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Dutch Bike Tours Cycling holiday Bike Boat Northern Tour
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Cycling days
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Bike Boat Northern Tour
Bike Boat Northern Tour
Type :
Hybrid :
E-Bike :
Duration :
8 days
Cycling days :
 6
Comfort :
period:
Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Code:
8-83
IJsselmeer History Island Nature
price from € 759
Bike Boat Northern Tour
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Bike Boat Northern Tour

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Bike Tour: Bike Boat Northern Tour - 8 days

During this fascinating cycling cruise on board the ships De Willemstad or De Holland you will discover the best of what the beautiful Provinces of North-Holland and Friesland offer. Explore flat “polder” landscapes – a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments – the North Sea coast, towering sand dunes, long sandy beaches, historic windmills, the island of Texel and the many picturesque harbor towns along the coast of IJsselmeer Lake. It is without doubt a tour not to be missed!

In collaboration with:

Boat Bike Tours.

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Route
Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Zaandam
Day 2: Zaandam – Zaanse Schans – Alkmaar
Day 3: Dune tour: round trip from/to Alkmaar | Alkmaar-Den Helder
Day 4: Ferry to North Sea island of Texel | Den Helder - Den Oever
Day 5: Den Oever – Stavoren | Southwest Friesland: round trip from/to Stavoren
Day 6: Stavoren - Medemblik – Hoorn – Enkhuizen
Day 7: Enkhuizen - Volendam – Waterland – Amsterdam
Day 8: Amsterdam: end of the tour

Day 1:    Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Zaandam

Embarkation and check-in between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in Amsterdam. Take the opportunity to go shopping, to explore downtown Amsterdam, to make a canal cruise or to visit a museum. At 5 p.m. welcome drink and safety instructions, dinner and first briefing on board. During dinner short cruise to Zaandam.

Day 2:    Zaandam – Zaanse Schans – Alkmaar
44 km

The first cycling trip of this tour takes you via small villages through the beautiful flat and green polder landscape. The first stop is at the Zaanse Schans open air museum (free entry) with its traditional Old Dutch wooden houses, windmills and the cheese- and clog factory. After this visit you will cycle through the “Land of Leeghwater”, a green polder area between Amsterdam, Alkmaar and Hoorn. Stroll through the former whaler’s village De Rijp and pass by the windmills of Schermerhorn. Your ship will be waiting for you near the historical city center of Alkmaar.
(44 km / 27mi.)

Day 3:    Dune tour: round trip from/to Alkmaar | Alkmaar-Den Helder
40 km

Today you can discover the beautiful North-Holland Dune reserve. This is a 5.300 hectare large forest- and dune area with its unique landscapes. In these dunes the drinking water for almost the whole province of North-Holland is gained. After a visit to the beach and artists village Bergen you will return to Alkmaar where you can visit the wonderful city center. In the afternoon the ship will sail over the North-Holland Canal to the navy harbor of Den Helder.
(33 km / 20 mi. or 40 km / 25 mi.)

Day 4:    Ferry to North Sea island of Texel | Den Helder - Den Oever
51 km

After breakfast you’ll take a 20-minute ferry ride (ticket included) from Den Helder to the isle of Texel, where you can make beautiful cycling tours on the largest of the Dutch North Sea Isles. Ride through meadows, nature parks and dunes to small villages and have the opportunity for a stop and some bathing at the sandy North Sea beach, or visit the “Ecomare” seal sanctuary. In the late afternoon you will return by ferry to Den Helder. During dinner your ship will sail to Den Oever. (34 km/20.4 mi. or 51 km/30.6 mi.)

Day 5:    Den Oever – Stavoren | Southwest Friesland: round trip from/to Stavoren
55 km

The vessel will cross the large inland lake IJsselmeer to sail to Stavoren in the Province of Friesland. You can opt for a shorter or longer cycling tour: discover the nature area of Gaasterland or explore a part of the wide lake district, that Friesland is well-known for. You can also combine both options. Night in the small harbor of Stavoren, one of the famous traditional 11 cities of Friesland..
(43 km/27 mi. or 55 km/34 mi.)

Day 6:    Stavoren - Medemblik – Hoorn – Enkhuizen
51 km

The ship will cross the IJsselmeer again during breakfast. Take the short cycling trip from Medemblik along the IJsselmeer coast directly to Enkhuizen, where you can spend the afternoon. Enkhuizen is an old city with many centuries of maritime tradition. The “herring city” boasts a beautiful old harbor, a historical old town centre and the very interesting Zuiderzeemuseum. If you prefer a longer cycling tour, ride from Medemblik to the former Dutch East India Company town of Hoorn, in the 17th century one of the world’s leading harbors. Enjoy your lunch break and make a short stroll in the old city centre. Continue by bicycle to Enkhuizen via some picturesque rural villages. In the evening you can join a short city walk.
(39 km/23.4 mi. or 51 km/31 mi.)

Day 7:    Enkhuizen - Volendam – Waterland – Amsterdam
50 km

During breakfast the ship will sail to Volendam. Your final day of cycling will lead you through the beautiful area of Waterland, with its hundreds of small lakes and tiny canals. Near Volendam you will have the opportunity to visit a cheese farm. Recommended (extra cycling miles) is a tour to the former island of Marken, to continue through the water shaped region of Waterland back to the Dutch capital city of Amsterdam. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy everything Amsterdam has to offer. If you didn’t go for a canal cruise on the first day, you can do so today.
(28 km/16.8mi. or 50 km/31 mi.)

Day 8:    Amsterdam: end of the tour

End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m..

Prices
De Willemstad  Twin 
Lower deck
Twin lower deck single use Twin 
Upper deck
Twin upper deck single use Doube upper deck Suite
Upper deck

Single
upper deck 

Price per Person € Euro    Euro      Euro  Euro 
Saturday 06-04-2024 759,00 1.138,50 959,00 1.438,50   1.259,00  
Saturday 13-04-2024 959,00 1.438,50 1.159,00 1.738,50 1.159,00 1.459,00 1.509,00
Saturday 20-04-2024 959,00 1.43850 1.159,00     1.459,00 1.509,00
Saturday 27-04-2024 1.069,00 1.603,50 1.319,00 1.978,50 1.319,00 1.619,00 1.719,00
Saturday 04-05-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50 1.419,00 1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 11-05-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50 1.419,00 1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 18-05-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50   1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 25-05-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50 1.419,00 1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 01-06-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50 1.419,00 1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 08-06-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50 1.419,00 1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 15-06-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00   1.419,00 1.719,00  
Saturday 22-06-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50   1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 29-06-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50   1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 06-07-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50 1.419,00 1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 13-07-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50 1.419,00   1.849,00
Saturday 20-07-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50 1.419,00 1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 27-07-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50 1.419,00 1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 03-08-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50 1.419,00 1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 10-08-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50 1.419,00 1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 17-08-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50   1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 24-08-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00   1.419,00 1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 31-08-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50   1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 07-09-2024 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.419,00 2.128,50 1.419,00 1.719,00 1.849,00
Saturday 14-09-2024 1.069,00 1.603,50 1.319,00 1.978,50 1.319,00 1.619,00 1.719,00
Saturday 21-09-2024 1.069,00 1.603,50 1.319,00 1.978,50   1.619,00 1.719,00
Saturday 28-09-2024 959,00   1.159,00   1.159,00 1.459,00  
Saturday 05-10-2024 759,00 1.138,50 959,00 1.438,50 959,00 1.259,00 1.249,00
Saturday 12-10-2024   1.138,50          

 

De Holland Twin lower Twin or triple lower Twin lower deck single use Twin upper Twin upper deck single use Suite upper deck  
Price per person €  Euro Euro Euro Euro Euro Euro  
Sunday 14-04-2024 959,00 959,00 1.438,50 1.209,00 1.813,50    
Sunday 28-08-2024 1.069,00 1.069,00 1.603,50 1.319,00 1.978,50 1.569,00  
Sunday 26-05-2024 1.169,00 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.469,00 2.203,50 1.719,00  
Sunday 23-06-2024 1.169,00 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.469,00 2.203,50 1.719,00  
Sunday 18-08-2024 1.169,00 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.469,00 2.203,50 1.719,00  
Sunday 13-10-2024 1.169,00 1.169,00 1.753,50 1.469,00 2.203,50 1.719,00  

 

Accommodation

De Willemstad 
De Willemstad is the youngest member of the “family”, which also includes De Amsterdam, De Holland and De Nassau. The comfortable ship was completely renovated and converted in 2017/2018. There are two tour leaders on board during the tours with this ship. The ship was used for cycling cruises for several years on the Danube river under its previous name Arlene II. Look forward to meeting nice people, riding beautiful bike tours and spending pleasant hours on board.

Description of the cabins:
All cabins are ‘outside cabins’ that are equipped with two single beds, TV, mini safe and individually controlled air conditioning. Each cabin has a bathroom with shower, toilet and hairdryer.

Upper deck: There are 8 suites (approx. 15 m² / 161 sq.ft) with a French balcony and opening floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door, two single beds, set together as a queen size bed and a small seating area.
2023: On the upper deck there are also 16 twin cabins (approx. 10 m² / 108 sq.ft) with two separate single beds. The twin cabins on the upper deck have a panoramic window that can be opened.
2024: On the upper deck there are also 13 twin cabins (approx. 10 m² / 108 sq.ft) with two separate single beds; 1 double cabin (approx. 10 m² / 108 sq.ft) with a double bed (140×200 cm) and 2 single cabins (approx. 7 – 8 m² / 75.35 – 86.11 sq.ft). The cabins on the upper deck have a panoramic window that can be opened.

