Cycling holiday Super Tulip Tour

Super Tulip Tour

Cycling through fields of spring flowers

Starting at € 1.410,-
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Summary
  • 8 Days Thursday to Thursday
  • 40 km average per day
  • Arrival Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
  • Departure Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Highlights
  • Keukenhof, world famous flower garden
  • Cycling through the bulb fields
  • Windmills at Zaanse Schans
Characteristics
  • Guided Tour
  • Group Tour
  • Bike & Barge
  • Cycling level 1

    The lightest cycling holiday, covering largely flat terrain, suitable for everyone and people of all ages; with distances to 45 kilometers. You spend about 4 hours on your bicycle.

Cycling through fields of spring flowers

In April and May we offer special tulip tours. You will cycle through hectares of spring flowers and tulips, learn all about growing tulips and of course you visit the Keukenhof.

The program of this Bike and Barge Super Tulip Tour is totally dedicated to this beautiful flower. You will visit the world-famous, 32-hectares’ flower garden The Keukenhof, where you can admire the wonderfully colorful fields with flowering bulbs in peace and quiet. Over 7 million bulbs will bloom, with a total of 800 varieties of tulips. A unique, unforgettable experience! The tulip, originally from Turkey, reached The Netherlands at the end of the 16th century. The plant became very popular (the “ Tulip Mania”) and in 1634 there was one single bulb that was so expensive, a whole canal side house in Amsterdam did cost the equivalent! On Sunday you will sail to Amsterdam and at midday you will cycle from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans. The Zaanse Schans is a unique hamlet where people live and work, with original houses and windmills from the river Zaan area.
Around Alkmaar you will find the most beautiful dunes in the country. The last part of the week the route leads you through the 17th century polders. The green “ Waterland” landscape surrounds you, while you cycle through the Beemster Polder back to Amsterdam.

Daily Program

  • Day 1 Amsterdam - Haarlem, 15 km

    You are expected on our barge on Thursday the latest at 1.30 PM. The barge needs to leave the mooring place in Amsterdam at 2 PM. It is very important you are on time. The barge can’t wait due to the opening hours of bridges and/or locks. Boarding time is between 12.30 PM and 1.30 PM. When you arrive on board you can put your luggage away in your cabin and then enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. It is also a good moment to become acquainted with the guide, skipper and crew and of course your fellow passengers. The first part of the tour you will sail to Spaarndam – known as the village of Hansje Brinker – and from here we make an easy ride into the beautiful city of Haarlem.

  • Day 2 Haarlem – Keukenhof - Leiden, 40 km

    Todays trip leads you through the oldest tulip fields of Holland and along the Keukenhof. Of course you’ll have time to admire  the most beautiful bulb park in the world (tickets are included in the tourprice). Keukenhof is the place where the spring breaks. An overwhelming blaze of colours; seven million flowering tulips in a magnificent 80-acres’ background of traditional and modern gardening architecture. You also can admire the various hyacinths, narcisses and many other colourful flowers. You spend the night in Leiden which was Rembrandt’s hometown.

  • Day 3 Leiden – Kudelstaart, 45 km

    Today you continue your tour around the Haarlemmermeer. In case you have a lunchstop at the other side of the bridge in Leimuiden. imagine that this polder once was the biggest lake in Holland and nicknamed ‘the waterwolf’.  The cycleroute leads you through the green heart of Holland, an area characterized by small cycle paths, typical black and white cows and despite the work of mr. Leeghwater, a lot of water. Your destination for today is Kudelstaart: a small town bordered by the Westeinderplassen.

  • Day 4 Kudelstaart - Wormerveer, 45 km

    You will have breakfast while sailing towards Amsterdam. Between the airport Schiphol and the city you disembark to continue your tour by bike along the river Amstel and right into the city. A ferry (don’t forget to take a look to the left where you see whale tail shaped building of the eye filmmuseum) brings you to the other side of the river ‘IJ’. Here you leave the city behind an continue your tour through lush green polders towards the world famous hamlet of Zaanse Schans. A unique place where people live and work, with original houses and windmills from the river Zaan area.

