Itinerary
Cycling holidays Holland: North Sea coast and IJsselmeer towns
8 days / 7 nights | Ship: De Willemstad | Self guided bike tours
Travel by bike & boat: A unique concept, where a bike holiday and a journey on a comfortable ship are combined. Cycling cruises are ideal for those who like to cycle during the day and explore beautiful areas, without giving up a comfortable way of travelling. During our tours you don't have to pack and un-pack your suitcases every day to travel from one beautiful place to the next!
During this cycling cruise you will explore the beautiful province of North-Holland with its flat polder landscapes and windmills, the beautiful North Sea coast, the island of Texel and the many picturesque harbor towns along coast of the IJsselmeer lake.
Explore the rich tradition in the flat "polder land", along the North Sea coast and in romantic fishing villages. You will cycle across a distinctly rural, former lake and marsh land. Since the 17th century, this area has been reclaimed from the sea, in ancient times by pumping it dry with windmills. Green flat polder-landscapes with quiet cycle tracks, the stretching North Sea beach and the beautiful sand dunes will alternate each other. For many guests one of the highlights on this tour is the extremely bike friendly island of Texel. Beautiful flat landscapes, small dreamlike farm villages and picturesque harbor villages along the IJsselmeer, with an ancient history, will dominate the second part of the tour.
Other highlights are a.o. the open air museum "Zaanse Schans", the city centre of Alkmaar and the old harbour cities Medemblik, Enkhuizen, Hoorn and Volendam and of course Amsterdam with its canals. This (and much more) is what the rural, through nature molded Northern tour offers. You will live and travel in a cozy atmosphere on board of the DE HOLLAND.
Highlights of this bike and boat trip
✔ North-Holland's flat polder landscapes
✔ North Sea Island Texel with sandy beaches
✔ The beautiful Noth Sea Coast
✔ Comfortable bike-cruise ship MS Willemstad
Route
Day 1 (Sat): Embarkation: Amsterdam
Embarkation and check-in from 2 pm in Amsterdam. Take the opportunity to go shopping, to explore downtown Amsterdam, to make a canal cruise or to visit a museum Welcome drink, dinner and first briefing on board. First night on board in Amsterdam.
Day 2 (Sun): Amsterdam – Zaandam | Zaandam – Zaanse Schans – Alkmaar (Cycling 44 km / 27 miles)
The first bike trip of this tour takes you via small villages through 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 ship De Holland will be waiting for you near the historical city center of Alkmaar.
Day 3 (Mon): Dune tour: Alkmaar – Alkmaar (Cycling 33–40 km / 20–25 miles) | Alkmaar – Den Helder
Today you can discover the beautiful North-Holland Dune reserve. This is a 5.300 hectare large forest- and dune area with its unique landscapes. In these dunes the drinking water for almost the whole province of North-Holland is gained. After a visit to the beach and artists village Bergen you will return to Alkmaar where you can visit the wonderful city center. In the afternoon De Holland will sail over the North-Holland Canal to the navy harbor of Den Helder.
Day 4 (Tue): Den Helder – Oudeschild | North Sea island of Texel: round trip from/to Oudeschild (your choice Cycling 34–51 km / 20–30 miles) | Texel – Den Oever
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 some bathing 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.).
Day 5 (Wed): Den Oever – Stavoren | Stavoren SW-Friesland tour (Cycling 43–55 km / 27–34 miles)
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 the small harbor of Stavoren, one of the famous traditional 11 cities of Friesland.
Day 6 (Thu): Stavoren – Medemblik | Medemblik – Hoorn – Enkhuizen (Cycling 39–51 km / 23–31 miles)
De Holland will cross the IJsselmeer again during breakfast. Take the short bike 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, an historical old town center 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, in the 17th century one of the world's leading harbors. Enjoy your lunch break and make a short stroll in the old city center. Continue by bike to Enkhuizen via some picturesque rural villages. In the evening you can join a short city walk.
