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Northern Holland 8-day Bike & Barge Tour from/to Amsterdam (dW)

  • 8days
  • Netherlands

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Bike & Barge Tours Europe
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Bike & Barge Tour in Northern Holland

During this fascinating cycling cruise, 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 harbour towns along the coast of IJsselmeer Lake. It is without a doubt a tour not to be missed! Nowhere else in the world will you find an area as fascinating as the Dutch Provinces of North Holland and Friesland, two areas rich in tradition.

Over the course of your week, you will be able to discover typical Dutch culture and cycle through a flat “polder land”, extensively reclaimed over the centuries from the North Sea and the former Southern Sea (now IJsselmeer). What you will soon realize is the truth behind the proverb “God created the earth but the Dutch made Holland”, such has been the extent of land reclamation in the region you will be cycling through. Since the 17th century in an effort to save disappearing land from encroaching water, protective dikes have been built, low lying land has been pumped dry and tidal dams have been created in creeks to prevent flooding, with the result that today’s green flat polder landscape is full of agricultural enterprise.

Given the Dutch love for cycling, the region is crisscrossed with many quiet cycle tracks that stretch from one end of the region to the other. You will be amazed by the beauty of the North Sea beaches, the towering sand dunes – who said there were no hills in Holland! – the extremely bicycle-friendly island of Texel, the beautiful flat landscapes, small dreamlike farm villages and romantic picturesque harbour villages. During the second part of the tour, you will cross the large lake IJsselmeer to Stavoren in the Province of Friesland. Other highlights during your week tour include the open-air museum “Zaanse Schans”, the historic city centre of Alkmaar and the old harbour cities of Medemblik, Enkhuizen, Hoorn and Volendam, the islands of Texel and Marken and – of course – Amsterdam with its beautiful canals.

Your Accommodation:

Your ship is the youngest member of the “family”. 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. Look forward to meeting nice people, riding beautiful bike tours and spending pleasant hours on board. 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.

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.
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 25 twin cabins with two separate single beds and a large window with an upper hinged window that can be opened for ventilation.

Included in the Bike and Barge Tour:

  • 8 days/7 nights
  • 7x Breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • 7 x 3-course dinners
  • Coffee and tea on board till 4pm
  • 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
  • Ferry ticket to Texel 
  • Wi-Fi available in restaurant - data use not included
  • Live music on board

Not included in the tour:

  • Coffee and tea on board after 4pm
  • Drinks
  • Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
  • Helmet rental (10 EUR)
  • Bike insurance (14-28 EUR)
  • Personal insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Entrance fees and excursions 
  • Fees for ferries (except for Texel)
  • Transfers to/from the docking place
  • Parking fees
  • SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person)

Notes:

  • Twin Upper Deck Cabins (FROM 1049 EUR p.p) or Suite Upper Deck Cabins (FROM 1299 EUR p.p), are available on request!
  • If you are a single traveller, please enquire for upper deck cabin upgrades! (FROM 1419 EUR)
  • All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
  • A knowledgeable and multilingual tour leader is available onboard. He/she will provide you with all necessary tour information during daily briefings. You  will cycle the tours independently, at your own pace, with the help of a detailed cycling map, GPS-tracks and printed route notes (available onboard).
  • The tour leader will also be cycling the daily tours and can – for assistance – be reached on his/her mobile phone in cases of emergency or technical breakdown of the bicycle.
  • During days when several bicycle options are possible, not all mentioned highlights can be visited during the shorter cycling options.
  • If you don’t feel like cycling for a day (or more) you are welcome to relax and onboard while the ship is sailing. But please note: lunch will not be served on board. So you can enjoy your packed lunch.  

Arrival/parking/departure:

  • Parking in Amsterdam (valet parking): prices and pre-booking on request.

If you would like to rent a bike (91 EUR), E-bike (245 EUR), please contact our office when booking: [email protected]

(2026 PRICES) If you would like to rent a bike (91 EUR), E-bike (252 EUR), please contact our office when booking: [email protected]

Slow Tours offers other Bike & Barge Tours in Europe

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  • 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/27 mi.)

    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.

  • Day 3

    Dune tour: round trip from/to Alkmaar (33 km/20 mi. or 40 km/25 mi.) | Alkmaar – Den Helder

    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.

  • Day 4

    Ferry to North Sea island of Texel: cycling round trips from ‘t Horntje (34 km/20.4 mi. or 51 km/30.6 mi.)

    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.

  • Day 5

    Den Helder – Stavoren | Southwest Friesland: round trip from/to Stavoren (43 km/27 mi. or 55 km/34 mi.)

    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.

  • Day 6

    Stavoren – Medemblik | Medemblik – Hoorn – Enkhuizen (39 km/23.4 mi. or 51 km/31 mi.)

    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.

  • Day 7

    Enkhuizen – Volendam | Volendam – Waterland – Amsterdam (28 km/16.8 mi. or 50 km/31 mi.)

    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.