  • Day 5 Wormerveer - Alkmaar, 45 km

    From Wormerveer you will cycle through the most beautiful dunes of the Netherlands and if weather permits, you may like to swim in the North Sea during your lunch break at the beach. Todays’ overnight stay is in cheese town Alkmaar. An historic lively city with many small and bigger shops. A little less than 400 heritage sites, canals and harbour dominate the townscape.

  • Day 6 Alkmaar – Purmerend, 41 km

    Today you can discover the descent of Beemster cheese and the birthplace of the man who defeated ‘the waterwolf’. The Beemster Polder, dating from the early 17th century, is an exceptional example of reclaimed land in the Netherlands. It has preserved intact its well-ordered landscape of fields, roads, canals, dykes and settlements, laid out in accordance with classical and Renaissance planning principles. There will be time to visit the windmills at the Rijp and see the house where mr. Leeghwater was born.

  • Day 7 Purmerend – Amsterdam, 35/20 km

    Purmerend lies at the edge of an area called ‘ Waterland’ where roads and water are nearby on the same level. We visit the nice village of Zunderdorp and Ransdorp. The better cyclists can cycle the long route to Edam and Volendam and if time permits you can cross the lake Gouwzee to admire the traditional fisherman’s village Marken with its typical wooden houses. In Amsterdam you can look back at cycling seven days in great variation of typical Dutch landscapes, towns and many highlights.

  • Day 8 Amsterdam, end of the tour

    End of the tour after breakfast, disembarkation before 10 AM. If you have an early flight, you can ask the tourguide to arrange a taxi to the airport.

Cycling in Holland

Cycling in a cycle country

Our carefully selected routes will lead you along the most beautiful spots of the country. The average daily distance is around 45 kilometers. Most participants prefer riding in a group with the cycling guide, but you can also ride individually. A road book is included (1x per cabin). Gps-tracks can be provided by e-mail.

Boarding in Amsterdam
Spaarndam
Haarlem
Flower fields
Keukenhof
Leiden
On the road
Haarlem Windmill
Coffee break!
Zaanse Schans
North Holland
Dunes and beach
Cheese shop
Cycling back to Amsterdam
Waterland, Marken
Day 7: back in Amsterdam

Travel Dates

Departure
End
Accommodation
Starting at
Availability
Departure
04 Apr 2024
End
11 Apr 2024
Accommodation
Clair de Lune
Starting at
€ 1.410,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
04 Apr 2024
End
11 Apr 2024
Accommodation
Zwaan
Starting at
€ 1.440,-
Availability
Limited
Book
Departure
11 Apr 2024
End
18 Apr 2024
Accommodation
Zwaan
Starting at
€ 1.440,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
11 Apr 2024
End
18 Apr 2024
Accommodation
Clair de Lune
Starting at
€ 1.545,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
18 Apr 2024
End
25 Apr 2024
Accommodation
Clair de Lune
Starting at
€ 1.545,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
25 Apr 2024
End
02 May 2024
Accommodation
Clair de Lune
Starting at
€ 1.545,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
02 May 2024
End
09 May 2024
Accommodation
Zwaan
Starting at
€ 1.440,-
Availability
Fully booked

What else do you need to know?

Prices per person in 2024

! Note: in 2024, the tour starts on Thursday! 

Supplements:
Reservation costs € 25,- per booking
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)

Clair de Lune

4 April
Double cabin, with double bed € 1.410,-
Twin cabin with split-level beds € 1.410,-
Cabin with single bed € 1.480,-

11, 18 & 25 April
Double cabin, with double bed € 1.545,-
Twin cabin with split-level beds € 1.545,-
Cabin with single bed € 1.670,-

Zwaan

4 & 11 April & 2 May
Luxury double cabin, with double bed € 1.900,-
Twin cabin € 1.680,-
Smaller double front cabin, with double bed € 1.440,-
Smaller front cabin for single use € 2.170,-