Day 7 (Fri): Enkhuizen – Volendam | Volendam – Waterland – Amsterdam (Cycling 28–50 km / 17–31 miles)
During breakfast the ship 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. Recommended (extra cycling miles) is a tour to the former island of Marken, to 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.
Day 8 (Sat): Disembarkation: Amsterdam
After breakfast: disembarkation and end of the tour.
Good to know
- Cycling route distances in the travel program ar ogram are approximate.
- On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
- If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to to stay on on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
- The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
- On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
- Detailed cycling maps, route tips and a GPS app are available to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.
Map
Ship De Willemstad
MS De Willemstad
De Willemstad is the youngest member of the “family”, which also includes De Amsterdam, De Holland and De Nassau. The comfortable ship was completely renovated and converted in 2017/2018. There are two tour leaders on board during the tours with this ship. The ship was used for cycling cruises for several years on the Danube river under its previous name Arlene II. Look forward to meeting nice people, riding beautiful bike tours and spending pleasant hours on board.
Description of the cabins
All cabins are ‘outside cabins’ that are equipped with two single beds, TV, mini safe and individually controlled air conditioning. Each cabin has a bathroom with shower, toilet and hairdryer.
Upper deck: There are 8 suites (approx. 15 m² / 161 sq.ft) with a French balcony and opening floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door, two single beds, set together as a queen size bed and a small seating area. On the upper deck there are also 16 twin cabins (approx. 10 m² / 108 sq.ft) with two separate single beds.. The twin cabins on the upper deck have a panoramic window that can be opened.
Lower deck: There are 24 twin cabins with two separate single beds and a large window with an upper hinged window that can be opened for ventilation.
Description of the ship
In the salon / bar with large panoramic windows on the upper deck, you can review the day’s experiences in a pleasant way while enjoying a beer or a glass of wine. Your physical well-being is taken care of in the tastefully furnished and air-conditioned restaurant on the lower deck. The spacious and partly covered sundeck offers space to let the landscape pass comfortably in a deck chair. The bicycles are stored on the rear part of the sun deck.
Facts about the ship
Year of construction: 1986, renovation: 2017/2018
Flag: Dutch
Length: 91.35 m / 300 ft
Width: 10.45 m / 34 ft
Draught: 1.45 m / 5 ft
Passengers: 96
Crew: 20
Number of cabins: 48
Credit and debit cards (with PIN): Visa, Master Card (no cash payment possible)
Currency on board: Euro
Wi-Fi on board (for a fee)
Languages on board: English / German
Travel Dates & Prices 2025
Bike and Barge North Holland – MS De Willemstad
Travel Dates and Prices 2025 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2025 per Person in €
Departure dates from March 29 - Oct 04
S. 1
S. 2
S. 3
S. 4
S. 5
Twin Below Deck
799,-
899,-
1049,-
1199,-
1299,-
Twin below als single
1198,-
1348,-
1573,-
1798,-
1948,-
Twin upper deck
1049,-
1149,-
1299,-
1449,-
1549,-
Single upper deck
1363,-
1493,-
1688,-
1883,-
2013,-
Twin upper for single use
1573,-
1723,-
1948,-
2173,-
2323,-
Suite upper deck
1299,-
1399,-
1599,-
1749,-
1849,-
Season 1
Mar 29, Apr 05 + Oct 04
Season 2
Apr 12, Sep 27
Season 3
Apr 19, Sep 20
Season 4
Apr 26 | Jul 05 - Aug 16 | Sept 13
Season 5
May 03 - Jun 28 | Aug 23 - Sept 06
Optional services / Notes
Cycle hire (7 gears)
91,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
245,- €
Bike insurance/week (booking in advance)
14,- €
Bike insurance E-bike/week (booking in advance)
28,- €
Parking own bicycle
14,- €
Parking + charge station own E-Bike
28,- €
Helmet rental
10,- €
- Minimum number of participants: 18
Included
- 8 days / 7 nights
- 7 x breakfast
- Packed lunches
- 7 x 3-course dinner
- Coffee and tea on board till 4 p.m.
