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Netherlands: Southern Tour of Holland Cities and countryside
  • Difficulty

    Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain

    1 Difficulty level 1
  • Duration

    The duration of the tour

    8 days
  • Guidance
    Semi-guided

It doesn’t get any better than the Southern Tour of Holland on board your home away from home, ships De Amsterdam or De Holland. Not only will you get the chance to visit a number of famous Dutch cities, but you will also uncover another side of Holland as you cycle through the countryside – the country’s β€œGreen Heart”. It is here that you will see a landscape of water, meadows, grazing cows, windmills and picturesque farms… it is a landscape that is impossible to feel or look any more Dutch. In short the Southern Tour is the perfect tour for anyone wanting to see as much of β€œtypical” central Holland as is possible in one week. What you will come away with at the end of the tour β€¦

From € 799 p.p.
  • Bike through the Green Heart of Holland
  • Historical cities Amsterdam & Rotterdam
  • Kinderdijk’s windmills & Zaanse Schans
  • Ship with max. 112 passengers

Get in contact

Monday to Friday

Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM

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    Netherlands: Southern Tour of Holland

    It doesn’t get any better than the Southern Tour of Holland on board your home away from home, ships De Amsterdam or Arkona. Not only will you get the chance to visit a number of famous Dutch cities, but you will also uncover another side of Holland as you cycle through the countryside – the country’s β€œGreen Heart”.

    It is here that you will see a landscape of water, meadows, grazing cows, windmills and picturesque farms… it is a landscape that is impossible to feel or look any more Dutch. In short the Southern Tour is the perfect tour for anyone wanting to see as much of β€œtypical” central Holland as is possible in one week. What you will come away with at the end of the tour is a greater appreciation of why this part of the Netherlands attracts so many visitors from all corners of the globe every year. As well as being able to discover the natural beauty of Holland’s Green Heart you will visit:

    • The world famous city of Amsterdam
    • Utrecht, the geographical center of The Netherlands
    • Rotterdam, the busiest port in Europe
    • Delft, a city with close ties to the Dutch Royal family and the world renowned painter Johannes Vermeer
    • Haarlem, a sightseeing paradise

    Other attractions over the course of the tour include the cheese city of Gouda, the windmills at Kinderdijk (Unesco World Heritage Site), the silver city of Schoonhoven, the dunes and beaches of the North Sea coastline and the open air museum β€œZaanse Schans”.

    The ship – Your sailing hotel

    In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.

    You cycle independently 

    During this trip there is an expert and experienced tour leader on board. He or she will discuss the next day’s cycling routes on a daily basis and provide you with tips and information about the route. You will cycle the tours independently and at your own pace using a detailed cycling map, GPS directions via the free Ride With GPS app and printed route descriptions (available on board). The tour leader will also cycle the routes, so they will be riding nearby and can be reached by phone in case of emergencies, problems or questions.

    Itinerary

    Day 1 Amsterdam

    Embarkation and check-in between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in Amsterdam. Take the opportunity to go shopping, to explore downtown Amsterdam, to make a canal cruise or to visit a museum. At 5 p.m. welcome drink and safety instructions. Dinner and first briefing on board. First night on board in Amsterdam.

    Day 2 Amsterdam – Breukelen | Breukelen – Utrecht | Utrecht – Rotterdam
    20km12 mi or 39km24 mi

    Your first cycling tour starts in Breukelen. You’ll tour along the beautiful and winding river Vecht with its enchanting background of imposing castles, country houses and quaint tearooms. You will follow the Vecht into the center of Utrecht where you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful historical city center: the Dom Cathedral with its tower, the canals, special shops and nice cafes. In the afternoon you will continue by ship from Utrecht to Rotterdam.

    Day 3 Rotterdam – Schiedam – Delft – Rotterdam
    48km29 mi

    Today you will cycle via the β€œjenever city” of Schiedam and through the Delfland area to Delft, famous, of course, for its blue pottery. Visit the beautiful city center with its small canals, picturesque streets, bridges and alleys. For many of our guests a visit to the Delftware factory is one of the highlights of their tour. Afterwards, you will cycle back to Rotterdam, where you can enjoy a short city walk in the evening.

