Join us for the jaw-dropping show of tulips and other spring flowers on our Netherlands Tulips Bike & Barge. Unpack once and your hotel meets you at the end of each day’s ride. Visit the famous Keukenhof flower gardens, a historic castle and windmills. Celebrate spring in the Netherlands with flower fields, canals, windmills, and relaxed riding. Step aboard a cozy barge in Amsterdam and settle into an unforgettable week surrounded by the Netherlands' spectacular spring flower displays. Your adventure begins and ends in vibrant Amsterdam, where world-class museums, winding canals, and lively nightlife await exploration. From the moment the boat pulls away from the city’s iconic canals, the rhythm of everyday life slows and a gentler pace takes over. Each day brings relaxed cycling through landscapes awash in tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths — mile after mile of vibrant fields stretching toward the horizon. Classic windmills, peaceful polder paths, and charming brick villages create a scene that feels lifted from a storybook. A highlight of the week is a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof gardens, where millions of blooms create a dazzling tapestry of color. Another day offers time to explore one of the Netherlands’ most luxurious historic castles, with grand architecture and gardens that echo centuries of Dutch history. Smooth, flat bike paths make the riding wonderfully accessible, whether the goal is a leisurely morning spin or a longer, scenic loop. Back on board, the barge becomes a floating home — a comfortable and welcoming place to unwind. While guests sleep, enjoy dinner, or sip coffee on deck, the boat quietly cruises to the next town, ready for the following day’s ride. There’s never any need to repack or board a bus. And on days when rest feels right, the barge offers a peaceful alternative to the bike paths. It’s an easygoing spring adventure filled with color, culture, and the simple joy of exploring by bike and sharing moments with your fellow travelers — with thoughtful support every step of the way. No buses, no stress … just you, your bike, and the best of the Netherlands in bloom. Day by day, you'll cycle peaceful Dutch paths and cruise serene canals by barge — from Amsterdam's iconic waterways and windmill-dotted landscapes to the medieval streets and chocolate-box charm of Bruges. The Clair d'Etoile can accommodate up to 24 guests and offers a welcoming atmosphere for your spring flower adventure. On the upper deck, the cozy salon features large panoramic windows, air conditioning, a restaurant area, lounge corner, and small bar. The very spacious sun deck (90 square meters) offers plenty of room to relax with chairs and tables where you can enjoy the scenery while cruising. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the barge. Between cycling excursions, your barge cruises to a new destination while you enjoy meals on board. You dine, sleep, and start each day with breakfast, then set off on your ride. At the end of the day, your floating home is waiting at the next harbor. The Clair d'Etoile offers cabins across the lower deck to suit your preference. You can choose from 10 twin bed cabins (with fixed windows) or 2 double bed cabins (with windows that open), all measuring approximately 7 m² (75 sq. ft.). All beds measure 80 x 200 cm. Every cabin includes a private bathroom with shower, toilet, and basin, ventilation, central heating and air-conditioning, mini safe, and hair dryer. Day 1: Arrival Day. Meet at the Clair d'Etoile Barge at 12:30pm, docked near the Amsterdam Nemo Museum. Cruise through Amsterdam Harbor onto the Amstel River. While the barge sails to Haarlem, tour leader discusses the tour, cycling and safety. Optional test ride from Spaarndam. Dinner on board, followed by a town walk through Haarlem. Accommodation: Clair d'Etoile Barge. Meals: Dinner. Biking: 8.9 miles (14.3 km), Elevation: 197 ft ascent, 199 ft descent, Terrain: Easier. Day 2: Haarlem – Keukenhof – Leiden. Cycle through the oldest tulip fields of Holland, including a visit to Keukenhof gardens, the most beautiful bulb park in the world. See seven million flowering tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other colorful flowers. In the afternoon, cycle to Leiden. Dinner on board and optional town walk. Accommodation: Clair d'Etoile Barge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Biking: 23.3 miles (37.5 km), Elevation: 525 ft ascent, 530 ft descent, Terrain: Easier. Day 3: Leiden – Gouda. Cycle out of Leiden through the 'green heart' of Holland. Visit a cheese farm near Zoeterwoude for a demonstration and tasting. Reach Gouda in the afternoon, famous for its cheese, with an attractive compact center, Gothic town hall, and St. John's Church with world-famous stained glass windows. After dinner, optional town walk. Accommodation: Clair d'Etoile Barge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Biking: 29.1 miles (46.8 km), Elevation: 469 ft ascent, 463 ft descent, Terrain: Easier. Day 4: Gouda – Alphen a/d Rijn – Kudelstaart. Morning in Gouda with options for shopping, visiting the market square and cheese weigh house, or St. John's church. Barge departs around noon with a light lunch on board. Cycle from Alphen aan den Rijn through the 'green heart' of South Holland via the Drecht river and Amstel-Drecht channel to Kudelstaart. Accommodation: Clair d'Etoile Barge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Biking: 22.5 miles (36.2 km), Elevation: 321 ft ascent, 318 ft descent, Terrain: Easier. Day 5: Kudelstaart – Flower auction - Aalsmeer – Amsterdam – Zaanse Schans. Early coffee at 6:30 a.m. Cycle to the Aalsmeer flower auction, Europe's largest. Return to the barge around 9 a.m. for a late breakfast while sailing to Amsterdam. Enjoy a city cruise. Cycling tour from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, a unique hamlet with original houses and windmills from the river Zaan area. See operating windmills, a clock museum, old-fashioned grocery store, period furniture house, clog maker, and cheese farm. Accommodation: Clair d'Etoile Barge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Biking: 15.5 miles (24.9 km), Elevation: 436 ft ascent, 436 ft descent, Terrain: Easier. Day 6: Zaanse Schans – Alkmaar. Morning visit to the Hortus Bulborum, a garden museum dedicated to historic bulbs. Continue cycling through the dunes to Alkmaar, a Dutch cheese city known for its beautiful Old Town, 17th-century buildings, and canals. Dinner in town (own expense). Accommodation: Clair d'Etoile Barge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Biking: 27.1 miles (43.6 km), Elevation: 597 ft ascent, 590 ft descent, Terrain: Easier. Day 7: Return to Amsterdam. Cycle to the Schermer Polder windmill complex and visit the Schermerhorn Windmill Museum. Next stop is the town of De Rijp, with its wooden facades, church, lock, and town hall. Continue cycling back to Amsterdam. In the late afternoon or evening, enjoy a canal tour. Accommodation: Clair d'Etoile Barge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Biking: 34.1 miles (54.9 km), Elevation: 581 ft ascent, 587 ft descent, Terrain: Easier. Day 8: Departure Day. Farewell at the dock in Amsterdam around 9 a.m. Options to catch a train from Central Station, arrange a taxi to the airport, or extend your stay in Amsterdam. Meals: Breakfast. Frequently Asked Questions: Tour start in Amsterdam near the Nemo Museum. Tour ends in Amsterdam Harbor. Recommended arrival in Amsterdam by 10 am and departure after 2 pm on the last day. Accommodation on the Clair d'Etoile Barge. Cabin types: 10 twin bed cabins and 2 double bed cabins, all with private bathrooms. All tours include 7 nights' accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, experienced guides, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, necessary equipment, branded items, hybrid or e-bikes, Ride with GPS navigation, support vans, and customer care.
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