Tulip Fields - MS Fluvius

Overview

Itinerary

Bikes

Accommodation

Getting there

Tulip Fields - MS Fluvius

Bike & boat
Holland

A springtime bike and boat cycling holiday admiring the kaleidoscopic tulip fields of Holland whilst living aboard a comfortable river cruiser. Besides seeing the bulb fields you'll also visit the world famous Keukenhof flower gardens, the fascinating outdoor museum of Zaanse Schans and explore the vibrant city of Amsterdam.

You'll join the MS Fluvius, your comfortable river cruiser, in Amsterdam from where she will embark on a 4 night circular route out into the surrounding countryside. Each day you will disembark for easy and enjoyable rides along well-maintained cycle paths to places of interest.

Tulip Fields - MS Fluvius Keukenhof Flower Gardens

The vivid bulb fields are of course the major attraction but you'll also visit the iconic open-air museum of the Zaanse Schans, the atmospheric old town of Haarlem, the stunning Keukenhof Flower Gardens and on certain departures the frenetic Flower Market in Aalsmeer. You will also have plenty of time to explore the fascinating and unique city of Amsterdam.

The daily rides are led by a knowledgeable guide who is a font of knowledge on local customs, traditions and history and he/she will be happy to impart his/her knowledge during the daily rides. You’ll be cycling along dedicated cycle paths and quiet lanes. The routes are very easy with no hills so anyone with a basic level of fitness can enjoy this tour.

The emphasis is firmly on enjoying the scenery and springtime colours, so if you don’t fancy riding one day, simply stay on board and enjoy a relaxing cruise to the next port of call.

Day 1 : Amsterdam – Zaandam

On arrival in Amsterdam make your way to your boat – embarkation and check-in is at 2pm. Once everyone is on board she slips her moorings and begins a leisurely cruise to nearby Zaandam, 22 miles/35 kms. Upon arrival you can enjoy taking your bike for a brief test ride and in the evening take a stroll through the picturesque old town before turning in for the night.

Day 2 : Zaandam – Zaanse Schans – Haarlem

14 to 21 miles/24 to 34 kms

After breakfast we enjoy a short cycle ride of approximately 5km to the open air museum of Zaanse Schans. Explore working windmills, traditional wooden dutch houses, a clog workshop and a cheese factory. After returning to the boat you can choose whether to stay on board and enjoy a leisurely cruise to the town of Haarlem or to do the journey by bike. Once in Haarlem be sure to visit the town’s lovely main square.

Day 3 : Haarlem – Keukenhof – Oude Wetering

24 to 35 miles/38 to 55 kms

Today is a real highlight as we cycle through a myriad of colourful bulb fields. The colours are stunning and this is definitely not a day to forget the camera. The finale is a visit to the Keukenhof – the world’s largest flower garden (Entrance fee not included, approximately €20 per person). Here we wonder among 7 million bulbs including daffodils, hyacinths and tulips, set over nearly 80 acres of land. The kaleidoscope of colours and fragrances are unforgettable and at times our senses are almost overwhelmed. At lunchtime we cycle to the nearby village of Oude Wetering where the barge is waiting for us.

Day 4 : Oude Wetering – Amsterdam

18 miles/28 kms

This morning, there is an optional* trip to the Aalsmeer flower auction. We will be picked up at 06.30 and driven by bus the short distance to the auction site (Entrance fee not in cluded, approximatley €7 per person). Here we can watch the frenetic activity as millions of blooms are auctioned to buyers from around the world in the blink of an eye.

Afterwards, we return to the boat for a late breakfast and then enjoy a leisurely cruise along the waterways back into the heart of Amsterdam. Once moored up, we can choose whether to spend the afternoon exploring the museums and other attractions of this vibrant city or alternatively, to mount up and join a ride that will lead us through the wetlands or Waterland region just outside the city.

The boats remains moored in central Amsterdam overnight providing you with the opportunity to also experience an evening in this vibrant city.

*The Aalsmeer flower auction is closed during the weekend and on public holidays.

Day 5 : Amsterdam - end of trip

After breakfast it’s time to disembark, by 9.30am, and head for home or your next adventure.

Bikes

Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed models with 7 speeds. The bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump.

Electric bikes are also available.

We suggest you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons but if required, helmets can be provided. These need to be pre-booked at the time of booking the holiday.

Accommodation

MS Fluvius (comfort)

The captain reserves the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind, tide and weather conditions, and where required by organizational necessities.

This tour operates on the MV Fluvius, a comfort class barge. More images of the barge can be found in the gallery.

The MV Fluvius is a very popular boat offering a comfortable standard of accommodation and facilities.

She has 22 individually controlled air-conditioned cabins; the lower deck has 14 twins (11 m²) and one smaller twin (10 m²) all of which have two separate single beds. The upper deck has 3 twins (11 m²) with two separate single beds and 4 doubles (12 m²) with a double bed (140 x 200 cm) and a large panoramic window. All cabins have en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. All twin cabins have a fixed window, the panoramic window in the double cabins can be opened. Each cabin has an individually adjustable air-conditioning unit, a ventilation system, a flatscreen TV and a hair dryer. Some cabins are available for single use. Triples are not available.

The Fluvius has a large lounge (air-conditioned) with TV, bar and a semi-separate restaurant area. Wi-Fi is available to purchase on-board, €10. The barge also has a large sun deck with sitting places (tables and chairs). While cruising, you can enjoy the scenery from here.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is provided each morning, along with a packed lunch to take with you on the daily rides. A three-course meal is served each evening in the dining area.

Daily complimentary coffee and tea is available until 4pm.

On-board payments: Cash and debit/credit cards accepted.

Getting there

Fly to Amsterdam or take the Eurostar train

Research flights from UK airports here.

Research Eurostar from UK here

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Tulip Fields - MS Fluvius

Tulip Fields - MS Fluvius

Itinerary

Bikes

Accommodation

MS Fluvius (comfort)

Getting there

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