Holland Tulip Tour: Flower Fields, Windmills & Historic Towns | Bike & Boat
North Holland, Cycling & Bike and Barge Holidays in Holland
8 days / 7 nights
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Price On Request
8 days / 7 nights
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7 nights aboard a comfortable barge with en-suite cabins and panoramic sun deck.
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7 breakfasts, 7 packed lunches and 6 three-course dinners.
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Multilingual tour leader, Keukenhof entry, Aalsmeer Flower Auction visit, ferry crossings, GPS navigation and guided city walks.
Introduction
Cycle Through Millions of Blossoming Tulips, Historic Windmills & Medieval Cheese Cities.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of springtime on our 8-Day Netherlands Tulip Tour, a spectacular bike and barge cruise starting and ending in the heart of Amsterdam. Traveling through the picturesque provinces of North Holland and South Holland, this journey takes you through world-famous flower fields at the absolute peak of their seasonal bloom.
On this Level 1 fully guided cycling holiday, you will discover Holland’s mastery of water management while pedaling along smooth, car-free cycle paths. Led by a professional, multilingual tour leader, you will explore historic canal cities, seaside dunes, and traditional countryside farms, returning each evening to your floating hotel barge:
- Keukenhof Gardens: Walk among seven million flowering tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils set across 80 acres of world-class landscape architecture.
- Aalsmeer Flower Auction: Experience the thrill of the world's largest flower auction, where millions of fresh blooms are traded daily.
- Zaanse Schans Windmill Village: Step back in time at an iconic open-air museum filled with working 17th-century wooden windmills, clog makers, and historic crafts.
- Gouda & Alkmaar Cheese Heritage: Visit traditional Dutch cheese farms, medieval weighing houses, and ancient market squares in Holland's most famous dairy regions.
- Historic Canal Cities: Explore the historic centers, cobblestone streets, and canals of Haarlem, Leiden, Gouda, and Alkmaar.
- Full Guidance & Flexibility: Enjoy guided group rides with your expert tour leader, or explore independently using our GPS smartphone app.
At A Glance
Tour Type
Guided, Self Guided
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Activity Days
6 days
Level
Easy
Avg. Daily Distance
54 km
Most Enjoyable Months
mar, apr, may
Arrival/Departure Town
Amsterdam / Amsterdam
Journey Highlights
Keukenhof Gardens
Experience the ultimate springtime spectacle with admission included to the most beautiful bulb park in the world.
Aalsmeer Flower Auction
Get an exclusive early-morning look at Europe’s largest flower trading hub in action.
Zaanse Schans
Marvel at authentic 17th-century windmills grinding spices, paint, and mustard along the Zaan River.
Authentic Cheese Tasting
Stop at a traditional farm in the "Green Heart" of Holland to learn the secrets of authentic Dutch cheese making.
Hortus Bulborum & North Sea Dunes
Discover over 4,000 rare historical bulb varieties before cycling through coastal dunes to Alkmaar.
Schermerhorn Windmill Museum
Step inside a historic drainage windmill to see how the Dutch reclaimed their land from the sea.
Brief Itinerary
Day
Route
Meals
Distance
Elevation
Time
Activity
Day 1
Amsterdam – Spaarndam | Spaarndam – Haarlem
D
14 km | 8.7 mi
Check In
Day 2
Haarlem – Keukenhof – Leiden
B, L, D
38 km | 23.6 mi
5 hrs
Cycling
Day 3
Leiden – Gouda
B, L, D
43 km | 26.7 mi
5 hrs
Cycling
Day 4
Gouda – Alphen a/d Rijn | Alphen a/d Rijn – Kudelstaart
B, L, D
44 km | 27.3 mi
5 hrs
Cycling
Day 5
Kudelstaart – Aalsmeer – Amsterdam – Zaanse Schans – Purmerend
B, L, D
45 km | 28 mi
6 hrs
Cycling
Day 6
Purmerend – Alkmaar
B, L
50 km | 31.1 mi
6 hrs
Cycling
Day 7
Alkmaar – Amsterdam
B, L, D
54 km | 33 mi
6 hrs
Cycling
Day 8
Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
B
Farewell to the Flower Fields Enjoy a final breakfast on board with your fellow travelers and crew. Disembarkation takes place by 9:30 a.m., completing your springtime cycling adventure through the Netherlands.
