Which Netherlands Boat & Bike Tour Is Right for You?
The Netherlands' extensive network of canals, rivers, lakes and open seas makes it the ideal location for a Boat & Bike tour, but which is the right one for you?
Riverboat or sailboat, guided or self-guided, traditional charm or sumptuous luxury - take the guesswork out with our guide to Netherlands Boat & Bike tours below.
Whichever you choose, you can expect easy-going cycling on flat, well-kept and well-signposted routes - often on the excellent Junction Network. Plus, look forward to exploring local areas after a day in the saddle before relaxing on your boat as you set sail for the next destination.
Full board is included with every tour, where you'll enjoy a breakfast buffet, a self-made packed lunch to take with you on your rides, and a three-course evening dinner.
All nine of our Netherlands Boat & Bike tours are now on sale for 2026. We recommend booking extra early if you have preferred dates and cabins in mind - many of our customers have sadly missed out in previous years due to high demand!
Blog last updated 13/06/2025
Live the Luxurious Life on a Premium Barge
For a 'premium' experience, stay on board one of the premium class Magnifique barges which sail from Amsterdam to Bruges, as well as the reverse Bruges to Amsterdam route. They're so popular that there are three of them; the Magnifiques II, III and IV.
Accommodating between 34 and 40 guests in a selection of spacious, well-equipped twin cabins and beautiful suites, all three Magnifiques are tastefully furnished and feature a restaurant, bar and lounge as well as a partially covered sundeck with deckchairs and a hot tub for resting cycle-weary legs.
The tour itself is probably one of the best in Europe for first-timers - expect sociable cycling on flat terrain with two informative guides on board giving you the choice of longer or shorter rides. You'll pedal along gentle riverside paths and through green forests, across famous Flemish landscapes and the Netherland's green polders, stopping off at historical cities on route.
Get to Know Your Fellow Cyclists and Crew on Board a Smaller Ship...
If you're a sociable traveller who likes to get to know your fellow passengers and crew, choose a smaller boat for a more intimate experience and a guided tour where you'll cycle together on the daily rides.
The comfortable Lena Maria barge accommodates 20 guests on our Hanseatic Route Boat & Bike Tour with guided daily cycling along the Rhine and IJssel rivers. Along the way, you'll pedal past castles, heathlands and the Netherlands' smallest town, with Lake IJssel a highlight on day five.
Alternatively, join the cosy and comfortable MS Gandalf on a tour through the 'Green Heart' of Holland. Accommodating 22 guests, this boat comes with extra environmental credentials with solar roof panels generating most of the power - which also means more peaceful nights on board! The tour itself takes you through beautiful green landscapes between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, with highlights including the UNESCO windmills at Kinderdijk, delicious cheeses in Gouda and blue porcelain in Delft.
...Or Spread Out on a More Spacious Ship
The superior river cruiser De Amsterdam offers 56 cabins for up to 112 passengers, but don't think that makes it a crowded boat! There's a separate lower deck restaurant and upper deck panoramic lounge and bar, plus a partially covered sun deck with chairs and sun loungers. For an extra treat, opt for a spacious French balcony suite with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors instead of a window and beds which can be pushed together into a king.
De Amsterdam takes you through the Cities & Countryside of Southern Holland. Between the historic cities of Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam you'll cycle through lush landscapes of waterways, meadows and UNESCO-listed windmills, with the choice of longer or shorter rides on gentle cycle paths and quiet roads. This is the Netherlands at its best.
Set Sail for the North
For something completely different, enjoy a unique stay on board the beautiful Wapen, Mare or Leafde Fan Fryslan sailboats, with the opportunity to assist the deck hands whilst sailing if you wish! Don't mistake a traditional sail boat for traditional comforts though, the cabins are well-equipped and they all have hot tubs from where you can enjoy a glass of freshly poured draft beer after a day in the saddle.
As you cycle along the shores of the Netherland's largest lake, stop off at pretty harbour towns to visit a working windmill or try sauerkraut and fresh fish. Northern Holland’s pristine nature and wild sand dunes are a highlight of this trip and the best place to experience these are on the beautiful Frisian Islands.
Hoping to See the Famous Flowers Bloom?
There's a good reason why the Netherlands is so popular in springtime - think pink hyacinths, multi-coloured tulips and yellow daffodils in bloom - millions of them. For the best chance of seeing them, join our Spring Flowers in Holland Boat & Bike Tour or our 4-night Spring Flowers tour and visit Keukenhof, the famous flower garden and the world’s biggest flower auction in Aalsmeer. With departure dates limited and primarily in April, these tours tends to sell out very fast.
Stay on board the premium Magnifiques II, III or IV, or opt for the MS Fluvius, a comfortable 70-metre river cruiser. The Fluvius' large communal salon with bar has a semi-separate restaurant area and you'll find additional seating areas with tables and chairs on the large and partially roofed sun deck.
Learn More or Book Now
You can book online now, or to learn more about any of the tours above, enquire online or speak to one of our team on +44 (0) 1273 224066.
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