map
1. Amsterdam
Embarkation and check-in starts at 2 PM in Amsterdam (centre). Take the opportunity to go shopping or explore downtown Amsterdam, world famous for its canals, its quirky ‘leaning’ buildings, museums, the Anne Frank House, the Waterlooplein Flea Market, the Dam Square in the historical center and heart of the city. A canal tour is a unique way to see the capital of Holland from another side. Welcome meeting, cocktail and short "dinner cruise"to Zaandam.
2. Zaandam – Alkmaar/Enkhuizen (45 km)
The first cycling stretch of this tour takes you through small villages scattered in 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 boat will be waiting for you near the historical city centre of Alkmaar.
3. Alkmaar/Enkhuizen – Den Helder (35/40 km)
Today you will explore the beautiful North-Holland Dune reserve. This is a 5.300 hectare forest- and dune area with its unique landscapes. Drinking water for almost the whole province of North-Holland is gained among these sand dunes. After a visit to the beach and Bergen, the artists’ village, you will return to Alkmaar, where you can visit the characteristic city centre. In the afternoon De Holland will sail over the North-Holland Canal to the navy harbor of Den Helder.
4. Den Helder – Den Oever (several options 15/65 km)
During breakfast De Holland will sail to the isle of Texel, where you can make a tour on the largest of the Dutch Northsea Isles. You will cycle through beautiful natural parks and have the opportunity for a stop and maybe a swim at the beach. Suggestion: cycle the beautiful “Thijsse- route” (with signposting, approx. 40 km/25 mi.) through picturesque villages and landscapes and visit the seal sanctuary “Ecomare” At the end of your cycling tour you can enjoy a locally brewed beer during a visit to the small brewery near Oudeschild. During dinner De Holland will return to the mainland and sail to Den Oever.
* In case of unfavorable weather conditions, the captain may decide to sail to Texel on Monday evening or not at all: in the latter case you can reach Texel by ferry (price approx. € 5 pp, not incl.).
5. Den Oever – Stavoren (45/55 km)
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 Stavoren, one of the famous 11 cities of Friesland.
6. Stavoren – Enkhuizen (30/50 km - 19/31 miles)
De Holland 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, one of the world’s leading harbors in the 17th century. Enjoy your lunch break and have a short stroll in the old city centre. Continue by bicycle to Enkhuizen pedalling though some picturesque contry villages. In the evening you can join a short city walk.
7. Enkhuizen – Amsterdam (35/50 km)
During breakfast the boat 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. A tour to the former island of Marken (extra cycling miles) is recommended to then 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.
8. Amsterdam.
After breakfast: disembarkation around 9:30 a.m. and end of the tour.
Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or warnings 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.