Day 1
Amsterdam – Spaarndam | Spaarndam – Haarlem
Day 1
Amsterdam – Spaarndam | Spaarndam – Haarlem
Meals
D
Distance
14 km | 8.7 mi
Elevation
Time
Activity
Check In
Day 2
Haarlem – Keukenhof – Leiden
Day 2
Haarlem – Keukenhof – Leiden
Meals
B, L, D
Distance
38 km | 23.6 mi
Elevation
Time
5 hrs
Activity
Cycling
Day 3
Leiden – Gouda
Day 3
Leiden – Gouda
Meals
B, L, D
Distance
43 km | 26.7 mi
Elevation
Time
5 hrs
Activity
Cycling
Day 4
Gouda – Alphen a/d Rijn | Alphen a/d Rijn – Kudelstaart
Day 4
Gouda – Alphen a/d Rijn | Alphen a/d Rijn – Kudelstaart
Meals
B, L, D
Distance
44 km | 27.3 mi
Elevation
Time
5 hrs
Activity
Cycling
Day 5
Kudelstaart – Aalsmeer – Amsterdam – Zaanse Schans – Purmerend
Day 5
Kudelstaart – Aalsmeer – Amsterdam – Zaanse Schans – Purmerend
Meals
B, L, D
Distance
45 km | 28 mi
Elevation
Time
6 hrs
Activity
Cycling
Day 6
Purmerend – Alkmaar
Day 6
Purmerend – Alkmaar
Meals
B, L
Distance
50 km | 31.1 mi
Elevation
Time
6 hrs
Activity
Cycling
Day 7
Alkmaar – Amsterdam
Day 7
Alkmaar – Amsterdam
Meals
B, L, D
Distance
54 km | 33 mi
Elevation
Time
6 hrs
Activity
Cycling
Day 8
Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Day 8
Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Meals
B
Distance
Elevation
Time
Activity
Farewell to the Flower Fields Enjoy a final breakfast on board with your fellow travelers and crew. Disembarkation takes place by 9:30 a.m., completing your springtime cycling adventure through the Netherlands.
Daily Journey Highlights
Day 1
Amsterdam – Spaarndam | Spaarndam – Haarlem (14 km | 8.7 mi)
Day 1
Amsterdam – Spaarndam | Spaarndam – Haarlem (14 km | 8.7 mi)
Welcome Aboard & Historic Haarlem
Check-in takes place in Amsterdam between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., where the crew greets you with warm coffee and tea. At 2:30 p.m., the ship cruises toward Haarlem while your tour leader provides a welcome briefing covering safety, cycling in Holland, and the week ahead. Disembark in Spaarndam for a warm-up test ride before continuing to Haarlem. After dinner on board, join your tour leader for an evening walking tour through Haarlem’s historic city center.
🌟 Daily Highlight: A guided evening stroll through the glowing cobblestone streets and historic market square of Haarlem.
Day 2
Haarlem – Keukenhof – Leiden (38 km | 23.6 mi | 5 hrs)
Day 2
Haarlem – Keukenhof – Leiden (38 km | 23.6 mi | 5 hrs)
Springtime Tulips & The World's Most Beautiful Flower Garden
Today’s cycling route takes you directly through Holland’s oldest tulip-growing regions. The main destination is the world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens, where seven million blooming tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils create a tapestry of color across 80 acres of stunning gardens. After exploring the park, pedal through the countryside to the university city of Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt. End the day with an evening walk through Leiden's old town.
🌟 Daily Highlight: Immersing your senses in the vibrant colors and aromas of Keukenhof Gardens.
Day 3
Leiden – Gouda (43 km | 26.7 mi | 5 hrs)
Day 3
Leiden – Gouda (43 km | 26.7 mi | 5 hrs)
The Green Heart & Authentic Dutch Cheese
Pedal out of Leiden into the tranquil "Green Heart" of Holland—a vast rural area of lush pastures, canals, and grazing cattle. Near Zoeterwoude, visit a traditional cheese farm to learn how world-famous Dutch cheese is crafted, complete with a tasting session. Continue cycling to Gouda, famous for its iconic cheese weighing house, Gothic town hall, and Saint John’s Church with its world-famous stained-glass windows.
