Explore the ‘Green Heart’ of Southern Holland by bike! You sleep on a (112 passenger max) ship each night so there’s no need to pack and unpack! Over the eight day tour, you’ll visit Amsterdam and Rotterdam, see Kinderdijk’s windmills plus the wooden houses and windmills of Zaanse Schans, and cycle through the bucolic countryside on this independant Netherlands bike tour.
You’ll receive complete easy-to-understand instructions on where to bike and turn. Plus you’ll have a number to call your guide should you need assistance.
Don’t feel like biking one day (or maybe your partner doesn’t want to bike at all???), then simply sit back and relax as your ship makes its way to the cycling pick up, enjoying the scenic views, bridges and countryside.
Our guest, Charlotte, went with my affiliate BoatBikeTours.com (BBT). They offer outstanding boat and bike tours throughout Europe.
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When to Bike Southern Holland
The ‘season’ starts in late March in time for the magnificent bulb season in the Netherlands which runs through April. You can take a side trip to go see this amazing show of color. Boat and bike tours wind down as fall approaches with the last sailing in October.
The weather is moderate throughout the spring and summer, with pleasant biking temperatures no matter which month you choose. Summer highs are around 70F with lows in the 50’s.
Plan to wear layers and include a rain jacket and puffy jacket so that you are prepared for whatever weather you encounter.
How Hard is the Boat and Bike Tour of Southern Holland
The Netherlands are basically flat, so it is easy to do this biking tour! Plus, you can usually choose a shorter or longer biking route, depending on how you feel and the weather each day. Your only ‘hills’ are the dunes at Kennemer National Park and the bridges you cross.
Plus, you can opt for an E-bike, which makes the route super easy! This way you know that you’ll have plenty of energy to do exploring along the way and at the night’s village.
You can bring your own bike if you prefer, or let Boat Bike Tours set you up. I recommend bringing your own helmet (not required in the Netherlands) and a gel seat cover for added comfort.
What Do You See on the Boat Bike Tour of Southern Holland
This eight day tour gives you a wonderful overview of Southern Holland! Some highlights include:
- Your tour starts in Amsterdam – be sure to come a few days early to explore this fascinating city!
- Follow the river Vecht into the center of Utrecht, passing imposing castles, country homes and tea houses. Take time to visit the Dom Cathedral in Utrecht.
- An evening in Rotterdam
- A visit to the famous Delftware blue pottery factory (they can ship your purchase home:)
- Cycle or take the ‘waterbus’ to Alblasserdam and to UNESCO’s Kinderdijk with its 19 large windmills
- Visit the famous cheese city of Gouda.
- Explore the “silver city” of Schoonhoven and learn about silversmithing
- Cycle the bucolic countryside
- Visit the famous Witches Weigh House in Oudewater
- Cycle the Kennemer dunes national park and look for birds, Scottish Highland cows and Shetland ponies.
- Visit the [free] open air museum Zaanse Schans, with its beautiful windmills, wooden houses, a cheese farm and learn about wooden clogs.
- If you are touring between March 27 and May 1, plan to visit the world famous Tulip exhibition park “Keukenhof” in Lisse (get there by bike or easy public transport). Boat Bike Tours can help you plan your excursion.
BoatBikeTours.com has outstanding boat and bike tours throughout Europe. You are sure to find a guided or self-guided biking tour that fits your budget, time frame and activity level. Check out their various tours HERE.
What’s Included on my Boat and Bike Tour
Taking a boat and bike tour is super easy and affordable: you sleep on the ship each night, so your lodging is included, which means you only have to unpack once!
Your breakfast and dinner is included, plus you can pack a lunch during breakfast, so your meals are included as well!
Your bike rental is included (you can bring your own but must advise when booking).
Crew tips, some admission fees, alcohol and incidentals are not included with your tour. Plus you need to get to and from Amsterdam.
Who Can Bike the Southern Holland Tour
This is a great tour for couples, friends, as well as solo riders. The ship has up to 112 passengers, so even if you travel alone, you are sure to make new friends to bike with, if you choose.
Because you have so much flexibility in planning your activities each day, this can be a great multi-generational trip: anyone who doesn’t want to, or can’t ride, can enjoy a pleasant and scenic boat ride.
Since you are biking independently (with access to your guide if you need him or her), you can bike at your own pace. You have all day to meet up with the boat, so you can also take a leisurely ride, too!
Is the Southern Holland Bike Tour Hard to Navigate
The Dutch have done an outstanding job of providing a network of SAFE bike routes intersecting the country. Many locals use their bikes as their main transportation (and bike in their everyday attire as opposed to ‘bike wear’).
The bike network in the Netherlands is well signed and easy to navigate – see examples below.
Plus, BoatBikeTours.com will provide you with detailed instructions on what route to take. You’ll also have the guide’s phone number in case you have any issues. Be sure to download the What’sApp app and add your guide’s contact info. Then just find a coffee shop with wifi to reach out and you won’t need a SIM card!
Other Cycling Holidays
Check out these other cycling holidays covered on the Active Travel Adventures podcast!
Bike the Stilleto Heel of Italy (Puglia)
Bike the Portuguese Way Camino
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