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Cruise & Cycle – Discover Holland’s UNESCO Treasures, 8 days

Cruise & Cycle - Discover Holland’s UNESCO Treasures, 8 days

This deluxe class cycling and sailing tour aboard the Magnifique II invites you to explore the northern provinces of the Netherlands in a completely unique way — through the lens of UNESCO World Heritage. Designed for curious travelers who value authenticity, comfort, and culture, this journey takes you deep into regions shaped by water, ingenuity, and tradition.

Over eight inspiring days, you’ll cycle through quiet countryside, alongside canals and across dikes, while your floating hotel sails ahead to meet you. Along the way, discover remarkable Dutch heritage: from the still-operational steam pumping station of Woudagemaal to the elegant precision of the Eise Eisinga Planetarium, and from the reclaimed lands of De Beemster to the tidal landscapes of the Wadden Sea. You’ll also cruise through Amsterdam’s iconic canal system — itself a UNESCO site — on a classic evening canal tour. Between cultural highlights, you’ll pedal past dunes, lakes, and postcard-perfect villages, with time to enjoy nature, local flavors, and relaxed luxury aboard your ship.

Whether you’re drawn by history, landscape, or a love of leisurely exploration, this carefully curated itinerary offers a deeper look into the Netherlands — and into the extraordinary stories that earned these places their place on the world stage.

Tour Highlights:

  • Cruise across the IJsselmeer and cycle along lakes, coastlines, and polders
  • Visit five UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
    • The Woudagemaal steam pumping station
    • The Eise Eisinga Planetarium
    • The Beemster Polder landscape
    • The Wadden Sea
    • Amsterdam’s canal ring
  • Explore charming historic towns like Hoorn, Sneek, Alkmaar, and Franeker
  • Ride through the North Holland Dune Reserve and along the Wadden Sea coastline
  • Stay aboard the Magnifique II, a stylish deluxe class ship with personal service and elevated comfort

The ship – Your floating hotel

In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.

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 the BBT bike map (available on board).

Duration: 8 days

Departure Dates: June, July, August, October

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Itinerary

Day 1     Amsterdam – Hoorn

 

Check-in takes place in Amsterdam during the afternoon, between 2 and 3 p.m.. After an introduction to the crew and a safety briefing, the ship will depart and pass through the Amsterdam locks to reach the IJsselmeer. As you relax and unwind from your journey, the ship will cross the largest freshwater lake in the Netherlands en route to Hoorn. This historic trading town, located on the coast of Northern Holland, boasts a rich architectural legacy linked to the Dutch East India Company. You’ll arrive just in time to enjoy your welcome dinner on board.

 

Day 2     Hoorn – (Medemblik) – Enkhuizen

 

Your cycling adventure begins! After a personal bike fitting, follow quiet paths through the rural heart of North Holland. Choose a longer or shorter route. The longer route leads to Medemblik, allowing you to explore the charm of this trading town at the shore of the IJsselmeer, before continuing to Enkhuizen — a well-preserved gem with rich maritime heritage and a beautiful historic center.

Cycling Distance: approx. 29 KM – 35 KM

 

Day 3     Enkhuizen – Lemmer | Lemmer – Sneek

 

This morning we cross the IJsselmeer by ship into the province of Friesland — a region of lakes, waterways, and proud traditions. Your ride starts at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Woudagemaal,. It is the world’s largest still-operating steam-powered pumping station. From there, cycle through a tranquil green mosaic of water and land toward Sneek, a lively town known for its sailing culture and famous Water Gate. Dinner on board is not included this evening, so you can enjoy a wonderful meal at one of the restaurants.

Cycling Distance: approx. 33 KM – 50 KM

 

Day 4     Sneek – Franeker

 

Today’s route continues through Friesland’s wide-open landscapes, dotted with villages and grazing cows. You’ll arrive in the charming town of Franeker with time to visit another UNESCO World Heritage: the remarkable Eise Eisinga Planetarium. This moving mechanical scale model of the solar system from the 18th century is the oldest working orrery in the world, still ticking away inside a canal house living room. A truly cosmic experience!

Cycling Distance: approx. 42 KM

 

Day 5     Franeker – Harlingen | Harlingen – Kornwerderzand | Kornwerderzand- Den Helder

 

In the morning, sail to the historic harbor town of Harlingen and enjoy a guided walk through its charming streets. Then cycle along the coastline to Kornwerderzand, located on the Afsluitdijk — a legendary Dutch engineering feat. Visit the Wadden Sea Experience Center Visit the Wadden Sea Experience Center and take in views of the Wadden Sea itself — a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its unique tidal ecosystem. Afterward, continue by ship to Den Helder.

Cycling Distance: approx. 22 KM – 34 KM

 

Day 6     Den Helder – St. Maartensvlotbrug | St. Maartensvlotbrug – Alkmaar

 

Start your day with a peaceful sailing section to St. Maartensvlotbrug, where you’ll begin your ride through the North Holland Dune Reserve. This protected coastal landscape offers a unique mix of shifting dunes, quiet forests, and sweeping sea views. Along the way, pass through picturesque villages before arriving in the historic city of Alkmaar.

Cycling Distance: approx. 43 KM

 

Day 7     Alkmaar – Wormerveer | Wormerveer – Zaanse Schans – Amsterdam

 

As you enjoy breakfast, the ship sails along the North Holland Canal, a vital historic link between sea and city. Today’s final cycling route is a UNESCO double-feature: first, ride through the beautifully ordered fields of the Beemster Polder (UNESCO), one of the Netherlands’ earliest reclaimed landscapes. Then visit Zaanse Schans, a living village of working windmills and traditional green-timbered homes. Cap off your tour in Amsterdam with an evening canal cruise through its legendary canal belt — also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cycling Distance: approx. 37 KM – 46 KM

 

Day 8     Amsterdam

 

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. Check-out and fond farewells to the crew and your fellow travelers.

Inclusions

  • 7 x breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • 6 x 3-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
  • Canal tour Amsterdam
  • Visit to Wouda Germaal
  • Visit to Eise Eisinga Planetarium
  • City walk Harlingen
  • Bicycle rental
  • BBT cycling map (1 per cabin)
  • GPS tracks
  • Use of a helmet
  • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
  • Biodegradable water bottle
  • Fees for ferries
  • Wi-Fi

Exclusions

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

Price

Twin Occupancy:      from SGD 2,958 per person (twin lower deck)

Single Occupancy:   from SGD 4,315 per person (twin lower deck)

E-Bike Rental Supplement: SGD 220

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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