Northern Holland Bike & Barge

Embarkation and check-in at the barge is between 2 - 3:30pm in Amsterdam. At 3.50pm the boat will leave the harbour. There will be a welcome drink and safety briefing on board followed by dinner on board.

The first cycling journey takes you via small villages through the beautiful flat and green polder landscape typical of this area of northern Holland. The first stop is at the Zaanse Schans open air museum (free entry) with its traditional Old Dutch wooden houses, windmills and the cheese and clog factory. After spending some time visiting this site you will cycle through the “Land of Leeghwater”, a green polder area between Amsterdam, Alkmaar and Hoorn. Stroll through the former whaler’s village De Rijp and pass by the windmills of Schermerhorn. The barge will be waiting for you near the historical city centre of Alkmaar.

Today you can discover the beautiful North Holland Dune reserve. This is a 5.300 hectare forest and dune area with unique landscapes. In these dunes the drinking water for almost the whole province of North Holland is sourced. After a visit to the beach and artists village Bergen, return to Alkmaar where you can visit the pretty city centre. In the afternoon the barge sails along the North-Holland Canal to the navy harbour of Den Helder.

After breakfast you’ll take a 20-minute ferry ride (ticket included) from Den Helder to ‘t Horntje the isle of Texel, where you'll enjoy an interesting loop cycle on the largest of the Dutch North Sea Isles. Ride through meadows, nature parks and dunes to small villages and have the opportunity for a swim at a sandy North Sea beach, or visit the “Ecomare” seal sanctuary. In the late afternoon you will return by ferry to Den Helder.

The barge crosses the large inland lake IJsselmeer and we cruise to Stavoren in the province of Friesland. You can opt for a shorter or longer cycling tour: discover the nature area of Gaasterland or explore a part of the wider lake district, that Friesland is known for. You can also combine both options. Overnight in the small harbour of Stavoren, one of the famous traditional 'eleven cities of Friesland'.

The barge will cross back to the other side of IJsselmeer during breakfast. Take a short cycling trip from Medemblik along the IJsselmeer coast directly to Enkhuizen, where you can spend the afternoon. Enkhuizen is an old city with many centuries of maritime tradition. The “herring city” boasts a beautiful old harbour, a historical old town centre and the very interesting Zuiderzee museum. If you prefer a longer cycle, ride from Medemblik to the former Dutch East India Company town of Hoorn, in the 17th century one of the world’s leading harbours. Enjoy your lunch break and have a short stroll in the old city centre. Continue by bike to Enkhuizen via some picturesque rural villages. In the evening you can join a short city walk.

During breakfast the barge will sail to Volendam. The final day of cycling will lead you through the beautiful area of Waterland, with its hundreds of small lakes and tiny canals. Near Volendam you will have the opportunity to visit a cheese farm. Recommended (extra cycling miles) is a tour to the former island of Marken, to continue through the water shaped region of Waterland back to the Dutch capital city of Amsterdam. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy everything Amsterdam has to offer. If you didn’t go for a canal cruise on the first day, you can do so today.