Bike and Barge
Amsterdam and the Northern Tour, summer edition
round tour from Amsterdam
- NL013 / 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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Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Bronze
Silver
Gold
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.
- Aug
- Aug 15, Aug 1, Aug 8 2026
- 8 days
-
- round tour from Amsterdam
- Some meals included
- 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 Northern Tour
self-guided tours
Amsterdam and the Northern Tour
Bike and Barge / self-guided / 8 days
To know
Travelling as a larger group?
Highlights
Relaxing bike rides and cosy nights on a barge: the perfect recipe for an unforgettable Dutch experience. Cycling through the Netherlands in summer means long days of light, green landscapes stretching to the horizon and a gentle breeze from the North Sea. The route crosses authentic corners of Holland, among traditional wooden houses, windmills, and wide sand dunes. Join us for a guided bike and barge tour!
- Not only windmills: majestic dams, authentic engineering feats
- Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum where Dutch history and traditions come to life
- Texel, the largest of the Frisian islands, with its beautiful dunes
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
Accommodation takes place on board a small, cosy riverboat where common areas and cabins are designed to make guests feel at home. The dining room and outdoor deck offer pleasant spaces to relax while sailing. The strong point is its small size: with a maximum of ten cabins, it hosts small groups and moves easily through the canals of Amsterdam...
moreAccommodation takes place on board a small, cosy riverboat where common areas and cabins are designed to make guests feel at home. The dining room and outdoor deck offer pleasant spaces to relax while sailing. The strong point is its small size: with a maximum of ten cabins, it hosts small groups and moves easily through the canals of Amsterdam and the surrounding area.
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. Individual arrival in Amsterdam and set sail for Zandaam!
Welcome to Amsterdam! Boarding takes place at the Amsterdam pier at 2:00 p.m., just a short distance from the historic city centre. The boat departs for Zaandam at 3:00 p.m. The first bike ride starts here and leads to the beautiful area of Zaanse Schans, known for its many windmills, traditional wooden houses and workshops producing the famous wooden clogs. The landscape, shaped by the historic polders, has a unique atmosphere and feels like an open-air museum.
2. Cycle through the polders and windmills, on the way to Alkmaar
Today’s ride leads through the polders, across the land between Amsterdam, Hoorn and Alkmaar. Along the way, there is the chance to admire the historic windmills of Schemerhorn. The route continues to Alkmaar, a town famous for its traditional cheese market and lively centre with many shops and boutiques. The boat awaits here, moored in the harbour.
*Possibility to shorten the stage by about 10 km.
3. Cycling to Den Helder, then crossing to Texel
From Alkmaar, the route continues by bike towards the North Sea, passing through the picturesque village of Bergen along the way. The ride follows the beach and winds through the dunes which, together with the nearby forest, form part of a 5,300-hectare nature reserve. If weather conditions allow, the journey continues from the port of Den Helder with a boat crossing of the North Sea to the island of Texel, the largest of the Frisian Islands.
*Possibility to shorten the stage by about 20 km.
4. Exploring the Island of Texel
If the crossing did not take place yesterday, today begins with the ferry to Texel Island. The route explores the largest of the Frisian Islands by bike, through green countryside and along beautiful white beaches known for their high sand dunes. The ride also follows the scenic Thijsse Route in the southern part of the island, one of the most popular cycling paths in the Netherlands. In the late afternoon, the ferry returns to the mainland and the boat docks in Medemblik.
5. Along the IJsselmeer to Enkhuizen
Today’s ride follows the shores of the IJsselmeer, the former Zuiderzee, a vast lake created after the land was reclaimed from the sea. The route leads to the charming harbour town of Enkhuizen, where the night is spent. The town has a beautiful historic centre with many sixteenth-century buildings dating back to the period when the Dutch East India Company held a monopoly on trade with Asia.
*Possibility to shorten the stage by about 10 km.
6. From Enkhuizen to Hoorn, towns from the Dutch Golden Age
Back in the saddle, the route leaves Enkhuizen and heads towards Hoorn, one of the most important trading ports of the seventeenth century. Traces of its glorious past are still clearly visible today, and a leisurely stroll through its charming historic centre is well worth it.
7. Visit Volendam and return to Amsterdam
Today’s ride leads from Hoorn to Volendam, one of the most famous villages on the shores of the IJsselmeer. This typical fishing village invites exploration through its narrow streets and along small canals, where wooden clogs often hang on the doors of traditional houses. In the small harbour, there is the chance to taste local specialties such as smoked eel and salted herring. The route then continues through the Waterland area, a landscape of countless small lakes and canals, before reaching the colourful wooden houses of the Marken peninsula. From here, the journey returns to Amsterdam for the last evening together.
8. Disembarkation in Amsterdam and end of tour
Disembarkation takes place by 9:30 a.m. After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the crew and your fellow travellers. Goodbye, Holland, and on to the next adventure!
Comfort Bronze
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- cabins have small windows which can be opened
- 1 sundeck
- 22 guests, 11 cabins
Flora
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- cabins have small windows which can be opened
- 1 sundeck
- 22 guests, 11 cabins
Flora is a small and cozy river boat that sails through the “green heart” of Holland. It offers a lounge with an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. On the deck there are the common areas with the dining room, where breakfast and dinner are served, and an area dedicated to relaxation. View more details
Cabins
- 10 twin cabins with separate beds
- 1 cabin with double bed
All cabins measure 8 sq. meters and two of them have a bunk bed that can accommodate a child up to 12 years old (max. 40 kg).
All cabins feature a private bathroom, small windows which can be opened and a mini-safe. Hair dryer is available on request.
Common areas
- intimate and cozy dining room
- sundeck for relaxing moments
1
Aug
Sat 1 Aug - Sat 8 Aug 2026
8
Aug
Sat 8 Aug - Sat 15 Aug 2026
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
15
Aug
Sat 15 Aug - Sat 22 Aug 2026
Download info and prices
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Tour information
(697 KB)Download all tour information
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Prices 2026
(177 KB)Download price list and departure dates
calculate your quote
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets, towels and 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”
- Dinks on board
- 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 partner.
The helmet is not mandatory, but we recommend wearing it and bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
Bikes
The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.
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: 285 km
- Terrain: 90% tarmac, 10% unpaved
Embarkation
The boarding time in Amsterdam is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. 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.
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