Netherlands
Bike and barge tour through Holland’s tulip fields
8 days
Bike and barge tours, Bike tours
startdag(en): Saturday
Easy
8 days | Amsterdam, the Netherlands | From €1,499 pp | Guided bike and barge tour
About this Netherlands tulip bike tour
Discover the Netherlands at its most colorful on this 8-day bike and barge holiday through endless tulip fields, historic cities and classic Dutch scenery. While you cycle by day past fields bursting with tulips, hyacinths and daffodils, your comfortable ship sails ahead to your next overnight stop. It’s the best of both worlds: active cycling and relaxed time on board, without ever having to move your luggage yourself.
The route takes you past iconic Dutch highlights including the world-famous Keukenhof gardens, the historic cities of Haarlem and Leiden, cheese town Gouda, and the flower auction in Aalsmeer. Along the way you’ll cycle past windmills, through polders and along picturesque villages, guided by an experienced tour leader who knows the region’s best routes.
Looking for an extra touch of luxury and comfort?
Consider our 8-Day Premium Tulip Tour for a more luxurious ship, enhanced comfort and a higher level of service.
Please note: this is a guided cycling holiday, operated by our partner specializing in bike and barge tours in the Netherlands. You’ll stay aboard a comfortable ship with a maximum of 24 guests.
Why this bike and barge tour?
✔ Visit the world-famous Keukenhof gardens at the peak of tulip season
✔ Cycle past endless fields of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils
✔ Discover the historic cities of Haarlem, Leiden, Gouda and Alkmaar
✔ Visit the world-famous Aalsmeer flower auction
✔ Comfortable floating hotel that travels with you each day
✔ Daily choice between a longer and shorter cycling route
✔ Guided by an experienced, multilingual tour leader
What can you expect?
This bike and barge holiday is designed for travelers who want to experience the best of the Dutch spring without giving up comfort. Each morning you set off on a cycling route through blooming fields, characterful villages and green polders. By the time you finish cycling for the day, your ship has already sailed to the next mooring point.
On board, you’ll enjoy delicious meals and the calm of the water as you look back on the day with your fellow travelers. On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route, or simply stay on board and enjoy the passing landscape from the water.
Highlights along the route
Keukenhof in full bloom
Walk through one of the most colorful gardens in the world, where millions of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils together create a breathtaking floral display — the absolute highlight of any spring trip through the Netherlands.
The Aalsmeer flower auction
Discover how the Netherlands became the world’s largest flower exporter during a visit to this impressive auction, where millions of flowers from around the world are traded daily.
Zaanse Schans: windmills, cheese and Dutch clogs
Step back in time at this open-air museum full of authentic windmills, traditional cheese makers and classic Zaan-style houses — a picture-perfect tribute to the Netherlands of centuries past.
Historic towns and villages
From the university city of Leiden to cheese town Gouda and picturesque Alkmaar: every day brings you to a new historic center with centuries-old architecture and inviting cafés.
Day to day itinerary
You’ll check in in Amsterdam, where you’re welcomed aboard around midday with coffee and tea. In the afternoon, the ship sails toward Haarlem. Along the way, you’ll meet your tour leader, who introduces the week’s itinerary. During a stop en route, you can take a short test ride on your bike. After dinner on board, an evening walk introduces you to Haarlem’s charming historic center.
Today’s cycling route takes you through one of the oldest and most beautiful tulip-growing regions in the Netherlands. The highlight of the day is a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof gardens, where millions of flowers bloom in a stunning landscaped park. After your visit, you continue cycling toward the university city of Leiden, where your ship is moored for the night.
Today’s route takes you through green polders and past small Dutch villages on your way to Gouda. This characterful town is known for its cheese market and beautiful historic center, where you’ll have time to explore in the evening.
Today you cycle along the river Rhine toward Alphen aan den Rijn, where your ship picks you up again. The afternoon continues toward the Kudelstaart or Oude Wetering area, right in the heart of the Dutch flower-growing region.