    Day 4 Rotterdam – Alblasserdam (β€œwaterbus”) | Kinderdijk – (Gouda) – Schoonhoven*
    30km18 mi or 58km36 mi

    Today you can cycle the first part or the β€œwaterbus” will take you and your bicycle to Alblasserdam. After just a few minutes of cycling you will reach Kinderdijk (UNESCO cultural heritage, with its impressive row of 19 large windmills). You then have the choice between a longer cycling tour with a visit to the beautiful cheese city of Gouda and a short cycling tour through the Alblasserwaard. Both tours end in the β€œsilver city” of Schoonhoven, where you can visit a silversmith.
    *On some departures, the night in Schoonhoven is not possible. The ship will dock in the cheese city of Gouda instead. All cycling highlights will remain in the program.

    Day 5 Schoonhoven – Oudewater – Utrecht | Utrecht – Haarlem
    36km22 mi or 44km27 mi

    Today you will cycle from Schoonhoven through the beautiful β€œGreen Heart” of Holland along small villages and quiet roads to Utrecht. On your way you can visit a traditional cheese farm and in Oudewater you can visit the Witches Weigh House. In the late afternoon the ship will sail from Utrecht to Haarlem.

    Day 6 Haarlem – North Sea coast – Haarlem* | Haarlem – Zaandam
    40km24 mi or 50km31 mi

    Today you can choose from 2 cycling tours. Both tours takes you through the beautiful Kennemer dunes, a national park where you can spot several bird species, Scottish Highland cows and Shetland ponies. After a visit to the seaside resorts Bloemendaal and Zandvoort you cycle through the forests and the center of Haarlem back to the ship. The longer cycling tour leads to the largest steam engine of the world, the Cruquius pumping station and back to Haarlem. During dinner your ship will cruise to Zaandam.
    * Departures dates between March 27 and incl. May 3: From Haarlem you have the opportunity to visit the world famous Tulip exhibition park β€œKeukenhof” in Lisse (by bicycle or public transport; transfers/tickets/entrance fee not included).

    Day 7 Zaandam – Amsterdam
    32km19 mi or 53km32 mi

    From Zaandam, your final day of cycling will take you to the open air museum the Zaanse Schans (free entry), with its beautiful windmills, an Old Dutch village with traditional wooden houses, a cheese farm and a traditional wooden clog maker. After exploring the museum you cycle through the recreational area β€œTwiske” back to Amsterdam. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy everything Amsterdam has to offer. If you didn’t go for a canal tour on the first day, you will have the opportunity to do so today.

    Day 8 Amsterdam

    End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.

    Good to know
    • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
    • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
    • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
    • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
    • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
    • Detailed cycling maps, route tips and a GPS app are available to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.

    The bicycles of Boat Bike Tours

    Always the best rental bikes

    The rental bikes on our ships are unisex bicycles with a low bar and a comfortable upright sitting position. These are stable and dependable bikes, good for miles in the saddle. Decide which kind of bike you want to rent and simply fill in your preference with your reservation. We’ll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tour’s price.

    Every Boat Bike Tour rental bike is well equipped. The bikes consist of a lightweight aluminum frame and have highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds, an adjustable gel seat, normal flat pedals (no clips), an easy-to-use lock attached to the frame, and special puncture-resistant tires. All told, this is a light, stable and reliable bike, very suitable for touring long distances pleasantly.

    Our e-bikes also have at least seven speeds and handbrakes. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame, and sport anti-puncture tires. Note that some of the ships have their own bikes on board. They may look a bit different, but qualitatively they are equal to Boat Bike Tours’s e-bikes.

    Bicycle helmets
    The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safety’s sake they are suggested. If you wish to rent one, you can do so during the booking process. If you book a premium tour and rent a bike or e-bike, then the helmet and a β€œlimit of liability for damage or loss” for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.

    Other rental items
    Other items such as children’s bikes, tandems, family tandems (child & adult), tag-along, trailers to carry toddlers and child seats are available on request.

    Taking your own bike or e-bike?
    The fee for parking your own bicycle is €10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is €25 to cover parking and charging the battery. For safety reasons it is not always possible to charge your e-bike batteries in your cabin. The crew will tell you where you can charge the battery on board the ship. Neither the crew nor Boat Bike tours is responsible in any way for any damage, loss or theft of a guest’s own bike or e-bike or its accessories. Note: not all the ships are suitable or have enough room for extra bikes, so make sure you check with us well ahead of travel.

    Cyclists in a green landscape

    Touring bikes

    Our bicycles have a lightweight aluminum frame and are furnished with highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds and a gel seat whose height can be adjusted. Attached to the frame is an easy-to-use lock and the wheels carry puncture-resistant tires.

    E-bikes

    Our e-bikes also have highly-responsive handbrakes and a minimum of seven speeds. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame and special anti-puncture tires.

