Bike and Barge
One-week Tulip Tour
Amsterdam - Keukenhof - Amsterdam
- NL274 / 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.
- Apr 4, Apr 18 2026
- 8 days
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- round tour Amsterdam - Keukenhof - Amsterdam
- Some meals included
To know
Highlights
Join us on a bike and boat tour to experience the unique beauty of Holland. Discover iconic windmills, picturesque canals, and vibrant fields filled with daffodils, hyacinths, and, of course, tulips at Keukenhof – a massive garden with up to 7 million blooming flowers!
- Aalsmeer’s colourful flower auction
- Millions of tulips at Keukenhof Park
- The charming city of Leiden, where the first tulip was planted
What awaits you
Easy cycling routes in Holland, the land of bicycles. The routes run along clearly marked, paved cycle paths through completely flat terrain. If you don’t feel like cycling one day, you can choose to stay on board and enjoy the view from the deck.
Accommodation
Overnight accommodation is provided aboard a small, cosy riverboat, where the communal 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.
1. Arrival in Amsterdam and sailing to Haarlem
Arrive in Amsterdam by 2 PM for embarkation. After boarding, you will set sail toward Haarlem, known as the city of flowers and sports. In the evening, the tour leader will take us to explore the city center, which features monumental buildings and charming ‘hofjes’—beautiful, flower-filled courtyards surrounded by historic shelters or inns.
2. Cycling from Haarlem to Leiden, via the colorful Keukenhof
On the first day, you travel to Lisse by bike, a town renowned for the spectacular Keukenhof flower garden. Here, you find yourselves in the world’s largest flower park, where you can experience the enchanting scents and vibrant colors of approximately seven million tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils in full bloom. Afterward, you continue our ride through landscapes adorned with thousands of flowering bulbs until you reach our destination for the day: Leiden. This city is home to the Netherlands’ first university and is also the birthplace of Rembrandt. Notably, it was in his botanical garden that the first Dutch tulip bloomed a full 400 years ago!
3. From Leiden to Gouda, the city of cheese
After breakfast, you depart from Leiden and ride into the area known as the “Green Heart of Holland.” You might stop by a local farm for a visit and sample their famous cheeses. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Gouda, where a beautiful city center and a stunning square will greet us at the end of the day.
4. From Gouda to Kudelstaart, through the green heart of Holland
You spend the morning in Gouda, giving you the chance to shop and explore the city center. You are currently in the ‘Green Heart’ of the Netherlands, an area renowned for its rural villages, which are dedicated to cultivating flowers and vegetables, and surrounded by meadows and wetlands. Our destination for the day is Kudelstaart, where you will be spending the night.
5. Visit the Aalsmeer flower auction and then return to Amsterdam!
Early rise today; it’s time to get on your bike and head to Aalsmeer, home to the world’s largest flower auction. Each day, around 20 million flowers and two million potted plants are sold here. In addition to the classic tulip, which is Holland’s iconic flower, you will also find exotic blooms from around the globe, including carnations and orchids. Our final destination is Amsterdam, known as the city of bicycles. You can choose to cycle there or stay on board and relax; if you opt for the latter, you’ll cover 10 kilometers today.
6. The garden museum in Limen and Alkmaar, another cheese city
This morning, you ride our bikes to Hortus Bulborum, a unique garden museum that preserves rare and ancient bulbs. After that, cycle to Egmond aan Zee, following the scenic bike path along the dunes. Then continue to Alkmaar, known as another cheese town. Be sure to explore the charming streets of the city while you are there.
7. Alkmaar, the Mill Museum and back to Amsterdam
Today, visit the Schermer Polder museum complex, which showcases the windmills that were used to reclaim this land. Afterward, you will head to De Rijp, a charming village that is sure to enchant you with its fairy-tale atmosphere. Then it is time to return to Amsterdam for the last evening on board with your travel companions.
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 moreComfort 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
4
Apr
Sat 4 Apr 2026 - Sat 11 Apr 2026
18
Apr
Download info and prices
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Tour information
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Prices 2026
(162 KB)Download price list and departure dates
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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
Tickets and excursions
- Keukenhof admission
- Entrance to the Flower Auction
- Entrance to the Hortus Bulborum
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
- Any paid river crossings (about €10 for the entire vacation)
- Drinks
- Entrances to museums/monuments
- Special diet supplement (€ 50 per person)
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip.
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
- 1 dinner
- 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 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
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
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: 255 km
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled by 2 p.m. in Amsterdam.
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
For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Dutch Railways NS official website.
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 and time zone
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
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
- a reusable water bottle
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.
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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Discover more
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
Travelers’ tips & stories
Tulips are the true star of the Dutch spring. Every year millions and millions of flowering bulbs color the meadows of Holland and the Keukenhof park
All about tulip bloom in Holland
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