaches. You’ll also pass through the artist’s village of Bergen before reaching Den Helder, home to the world’s largest bulb flower field.
30 km/19 mi. or 50 km/31 mi.
As you enjoy breakfast, the ship sails to Texel Island. Choose between a shorter or longer cycling route, both offering stunning natural parks and fields of blooming flowers. The route also includes a visit to Ecomare, a seal sanctuary, and ends with a local beer tasting near Oudeschild.
43 km/29 mi. to 48 km/26 mi.
Today is a sailing day to Enkhuizen. You can participate in sailing activities or simply relax and enjoy the journey. An extensive lunch will be served on board. Upon arrival in Enkhuizen, you’ll have the evening free to explore the historic harbor and town.
In the morning, the ship sails to Hoorn, a former Dutch East India Company town. Your afternoon ride will take you to Volendam, passing through Edam, famous for its cheese. Volendam offers a picturesque fishing harbor for you to explore.
24 km/14 mi.
A bus will take you through Holland’s oldest tulip fields to Keukenhof Gardens, the world’s most stunning bulb park. Spend the day immersed in a sea of vibrant flowers before the bus takes you back to Amsterdam for a restful night on your floating hotel.
Your tour concludes after breakfast, with disembarkation until 9.30 a.m.
Pricing
Included in price
8 days / 7 nights
7x breakfast
5x packed lunches & 1 x 3-course lunch on board
6x 3-course dinner on board & 1 x picnic meal
Coffee and tea on board
Welcome drink
Use of bed linen and towels
Daily cleaning of the cabin
Daily briefings
Fully guided cycling tours
Some short walking tours
Full day bus excursion including Keukenhof Gardens
BBT cycling maps (1 per cabin)
GPS tracks
Use of a waterproof pannier bag
Biodegradable water bottle
Wi-Fi
Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
Drinks
Bicycle rental or e-bike rental
Helmet rental
Personal insurances
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Entrance fees and excursions
Fees for ferries
Transfers to/from the docking place
Parking fees
SGR Insolvency protection
Important for the tour
Description
Picture yourself cycling through fields awash with vibrant tulips, the quintessential symbol of Dutch spring.
Now, imagine complementing this with the thrill of sailing across the Wadden Sea and Lake IJsselmeer. On our tour, the beauty of land and water come together in a symphony of colors and sensations.
The Netherlands is renowned for its tulip fields, and this tour takes you to the heart of it all. From the world-famous Keukenhof gardens to lesser-known but equally stunning floral landscapes, you’ll be immersed in a sea of colors.
But it’s not just about the tulips. The tour also includes visits to historic cities like Alkmaar and Enkhuizen, offering a balanced blend of nature and culture.
With guided tours led by experienced, multilingual guides, you’ll gain insights into the local history and culture. We handle all the details, from providing daily briefings and packed lunches to offering flexible cycling routes. All you need to do is enjoy the journey.
So, are you ready to experience the Netherlands in a way you’ve never imagined?
Ships
Leafde fan Fryslân
Launched in spring 2018, the majestic three-masted barquentine, Leafde fan Fryslân, showcases a chic and revamped interior. It features 10 twin cabins, a smaller twin, a single cabin, and a junior suite with two beds. Some twins can fit an extra bunk bed, perfect for families. Enjoy delightful meals in the restaurant and relax in the ship’s salon bar. For an added touch of adventure, lend a hand in hoisting the sails on deck.
Mare fan Fryslân
Set sail on the Mare fan Fryslân, a majestic three-mast schooner that has graced the Dutch waters as a passenger vessel since 2007. The lower deck houses a saloon adorned with elegant wooden paneling, doubling as a dining area. This deck also features 12 cozy 2-bed cabins, a junior suite, and a bunk-bedded 1-bed cabin, all equipped with private bathrooms. The main deck boasts a wheelhouse with a bar set against panoramic windows. The ship’s wooden upper deck, complete with an outdoor bar and a Jacuzzi, is the epitome of luxury and relaxation.
Start planning today!
Things to know
Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists in Turkey, and Croatia, and for minors in several other European countries. While not obligatory elsewhere, we recommend bringing your own for safety. Helmets are available for rent on our tours.
