Holland’s windmills & beaches
HOLLAND’S WINDMILLS AND GOLDEN BEACHES BIKE & BARGE HOLIDAY
This easy cycling holiday takes you along Holland’s spectacular coastline, including heading to the Wadden Islands for a tour through the unique Swans Water nature reserve.Cycling by day and sleeping on a comfortable barge by night, you’ll be getting an authentic Dutch experience. All of your meals are included and you can leave your luggage on board each day, ensuring maximum comfort during your journey.
Check out a summary of the tour below, with more information available on the Saddle Skedaddle website
Day 1 and 2
Day 1 - Arrival in Amsterdam - 9 miles: our tour embarks from Amsterdam at 4pm. You’ll board your barge and meet your captain, crew and fellow guests. You’ll have your dinner onboard and if there’s time the captain will take you on a loop through the canals of Amsterdam. You’ll also go through your itinerary for the week with your local leader.
Day 2 - Amsterdam to Hoorn - 29 miles: Head off early from Amsterdam and travel by ferry to Waterland which is north of the city centre. The houses and buildings barely stand above water on this soggy peat land. You’ll spend some time on the isle of Marken before heading off to Monnickendam, a town that dates back to 1355. Follow the Gouwzee dike to reach Volendam, a small fishing community. From there you’ll get the ferry to Hoorn where you’ll spend the night.
Image credit: NBTC
Day 3 and 4
Day 3 – Hoorn to Enkhuizen - 21 miles: Cycle along the waterway and enjoy the spectacular views of Markermeer on your left and the West-Frisian villages on your right. You’ll finish your cycle for the day in Enkhuizen. Once you arrive take a walk around the town. You could even visit the Zuiderzeemuseum.
Day 4 – Enkhuizen to Texel - 21 miles: You’ll begin your ride on Ijsselmeer dike before cycling into a nature reserve and through charming Dutch villages.Look out for Radboud Castle in Medemblik which dates back to the 13th century. From here you’ll board your boat and sail the Wadden Sea to Texel Island.
Day 5 and 6
Day 5 - Texel and the Wadden Islands – 22/30/39 miles: Texel is the largest of the Wadden Islands and is great for bird-watchers. The island also boasts an extensive array of cycle paths, meaning you can explore the entire island by bike. The local museum, iconic lighthouse and famous Texel lambs are all worth going to see. You can pick which distance you’d like to cycle.
Day 6 - Texel to Alkmaar - 36 miles: Taking you back to the mainland, your barge will drop you off at Den Helder. From here you’ll explore the Dutch dunes and the unique nature reserve, Swan’s Water. In April and May you’ll be taken through the flower fields, too. You’ll end the day in Alkmaar, the City of Cheese, which boasts just under 400 heritage sites, canals and a harbour.
Image credit: NBTC
Day 7 and 8
Day 7 – Alkmaar to Amsterdam - 34 miles: Watch the famous cheese market in Alkmaar town square which begins at 10am on Friday morning before visiting the 17th century towns of Schermerhorn, Graft and De Rijp. You’ll finish the day in Amsterdam for your final night.
Day 8 - Departure from Amsterdam: Wake up and have your final breakfast onboard your barge before saying goodbye, disembarking and heading off on your journey home.
Please note: by making a separate booking for your cycling tour with Saddle Skedaddle, you are booking directly with Saddle Skedaddle and not DFDS. Please note that any future correspondence should be taken up directly with Saddle Skedaddle after completion of your booking. Distances are approximate and subject to change.
Prices are subject to availability and offers may be withdrawn at any time. Telephone booking fees apply. Terms & Conditions apply.