Extra options:
Rental touring bike per week (bike insurance included) € 110,-
E-bike per week (bike insurance included) € 220,- (from 155cm)
Special diet (gluten free, lactose free, vegan) € 75,- per diet (to be specified when booking)

Included

  • All nights on board (8 days / 7 nights),  cabin in the booked category;
  • Full board (7 x breakfast, 6 x self-made picnic lunch for bike tours, 7 x three course dinner)
  • Use of bed linen and towels
  • Coffee and tea on board
  • Tourguide, cycles with the group
  • Min. 3 city walks with the tourguide
  • Free WiFi (limited available in lounge and on deck)
  • Road book, 1x per cabin
  • Entrance Keukenhof
  • Ferry fares on the route
  • GPS-tracks (on request)

Not Included

  • Reservation costs
  • Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund (Insolvency Protection)
  • Bicycle rent (optional)
  • Entrance fees to museums; approx. € 25,- per tour
  • Other drinks on board
  • Personal insurance

Special details

  • This tour is operated by Cycletours
  • Please take good notice of Terms & Conditions.
  • Due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, the route/program may be changed without notice.
  • We do not allow private e-bikes on board (due to safety regulations).
  • If you have special meal requirements we ask you to mention this when booking, but no later than 14 days before arrival. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best  to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus. In case of Celiac; gluten free diet; lactose free diet; vegan meals there is an additional charge of € 75, – per diet per week (possible on request up to 14 days prior to start of the tour). If requested upon arrival this supplement is € 100, – per diet per week, to be paid on spot.
  • Cycletours Holidays reserves the right to cancel tours with fewer than 12 participants up to 21 days prior to the date of departure.

Arrival info

Boarding time is between 12.30 PM and 1.30 PM. You are expected on our barge on Thursday no later than 1.30 PM. You can recognise the barge by the banner with Cycletours written on it. The name of your barge is printed on the voucher, which you will receive separately. After arrival there’s coffee and tea on board. Other drinks are also available on cash payment. If you want you can bring your luggage in advance: from 11:30 onwards.

The mooring place of the barge in Amsterdam is: harbour Oosterdok , Zip-code 1011 VX (near the Science Center: ‘Nemo’, Oosterdok 2).

Airport

The nearest airport to the embarkation point of the barge is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). There is a direct train that leaves 6 times per hour from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station. It takes about 16 minutes. The price for a train ticket Schiphol-Amsterdam Central is € 6,- per person for a single journey. Walking distance to the barge is about 10 to 15 minutes. A taxi from the airport to the barge in Amsterdam takes about 30 minutes. It costs about € 60,-.

Train

The nearest train station to the embarkation point of the barge is Amsterdam Central Station. Walking distance to the barge is about 10 to 15 minutes. A taxi from the station to the barge takes about 5 minutes: Costs about € 10,-.

Car

If you arrive by car, we recommend you to arrive earlier to unload your luggage. You can find more information about parking possibilities at www.iamsterdam.com
The nearest parking is Parking Oosterdok, parkingcentreamsterdam (about € 275,- per week, it is not necessary to reserve in advance; 500m walking distance to the barge).

End of the tour

The tour ends one week later on Thursday morning after breakfast before 10 AM. You will spend the night from Wednesday to Thursday on board in Amsterdam. After the tour ends in you can take the train back to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport. Should you have an early flight, no problem.  You may leave as early as you need to.

Our barge, your hotel

Imagine a floating hotel sailing to the next stage, while you are calmly pedalling along. No lugging of luggage: that is exactly what Bike & Barge is all about! In the pleasant atmosphere on board you can have a chat, go through the day with the others, and enjoy the meals prepared specially for cyclists. In the evenings you can enjoy a drink in the salon or admire the setting sun on deck. Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury.
Free WiFi is (limited) available in lounge and on deck.

What are the cabins like?

Most cabins are 2-person cabins (twin or double beds), but some barges also have single and triple cabins. All cabins have central heating and a porthole or window; they are provided with running water (hot and cold), private shower/toilet and 220 voltage. Some barges have airconditioning. There is limited storage space in the cabin. We recommend 1 suitcase per person. You can slide the suitcase under the bed.