🌟 Daily Highlight: Tasting fresh artisanal cheese at a working farm in the middle of the peaceful Dutch countryside.
Day 4
Gouda – Alphen a/d Rijn | Alphen a/d Rijn – Kudelstaart (44 km | 27.3 mi | 5 hrs)
Day 4
Gouda – Alphen a/d Rijn | Alphen a/d Rijn – Kudelstaart (44 km | 27.3 mi | 5 hrs)
Gouda Markets & Waterway Cycling
Spend the morning exploring Gouda at your own leisure—browse the shop-lined streets, visit the historic cheese weighing house (Waag), or admire St. John’s Church. Around noon, board the ship for a light lunch as you cruise to Alphen aan den Rijn. Hop back on your bike to cycle along the scenic Drecht River and Amstel-Drecht Canal, meeting the barge at its evening mooring spot in Kudelstaart.
🌟 Daily Highlight: Cycling along quiet riverbanks and canals as watercraft glide alongside you.
Day 5
Kudelstaart – Aalsmeer – Amsterdam – Zaanse Schans – Purmerend (45 km | 28 mi | 6 hrs)
Day 5
Kudelstaart – Aalsmeer – Amsterdam – Zaanse Schans – Purmerend (45 km | 28 mi | 6 hrs)
The World's Largest Flower Auction & Historic Windmills
An early start at 6:30 a.m. brings you to the world-famous Aalsmeer Flower Auction, where millions of flowers are auctioned off and shipped worldwide every morning. Return to the ship at 9:00 a.m. for a hearty breakfast while cruising directly through Amsterdam. Next, cycle to Zaanse Schans, a living open-air museum featuring working 17th-century windmills, clog-making demonstrations, and wooden houses. Complete your ride in Purmerend.
🌟 Daily Highlight: Watching the bustling, high-speed trading action at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, followed by the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans.
Day 6
Purmerend – Alkmaar (50 km | 31.1 mi | 6 hrs)
Day 6
Purmerend – Alkmaar (50 km | 31.1 mi | 6 hrs)
Historic Bulbs, Coastal Dunes & Dutch Cheese City
Ride to the Hortus Bulborum garden museum, home to a living collection of over 4,000 rare and heirloom bulb varieties. Continue cycling toward the North Sea coast at Egmond aan Zee, pedaling through protective coastal sand dunes before arriving in Alkmaar. Known as a premier Dutch cheese city, Alkmaar features 17th-century architecture and winding canals. Tonight, dinner is at your own expense, giving you the freedom to sample local Dutch cuisine at a restaurant of your choice in town.
🌟 Daily Highlight: Cycling through the coastal dunes along the North Sea air before exploring Alkmaar's historic canal ring.
Day 7
Alkmaar – Amsterdam (54 km | 33 mi | 6 hrs)
Day 7
Alkmaar – Amsterdam (54 km | 33 mi | 6 hrs)
Windmill Museums & Return to Amsterdam
Your final cycling leg leads to the Schermer Polder, where you will visit the Schermerhorn Windmill Museum to discover how historic drainage mills reclaimed land from the sea. Continue to De Rijp, a picturesque village famous for its well-preserved wooden facades and historic lock. Cycle back into Amsterdam in the afternoon, leaving plenty of time for an optional evening canal cruise through the capital’s iconic waterways.
🌟 Daily Highlight: Going inside a working historic windmill at Schermerhorn to see ancient water management technology in action.
Day 8
Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Day 8
Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Farewell to the Flower Fields
Enjoy a final breakfast on board with your fellow travelers and crew. Disembarkation takes place by 9:30 a.m., completing your springtime cycling adventure through the Netherlands.
Inclusions
Climate-Controlled River Barge Cabins
7 nights in a climate-controlled en-suite cabin aboard a river barge.
Comprehensive Meal Service
7 breakfasts, 7 packed lunches, and 6 three-course dinners on board.
Welcome Drink & Daily Hot Beverages
Onboard coffee and tea, plus a welcome drink upon arrival.