- Welcome drink
- Use of bed linen and towels
- Daily cleaning of the cabin
- Climate-controlled cabin
- Semi guided cycling tours (guest cycle independently, tour leader also cycles the tour);
- Daily briefings by the crew
- Some short walking tours
- Ferry ticket to Texel
- Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- Use of a waterproof pannier bag
- Biodegradable water bottle
- Wi-Fi is available in restaurant – data use is not included
- Live music on board
- Carbon offset payment to the Non-Profit organization Justdiggit
Not Included: Drinks, Coffee and tea on board after 4 p.m., Bicycle rental or E-bike rental, Helmet rental, Personal insurances, Gratuities (at your discretion), Entrance fees and excursions, Fees for ferries, Transfers to/from the docking place, Parking fees
Optional visits (entrance fees not included, but for our guests with discount/several with discount or free of charge):
Open air museum Zaanse Schans, Visitors center windmill Schermerhorn, Beer brewery Oudeschild, Seal sanctuary Ecomare De Koog, Steam engine museum Medemblik, Open air museum Zuiderzeemuseum Enkhuizen and more …
Cycling Tracks
The quality of cycling tracks is very good: usually you will cycle on paved tracks without any gradients of note.
On board the ship
When you’re not pedaling through the countryside or exploring Holland’s historical towns, you’ll enjoy the facilities on the ship. On-board chefs prepare a varied and delicious dinner menu fresh daily. Raise a toast at the bar with other guests, watch the scenery from a deck chair outside or from the salon inside. You’ll get a good night’s rest in one of our well-appointed cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms.
The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You can make a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.
You cycle independently
During this trip there is an expert and experienced tour leader on board. He or she will discuss the next day’s cycling routes on a daily basis and provide you with tips and information about the route. You will cycle the tours independently and at your own pace using a detailed cycling map, GPS directions via the free Ride With GPS app and printed route descriptions (available on board). The tour leader will also cycle the routes, so they will be riding nearby and can be reached by phone in case of emergencies, problems or questions.
Bicycles/E-bikes
Always the best rental bikes
The rental bikes on our ships are unisex bicycles with a low bar and a comfortable upright sitting position. These are stable and dependable bikes, good for miles in the saddle. Decide which kind of bike you want to rent and simply fill in your preference with your reservation. We’ll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tour’s price.
Touring bikes
Our bicycles have a lightweight aluminum frame and are furnished with highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds and a gel seat whose height can be adjusted. Attached to the frame is an easy-to-use lock and the wheels carry puncture-resistant tires.
E-bikes
Our e-bikes also have highly-responsive handbrakes and a minimum of seven speeds. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame and special anti-puncture tires.
Taking your own bicycle
It is possible to take your own bike or e-bike with you, as long as it doesn’t have mirrors or other elements that stick out. There’s only limited space available on board for guests’ bikes. You can reserve a place for your bike for a small fee. Boat Bike tours is not responsible for damage to your bike or for theft.
How to get to Amsterdam
Arrival by train at Amsterdam Centraal (main railway station). From the train station to the berth at the Sumatrakade/Azartplein take a small ferry, taxi or bus.
Arrival by car (Prices Status 2024): Parking in Amsterdam: PARKING CENTRUM OOSTERDOK – directly at Central Station – for € 45,– per day – only for cars up to a height of 2.10 meters. 1355 parking places in a guarded by videos, brand new and clean building, close to the Central Station of Amsterdam. Address: Oosterdoksstraat 150, 1011 DK Amsterdam.
Arrival by plane: You can take the "Sneltrein" from the airport Amsterdam Schipol. It runs every 10 minutes to the railway station Amsterdam Centraal and takes about 20 minutes.