You’re welcome to bring your own bicycle on most tours. Please confirm space availability on your chosen vessel in advance. Note that we are not liable for any loss or damage to personal bicycles. If you don’t have your bicycle, you can rent it on our tours.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended to enjoy the tours, which typically involve 40-60 kilometers of cycling daily, averaging around 5 hours of riding.
Our tours are designed to immerse you in the experience, hence a support vehicle is not part of the journey. Participants are encouraged to complete the daily cycling stages with their fellow cyclists.
To ensure the integrity of our rental bikes and your safety, we do not allow personal pedals to be attached to them.
While our routes are planned for full-day adventures, certain tours may offer the flexibility to return to the ship earlier, subject to the ship’s docking capabilities.
The adventure each day can span from 30 to 60 kilometers, with the time spent cycling influenced by your pace and the number of stops to soak in the scenery.
Our guides converse fluently in Dutch, English, and German, with some also proficient in French or Italian. Briefings are conducted in English and sometimes in German.
The number of companions on your journey will vary, with smaller ships often at full capacity and larger vessels typically filled to 80-90%.
Accommodations range from cozy standard cabins to luxurious superior suites, with each ship offering its unique array of options.
Stay connected with Wi-Fi available across all our vessels, with specifics outlined in our Travel Preparation guide.
To maintain the serene ambiance of our ships, laundry services are not offered on board.
Some ships equip cabins with hairdryers, while others can provide them upon request.
Our ships maintain a smoke-free environment in cabins and indoor public areas, with designated smoking zones available on deck on most vessels.
To ensure the comfort of all our guests, pets are not permitted on board, with the exception of crew members’ dogs that are familiar with life at sea.
Seasickness is uncommon due to the stability of our vessels and the typically calm waters on our routes.
Parking solutions are tailored to each departure point, with options like P+R facilities and valet services detailed in your pre-travel boarding information.
You will receive comprehensive travel details to your ship’s location upon booking, including information on parking and available transfer services.
Our guests are generally between the ages of 45 and 65, bringing a wealth of life experiences to share.
Our tours attract a global audience, from the far reaches of Scandinavia to the southern tips of Africa, and from the Americas to Asia.
Packing light is key, as cabin space is optimized for comfort and not for large luggage.
Our tour leaders are equipped to assist with minor issues, and in case of emergencies, the local emergency number 112 should be contacted.
For your safety, helmets are available for rent on most tours, and are included with our Premium tour packages.
You are welcome to enjoy the amenities on board instead of cycling. Please inform the tour leader or crew of your plans.
Our tours proceed rain or shine, with your safety as our top priority. You have the freedom to cycle or remain on board, based on your comfort with the weather conditions.
Weather conditions can vary from country to country and from season to season, so we suggest preparing for everything from rain to bright sunshine. For a detailed forecast, AccuWeather is a reliable source.
Not always. We suggest you bring your own equipment if you plan to snorkel.
Life-saving boats and life jackets are available on all ships and can be found in marked wardrobes on the deck, in the salon, or under the beds in cabins. In case you cannot swim, it is important to inform the crew and the captain. While on the ship, it is essential to pay attention to the following safety measures:
The stairs on the vessels can be steep and narrow, so it’s important to be careful while going up or down. The decks can also be very slippery, especially in wet conditions, so passengers should use caution and hold onto the railings when walking around the vessel.
Climbing the foremast, jumping off the deck during the cruise, or going too far from the vessel during swim pauses are strictly prohibited.
In the busy high season, harbors can become congested, and vessels may have to dock beside each other, so it is essential to exercise caution when moving between them. Crew members are available to assist passengers who require help. However, the cruise is not recommended for those with limited mobility or in wheelchairs.
The length of the cycling routes planned for each day is an estimate and takes into account local conditions and possible detours or shortcuts. The sailing and cycling routes may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the abilities of the cyclists on board. Typically, departures are in the morning, usually after breakfast.
Bringing and consuming your own beverages on the vessel is prohibited. Instead, you can order drinks from the vessel’s salon, which serves as a restaurant, living room, and bar. The bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you would like a drink that is unavailable at the time, please inform the crew, and they will do their best to arrange it for you at the next port of call.