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Cruise & Cycle – Best of North & South Holland, 8 days

Cruise & Cycle - Best of North & South Holland, 8 days

This premium tour combines iconic landmarks and hidden gems to offer a wonderful impression of Holland’s unique character. Over eight days, you’ll travel in style aboard one of our small luxury barges. Your cycling cruise begins in Amsterdam with a relaxing dinner cruise to Zaandam, followed the next day by a visit to the Zaanse Schans open-air museum, where Dutch history comes to life.

Enjoy a scenic cycling tour to Hoorn through the heart of the Beemster polder, recognized by UNESCO as a “masterpiece of creative planning,” where Renaissance ideals shaped a reclaimed landscape.

You’ll also visit the picturesque former island of Marken, now connected to the mainland. From there, cycle to IJburg, one of Amsterdam’s newest neighborhoods, built in the late 1990s on reclaimed land that was once the bottom of a lake. Discover Schoonhoven, famous for its silver craftsmanship, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk with its 19 iconic windmills — perfect for unforgettable views and stunning photos.

The tour then continues north to Gouda, world-famous for its cheese and candles. Explore the Green Heart of Holland, a vast rural region surrounded by some of the Netherlands’ largest cities. You’ll spend the night in a charming village in this peaceful countryside before cruising back to Amsterdam, where your journey concludes.

Fully Guided

Accompanied by a competent, professional and multilingual tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting sights and places on the daily cycling tours. During the bike tour, they will explain the local history and culture behind the things you encounter along the way. You can also choose to ride individually with the help of our Ride with GPS app and our BBT cycling map (available on board).

Duration: 8 days

Departure Dates: May, June, September, October

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Itinerary

Day 1     Amsterdam – Zaandam

Embarkation and check-in take place between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., when the crew will warmly welcome you on board. Once all guests have arrived, the ship will cruise to Zaandam, a city known for its historic windmills. Your barge will moor in the city center for the night.

After arrival, you may enjoy a short test ride on your bicycle through the surrounding area. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the picturesque center of Zaandam.

 

Day 2     Zaandam – Zaanse Schans – Beemster – Hoorn

After breakfast, set out on your first cycling tour to the Zaanse Schans open-air museum for a short visit. Continue cycling through small villages in the beautiful and historic Beemster polder.

Today’s ride ends in Hoorn, a former home port of the Dutch East India Company and one of the world’s most important harbors during the 17th century. In the evening, you can join a boat tour through Hoorn’s historic canals.

Cycling Distance: approx. 40 KM – 50 KM

 

Day 3     Hoorn – Volendam | Volendam – Marken (ferry) | Marken – Waterland – Weesp
While enjoying breakfast, the ship cruises to Volendam, a picturesque fishing village on the shores of Lake IJsselmeer. From there, you’ll take a ferry to the former island of Marken.

Explore this charming and authentic village before continuing your cycling journey along the coastline toward IJburg, a modern district of Amsterdam built on reclaimed land that was once part of the sea. From there, cycle to the historic town of Muiden, home to a beautiful 14th-century waterfront castle.
Today’s cycling tour ends near the village of Weesp, where you will rejoin the ship. Around 5:00 p.m., the ship departs for Utrecht, and you can enjoy dinner while cruising.

Cycling Distance: approx. 38 KM – 45 KM

 

Day 4     Utrecht – Schoonhoven | Schoonhoven – Dordrecht

During breakfast, the ship sails to Schoonhoven, known as the “Silver City,” where today’s cycling tour begins.

You may choose between two cycling routes. The longer route takes you into De Biesbosch National Park, one of the last remaining freshwater tidal areas in Europe. As you cycle along quiet dikes and winding waterways, you’ll pass through a serene landscape of willow forests, creeks, and wetlands. Keep an eye out for soaring birds — and with a bit of luck, you may even spot a beaver.
The day ends in Dordrecht, affectionately called “Dordt” by locals. This is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, located at the junction of three major rivers. After dinner, you may join a short guided city walk. Overnight stay on board in Dordrecht.

