Bike and Barge
Amsterdam and the Southern Tour, summer edition
round tour from Amsterdam
- NL012 / Netherlands
- Bike and Barge Bike and barge In the daytime by bike, in the evening on board a hotel-boat that follows the cyclists along the route. Your luggage stays in the cabin and you can stay on the boat if you don't feel like cycling. Details
- Guided Guided Travel in a group with other participants and a tour leader who knows the route.
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Platinum
Bronze
Silver
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Platinum
Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Jul, Aug
- Jul 25, Aug 1, Aug 8 2026
- 8 days
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- round tour from Amsterdam
- Full board included
- Discount for 3rd person in room
- Original tour Original tours These are the trips we organise from A to Z to provide you with the best service at the best price. Details
Holland
self-guided tours
Amsterdam and the Southern Tour
Bike and Barge / self-guided / 8 days
Amsterdam and the Northern Tour
Bike and Barge / self-guided / 8 days
Amsterdam and Flanders
Bike and Barge / self-guided / 8 days
Frisian Islands
Bike and Barge / self-guided / 8 days
Heart of Holland
Bike and Barge / self-guided / 8 days
Holland
guided tours
Amsterdam and the Northern Tour, summer edition
Bike and Barge / guided / 8 days
From Amsterdam to Maastricht
Bike and Barge / guided / 8 days
The Heart of Holland
Bike and Barge / guided / 8 days
One-week Tulip Tour
Bike and Barge / guided / 8 days
Holland tulip tour
Bike and Barge / guided / 5 days
To know
Travelling as a larger group?
Highlights
Experience the Netherlands at its very best on a summer bike and barge tour from Amsterdam. With longer days and more light, you will cycle through green pastures, charming towns and landscapes shaped by water and wind. This journey takes you across the southern regions of the country, where culture and everyday Dutch life unfold naturally along the way. Your tour leader will guide the group, while you simply enjoy the smooth and safe cycle paths. After a full day outdoors, your floating hotel welcomes you back on board for a well-deserved evening of rest.
- The Dutch countryside and vibrant cities, a harmonious blend of art and nature
- Zaanse Schans, for a true immersion in authentic Holland in its summer colours
- The 19 windmills of Kinderdijk, set in a magical and picturesque landscape
What awaits you
A guided bike and barge tour in Holland, the land of the bicycle. The itinerary is suitable for everyone, following completely flat terrain with minimal technical difficulty. Keep in mind that wind and rain can be frequent, making each day a little more challenging. When you’re not cycling, you can enjoy scenic stretches of navigation aboard...
moreA guided bike and barge tour in Holland, the land of the bicycle. The itinerary is suitable for everyone, following completely flat terrain with minimal technical difficulty. Keep in mind that wind and rain can be frequent, making each day a little more challenging. When you’re not cycling, you can enjoy scenic stretches of navigation aboard your riverboat.
Accommodation
Overnight accommodation is provided aboard a small, cosy riverboat, where the common areas and cabins are designed to make guests feel at home. It is a real floating hotel with a dining room and a large deck where you can relax while sailing.
moreOvernight accommodation is provided aboard a small, cosy riverboat, where the common areas and cabins are designed to make guests feel at home. It is a real floating hotel with a dining room and a large deck where you can relax while sailing.
Find out who we are
If you’re here, you’re probably curious about Girolibero and why booking a trip with us could be a great choice, even if we haven’t met yet. You might be asking yourself: who are we? Why choose Girolibero? And what if you need a little help along the way? Don’t worry, we’re here to provide all the answers.
Since 1998, we’ve been organizing bike tours in Italy and Europe. Every step of your itinerary is planned out precisely; we rely on trusted professionals we’ve worked with for many years to make your trip a reality. We have people selecting your accommodation, while others make the schedule, handle unforeseen circumstances, make our website run smoothly, and maintain all the bikes.
Our headquarters is in Vicenza. We are dedicated to making your vacation a carefree experience, and we are here to address your questions and provide assistance. But there’s more.
Read more1. Arrival in Amsterdam and boarding
Individual arrival in Amsterdam. Embarkation is at 4.00 p.m., and the captain and crew will welcome you aboard. We will enjoy our first dinner on board, and the boat will remain docked in Amsterdam for the night. Those who wish can spend the evening exploring the lively capital and its charming historic center after dark.
2. From Amsterdam to Haarlem, via the windmills of Zaanse Schans
Let our bike tour begin! We say goodbye to Amsterdam and head to Zaandam, where our ride starts. Our first stop is Zaanse Schans, a reconstruction of a traditional Dutch village from the 17th and 18th centuries, complete with wooden houses, bridges, and windmills. We spend some time in this picturesque location, sampling chocolate and visiting shops, including a clog workshop, where skilled craftsmen demonstrate the ancient art of making these traditional shoes. Afterward, we hop back on our bikes and continue to our boat, which is moored in Haarlem, a charming city filled with spectacular monuments.h spectacular monuments.
3. Cycling along the North Sea, to Leiden
We depart from Haarlem on a stage that offers views of the lush Dutch countryside, featuring farms and pastures. At the end of the day, we arrive in Leiden, home to the Netherlands’ first university. Leiden, known as the birthplace of the famous painter Rembrandt, one of the greatest exponents of 17th-century Flemish painting, is an airy and elegant city.
