Itinerary

Cycling in the Netherlands: South Holland by Bike & Boat

8 days / 7 nights | Ship: MS Normandie | from/to Rotterdam |  Self guided bike tours

Discover the Netherlands in a unique way on an 8-days-journey by bike and boat. Well-built cycle paths as well as wide and extensive waterways guarantees an unforgettable holiday. Throughout the day you are cycling on your own through the beautiful landscapes in Rembrandt’s and Van Gogh’s country and in the late afternoon your “swimming hotel” MS NORMANDIE will be at your disposal. And if you don’t like to cycle every day, you can stay on board and enjoy the passing countryside. The Province of the Southern Netherlands: You are travelling through the green heart of the Netherlands. Hardly any province is more changing and many-faceted than the Southern Netherlands. Big cities as well as untouched nature are so close to each other. The many waterways offer uncountable opportunities to discover the wonderful landscapes and culture historical highlights of the province “Zuid-Holland”. Experience such different cities like Dordrecht, Utrecht and Rotterdam, also known as the “Manhattan on the river Maas”. Beautiful landscape of Polderland, the famous windmill row of Kinderdijk and not to forget the major porcelain manufacture in Delft with its “Delfter Blue”.

Highlights of this bike and boat trip

✔ Idyllic waterways and big city flair

✔ Wonderfull landscapes and cultural highlights

✔ The Green Haert of the Netherlands

✔ Rotterdam, the "Manhattan" on the river Maas

Route

Day 1: Rotterdam – Embarkation

Individual arrival in Rotterdam. Embarkation from 4:00 pm. Rotterdam is a city with many faces: important port city, classy shopping city and hip artists’ city, but most importantly a city of architecture, and one of the most interesting cities in Europe.

Day 2: Rotterdam – Dordrecht, Cycle tour approx 39 km

Keep cycling alongside the waterfront via Krimpen aan den IJssel to Kinderdijk, where you will find the most famous group of windmills of the Netherlands. Dating back to the 18th century, the 19 well - preserved mills were added to the
UNESCO World Heritage List. Continue through the polder area of the Albwasserwaard to reach Dordrecht. Dordrecht is considered to be Holland`s oldest city. With about 1000 historic buildings that are housing restaurants, museums or theatres, the city`s rich history and the mar vellous historic port area will enchant you.

Day 3: Dordrecht – Gorinchem, Cycle tour approx. 46–53 km

After a short ferry ride, you reach the beautiful De Biesbosch National Park, where several rivers come together to form a fresh - water delta of no less than 8.000 hectares. You may enjoy a wonderful boat trip, offered here everywhere, before con-
tinuing your tour through the Rhine - Delta area and crossing over to Gorichem by water taxi. Do not miss out on the picturesque Old Town of this small but char ming city

Day 4: Gorinchem – Utrecht, Cycle tour approx. 47 km

Today an interesting and varied tour awaits you. From Gorinchem, cycle via Leerdam – famous for the Leerdammer cheese – into the fortified city of Vianen. Here you may stop for a short break in one of the numerous street cafes. Take the ferry boat to cross the Lek, and keep cycling to Vreeswijk with its narrow lanes. Continue to the little town of Nieuwegein – perhaps take a short side trip to Fort Jutphaas, hidden in a green oasis in Nieuwegein -before reaching Utrecht. Utrecht is considered the heart of Holland. The city was built around the cathedral. That is why it is almost impossible to lose your way in the car-free town with its picturesque canals

Day 5: Utrecht to Schoonhoven*, Cycle tour approx. 41–52 km

This morning, be sure to take some time to explore the beautiful town of Utrecht, before getting back on your bike. Cycle tour through the beautiful polder landscape via Oudewater, with its famous Witches` Weigh House, (none of the so-called witches ever weighed here was found to be too light of weight and thus none of them was sentenced) to Schoonhoven, the Silver City of the Netherlands, with its typical Dutch Old Town.

Day 6: Schoonhoven* – Rotterdam, Cycle tour approx. 42–44 km

From Schoonhoven, cycle leisurely to the city of Gouda, which is famous for its cheese. Your today’s destination is Rotterdam. Tip: you should experience the harbour of Rotterdam on an interesting harbour tour.

Day 7: Rotterdam, Day at leisure / Cycle tour from Rotterdam to Delft and back or from Rotterdam via Den Haag to Scheveningen and back, approx. 42–77 km

Two options for today’s cycling tour: First one will lead you to Delft (Tip: visit of the porcelain manufacture), second directly to the governmental seat Den Haag and to the North Sea coastal town and health resort Scheveningen and back. Alternatively, you can also go back to Rotterdam by train (rail and bike is not included, approx. € 16.- p. Pers, not in rush hour between 16:30 h and 18:00 h).
You do not fancy a bike ride? Rotterdam offers endless possibilities to design your day. Really one is spoilt for choice

Day 8: Departure from Rotterdam

After breakfast checkout until 9:00 am– have a safe journey home.

Please note: All cycling distances stated above are approximate only.