  • Day 8

    Amsterdam

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

  • Read More

Amsterdam 1

Our timing couldn’t have been more perfect. The weather was warm and beautiful- not a drop of rain during the entire bike/barge portion of our trip. The only rain we got was on one of the days prior to our bike/barge trip when we were touring Amsterdam on our own time. The staff and crew of the barge were amazing!! They were all very welcoming, friendly, and helpful. The ship was beautiful and very clean. I was surprised that our group of four were the only passengers that had declared English as our primary language. The crew was very good about explaining everything to us in English after the daily briefings that were done in German. The language barrier made it more challenging in getting to know the fellow passengers, but we did get to visit with a few that knew English (our fault for not knowing another language!). Holland is a beautiful country and the perfect way to see it was on a bike! The trip was very well organized. Loved the "Ride with GPS" system along with the daily route instructions- together the roads were easy to navigate. Lastly, you have been wonderful to deal with for these past 3 years!! I would not hesitate to recommend you and Slow Tours for this amazing trip, and also the crew of the barge. I know Covid has made this all very challenging for you and we appreciate all your extra efforts. We had a wonderful time- maybe you will be hearing from us again for another trip! - June 2022

Tours marked with are special prices.

Start End Max. No. Guests Accommodation Price p.p.
May 24 2025 May 31 2025 96 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,849€
May 31 2025 Jun 07 2025 96 Single rooms 1,949€
Double rooms 1,299€
Jun 07 2025 Jun 14 2025 96 Single rooms 2,325€
Double rooms 1,549€
Jun 14 2025 Jun 21 2025 96 Single rooms 2,015€
Double rooms 1,849€
Jun 21 2025 Jun 28 2025 96 Single rooms 1,949€
Double rooms 1,299€
Jul 05 2025 Jul 12 2025 96 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,749€
Jul 12 2025 Jul 19 2025 96 Single rooms 1,799€
Double rooms 1,199€
Jul 19 2025 Jul 26 2025 96 Single rooms 1,885€
Double rooms 1,749€
Jul 26 2025 Aug 02 2025 96 Single rooms 1,799€
Double rooms 1,199€
Aug 02 2025 Aug 09 2025 96 Single rooms 1,799€
Double rooms 1,199€
Aug 09 2025 Aug 16 2025 96 Single rooms 1,885€
Double rooms 1,449€
Aug 16 2025 Aug 23 2025 96 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,199€
Aug 23 2025 Aug 30 2025 96 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,549€
Aug 30 2025 Sep 06 2025 96 Single rooms 1,949€
Double rooms 1,299€
Sep 06 2025 Sep 13 2025 96 Single rooms 2,015€
Double rooms 1,299€
Sep 13 2025 Sep 20 2025 96 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,199€
Sep 20 2025 Sep 27 2025 96 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,299€
Sep 27 2025 Oct 04 2025 96 Single rooms 1,349€
Double rooms 899€
Oct 04 2025 Oct 11 2025 96 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,299€
Mar 28 2026 Apr 04 2026 96 Single rooms 1,425€
Double rooms 949€
Apr 04 2026 Apr 11 2026 96 Single rooms 1,425€
Double rooms 949€
Apr 11 2026 Apr 18 2026 96 Single rooms 1,425€
Double rooms 949€
Apr 18 2026 Apr 25 2026 96 Single rooms 1,650€
Double rooms 1,099€
Apr 25 2026 May 02 2026 96 Single rooms 1,889€
Double rooms 1,259€
May 02 2026 May 09 2026 96 Single rooms 1,889€
Double rooms 1,259€
May 09 2026 May 16 2026 96 Single rooms 1,889€
Double rooms 1,259€
May 16 2026 May 23 2026 96 Single rooms 2,055€
Double rooms 1,369€
May 23 2026 May 30 2026 96 Single rooms 2,055€
Double rooms 1,369€
May 30 2026 Jun 06 2026 96 Single rooms 2,055€
Double rooms 1,369€
Jun 06 2026 Jun 13 2026 96 Single rooms 2,055€
Double rooms 1,369€
Jun 13 2026 Jun 20 2026 96 Single rooms 2,055€
Double rooms 1,369€
Jun 20 2026 Jun 27 2026 96 Single rooms 2,055€
Double rooms 1,369€
Jun 27 2026 Jul 04 2026 96 Single rooms 2,055€
Double rooms 1,369€
Jul 04 2026 Jul 11 2026 96 Single rooms 2,055€
Double rooms 1,369€
Jul 11 2026 Jul 18 2026 96 Single rooms 1,889€
Double rooms 1,259€
Jul 18 2026 Jul 25 2026 96 Single rooms 1,889€
Double rooms 1,259€
Jul 25 2026 Aug 01 2026 96 Single rooms 1,889€
Double rooms 1,259€
Aug 01 2026 Aug 08 2026 96 Single rooms 1,889€
Double rooms 1,259€
Aug 08 2026 Aug 15 2026 96 Single rooms 1,889€
Double rooms 1,259€
Aug 15 2026 Aug 22 2026 96 Single rooms 1,889€
Double rooms 1,259€
Aug 22 2026 Aug 29 2026 96 Single rooms 2,055€
Double rooms 1,369€
Aug 29 2026 Sep 05 2026 96 Single rooms 2,055€
Double rooms 1,369€
Sep 05 2026 Sep 12 2026 96 Single rooms 2,055€
Double rooms 1,369€
Sep 12 2026 Sep 19 2026 96 Single rooms 1,889€
Double rooms 1,259€
Sep 19 2026 Sep 26 2026 96 Single rooms 1,650€
Double rooms 1,099€
Sep 26 2026 Oct 03 2026 96 Single rooms 1,425€
Double rooms 949€
Oct 03 2026 Oct 10 2026 96 Single rooms 1,199€
Double rooms 799€
Oct 10 2026 Oct 17 2026 96 Single rooms 1,199€
Double rooms 799€

Car rental in Netherlands

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

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