Saturday: Amsterdam – Kudelstaart, cycle tour ± 20 km (test ride)
Welcome to Amsterdam! After arrival you meet the tour leader and the crew of the barge. Then we sail out of the city through the Amsterdam city centre. In the evening a short bike ride follows through the wetland area near Kudelstaart.
Sunday: Kudelstaart – Leiden, Cycle tour ± 55 km
Today we cycle across genuine Dutch landscapes and villages called the Green Heart of Holland. The cycle lanes go through wetlands, around lake areas like ‘Langeraarse Plassen’ and ‘Braassemermeer.’ The bike tour ends in the ancient city of Leiden, birthplace of Rembrandt. A guided walk through the historic center with its many courtyards is highly recommended.
Monday: Leiden – North Sea beaches- Haarlem, cycle tour ± 50 km
The bike route leads to the seaside town of Katwijk. From there we cycle through the beautiful dune area to Zandvoort. If the weather is good we can relax on the beach. A special bike ride on the fishermen’s trail, formerly used by fishermen’s wives to bring the catch to the market, we arrive at the barge in Haarlem. The attractive historic center of this ‘best shopping town in the Netherlands’ invites for a stroll. An evening drink on the terrace at the big market place is the perfect end to this lovely day!
Tuesday: Haarlem- Spaarndam – Zaanse Schans – Alkmaar, Cycle tour ± 50 km
Following the Spaarne river we cycle to Spaarndam, the village of Hans Brinker. On the other side of the North Sea Canal, we cycle past rural villages such as Nauerna and arrive at the open-air windmill park Zaanse Schans. Afer a visit and time for making pictures we continue cycling along the river Zaan and the canal ‘Knollendammervaart’ to the cheese town of Alkmaar.
Wednesday: Alkmaar – Bergen – Schoorl – Alkmaar, cycle tour ± 55 km
Today the hotel ship stays in Alkmaar. The bike ride crosses the unique wooded dune area near Schoorl and leads to the picturesque village of Bergen. This relaxing day deserves to have a drink on a terrace or a stroll on the beach. Of course you can also stay in Alkmaar, or enjoy the beach on your own.
Thursday: Alkmaar – Hoorn – Purmerend, cycle tour ± 45 km
On the way to Hoorn we cycle past villages like Oterleek and Avenhorn. A visit to one of the windmills of Schermerhorn is another highlight. After getting acquainted with the historic port town of Hoorn, the bike tour follows the coastal road with beautiful views of the IJssel Lake. Our cycle route leads via the canal ‘Beemsterringvaart’ to the boat in Purmerend.
Friday: Purmerend – Edam – Volendam – Amsterdam, cycle tour ± 50 km
First we cycle to the lovely town of Edam. Take some time to enjoy the atmosphere in the fishing village of Volendam. If you love fish, have a real Dutch herring or smoked eel! Your cycling holiday takes you along the coast of the IJsselmeer and you cycle past the villages of Uitdam and Durgerdam. Finally the ferry takes us back to the barge in the Amsterdam city center. In the evening we take a guided walk through the old town and you’ll hae a chance to take a roundtrip by boat of the Amsterdam canals.
Saturday: Amsterdam, end of bike and barge tour.
Your tour leader and crew say goodbye to you, but not before we have a last nice breakfast aboard the boat. Your cycling and sailing holiday with all the Dutch highlights has come to an end.
(Subject to changes)