Cycling Distance: approx. 30 KM – 51 KM

 

Day 5     Dordrecht – Alblasserdam (Waterbus) | Alblasserdam – Gouda

After breakfast, you’ll take the Waterbus to Alblasserdam, where today’s cycling tour begins. Along the way, you’ll pass the famous 19 windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Netherlands’ most iconic and photogenic landmarks.

You’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the windmills as well as the visitor center before continuing on to Gouda, famous for its cheese and candles.
Dinner is not included this evening, giving you the opportunity to enjoy one of Gouda’s many excellent restaurants. Recommendations are available on board.

Cycling Distance: approx. 35 KM – 51 KM

 

Day 6     Gouda – Leiden – Uithoorn

This morning, take some time to explore the beautiful historic city of Gouda, including its charming market square and the famous Cheese Weighing House. A visit to St. John’s Church, renowned for its world-famous stained-glass windows, is also included.

Today’s cycling tour takes you through the scenic landscapes of the Green Heart of Holland, characterized by green meadows, expansive views, small canals, and lakes — all below sea level.

The longer cycling route passes through Leiden, the birthplace of the famous painter Rembrandt and home to the oldest university in the Netherlands.
The destination for today is the village of Uithoorn, where you will spend the evening and overnight on board.

Cycling Distance: approx. 32 KM – 51 KM

 

Day 7     Uithoorn – Amsterdam

This morning, enjoy your final cycling tour around Uithoorn. This water-rich region is a popular residential area for affluent Amsterdam residents seeking a quieter life closer to nature.

After lunch, return to your floating hotel for the final cruise back to Amsterdam. As the ship sails along the Amstel River, you’ll experience the vibrant city from a unique perspective — a wonderful way to conclude your journey.

Cycling Distance: approx. 26 KM

 

Day 8     Amsterdam
End of the tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9:30 a.m.

Inclusions

  • 7 x breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • 6 x three-course dinner
  • Coffee and tea on board
  • Welcome drink
  • Use of bed linen and towels
  • Daily cleaning of the cabin
  • Climate-controlled cabin
  • Daily briefings
  • Fully guided cycling tours (2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
  • Some short walking tours
  • Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
  • GPS tracks
  • Bicycle rental
  • Use of a helmet
  • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
  • Biodegradable water bottle
  • Fees for ferries
  • Entrance Zaanse Schans
  • Visit a mill in Kinderdijk
  • Visit St. John’s church
  • Canal trip through Hoorn
  • Wi-Fi

Exclusions

  • Flights to Amsterdam
  • Tourist visa, if applicable
  • 1x dinner
  • Drinks
  • Personal travel insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Entrance fees and excursions (not mentioned under inclusions)
  • Transfers to/from the docking place
  • Parking fees
  • Any expenses of personal nature.

Price

Twin Occupancy:      from SGD 2,438 per person (twin lower deck)

Single Occupancy:   from SGD 3,571 per person (twin lower deck)

E-Bike Rental Supplement: SGD 290

Important Notes

~ A non – refundable, non-transferrable deposit of 20% per person is required at the time of booking.

~ Full or balance payment is 90 days prior to departure.

~ Only book your air ticket to Amsterdam, Netherlands when you have been informed to do so.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Netherlands, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander and the Co-ordinator. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases  local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Because cycling requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for cyclists with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Cyclists must ensure they are medically and physically able to cycle.

~ If cyclist presents difficulty in completing the ride of the day, we strongly discourage the cyclist from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the cyclist (and travel companions) in mind. The cyclist can fast track to the next accommodation making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at cyclist’s own expense. Cyclists can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.

~ Cyclist may choose to terminate the ride early during any time of the planned cycling day or make it a rest day, and fast track to the next accommodation by making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at cyclist’s own expense. Should the cyclist wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the cyclist’s own expense. Cyclists can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.

~ There is no refund for uncompleted cycling distances or missed inclusions.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

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