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Holland's UNESCO Treasures 8-Day Premium Bike & Barge Tour (MAG2)
This deluxe class cycling and sailing tour invites you to explore the northern provinces of the Netherlands in a completely unique way — through the lens of UNESCO World Heritage. Designed for curious travelers who value authenticity, comfort, and culture, this journey takes you deep into regions shaped by water, ingenuity, and tradition. Over eight inspiring days, you’ll cycle through quiet countryside, alongside canals and across dikes, while your floating hotel sails ahead to meet you.
Along the way, discover remarkable Dutch heritage: from the still operational steam pumping station of Woudagemaal to the elegant precision of the Eise Eisinga Planetarium, and from the reclaimed lands of De Beemster to the tidal landscapes of the Wadden Sea. You’ll also cruise through Amsterdam’s iconic canal system — itself a UNESCO site — on a classic evening canal tour. Between cultural highlights, you’ll pedal past dunes, lakes, and postcard-perfect villages, with time to enjoy nature, local flavors, and relaxed luxury aboard your ship. Whether you’re drawn by history, landscape, or a love of leisurely exploration, this carefully curated itinerary offers a deeper look into the Netherlands — and into the extraordinary stories that earned these places their place on the world stage.
Accompanied by a competent, professional and multilingual tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting sights and places on the daily cycling tours. During the bike tour, they will explain the local history and culture behind the things you encounter along the way. You can also choose to ride individually with the help of the bike map (available on board). Very easy flat cycling (please see itinerary for daily details).
This barge was built in 2015-2016 and offers a wonderful stay to a maximum of 34 guests. All of the 13 cabins on the lower deck and 4 suites on the upper deck are very comfortable: excellent beds and a private bathroom, as well as air conditioning, satellite TV, and a wardrobe with a mini-safe. In the tastefully furnished and air conditioned salon on the upper deck, the bar is a real eye catcher. On one side you’ll find the restaurant area and on the other there is the lounge. The captain and his crew will take good care of you!
If you would like to rent a Premium Bike (140 EUR) or E-Bike (275 EUR), please enquire when booking!
Slow Tours offers a range of Bike and Barge Tours Europe
Amsterdam – Hoorn
Check-in takes place in Amsterdam during the afternoon. After an introduction to the crew and a safety briefing, the ship will depart and pass through the Amsterdam locks to reach the IJsselmeer. As you relax and unwind from your journey, the ship will cross the largest freshwater lake in the Netherlands en route to Hoorn. This historic trading town, located on the coast of Northern Holland, boasts a rich architectural legacy linked to the Dutch East India Company. You’ll arrive just in time to enjoy your welcome dinner on board.
Hoorn – (Medemblik) – Enkhuizen (30 or 37 km I 18 or 23 mi. )
Your cycling adventure begins! After a personal bike fitting, follow quiet paths through the rural heart of North Holland. Choose a longer or shorter route. The longer route leads to Medemblik, allowing you to explore the charm of this trading town at the shore of the IJsselmeer, before continuing to Enkhuizen — a well-preserved gem with rich maritime heritage and a beautiful historic center.
Enkhuizen – Lemmer | Lemmer – Sneek (35 or 50 km I 22 or 31 mi. )
This morning we cross the IJsselmeer by ship into the province of Friesland — a region of lakes, waterways, and proud traditions. Your ride starts at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Woudagemaal,. It is the world’s largest still-operating steam-powered pumping station. From there, cycle through a tranquil green mosaic of water and land toward Sneek, a lively town known for its sailing culture and famous Water Gate. Dinner on board is not included this evening, so you can enjoy a wonderful meal at one of the restaurants.
Sneek – Franeker (43 km I 27 mi.)
Today’s route continues through Friesland’s wide-open landscapes, dotted with villages and grazing cows. You’ll arrive in the charming town of Franeker with time to visit another UNESCO World Heritage: the remarkable Eise Eisinga Planetarium. This moving mechanical scale model of the solar system from the 18th century is the oldest working orrery in the world, still ticking away inside a canal house living room. A truly cosmic experience!
Franeker – Harlingen | Harlingen – Kornwerderzand (23 or 35 km | 14 or 21 mi.) | Kornwerderzand – Den Helder
In the morning, sail to the historic harbor town of Harlingen and enjoy a guided walk through its charming streets. Then cycle along the coastline to Kornwerderzand, located on the Afsluitdijk — a legendary Dutch engineering feat. Visit the Wadden Sea Experience Center Visit the Wadden Sea Experience Center and take in views of the Wadden Sea itself — a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its unique tidal ecosystem. Afterward, continue by ship to Den Helder.
Den Helder – St. Maartensvlotbrug | St. Maartensvlotbrug – Alkmaar (45 km I 28 mi. )
Start your day with a peaceful sailing section to St. Maartensvlotbrug, where you’ll begin your ride through the North Holland Dune Reserve. This protected coastal landscape offers a unique mix of shifting dunes, quiet forests, and sweeping sea views. Along the way, pass through picturesque villages before arriving in the historic city of Alkmaar.
Alkmaar – Wormerveer | Wormerveer – Zaanse Schans – Amsterdam (38 or 47 km | 23 or 29 mi.)
As you enjoy breakfast, the ship sails along the North Holland Canal, a vital historic link between sea and city. Today’s final cycling route is a UNESCO double-feature: first, ride through the beautifully ordered fields of the Beemster Polder (UNESCO), one of the Netherlands’ earliest reclaimed landscapes. Then visit Zaanse Schans, a living village of working windmills and traditional green-timbered homes. Cap off your tour in Amsterdam with an evening canal cruise through its legendary canal belt — also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amsterdam
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. Check-out and fond farewells to the crew and your fellow travelers.
Tours marked with are special prices.
Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun 25 2026 | Jul 02 2026 | 37 | Single rooms | 2,850€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,899€ | |||||
Jul 02 2026 | Jul 09 2026 | 37 | Single rooms | 2,550€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,699€ | |||||
Jul 23 2026 | Jul 30 2026 | 37 | Single rooms | 2,550€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,699€ | |||||
Jul 30 2026 | Aug 06 2026 | 37 | Single rooms | 2,550€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,699€ | |||||
Aug 20 2026 | Aug 27 2026 | 37 | Single rooms | 2,550€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,699€ | |||||
Aug 27 2026 | Sep 03 2026 | 37 | Single rooms | 2,850€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,899€ |
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote