Spring Flowers in Holland Boat & Bike Tour
Boat & Bike • 7 nights
VISITING: The Netherlands
Overview
Why we love this tour
Holland's famous flower gardens and the world's biggest flower auction
Historic cities of Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, Gouda and Alkmaar
Gentle guided cycling along easy canalside paths
Guiding
Distance
Level
Standard
Departs
Runs
Code
Fly to
Good for
Return
In springtime, Holland’s countryside comes to life with vibrant colours and scents as the spring flowers explode into full bloom. Cruise and cycle through the country’s flower fields, stopping off at historic cities and gardens on this 7 night guided Boat & Bike tour. Visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens to see thousands of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils, take in the spectacle of the Aalsmeer flower auction and spend the night moored in the Zaanse Schans open air museum surrounded by traditional windmills.
Starting and finishing in Central Amsterdam, you'll visit the cities of Haarlem, Leiden, Gouda and Alkmaar while spending the week aboard the luxurious Magnifique I barge or the comfort class Zwantje or Fleur. The leisurely cycling routes follow dedicated cycle paths next to canals and through the countryside, with the option for longer or shorter rides on most days.
This tour has limited departures in March and April to coincide with the tulip season. If you’re set on seeing the tulips but your preferred dates aren’t available, take a look at our other bike tours to Holland's tulip region. If you don't quite have the time for an eight-night trip, our four-night Spring Flowers in Holland Short Break Boat & Bike Tour provides a condensed, four-night version of the same tour.
Please note that for guests on the Fleur will be on an e-bike only tour.
The Trip
Route
Please note, route maps on our website do not follow the exact route of the tour.
Itinerary
or click on individual days
Accommodation
MS Magnifique I
View full details of the MS Magnifique I.
The new premium Magnifique I barge has been built by the same builder as the Magnifique II, III & IV. He has extended an existing ship by 12 meters, making it 57 meters long and accommodating up to 32 guests. The lower deck has 12 twin cabins (approx. 11 M²) and 4 junior suites (approx. 15 M²). All cabins have an en-suite shower and toilet, individually regulated air conditioning, TV, small safe and hairdryer.
On the upper deck, there is an air-conditioned saloon with large windows that consists of a restaurant, lounge and bar. Glass doors open onto a partially shaded sun deck with deck chairs that you can relax on after your cycle rides.
Magnifique I
Princesse Royal
The deluxe Princesse Royal (formerly The Magnifique), was a sailing ship that was converted to a barge. There are 16 lower deck cabins, 11 twin cabins (11M²), 4 premium twin cabins (14M²) and 1 single cabin (11M²). All cabins have fixed portholes, en-suite shower and toilet, air conditioning, flat screen satellite TV, small safe and hairdryer.
On the upper deck there are a tastefully furnished air-conditioned saloon with restaurant, bar, lounge with wide screen TV, large windows and Wi-Fi (limited use of data). There are two partially shaded sun decks where you can relax. On the aft deck there is a hot tub.
Princesse Royal
Fleur
The Fleur is 39 metres long and can accommodate 20 passengers. On the lower deck there are 10 twin cabins. All the cabins have an ensuite bathroom with toilet, shower and wash basin, central air conditioning, a fixed window, a mini safe and a hairdryer. On the upper deck there is a lounge, dining room and a small bar. The partially shaded sun deck is the perfect place to relax and watch the scenery.
Fleur
Clair d'Etoile (formerly Zwaantje)
The Clair d'Etoile is 40 metres long and can accommodate 24 passengers. On the lower deck there are 12 cabins for guests: 10 twin cabins and two double cabins with an additional 3rd Pullman bed. All the cabins have a small ensuite bathroom with toilet, shower and wash basin, a fixed window (both double cabins have larger windows that also open) and individual air conditioning. On the main deck you can relax in the intimate saloon complete with air-conditioning, large panoramic windows, a restaurant area, lounge corner and a small bar. Free Wi-Fi is available in the salon (mobile internet, limited data). A great feature of the barge is the spacious sun deck complete with tables and chairs where you can relax. The new owners are experienced barge operators and will be delighted to welcome you on board. The enthusiastic and extremely motivated couple restyled the interior of the Zwaantje during the winter of 2014/15, resulting in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Clair d'Etoile
What's included
Price includes
7 nights accommodation on the Clair d'Etoile or Fleur barge
Board basis: Full board (apart from 1 dinner) including breakfast, packed lunch and three-course dinner
English speaking tour guide on board and during cycling - an extra English speaking guide is added once 18 guests are booked meaning cycling in smaller groups. Guests can opt for longer or shorter or quicker or slower routes
Maps and route information
Navigation app
Entrance to Keukenhof Gardens, North Holland Dune Reserve & Aalsmeer flower auction
Visit to a Dutch cheese farm
Selection of short walking tours
Welcome meeting and welcome drink
Daily cabin cleaning
Daily coffee (espresso, latte, cappuccino), tea and hot chocolate
Cycle helmets and water bottles
Fees for ferries
Price excludes
Flights and transfers
1 dinner in Alkmaar
Bike hire
Drinks on board
Tips
Special dietary requests - see below
Energy and fuel costs (payable on board) €20 per person for 2026 departures
Bike hire and extras
Bike hire
Bikes come with a built in lock, waterproof pannier and a small repair kit all included at no extra cost. Helmets, water bottles & gel-saddles are included with rental bikes.
Hybrid bike (premium boats)
E-bike (premium boats)
Bringing own bike
Bringing own E-bike (includes a charge station)
Extras
Other Extras
Board upgrade
Gluten or lactose free diet (70 Euros payable locally) - please select if applicable
:
Friendly service with expert knowledge
Easy to book and pay online
Full financial protection
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about this tour. Simply click on a question to reveal the answer.
Take the train (NS) from Amsterdam central station and then fly from Amsterdam. Alternatively, take the Eurostar from Amsterdam to London or take the train to the Hook of Holland and then a ferry to Harwich, UK.
Your days will involve gentle riding mainly on flat terrain and with minimal effort required. Easy cycling holidays are suitable for most people whether you are a regular cyclist or not, however, we recommend at least a few practice rides before your holiday!
We are always on hand to offer advice, so please give us a call if you wish to chat about the tour’s grading.
For Boat & Bike tours the boat will generally keep to the advertised itinerary, however, the captain may have to adapt the itinerary due to the river or sea conditions.
There is limited space in the cabins, so pack light and take a soft suitcase.
| Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
| 10°C | 14°C | 17°C | 18°C | 20°C | 17°C | 13°C |
Yes, you can relax on the boat and disembark to explore on foot when you arrive at each destination.
Please advise us of any special requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free or lactose free-diet) at time of booking. We will notify the boat operator in advance (supplement on board for a gluten-free or lactose free-diet). Understandably, kitchen galley space is limited and not large enough to guarantee that the food can be prepared completely separately to cater for coeliacs. Vegan diets can sadly not be catered for.
Absolutely! Boat & Bike tours are very sociable and a good choice for single travellers wishing to mix with other guests and share your common interest in cycling.