Holland Bike & Boat: Northern Circuit

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.4 Read 8 reviews

Enjoy cycling along the easy, flat waterways and cycle paths of Holland
Explore the cobbled streets and canals of Amsterdam
Relax on the Frisian Island of Texel
Discover the secrets of Edam cheese making
Journey through Polder fields and Windmills

Cycle and sail from the cultural hub of Amsterdam to the Frisian Island of Texel. Return each evening to the comfort of your boat to relax and recharge for the next day of Dutch exploration. Beyond the cosmopolitan café culture of Amsterdam is the 30km sea wall, Afsluitdijk, the gateway to Northern Holland. Flat cycle paths lead you across a landscape of polder fields, windmills and onto the Frisian Island of Texel renowned for its pristine beaches and traditional fishing villages. A visit to the cheese town of Edam and the town of Volendam where artists such as Picasso and Renoir exchanged sketched for lodgings, rounds off this very different tour of Holland.

What To Expect

This boat & bike tour is well-suited to those who want easy flat biking on cycle paths, small roads and canals paths through many iconic sites and towns of Holland. There are ample opportunities to take a break in a typical Dutch cafes and you can always head out on foot if you want a day off the bike. At the end of each cycling day you'll re-join your comfortable barge to enjoy on-board hospitality.

Trip Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent active holiday.

Activity:

Bike and Boat | A combination of cycling and cruising or sailing, your overnight accommodation will be on boat or barge style accommodation.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families, Multi-Generational, First Timers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Coastal & Island
Special Occasions

Inspiration:

Classic

Grade & Terrain

Almost completely flat, this cycle tour is graded easy. The daily distance ranges between approximately 15km-60 km. You will be biking mostly on dedicated cycle paths alongside canals, rivers and through the iconic cities and towns of the region. Please be mindful of other cycle path or road users at all times. Especially on routes that are shared with traffic. This tour is well-suited to those who have never taken a cycling holiday before as you also have the option of skipping the cycling and relaxing on board.

Navigation

You will be issued with tour specific route notes and maps upon arrival. Your onboard tour leader will also give you a briefing each evening or in the morning about the day's cycle. Each daily ride is not guided but the onboard tour leader will be cycling the route each day and be available on their phone should you require assistance. Each day usually follows the ‘Cycle Junction Network’ which takes you safely through the Netherlands. The route is waymarked throughout and we supply you with a detailed route map, guidebook and information pack so you will have no problem following the route. You will also be provided with an emergency telephone number for the trip.

Accommodation Information

You will spend each night on the boat in your very comfortable cabin. Your boat is always docked at night and only sails during the day.

De Willemstad

The "De Willemstad" is a comfortable ship that was completely renovated and converted in 2017/2018. There are a total of 48 cabins with a maximum capacity of 96 guests. On the upper deck you will find 8 suites (approx. 15 m²) with a French balcony, and sliding glass doors. The single beds are set together as a queen-size bed and there is a small lounge area. There are also 16 twin cabins (approx. 10 m²) on the upper deck. These have single beds that are separated and panoramic windows that can be opened. On the lower deck, you will find 24 twin cabins with two separate single beds. The large window is hinged and can be opened for ventilation.

All cabins are equipped with TV, mini-safe and individually controlled air conditioning. Each cabin has a bathroom with shower, toilet and hairdryer. Although the cabins are spacious they will be smaller than an average hotel room so you may wish to consider using softer luggage that can easily be stored in the cupboard or under the beds. All inside areas of the boat are non-smoking.

In the bar on the upper deck you can enjoy the views through the large panoramic windows which is a pleasant way to reflect on the day while enjoying a beer or a glass of wine. You can look forward to scrumptious dinners in the tastefully furnished and air-conditioned restaurant on the lower deck. The spacious and partly covered sundeck offers space to let the landscape pass comfortably in a deck chair. The bicycles are stored on the rear part of the sun deck.

Meals

All meals onboard are included. Breakfast usually consists of fruits, granola, yoghurt, bread, cheeses, and meats. There are also extra cheeses, meats, bread and snacks to make yourself a picnic lunch each day. In the evenings, return to the comfort of your boat and enjoy 3-course dinners with your fellow cyclists. Dietary requirements will be catered for where possible, please let us know at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements. Some special or unusual dietary requests may incur a surcharge.

Included

7 Nights private en-suite cabin
All meals
Bike hire
On board tour leader
24/7 Telephone support
Information pack & detailed route notes and map
2 x Guided city walks

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to and from Amsterdam
Transfers to docking areas
Entrances or excursions
Drinks & Snacks
Gratuities

Extras

Electric bike hire (as a 7-speed bike is included this will just be a supplement)
Upper Deck Cabin Supplement

When To Go

The Northern Holland Circuit departs every Saturday between April and October. Please check the website for departure and availability.

Getting to the Start

By Air - Amsterdam Schiphol Airport just outside Amsterdam, is a major European airport and is served by direct flights from most major UK and European airports as well as international destinations.

By Train - Amsterdam is linked with London, either via Paris or Brussels (around 5 hours) by high speed train. Visit Rail Europe for prices and booking.

By Ferry/Car - Ferries from the UK to Holland run from Harwich to the Hook of Holland, Hull to Rotterdam and Newcastle to Amsterdam. Direct Ferries lists prices and schedules.

Equipment

Bike Rental: The bikes onboard are 7-gear unisex hybrid bikes with pedal brakes and are included in the cost of your trip. There are also E-bikes available upon request (at a supplement). All rental bikes are equipped with a pannier (saddle bag). Helmets are included but we strongly recommend that you bring your own helmet with you for safety reasons. Due to very restricted space on board, there is limited availability to bring your own bike – please check with us.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable Travel Insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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