    Taking your own bicycle

    It is possible to take your own bike or e-bike with you, as long as it doesn’t have mirrors or other elements that stick out. There’s only limited space available on board for guests’ bikes. You can reserve a place for your bike for a small fee. Boat Bike tours is not responsible for damage to your bike or for theft.

    Saturday
    Jun 6, 2026
    Saturday
    Jun 13, 2026
    Amsterdam, Minervahaven
    Semi-Guided
    De Amsterdam
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,399.00 p.p.
    Saturday
    Jun 13, 2026
    Saturday
    Jun 20, 2026
    Amsterdam, Minervahaven
    Semi-Guided
    De Amsterdam
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,649.00 p.p.
    Saturday
    Jun 20, 2026
    Saturday
    Jun 27, 2026
    Amsterdam, Minervahaven
    Semi-Guided
    De Amsterdam
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,399.00 p.p.
    Saturday
    Jun 27, 2026
    Saturday
    Jul 4, 2026
    Amsterdam, Minervahaven
    Semi-Guided
    De Amsterdam
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,399.00 p.p.
    Saturday
    Jul 4, 2026
    Saturday
    Jul 11, 2026
    Amsterdam, Minervahaven
    Semi-Guided
    De Amsterdam
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,399.00 p.p.
    Jul 11, 2026Jul 18, 2026
    Fully booked
    Saturday
    Jul 18, 2026
    Saturday
    Jul 25, 2026
    Amsterdam, Minervahaven
    Semi-Guided
    De Amsterdam
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,539.00 p.p.
    Saturday
    Jul 25, 2026
    Saturday
    Aug 1, 2026
    Amsterdam, Minervahaven
    Semi-Guided
    De Amsterdam
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,289.00 p.p.
    Saturday
    Aug 1, 2026
    Saturday
    Aug 8, 2026
    Amsterdam, Minervahaven
    Semi-Guided
    De Amsterdam
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,289.00 p.p.
    Saturday
    Aug 8, 2026
    Saturday
    Aug 15, 2026
    Amsterdam, Minervahaven
    Semi-Guided
    De Amsterdam
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,289.00 p.p.
    Included in this tour
    • 8 days/7 nights
    • 7 x breakfast
    • Packed lunches
    • 7 x 3-course dinner
    • Coffee and tea on board till 4 PM
    • Welcome drink
    • Use of bed linen and towels
    • Daily cleaning of the cabin
    • Climate-controlled cabin
    • Daily briefings
    • Semi guided cycling tours (guest cycle independently, tour leader also cycles the tour);
    • Some short walking tours
    • Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
    • GPS tracks
    • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
    • Biodegradable water bottle
    • Wi-Fi is available in restaurant
    • Live music on board
    • The CO2 emissions from this trip will be offset through Trees for All and plastic recycler Orca.
    Excluded from this tour
    • Coffee and tea on board after 4 p.m.
    • Drinks
    • Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
    • Helmet rental
    • Personal insurances
    • Gratuities (at your discretion)
    • Entrance fees and excursions
    • Fees for ferries/waterbus
    • Transfers to/from the docking place
    • Parking fees
    • SGR Insolvency protection
    Additional options & information

    2026:

    • Rental bicycle: € 91 per week
    • Rental E-Bike: € 252 per week (only on request, limited number available)
    • Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle β‚¬14/week (only bookable in advance)
    • Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike β‚¬28/week (only bookable in advance)
    • Parking own bicycle: β‚¬ 14 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
    • Parking + charge station own E-Bike: β‚¬ 28 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
    • Please click on this link for more information about the rental and own bicycles/E-bikes
    • Helmets: A helmet can be rented for € 10 per week, only on prior reservation and payment.
    • Canal cruise Amsterdam: Ticket for a 1-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam β€“ special price for our guests: € 19 (at the ticket desk approx.: € 22). Please book your ticket in advance and you can collect it on board of your ship on the first day of the tour.
    • Parking in Amsterdam (valet parking): prices and pre-booking on request.

    Loyalty Discount

    Explore our Loyalty Discount!

    After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:

    • You get 3% on your second tour with us.
    • From the third tour onwards, you will receive a 5% discount.
    • Enjoy savings on any of our upcoming trips in 2026.

    Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!

    Discover more

    The Netherlands is a paradise for cycling and sailing enthusiasts. Discover more tours in the Netherlands with routes through tulip fields, historic cities, and scenic countryside.

