The Netherlands by Bike and Boat

The North Sea, the IJsselmeer and the countless canals which cross the flat Netherlands make this country perfect for Bike and Boat holidays! Whether you prefer a small riverboat or an impressive tall ship – there are diverse options for Bike and Boat holidays in the Netherlands!

Do you also get the impression that everyone in the Netherlands cycles? Bank directors, students, pupils and pensioners – the flat landscape is ideal for travelling on two wheels. However, the Netherlands were once a great seafaring nation, therefore travelling on water has a long tradition here. Maybe that’s why the Dutch were the first to combine boat trips with bicycle tours: they are said to be the inventors of the popular Bike and Boat holidays. You will spend the days on your bike, whizzing past colourful windmills and visiting venerable towns, which were once centres of global trade. In the evenings you return to your boat, which awaits you at the next harbour. While you let the evening come to a relaxing close, your boat will already take you to the next stage. Be inspired by the many different routes across the Netherlands.

Bike and Boat holidays offer many different ways of exploring the Netherlands. A classic Bike and Boat holiday in the Netherlands will either take you along the southern or the northern route starting in Amsterdam.

Some of the highlights in the north: the famous open-air museum Zaanse Schans, the orchid island Texel in the North Sea and tours through the provinces of Friesland and Waterland.

The southern route in the ‘Green Heart’ of the Netherlands has a completely different charm. Lively cities, such as Rotterdam, Delft and the Hague are located in midst of seemingly untouched natural landscapes. Don’t forget to take a picture in front of the 19 famous windmills of Kinderdijk on the southern route!

Why not have two cultural highlights, Amsterdam and Bruges, at the start and finish of your cycling holiday? The route between the Netherlands and Belgium is one of the most popular cycling holidays around Belgium and rightly so – the route not only takes you to these two exciting cities, but offers a new highlight every day, such as the Kinderdijk windmills, Antwerp and Gent. On this Bike and Boat holiday you will not only get to know the ideal cycling conditions of the Netherlands, but you will also experience the Belgian cuisine, as well as art and culture.

Most Bike and Boat holiday in the Netherlands take place on classic river cruise ships, such as the MS Gandalf, the MS Serena or the MS Normandie. The atmosphere on board is informal and relaxed. If you’re ever not in the mood for a bike tour, you always have the option of staying on the boat and enjoying the view from the water instead!

A very different kind of holiday awaits you on the impressive tall ships, which sail to the North Sea islands and the IJsselmeer. Sail to your next cycling stage under full sail on the Elizabeth, the Mare fan Fryslân or the Wapen fan Fryslân. If you like, you can help to set sail and get a first taste of life as a sailor. Our tip: This holiday is a real adventure and perfect for families with older children!