The team, hospitality comes first

The captain/skipper, the chef and your tourguide all welcome you warmly. They are prepared specifically for these trips and will provide good and safe passage, good meals, and a friendly, pleasant atmosphere. They will, of course, also give you a great deal of interesting information during and after the cycling and sailing. The skipper is responsible for the smooth running of things on board; the cook is in charge of the catering. A tourguide accompanies you during the bike ride and can assist in case of breakdowns. He/She will be your guide to point out the things of interest along the way and is multi-lingual (Dutch/English, some speak German and/or French).

The meals

Your chef is used to cook delicious meals for hungry cyclists. Besides an extensive breakfast, you will also be offered a packed lunch for on the road. It consists of different types of bread and sandwich fillings, juice, a snack and a piece of fruit. Lunch package needs to be prepared by yourself after breakfast. Dinner is different every day. There is a first course, main course and dessert The meals on board are included in the price, as are coffee and tea. Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks can be obtained at a reasonable charge. When you return on board after the day’s cycling, a cup of tea or coffee with a biscuit will be waiting for you.
If you suffer from food allergies or food intolerance (such as lactose- or gluten- intolerance/-allergy) or if you have special meal requirements (vegetarian; pescetarian; vegan meals; gluten free meals etc.), we ask you to mention this when booking, but no later than 14 days before arrival. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best  to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus and special food requirements cannot always be met in all details.
In case of vegan meals, gluten free or lactose diet, there is an additional charge. This charge is € 75,- per diet/ per person/per week when you  order the diet when booking and € 100,- per diet/ per person/per week when ordering on spot.

You and the group,new friends from around the world!

One of the most attractive aspects of the Bike & Barge holidays is that you encounter an international company on board, including people from e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, France and United Kingdom. It’s a great opportunity for you to get to know various cultures at the same time! We have people of all ages, solo travelers, couples and also families with children (during the school holidays). Most groups are made up of 12 to 26 people.

Cycling in Holland

Holland is a cycling country: 17 million inhabitants all with bikes. The number of cyclists necessitates a cycling infrastructure: cycle paths (30,000 km), cycle routes (long and short distance), cycle bridges, cycle tunnels, cycle ferries and special signposts for cyclists. Cycling is part of normal life in the Netherlands; parents bring their children to school by bike, people go to work by bike, factory workers, doctors, even the prime minister! Cyclists, of course, have to observe traffic rules and regulations. The most important rule is to remember that you are not alone on your bike and that you are sharing the road with your group and other road users. Your guide on board will tell you all you need to know about the traffic rules and regulations.

F.A.Q.

  • Do you accommodate for special diets

    Yes, this must be notified when booking, but no later than 14 days before arrival. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus.
    On some trips, in case of a gluten-free diet; lactose-free diet or vegan meals, a surcharge of € 75,- per diet per week applies. This is stated per tour.

  • Do I have to wear a safety helmet

    We recommond to wear a bike helmet on all tours. On our own tours (barges Anna Antal; Liza Marleen; Wending; Sailing Home; Zwaan and Clair de Lune) we provide a safety helmet with all our own rental bikes.
    In some countries a helmet is mandatory. This is stated on the tour page.

  • What happens when it rains?

    Most of the participants then wear rainwear. When the weather is so bad that cycling becomes really impossible (but that is almost never the case!), you can stay on board or your guide can organize an alternative program with, for example, cultural excursions and city tours (at your own expense).

  • Which countries do the participants come from

    The main countries represented by our cycling guests are: United States and Canada. We also receive guests from United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand. The common language on board is English.

  • Can I rejoin the barge before the end of a stage

    No, the barge doesn’t take the same route as the cyclists do. Sometimes the route may be altered because of weather conditions or repairs to bridges or locks and then the guests and the guide can arrange with the skipper to be met at a different place. Naturally you can always stay on board for one or more days.