    Media (52)

    City Hall in Delft
    Cycling through the country side
    Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam
    Several windmills in Kinderdijk
    Beautiful sunsets
    Guests by the ship Amsterdam
    Amsterdam Tower
    Statue of Piet Hein in Rotterdam
    Guest at Kinderdijk
    Delft
    Southern Tour
    Cyclists at the beach dunes
    Southern Tour
    Cyclists at De Amsterdam
    Cyclists at De Amsterdam
    Cyclists at Kinderdijk
    A break during the tour
    Castle in South Holland
    Cyclists in Gouda
    Cyclists studying the map
    De Amsterdam in Rotterdam
    Delft
    Dordrecht
    Dordrecht
    Rivers of Dordrecht
    Guests on board
    Guests on board
    Guests on board
    Guests on board
    Guests on board
    Guests relax by a river
    Haarlem
    Spaarne River in Haarlem
    Windmills in Kinderdijk
    Windmills in Kinderdijk
    Cycling by the windmills
    Tour leader in Kinderdijk
    Cyclists in Kinderdijk
    Air view of Kinderdijk
    Cube House in Rotterdam
    Cube House in Rotterdam
    Rotterdam with the Erasmus Bridge
    Market hall in Rotterdam
    Rotterdam
    Rotterdam
    Bridge in Schoonhoven
    Cyclists in Utrecht
    Cyclists studying their map
    Taking beautiful pictures in Utrecht
    Bikes in Utrecht
    Cyclists taking a break in Utrecht
    Centre of Utrecht
    5/5
    based on 119 reviews on
    5 star
    75 (63%)
    4 star
    38 (32%)
    3 star
    6 (5%)
    2 star
    0 (0%)
    1 star
    0 (0%)
    • 5 / 5
      Exceeded our expectations

      We were thinking the food would be just ok, but it was really good. The daily rides gave us different scenery each day which was beautiful. We were very lucky in that our weather was outstanding (chilly mornings, a lot of sun). Only the final day threatened rain, and had high winds, so that was a challenge, but ok. Tour guides were very friendly. Ship staff excellent. The bike paths in the Netherlands are outstanding. We will definitely do another tour with this company.

      Vicki Strauss
      Oct 8th, 2025
    • 5 / 5
      Exceptional week of biking and boating in the Southern Holland route

      The ship staff and bike leaders were terrific, as were the bike routes chosen for us to ride through towns and cities including an UNESCO site and National Park trails. The walking tour of Rotterdam was a plus. The cabin rooms were comfortable, with hospitality tidying up each day while we we out riding.

      Mary S.
      Oct 2nd, 2025
    • 5 / 5
      This was my first river cruise ever and&

      This was my first river cruise ever and I loved combining it with the biking in such a fantastic, bike-friendly, and beautiful place. I found guide Franklin to be helpful, upbeat, encouraging, and mostly realistic regarding riding conditions due to weather. Hotel Manager Bogdan was very helpful in relocating us in a room that didn’t smell of headache-inducing petroleum-based byproduct. I was willing to stick it out, but he offered another cabin when I had rather given up. The staff were friendly, funny, and efficient. Our group was surprised by the coffee protocol–it felt like coffee was an exceedingly rare commodity, to be enjoyed only on schedule and in modest quantities. Overall, this was a verbazend experience!

      Janet
      Sep 30th, 2025
    • 5 / 5
      I would recommend Boat Bike Tours to anyone.

      This tour was wonderful! The crew went out of their way to make my trip exceptional. Thank you!

      Reply from Boat Bike Tours

      Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re glad to hear you had a great experience and felt well looked after by the crew. We hope to welcome you on board again in the future. Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours

      HILMA LANGMAN
      Aug 27th, 2025

    Monday to Friday
    Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00

    Monday to Friday
    New York: 6:00AM to 07:00PM

    We will respond within 48 hours
    β€Ž

    • De Amsterdam

      • Restaurant and separate lounge
      • Spacious cabins
      • Dance floor
      • Individually controlled air conditioning
      max. 112 passengers 56 cabins
      More info
    • Arkona

      • Spacious cabins
      • Separate restaurant and lounge area
      • Modern furnished
      • Individually controlled air conditioning
      max. 92 passengers 47 cabins
      More info
    • De Holland

      • Panoramic windows
      • TV in the cabins
      • Bar and lounge areas
      • Individually controlled air conditioning
      max. 66 passengers 32 cabins
      More info

    Your selected tour:

    Netherlands: Southern Tour of Holland

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