Amsterdam Classic Tulip Tour Bike & Boat – Magnifique II (&IV)

Time to sample all things Dutch, in real Dutch style! Leave your Dutch barge behind as you saddle up and set off the Dutch way – on two wheels – to Zaanse Schans, the famous open air museum which celebrates rural life in Holland. From windmills to wooden houses and hand-crafted clogs to home-made cheeses, there’s so much to see – an oil mill, a paint mill, a saw mill, a mustard mill; a tin pewter foundry; a museum of timepieces set with blue and white tiles. Try a traditional Dutch pancake or sip a proper ‘Dutch’ coffee and wonder at the charming collection of architectural styles in the old Dutch village with its pretty gardens . There are more choices in the afternoon too – whether to stay in the saddle all the way to shopping heaven, Haarlem, or climb back on board and settle down and watch the Dutch scenery go by. Either way, Haarlem has many treasures in store around its Grote Markt and with the premium barge MS Magnifique II / IV taking a berth in the centre of the city, they’re all just a short afternoon or evening’s walk away.

Overnight mooring – Haarlem

Miles 14 or 21   Kms  24 or 34

Prepare to see the world coloured truly beautiful – for there’s nothing quite like the splendour and scent of the amazing Keukenhof bulb fields in full bloom! Hop on your bike (or a bus if you prefer- ticket not incl.) to head for the bright swathes of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, lilies and almost every bulbous flower imaginable. Perhaps the world’s most famous and extensive flower gardens, the Keukenhof (aka ‘Kitchen Garden’) at Lisse seems to stretch for miles and sees more than 7 million bulbs planted each year – it’s sure to send your senses reeling! Nothing like another mile or two on the bike to clear your head then – it’s time to pedal on ( or take a taxi – not incl.) towards the beautiful shores of the Westeinder Lakes where MS Magnifique II / IV will be waiting at Kudelstaart, Oude Wetering or Aalsmeerderbrug depending on the availability of mooring.

Overnight mooring – Kudelstaart, Oude Wetering or Aalsmeederbrug.

Miles  24 or 35    Kms 39 or 57

Up early today, as it’s time to make a bid to see some more fantastic flowers. Aalsmeer is home to ‘FlorHolland’, the biggest flower auction in the world (ticket not incl. /closed weekends *), but things start early here, so prepare to be out on your bike and back again on board by 10am! It’s a colourful start to the day and hard to believe that many of the flowers will be already on their journeys around the world by the time you settle down to the hearty brunch which awaits you on your return. Choose to sit back and relax on board for the final leg from Aalsmeer to Amsterdam, or do a little gentle leg-work back on the bike to arrive in the capital on two wheels. Once in Amsterdam, why not head for the inner city flower market for a final burst of colour, take to the shops or sample a city trip on a different kind of boat around the incredible canal network which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  For your final night, your floating accommodation is moored in the heart of Amsterdam.

Overnight mooring – Amsterdam

Miles  18   Kms  28

*On tours when a visit to the flower auction is not possible, a complimentary ticket for a canal tour in Amsterdam is provided. 

Following your final breakfast on board your floating home, you might choose to stay a while longer in Amsterdam to enjoy its cosmopolitan culture and unique character.

Extra nights in hotel accommodation can be booked to allow more time to explore Amsterdam at your leisure.