Holland Northern Route – Netherlands Bike & Boat Holiday

This tour has an eight day, seven night itinerary.

This Tour Has Different Itineraries On Some Start Dates - See Links Below

Departures 28th of March until 16th of May inclusive

Departure 01st of August

Departure 08th of August

Departure 15th of August

Day 1: Saturday - Individual arrival in Amsterdam, Cruise from Amsterdam to Hoorn.

Embarkation and check-in on board at 3 pm onwards.  Take some time to explore the city of Amsterdam with perhaps some shopping. At 5.30 pm MS SERENA will leave Amsterdam for Hoorn with its historical old town.

Day 2: Sunday - Cycling from Hoorn to Enkhuizen.

Hoorn is an ancient city with many buildings dating back to the 17th century such as the Regentur of Westfriesland (today a museum), the town’s scales at the Rodesteen, the harbour tower and the warehouses at the old quay. Your cycling trip begins today with a ride from Hoorn to Enkhuizen, make sure you take time to visit the Zuiderzeemuseum, devoted to preserving the cultural heritage and maritime history from the old Zuiderzee region.
Approx. cycling distance 12.5 to 16 miles (20 to 26 km)

Day 3: Monday -  Cruise from Enkhuizen to Lemmer.  Cycle from Lemmer and back.

Sail over the IJsselmeer to Lemmer with D.F. Woudagemaal, the world's largest steam pumping station still in working condition. From Lemmer, cycle through Oosterzee Buren to Tjeukemeer and on to the village of Munnekeburen.  Continue into the Rottige Meente nature reserve, though Scherpenzel and the village of Schoterzijl before returning to Lemmer with its historical old quarter and beautiful gabled houses. Also visit Ir.D.F. Woudagemaal, the largest and still working steam pumping station in the world.
Approx. cycling distance 20 to 28 miles (32 to 45 km)

Day 4: Tuesday - Cycling from Lemmer to Stavoren.  Cruising from Stavoren to Oudeschild (Island of Texel)

From Lemmer head off towards Lake Sondeler Leien and then through the Rijsterbo forest before passing the Mokkebank (a water bird reserve of 1,456 hectares) and the Roode Klif (Red Cliff) at Stavoren. From here its back on board to cruise to Oudeschild on the Island of Texel.
Approx. cycling distance 20.5 miles (33 km)

Day 5: Wednesday - Island of Texel Cycling tour from Oudeschild and back.  Cruising from Oudeschild to Den Helder

A ride today around Texel, the largest North Sea Island of the Netherlands. There are numerous alternative routes of varying distances. Why not visit the Texel brewery before an evening cruise back to Den Helder. 
Approx. cycling distance 18 to 43.5 miles (29 to 70 km)

 Day 6: Thursday - Riding from Den Helder via Sint Maartensvlotbrug to Alkmaar.

Set off through the dunes to Alkmaar. As alternatives It is possible to rejoin MS SERENA in St. Maartensvlotburg and cruise to Alkmaar or start cycling from St. Maartensvlotburg.
Approx. cycling distance 15.5 to 34 miles (25 to 55 km)

Day 7: Friday - Cruise from Alkmaar to Wormerveer.  Cycle from Wormerveer to Amsterdam. 

In the morning there is an opportunity to visit the cheese market in Alkmaar (April to September). At midday the boat leaves for Wormerveer.  From here you cycle to Zaanse Schans, the open-air museum with windmills, ancient Dutch village and cheese factory. Cycle through the recreational area Twiske to Amsterdam.
In the afternoon its worth taking part in a “Grachtenrundfahrt” (taking to the channels of Amsterdam in small boats).
Approx. cycling distance 22 miles (35 km)

8th Day: Saturday

After breakfast, check out and say goodbye – have a safe journey.

Key Details:

• Eight day, seven night itinerary.
• This tour will start and end in Amsterdam.
• The total distance of this Bike Boat tour is approximately 265km / 164 miles

• MS Serena: A comfortable river boat with restaurant and bar (air-conditioned). There is a partly roofed sundeck with seats and store place for the bicycles. MS SERENA comprises 33 cabins on the Main Deck and 18 cabins on the Promenade Deck with two-bed-cabins (approx. 8-9 sqm) with two single beds. The two Junior-Suites (approx. 12 sqm) on the Main Deck have a large bed (surface 1,40 x 2,00 m). There are in total 3 single cabins (2 on the Main Deck and 1 on the Promenade Deck, 6 sqm). All cabins have windows that can be opened on both decks, shower/WC, colour TV and ventilation.

Essential Information:

• Your journey to and from Amsterdam will be individual. 
• We reserve the right to make changes to the routing and program. 
• If there is low or high tide and the ship cannot sail the route, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety. 
• The interior of the ship is a non-smoking zone: smoking is only allowed on the sun deck.
• Embarkation: from 15:00 hours to 16:30 hours
• Disembarkation: After breakfast by 09:30 hours
• Bicycles on board: Unisex trekking bicycles with normal mount (ladies model), 7 gears, hand brake and pedal brake and pannier bag. 
• E-Bikes are only available by request and there are a limited number. Please indicate your height when booking. 
• All distances are “approximate” . 
• When a guest does not want to cycle, they can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next harbour. 
• The bike tours are self led, at your own pace, without a tour guide, but with daily briefings on board and detailed bicycle maps and directions. 
• Nearly all of the rides can be classified as being easy.
• Languages on board: German, English 
• Excursions: The excursions mentioned in the programme are all optional (not included in the tour price) and can be booked directly on board with the cruise director.
• Luggage: We recommend: rainwear, bicycle helmet, sunhat and sneakers.
• Diet: (i.e.: lactosefree, glutenfree) are possible on request for an extra charge. Must be booked at least 14 days prior to departure. 
• Travel documents: EU-nationals need a valid passport.

There are lots of attractions and places to explore during your cycling holiday in Holland including:

• Windmills
• Canals
• Cruising
• Dutch Polder countryside 
• Sand dunes and North Sea beaches
• North Sea island of Texel 
• Numerous picturesque harbour villages on the coast of the IJsselmeer
• Dutch Cheese Factory

Getting to Holland:

By Rail/Bus – Eurostar runs direct trains between London St Pancras International and Amsterdam https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en.

National Express run connections between London and other cities to Amsterdam (Sloterdijk), https://www.nationalexpress.com/en

By Car – Holland can be reached by car via ferry and well-maintained motorways parking is available but please check availability. https://www.parkingcentreamsterdam.com/ 

By Air – There are flights available to Amsterdam from many UK airports.

https://www.skyscanner.net/flights-to/ams/cheap-flights-to-amsterdam-airport.html

For more information on getting to Holland please visit the Holland Tourism website.