Compare Tulip Tour Bike & Barge - Deluxe by UTracks vs Cruise on the IJsselmeer, one of Holland's treasures by CroisiEurope
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 5 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 1,450 | $ 2,302 |
| Price Per Day | $ 290 | $ 369 |
| Highlights |
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CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Explore the quintessential Dutch sights in Springtime by bike then return to your deluxe barge in the evenings |
Cruise on one of the largest lakes in the Netherlands in the heart of authentic towns and villages. Between historical monuments and unmissable traditions, discover the beauty of Holland through its canals, the cheese museum, the mills of the seventeenth century, old fishing ports and the village of Giethoorn. The Keukenhof Gardens, true haven of peace, are considered the most beautiful floral gardens in the world. |
Day 1 Join Amsterdam, cruise to Zaandam
Between 1:00-2:00pm, you can check-in to the barge in Amsterdam. It is possible to bring your luggage on board from 11:00am. You will cruise to Zaandam in the afternoon as soon as everyone is on board. Zaandam is a picturesque city renowned for its windmills and cheese making. The barge will dock in the centre of the city. On arrival, the bikes will be distributed and you can enjoy a short bike ride in the surrounding area. You will have the opportunity for an evening walk after dinner.
meals : D
Day 2 Cycle to the open air museum Zaanse Schans, visit Haarlem (24 or 34km/14 or 21mi)
After breakfast we cycle (5km) to the open air museum Zaanse Schans (entry included) which features beautiful windmills, traditional wooden houses, an old Dutch village, a cheese farm and a traditional wooden clog maker. After returning to the barge by bike in the afternoon, you have the option of cycling to Haarlem (24km/14mi) or enjoying the scenery from the barge as you cruise (approx 2.5hrs). 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 the centre of Haarlem, allowing you plenty of time in the afternoon or evening to take a walk through the small and historical centre complete with the Grote Markt (central square), St Bavo church and the Teylers and Frans Hals museums.
meals : B,L,D
Day 3 Cycle to 'Keukenhof' flower farm and on to Oude Wetering (39 or 57km/24 or 35mi)
Today we will cycle to the famous flower garden ‘Keukenhof’ for a visit (included, or alternatively by local bus which is not included). It is arguably the most famous flower park in the world where you can admire hundreds of thousands tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and many others in full bloom. After an extensive visit, we will continue by bike to the barge docked in Oude Wetering on the shores of the Westeinder Lakes (alternatively by taxi - not included).
meals : B,L,D
Day 4 Visit Aalsmeer, the world's biggest flower auction, cruise to Amsterdam (28km/18mi)
Today we have an early morning visit (6.30am) by bus to the world’s biggest flower auction in Aalsmeer*. Millions of flowers are auctioned here and are instantly sent to all corners of the world. By 9am we will return to the barge in Aalsmeer where a late breakfast will await, before we make your way to Amsterdam by bike or on board the barge. During the afternoon and evening you will have ample time to discover this amazing city. You can visit the inner city flower market, go to one of the many museums, do some shopping or enjoy a boat trip through the canals. *Aalsmeer 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.
meals : B,L,D
Day 5 Trip concludes in Amsterdam
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).
meals : B
Day 1 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(2)
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner. Free evening.
Day 2 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(2) - LEMMER
This morning, join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided tour of Amsterdam.DISCOVERY: Bike tour in Amsterdam. You'll be able to explore and learn about all the must-see and out-of-the-way sites.We'll spend all afternoon sailing towards Lemmer.
Day 3 LEMMER - ENKHUIZEN
This morning, join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Giethoorn, a charming lakeside town, followed by a boat ride on the canals. We'll cruise on the IJsselmeer, one of the largest inland freshwater lakes in Holland. We'll reach Enkhuizen in the afternoon. Enjoy time at leisure to discover Enkhuizen on your own. The Zuiderzee Museum will give you a glimpse of everyday life in those former fishing harbors (entrance fee not included).
Day 4 ENKHUIZEN - HOORN
We'll spend this morning cruising on the Markermeer towards Hoorn.This afternoon, join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided tour of Alkmaar and its Cheese Museum.DISCOVERY: Bike tour on the polders.
Day 5 HOORN - AMSTERDAM or surroundings(2)
We'll spend this morning cruising towards Amsterdam.This afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: Stroll through the Keukenhof Gardens(1)(only on pre-booking before departure). Outside the opening dates of the park, this visit will be replaced by an optional guided tour of Volendam, a port specialized in eel-fishing, and Zaanse Schans.Tonight's our gala dinner and evening.
Day 6 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(2)
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.