Lower deck: There are 24 twin cabins (2024: 25 twin cabins) with two separate single beds and a large window with an upper hinged window that can be opened for ventilation.

Description of the ship:
In the salon / bar with large panoramic windows on the upper deck, you can review the day’s experiences in a pleasant way while enjoying a beer or a glass of wine. Your physical well-being is taken care of in the tastefully furnished and air-conditioned restaurant on the lower deck. The spacious and partly covered sundeck offers space to let the landscape pass comfortably in a deck chair. The bicycles are stored on the rear part of the sun deck.

Facts about the ship:
Year of construction: 1986, renovation: 2017/2018
Flag: Dutch
Length: 91.35 m / 300 ft
Width: 10.45 m / 34 ft
Draught: 1.45 m / 5 ft
Passengers: 96
Crew: 20
Number of cabins: 48 / 49
Credit and debit cards (with PIN): Visa, Master Card (no cash payment possible)
Currency on board: Euro
Wi-Fi on board (for a fee)
Languages ​​on board: English / German

De Holland

De Holland is a medium-sized cozy river cruise ship, built in 1952 and extended by 16 meters in 2012. In the winter of 2017/2018 the ship has been completely refitted: new marshalling, spacious and more luxurious cabins and a full restyle of the interior. The ship sails under Dutch flag and management and has always been very popular and appropriate for the Northern and the Southern Tours of Holland.

Description of the cabins:
The lower deck has 24 twin cabins (10 m² – 108 sq.ft.). Three twin cabins in the front have two separate beds, set next to each other as a hotel style bed (200 x 160 cm – 78 x 62 inches) and an additional fold away bunk bed as optional third bed (only for children). 21 Twin cabins have two separate beds, set next to each other as a hotel style bed (200 x 160 cm – 78 x 62 inches). All lower deck cabins have a window (80 x 40 cm – 31 x 16 inches) that – for safety reasons – cannot be opened.

The upper deck offers nine identical twin cabins (10 m² – 108 sq.ft.) and one suite (13 m² – 140 sq.ft.), all with two separate beds set next to each other as a hotel style bed (200 x 160 cm – 78 x 62 inches). All upper deck cabins and the suite have a “French Balcony” (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors) instead of a regular window. On previous request, in most cabins beds, normally set as hotel-style beds, can be arranged as two separate single beds. All 34 cabins aboard De Holland have an individual climate control system, digital TV, mini-safe, small wardrobe, hair dryer, 230V sockets and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. The suite has the same amenities as the superior twin cabins but is larger.

Description of the ship:
De Holland has a large salon with large panoramic windows on the upper deck that combines the restaurant, bar and a lounge area. Wi-Fi is available. On the partially roofed sun deck, chairs and sun loungers invite for a stay. Here you can relax and have a drink and enjoy the scenery while sailing.  Bicycles will be stored on a separate part of the sun deck.

Facts about the ship:
Length:           78,3 m (257 ft.)
Width:             7,3 m (24 ft.)
Crew:               11
Cabins:            33
Pass.:               66 (max.)

 

Practical info

If you have special dietary wishes (vegetarian meals, lactose intolerance or gluten-free diet), then please indicate this when you book your tour. Vegetarian meals are always available, but we need to know in advance; in all other cases we will check the possibilities for the tour of your choice. In some cases, a small fee for preparing special meals will be charged. This mainly applies to lactose or gluten-free meals.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer vegan meals. This is because the kitchens in our ships are not large enough to guarantee that the food can be prepared completely vegan. The available space on board is limited, so the chefs cannot store the necessary tools and supplies to prepare vegan food.

Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
-On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
-If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
-The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
-On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
-Detailed cycling maps, route tips and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.


Included in this tour:

  • 8 days/7 nights
  • 7 x breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • 7 x 3-course dinner
  • Coffee and tea on board till 4 PM
  • Welcome drink
  • Use of bed linen and towels
  • Daily cleaning of the cabin
  • Climate-controlled cabin
  • Daily briefings
  • Semi guided cycling tours (guest cycle independently, tour leader also cycles the tour);
  • Some short walking tours
  • Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
  • GPS tracks
  • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
  • Biodegradable water bottle
  • Ferry ticket to Texel
  • Wi-Fi is available in restaurant – data use is not included
  • Live music on board
  • Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit

Not included in this tour:

  • Coffee and tea on board after 4 PM
  • Drinks
  • Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
  • Helmet rental
  • Personal insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Entrance fees and excursions
  • Fees for ferries (ferry to Texel included)
  • Transfers to/from the docking place
  • Parking fees
  • SGR Insolvency protection

-Rental bicycle: € 96,00 per week
-Rental E-Bike: € 223,00per week (only on request, limited number available)
-Helmets: A helmet can be rented for € 10 per week, only on prior reservation and payment.
-Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle € 10/week
-Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike € 25/week
-Parking own bicycle: € 10 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
-Parking own E-Bike: € 25 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
-Canal cruise Amsterdam: Ticket for a 1-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam – special price for our guests: € 16 (at the ticket desk approx.: € 19). Please book your ticket in advance and you can collect it on board of your ship on the first day of the tour.
-Parking in Amsterdam (valet parking): prices and pre-booking on request.

