Holland Bike & Boat: Southern Circuit

Holland Bike & Boat: Southern Circuit - De Amsterdam

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.3 Read 9 reviews

Easy cycle path and canal side cycling through Holland
Visit the Potters town of ‘Blue’ Delft
UNESCO Windmills of Kinderdijk.
Explore the cities of Rotterdam & Amsterdam
Discover Gouda, the home of Dutch cheese

Combine bike and boat to journey through the contrasts of Southern Holland. Easy going cycle paths link the futuristic city of Rotterdam with traditional craft towns of Delft, Gouda, and Schoonhoven. South of Amsterdam, the River Vecht flows to the imposing Dom Tower of Utrecht. From here you’ll cycle and sail Holland’s ancient river paths through Europe’s busiest port, Rotterdam to the gin town of Schiedam. Along the way, you’ll encounter the traditional potters of Delft, discover the cheese craft of Gouda and lose count of the perfectly preserved UNESCO windmills of Kinderdijk. Returning each evening to the comfort and calm of your boat makes for a very hassle-free adventure.

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 river cruiser 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, Mixed Abilities, First Timers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Historical Journeys
Special Occasions

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Grade & Terrain

Almost completely flat this cycle tour is graded easy with daily distance ranging from 25km-60km. You will be cycling along designated traffic-free cycle paths and some quiet roads and along some busier routes through when approaching and departing towns and cities, so please be mindful of other road and cycle path users at all times. This tour is particularly well suited to novice cyclists and you have the option of staying onboard or exploring locally on foot if you don’t feel like cycling.

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 either De Amsterdam or De Nassau river cruiser in your very comfortable cabin. Your boat is always docked at night and only sails during the day.

De Amsterdam

You stay onboard of river cruiser ‘De Amsterdam’ (56 cabins), which is a medium-sized cosy ship. All cabins are tastefully decorated, air-conditioned, en-suite and have windows that can not be opened. Facilities include a TV, hairdryer, mini safe and wardrobe. Enjoy the spacious deck to soak up the last of the sunshine. The bar and restaurant areas are perfect for gazing out over the river while you enjoy a cold beer after a day of cycling. 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 and a limited Wi-Fi service is available.

Single Cabins & Solo Cyclists

Single cabins are available although a supplement is payable. This trip is also available to solo cyclists (with a supplement) and is perfect as there are plenty of people to chat with every day.

Meals

All meals onboard are included. Breakfast usually consists of fruits, granola, yogurt, bread, cheeses, and meats. There are also extra cheeses, meats, breads 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. Coffee and tea are provided free of charge until 4.00 PM.

Included

7 Nights private en-suite cabin
Full Board
Bike Rental
On board tour leader
Information pack & detailed route notes and map
Guided city walks of Rotterdam and Dordrecht

Excluded

Travel to and from Amsterdam
Personal equipment
Drinks
Miscellaneous expenditure
Travel Insurance

Extras

E-Bike Rental

When To Go

The Southern 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 (saddlebag). Helmets are included but we strongly recommend that you bring your own helmet with you for safety reasons. Due to very restricted space onboard, there is limited availability to bring your own bike – please check with us.

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