Tulip Tour Bike & Barge - Deluxe

At 2:00pm, please check-in to the barge in Amsterdam. It is possible to bring your luggage on board from 11:00am. When all guests are on board, the boat will cruise to Haarlem via an historic lock. Upon arrival, a short test ride takes place, followed by dinner on board. Evening at leisure in Haarlem. This vibrant medieval city is known for its textiles, beer brewing and as a major centre for the Tulip trade. The barge will dock in Haarlem for two nights, allowing you time to explore the historical centre, with its Grote Markt (central square), St Bavo church and the Teylers and Frans Hals museums.

Today there is a cycling excursion to Keukenhof, allowing for an extended visit to the flower park. If you choose not to cycle you can take a local bus or taxi (fare not included). It is arguably the most famous flower park in the world, and you can admire hundreds of thousands tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and many others in full bloom. After our visit we return to Haarlem.

Today there is an optional early morning bus excursion (06:30 a.m.) to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction*, where millions of flowers are auctioned and sent to all corners of the world. We return to the boat around 9am for a late breakfast. The cycling route leads through the North Holland Dune Reserve with a stop in Egmond. The boat moors near the centre of Alkmaar in the evening. Alkmaar is known for its traditional cheese market, charm, culture and natural beauty. *The Aalsmeer Flower Auction is closed on weekends and public holidays. This is an optional visit. Please be aware that on some departure dates a visit to the flower auction is not possible.

Cycling through the Schermer polder and via De Rijp we reach Zaanse Schans including a visit to a windmill and time at the open-air museum. In the afternoon we cruise back to Amsterdam, with free time in the city on arrival.

Disembark after breakfast until 9:30am. It may be possible to leave your luggage on board until approx 1:30pm, allowing you more time to explore the beautiful city of Amsterdam (please speak with the crew).