One of the highlights of the week: a visit to the world-famous Aalsmeer flower auction, where millions of flowers are auctioned daily for export around the world. Via Amsterdam, you continue cycling to the open-air museum Zaanse Schans, known for its windmills, cheese makers and traditional wooden houses.
Today’s route takes you to the Hortus Bulborum, a unique bulb garden museum home to more than 4,000 rare and historic varieties of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. The route then continues along the North Sea coast at Egmond aan Zee, through the dunes, to the cheese town of Alkmaar with its well-preserved 17th-century center and picturesque canals.
Via the former windmill complex of the Schermer polder and the characterful village of De Rijp, you cycle back toward Amsterdam. Along the way you’ll pass centuries-old facades, an old lock and charming churches that speak to the region’s rich history. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner together on board.
After breakfast, you say goodbye to the crew and your fellow travelers. You disembark in Amsterdam with wonderful memories of a week full of color, culture and active relaxation.
Routemap of this bike and barge tulip tour
Sights along the route
Amsterdam
Your journey begins in Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands. Famous for its UNESCO-listed Canal Ring, world-class museums and lively waterfront terraces, Amsterdam is the perfect starting point for a unique cycling and sailing holiday through the historic Hanseatic Cities of the Netherlands.
From Amsterdam, you will discover the Netherlands by bike and boat, combining active cycling with the comfort of your floating hotel. Along the way, explore historic Hanseatic towns, picturesque landscapes and charming Dutch cities steeped in centuries of history.
Keukenhof
One of the absolute highlights of this cycling and sailing holiday in the Netherlands is a visit to Keukenhof, one of the world’s most famous flower gardens. In spring, Keukenhof bursts into colour with millions of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils in bloom. Wander through the beautifully landscaped flower gardens, admire the spectacular floral displays and experience the unmistakable charm of springtime in Holland.
Blooming tulip fields
The route takes you through the famous Bollenstreek flower bulb region, where endless fields of colourful tulips and other spring flowers create a spectacular Dutch landscape. Cycling alongside the vibrant flower fields while cruising through the picturesque Dutch countryside makes this cycling and sailing holiday in the Netherlands a truly unique experience.
Historical Dutch cities
Along the way, discover some of the most characteristic historic cities and towns in the Netherlands. Wander through charming old streets, explore historic harbours and enjoy lively terraces, local attractions and authentic Dutch culture. This combination of cycling, sailing and discovering historic Dutch cities makes the journey a memorable way to experience the Netherlands.
Gouda and famous Dutch cheese
Gouda is world-famous for its traditional Gouda cheese. During your visit to this historic Dutch city, discover the centuries-old tradition behind one of the Netherlands’ most iconic cheeses. Explore the historic city centre, where the rich history of Gouda cheese and the cheese trade that helped shape the city can still be experienced.
Gouda is a delightful cultural stop during your cycling and sailing holiday through Holland. Besides tasting or discovering the famous Gouda cheese, you can wander through charming historic streets, admire monumental buildings and soak up the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Dutch city.
Zaanse schans – Traditional Dutch Windmills & Culture
Zaanse Schans is one of the most famous attractions in the Netherlands and a fascinating place to visit during your cycling and sailing holiday. Located near Zaandam in North Holland, this historic open-air area is renowned for its iconic wooden houses, traditional Dutch windmills and authentic craft workshops. Cycle through the Zaanse Schans and step back in time to experience the Netherlands as it once was. Admire the historic windmills, distinctive green wooden houses and traditional warehouses, and discover Dutch crafts such as cheese making and traditional wooden clog making. The Zaanse Schans offers a unique glimpse into traditional Dutch life, culture and heritage, making it a memorable stop on your cycling and sailing journey through Holland.
Prices and departure dates
Price per person based on a two-person cabin.
