Netherlands Bike & Barge​

Haarlem is the capital of the North Holland province and situated in the west of the Netherlands on the river Spaarne. Set amongst typical Dutch landscape, Haarlem is in the center of the flower-growing region, which blooms to its fullest mid-March through mid-May. Best explored on foot, the old town has many interesting buildings and museums to visit. The Teylers Museum is the oldest public museum in the Netherlands and the Corrie ten Boom Museum is one of Holland’s lesser known gems. Haarlem is also surrounded by several pretty villages and the sand-dune coastline. A miniature Amsterdam, Haarlem encompasses the same canal-lined charms and gabled architecture without the tourists and traffic.

Available with Air Inclusive Package only.

This morning transfer to your Haarlem hotel at 9 a.m. After settling in, enjoy the next two days exploring at your own pace. Please note that your room may not be ready when you arrive, but you can store your luggage. This is an independent extension – there is no VBT representative or Trip Leader. VBT provides you with City Information in your Final Travel Booklet that includes recommendations on what to see and do in Haarlem. Earlier in your trip, your VBT representative will have told you your final transfer time. A taxi will meet you on the last day of your extension at the hotel's reception area and will transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the U.S.

Today you may wish to continue exploring Haarlem's ancient city center, voted the best shopping city in the Netherlands, or visit some of the surrounding charms.

If you want to hire a local bike for the day, Spaarnedam is an easy cycle. A quaint old Dutch village, with a nice harbor and a couple of restaurants and bars, it is famous for its statue of Peter, the boy who put his finger in the dike and saved Haarlem from flooding. The National Park De Kennemerduinen is also a very short ride away. Its beach and dunes are well worth a visit and home to breathtaking natural beauty.

After breakfast*, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Be sure that you are waiting at the designated time and transfer location.

Important: The transfer is prearranged by VBT and is prepaid. VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

*Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.