Sightseeing Inclusions & Local Tours
Entrance to Keukenhof Gardens, local ferry crossing fees, and select guided walking tours (e.g., Haarlem, Gouda).
Expert Guidance & Tech-Enabled Routes
Services of a professional multilingual tour leader, daily route briefings, and access to a digital GPS navigation app.
Free Accessory Package (Bag & Bottle)
Complimentary use of a waterproof pannier bag and a biodegradable water bottle.
Wi-Fi, Linen & Sustainability Fee
Daily cabin service, bed linen, towels, onboard Wi-Fi, and mandatory carbon offset contributions (via Trees for All and Orca).
Exclusions
Independent Dining Evening (Day 6)
Dinner on Day 6 in Alkmaar (spent exploring local city dining at your own expense).
Standard Touring & E-Bike Hire
Standard 7-speed unisex touring bike (€98/week) or E-Bike (€273/week, reservation required).
Protective Headgear Lease
€10 per week (must be reserved in advance).
Optional Bike Protection Plan
Optional bike coverage (€14/week standard bike / €28/week e-bike).
Private Bike Mooring & Battery Fee
€14/week for standard bikes or €35/week for e-bikes (includes charging station access).
Onboard Beverage Tab & Gratitudes
Onboard bar drinks, personal expenses, and crew/guide gratuities.
Parking, Insurance & Mandatory Surcharge
Personal travel insurance, transfers, Amsterdam valet parking, and mandatory SGR insolvency protection (€5/person).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see tulips in bloom in the Netherlands?
The Dutch tulip season runs from late March through mid-May, with peak blooming typically occurring from mid-April to early May. Our 8-day Tulip Tour is specifically scheduled during this window to ensure you see the flower fields, Keukenhof Gardens, and floral displays at their absolute height of color.
What is the difference between Keukenhof Gardens and the Aalsmeer Flower Auction?
Keukenhof is an 80-acre outdoor garden park showcasing seven million hand-planted flowering bulbs arranged in artistic displays for visitors. In contrast, the Aalsmeer Flower Auction is a fast-paced, commercial trading center where millions of freshly cut flowers are bought and sold daily by international traders before being shipped across the globe. This tour includes visits to both unique attractions!
How difficult is the cycling on the Netherlands Tulip Tour?
This tour is rated Level 1 (Easy). The terrain across North and South Holland is exceptionally flat, and cycling routes follow well-paved, dedicated bike paths and quiet rural roads. Daily distances average between 35 km and 50 km (20 to 30 miles), making it accessible for cyclists of all fitness levels.
Why is one dinner excluded from the cruise itinerary?
On Day 6 in Alkmaar, dinner is intentionally excluded so you can explore this historic cheese city at night and dine at a local Dutch restaurant, café, or tavern of your choice. Your tour leader is always happy to provide local dining recommendations!
What is Zaanse Schans and what will I see there?
Zaanse Schans is an open-air historical village located along the Zaan River. It features authentic 17th- and 18th-century wooden houses, traditional craft shops (including clog making and cheese making), and well-preserved working windmills that still grind mustard, spices, paint, and oil.
What clothing should I pack for a spring bike tour in Holland?
Spring weather in the Netherlands can vary from warm sunny days to cool, windy, or drizzly mornings. We recommend dressing in layers: bring breathable cycling clothes, a warm fleece or sweater, windproof gear, and a high-quality waterproof rain jacket. Comfortable closed-toe walking or cycling shoes are essential.
Can I use North American or Australasian hair dryers on the ship?
Hair dryers are provided on board the barge for all guests. Long-haul travelers from countries with 110V systems (such as the US or Canada) or different plug types (Australia/New Zealand) should avoid plugging high-wattage personal hair dryers into cabin outlets, as this can trip the ship's electrical breakers. Standard travel plug adapters (Type C/F Europlug) can be used for charging phones, cameras, and tablets.
What happens if I get tired or don't want to cycle on a specific day?
One of the key benefits of a bike and barge cruise is total flexibility! If you want a rest day, you can simply leave your bike on board and relax on the sun deck or in the lounge as the barge cruises to the next landing port.
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