Optional visits (entrance fees not included, but for our guests with discount/several with discount or free of charge): * Open air museum Zaanse Schans * Visitors centre windmill Schermerhorn * Beer brewery Oudeschild * Seal sanctuary Ecomare De Koog * Steam engine museum Medemblik * Open air museum Zuiderzeemuseum Enkhuizen and more….

It's possible to purchase an optional limitation of liability for damage and loss of your rented bicycle or e-bike: 
Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle € 10/tour
Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike € 25/tour

This package includes:

  • In case of theft of a properly locked bicycle, you are not liable for the loss/cost of the stolen bicycle, as long as you can present the original key of the lock as proof;
  • In case of a breakdown, technical failure or flat tire during your tour – but only after you have called and spoken to your tour leader – you can arrange the repair at a local bicycle shop (fietsenmaker). After presenting the receipt, repair costs will be reimbursed;
  • In case of damage, no cost for repair will be charged, except when this is a result of your own deliberate or neglectful acting;
  • When – as a result of a breakdown, technical failure or damage during your cycling tour – you cannot continue your cycling tour with this bicycle, and after you have spoken with your tour leader, you can safely store and lock the bicycle and travel to your ship by public transportation (if not available: by taxi). After arrival on board travel costs will be reimbursed;
  • If necessary and applicable, you can use another bicycle/e-bike for the remaining days of the tour at no extra costs.

**: These arrangements solely apply to and are valid for bicycles and E-bikes that have been rented from Boat Bike Tours. For tours, for which Boat Bike Tours is not the organizing tour operator (but the intermediary), and another partner company is the organizing tour operator, other arrangements may apply.

Please note: For safety reasons, it is not allowed to use the rental (e-) bikes for self-arranged rides in Amsterdam: in these cases, the limitation of liability does not apply.

Almost all of the rental bicycles are traditional touring bicycles (women’s models) with 7 or 8 gears, hand brakes (some with pedal brake) and pannier bags.  E-bikes feature a small electric engine and battery that assist and ease your pedaling, but they do not feature autonomous propulsion. It is like having a tailwind, so it is easier, but you still have to pedal.
Please note: all bicycles have normal pedals, no click pedals. So please wear ordinary sporting shoes. Changing pedals is not possible.

Prices for other rental bicycles, like children’s bikes, tandems, trailer bikes (slip streamers), children’s seats, and bike trailers are available on request. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles or E-bikes, please let us know so we can reserve a space on board for you. 

Parking in Amsterdam (valet parking): prices and pre-booking on request.
Embarking on a boat bike tour means leaving your worries behind. If you’re arriving for one of our tours by car then you can start your carefree experience immediately thanks to the CentralParking valet service.
With this parking service, you can drive directly to your ship’s departure dock. Arrange a drop-off time in advance and a CentralParking valet driver will be waiting to help you with your luggage. Your valet will then drive your car to a secure garage where it will be parked under 24/7 camera surveillance.
Set a pick-up time with CentralParking for your return and your car will be ready and waiting for you when the ship arrives, so you can set out on the road immediately.

Reviews

04-09-2023

My group loved riding through the North Holland countryside and the small villages. The tour guides, Peter and Wilfred, were perfectly suited for their roles; very helpful, informative, friendly, and kind. The crew on board were very impressive and worked together as a team in a beautiful and refreshing way. My cabin was perfect for me and tidied every day. The meals were very tasty throughout the trip.

06-07-2018

...The kilometers were more than we had expected but we didn't have any issues. Holland has awesome bike trails!...

15-04-2017

...Everything worked really well. The booking process was simple. The E-mail support was good. The information provided was really useful. The trip was brilliant. The boat staff were excellent and the Guides were attentive and informative. The Netherlands themselves are beautiful...

31-08-2015

....Thank you for the wonderful holiday!. We really enjoyed every hour of it and I believe we are planning to come back. Thanks for your kind assistance and helpfulness in planning and fulfilling the plans!...

17-07-2015

....We had a wonderful experience, and the tour was beyond our expectations. We have nothing to complain. My only suggestion is, if possible, change the towels at least once. I really don't care to use just one towel during a week. The problem is that is almost impossible have it dry, especially for us, Brazilians, that use to take more than a bath a day. But it's not a big problem, and you can be sure, we'll be back soon....

 

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