4. From Leiden to Delft, the city of blue ceramics
Today, we find ourselves once again in the peaceful Dutch countryside, journeying to Delft, often referred to as the “blue heart” of Holland. This elegant city is the birthplace of the famed painter Vermeer and is well-known for its beautiful blue-and-white ceramics. We explore the charming Dutch town center, complete with its canals, bicycles, and historic buildings, while also visiting its quaint shops. If the weather allows, we may take a short trip to the nearby city of The Hague, which serves as the seat of the Dutch government.
5. Rotterdam, Kinderdijk e Gouda, the city of cheese
We depart from Delft and sail toward Rotterdam, a city known for its striking contrasts between the ancient and the modern, and renowned for its port. From Rotterdam, we will take a hydrofoil (not included) to quickly reach one of the Netherlands’ most popular attractions: Kinderdijk. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Kinderdijk is home to 19 windmills that are all still in working order, offering spectacular views. Next, we head to Schoonhoven, which is known as the “gourmet destination” of the day, before continuing to Gouda, the famous city of cheese!
* Possibility to shorten the stage by about 15 km.
6. From Gouda to Kudelstaart, with the peaceful countryside in the background
Today, we are preparing to immerse ourselves in nature! We follow the cycle paths that wind through the lush Dutch landscape, passing by small canals, traditional farms, and historic villages along the way. After crossing the lakes of Reeuwijk and Nieuwkoop, we finally arrive in Kudelstaart, where we can enjoy a beautiful view of the expansive Westeinderplassen lakes, along with the boat.
7. Return to Amsterdam
We have reached the final stage of our Dutch adventure! We can cycle along the peaceful banks of the Amstel River or explore the vast Amsterdamse Bos park on the outskirts of the city, which features more than 50 kilometers of cycling paths. Then we arrive in Amsterdam, ready to enjoy our remaining time in the city center. After that, it will be time to board the boat for our last dinner and raise our glasses to celebrate the end of this wonderful experience!
* Possibility to shorten the stage by about 25 km.
Comfort Bronze
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- air conditioning in common areas
- WiFi available
- 22 guests, 10 cabins
Sarah
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- air conditioning in common areas
- WiFi available
- 22 guests, 10 cabins
Small, cozy river boat, sailing through Dutch canals. On the bridge is the dining room, bar, and relaxation area.
The outside deck is a pleasant place to dine or admire the view while sailing. View more details
Cabins
- 6 doubles with separate beds
- 2 doubles with separate beds and one bunk bed
- 2 cabins with two single beds joined to form a double bed
All cabins measure 10 sq. meters and are equipped with private bathroom and toiletries, portholes which can be opened, mini safe and hairdryer.
Common areas
- Open space with lounge area, dining room and bar
- Sundeck to admire the scenery while sailing
25
Jul
Sat 25 Jul - Sat 1 Aug 2026
1
Aug
Sat 1 Aug - Sat 8 Aug 2026
8
Aug
Sat 8 Aug - Sat 15 Aug 2026
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Tour information
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Prices 2026
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Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels, courtesy kit
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 self-made packed lunches
- 6 dinners, drinks excluded
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets (to be paid in advance).
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Tour leader
- English speaking tour leader within an international group
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- 1 dinner
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Drinks on board
- Entrance tickets
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip - Any river crossings that require a fee
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local supplier.
The helmet is not mandatory, but we recommend wearing it and bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
Bikes
You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: isn’t it easy? Rental bikes are always serviced and ready for a new cycling adventure; however, should you have any mechanical problems, you can contact our local partner.
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
- battery charger
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Practical information
Route profile
- Level: easy
- Total length: 245 km
Embarkation
The boarding time is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. in Amsterdam. There, you will meet the tour guide and the other participants.
How to get there
Amsterdam is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
The closest airport is Amsterdam Schipol (AMS).
From Amsterdam Schipol (AMS):
- direct train Dutsch Railways (NS) to Amsterdam Centraal (about 20 min).
By train, the low-impact choice
Amsterdam is the closest station.
You can use Trainline to compare timetables, prices, and international rail connections, integrating the main European operators.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language
The official language is Dutch.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for the Netherlands is +31.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 volts – 50 Hz. Type C and F power sockets.
We suggest to always carry a universal adapter for electronic devices.
Currency
The currency in the Netherlands is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- your own reusable water bottle (the most sustainable choice)
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
- Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain.
Minimum number of participants
- This trip requires a minimum number of participants. If this number is not reached within 21 days of departure, you can change your trip or request a full refund. Until final confirmation, we advise you not to purchase flights or other connections to reach the destination.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
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The cyclists' paradise
Holland is truly the perfect destination for a cycling holiday. The network of bicycle paths is extensive: more than 37,000 kilometers of safe and well-marked routes allow cycling between the city and the countryside.
Bike tours in the Netherlands
In the daytime by bike...
in the evening on the boat! A holiday along rivers, canals and coastal routes, with bike days and overnight stays in a hotel-float that follows cyclists stage by stage
bike and barge tours, how it works
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