Ship: Flora
High Season
Departure dates: 10 Apr 2027, 17 Apr 2027, 24 Apr 2027, 1 May 2027
| Cabin Type | Price p.p. | Single Use |
|---|---|---|
| Twin lower deck | €1,799.00 | €2,598.50 |
| Double lower deck | €1,799.00 | €2,598.50 |
Mid Season
Departure date: 3 Apr 2027
| Cabin Type | Price p.p. | Single Use |
|---|---|---|
| Twin lower deck | €1,599.00 | €2,298.50 |
| Double lower deck | €1,599.00 | €2,298.50 |
Ship: Sarah
High Season
Departure date: 3 Apr 2027
| Cabin Type | Price p.p. | Single Use |
|---|---|---|
| Twin lower deck | €1,799.00 | €2,598.50 |
| Twin or Triple lower deck | €1,799.00 | €2,598.50 |
| Double lower deck | €1,799.00 | €2,598.50 |
Mid Season
Departure date: 27 Mar 2027
| Cabin Type | Price p.p. | Single Use |
|---|---|---|
| Twin lower deck | €1,599.00 | €2,298.50 |
| Twin or Triple lower deck | €1,599.00 | €2,298.50 |
| Double lower deck | €1,599.00 | €2,298.50 |
Included
- Guidance by an experienced, multilingual tour leader
- 7 nights aboard the ship
- All meals: breakfast, lunch (packed lunch) and dinner (except day 3, own arrangement)
- Entrance to Keukenhof and the Aalsmeer flower auction
- Daily cycling route descriptions (longer and shorter option)
Not included
- Travel to and from Amsterdam. Amsterdam is easily reached by train, car or flight (Schiphol)
- E-bike rental. Available on request for an additional fee
- Dinner on day 3 in Gouda. Own arrangement
- Travel and cancellation insurance. Suitable insurance is required for participation
- Drinks on board outside of meals
Optional extras
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| E-bike rental | €330 |
| Bicycle rental | €119 |
| Bringing your own e-bike on board | €43 |
| Bringing your own bicycle on board | €18 |
| Helmet rental | €14 |
Practical information
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | North and South Holland, the Netherlands |
| Start and end point | Amsterdam |
| Duration | 8 days / 7 nights |
| Level | Easy, suitable for beginners |
| Trip type | Guided bike and barge tour |
| Departure period | Mid-March to mid-May (tulip season) |
| Price from | €1,749 pp |
| Daily cycling distance | Approx. 12–25 miles (20–40 km) per day (choice of long/short route) |
Getting there
The tour departs from and returns to Amsterdam, easily reached by train from anywhere in the Netherlands, by car (parking available near the mooring point), or by flight to Schiphol Airport. Boarding is around midday; you’ll receive the exact location and time after booking.
Accommodation & meals
You’ll spend every night aboard a comfortable ship with a maximum of 24 guests. The cabins are compact but comfortable. Breakfast, lunch (as a packed lunch for the road) and dinner are included for most of the week; on one evening you’ll dine independently in one of the historic towns.
Frequently asked questions about this tour
The price includes accommodation aboard the ship, most meals, guidance by a tour leader, entrance to Keukenhof and the Aalsmeer flower auction.
Yes, daily cycling distances are limited (approximately 12–25 miles / 20–40 km) and you can choose a longer or shorter route each day. An average fitness level is sufficient.
This is a guided cycling tour. An experienced, multilingual tour leader guides the group during the daily cycling routes.
The tour runs during the Dutch tulip season, from mid-March to mid-May. Peak bloom is usually in the last week of April, though this depends heavily on the weather.
Yes, this is possible by arrangement, depending on available space on board. Let us know when booking.
Yes, e-bikes can be rented for an additional fee. Ask about the options when booking.
No problem. You can choose to stay on board any day and enjoy the landscape from the water while the ship sails to the next destination.
Yes, you’ll spend all seven nights aboard. The ship sails to the next mooring point during or after the cycling day.
Amsterdam is easily reached by train, car, or flight via Schiphol Airport. You’ll receive the exact boarding location and time after booking.
Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour leader will adjust the route as needed based on weather conditions. The ship always offers a comfortable, dry place to sleep and eat.
This particular tulip route is only offered in spring. For a bike and barge holiday at another time of year, take a look at our other bike and barge tours, such as our Hanseatic Cities route.
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