Through the Netherlands “South Holland” By Bike & Boat

This holiday has an eight day, seven night itinerary.

Day 1 -  Individual arrival in Amsterdam and embarkation is at 3pm. In the afternoon and evening you have time to explore the city. 

Day 2 - Amsterdam to Zaandam by boat.  Cycle tour from Zaandam and back, then back on board and Cruise to Utrecht.

Todays cycle tour begins by crossing polder land (a low lying area surrounded by dykes) and then through Westzaan to “De Schoomeester”  a paper mill, built in 1692 and maintained in full working order. It is the only wind powered paper mill in the world. From here you ride to “Zaanse Schans”, an open air museum which was built to show the Dutch historical heritage. Here you can visit an ancient Dutch village, a cheese manufacture, a shipyard, a Dutch clog manufacture, a bakery museum, the Zaanse watch museum and De Kat, the unique working mill which grinds raw materials such as chalk to make pigments for paints in the traditional way. Connected with the exhibition is the Zaans museum, which gives an insight into the development of the “Zaanstreeks” as the first industrial area. Products like mustard, cheese, pastries, etc. are produced there and can be bought. You then cycle back to Zaandam through the recreational area of Twiske.b  At around 5pm Sir Winston sets sail for Utrecht.

Cycling distance approx. 19 miles (31km)

Day 3 - Cycle tour from Utrecht to Gouda.   

From Utrecht its a leisurely cycle ride to the city of Gouda, famous for its cheese. You may like to take a detour to Kasteel de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands with its beautiful gardens or take a refreshing swim in lake Reeuwijkse Plassen. During the tulip flowering season (departures 28th March to 2nd May) there is an optional day excursion to Keukenhof by coach with transfers and entrance fee included which is bookable in advance (£59.00).

Cycling distance approx. 25 miles (40km)

Day 4 - Gouda to Rotterdam by boat.  Cycling Rotterdam to Delft or Rotterdam to Scheveningen via Den Haag and back.

Cruise from Gouda to Rotterdam before breakfast and then choose your cycle tour from two routes.  The first leads you via Delft and the popular porcelain manufacturer.  The second goes directly to the governmental seat Den Haag and to the North Sea coastal town and health resort of Scheveningen before returning to Rotterdam.  Alternatively from Den Haag you can return to Rotterdam by train (the costs are not included and travel with a bike is restricted to between 16:30 h and 18.00 h ). You should take the opportunity today to explore the harbour of Rotterdam on a tour.

Cycling distance approx. 22 - 53 miles (35 - 85km)

Day 5 -  Sir Winston cruises between Rotterdam and Schoonhoven. Cycle Rotterdam to Schoonhoven.

Ride from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk which is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site that has 19 windmills in a row.  Continue onto Schoonhoven known for its silver making and its enchanting old town. 

Cycling distance approx. 27 miles (43km)

Day 6 - From Schoonhoven to Utrecht by boat. Cycling from Schoonhoven to Utrecht.

Bike through the beautiful landscape to Oudewater or witches scale and then onto Utrecht. The Dom Tower of Utrecht is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, at 112.5 metres in height.  The Gothic style tower is the symbol of the city and is definitely worth seeing during your visit. 

Cycling distance approx. 25 miles (40km)

Day 7 - Sail from Utrecht to Amsterdam.   Cycle tour from Utrecht to Amsterdam.

Cycle through beautiful landscapes along the small, winding river Vecht. The river Vecht is also known as the “Loire of the Netherlands” and numerous castles and villas can be seen along its banks. On arrival in Amsterdam a canal tour is one of the most beautiful ways to get to know the city.

Cycling distance approx. 31 miles (50km)

Day 8 - Individual departure from Amsterdam, disembark by 9am.

Key Details:

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

• MS SIR WINSTON:  A cosy river boat with restaurant and bar. Loggia and sun deck with seats and store place for bicycles. MS SIR WINSTON comprises 35 cabins: 22x2 bed cabins and 2 single cabins on the Main Deck and 11x2 bed cabins with additionally air conditioning on the Promenade Deck (2 bed approx. 7 sqm, 1 bed approx. 6 sqm). All cabins are small and practicable with two beds standing in a right angle (1 bed cabin with 1 bed) shower/toilet, TV and safe (key deposit). The windows can be opened on both decks.

  Technical data: Length 67.20 m. Width 7 m. Max. 68 passengers.

  Dutch flag and guidance.

• Minimum number of participants : 40 guests must have been reached 21 days before departure.

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

• The glorious MS Sir Winston will be your floating accommodation for the duration of the trip
• Flat rides
• Windmills
• Delft and visit a porcelain factory
• Kinderdijk (UNESCO World’s Cultural Heritage with 19 windmills in a row) 
• Schoonhoven, known for its silver-making and its enchanting old-town.
• Optional visit to the Tulip fields during the season.

Getting to Amsterdam:

By Rail/Bus – Eurostar run three direct trains per day. Several coach companies run services between the UK and Amsterdam including Eurolines (www.eurolines.eu) and National Express www.nationalexpress.com/en

By Car – Holland can be reached by car via ferry and well-maintained motorways including a ferry direct to Amsterdam from Newcastle (www.dfdsseaways.co.uk) and from Harwich to Hook of Holland (www.stenaline.co.uk).

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

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