The Netherlands Bike & Boat: Springtime in Holland, Aboard the Princesse Royal
Guided Bike & Boat
- Daily Mileage: 15-25 miles|
- Biking: 2-4 hours|
Starting From
11-day Air Package
$6,645
8-day Bike Tour Only
$5,045
Per person, double occupancy
The Netherlands Bike & Boat: Springtime in Holland, Aboard the Princesse Royal
Nobody does springtime in Holland quite like VBT. We’ve planned for you an itinerary of cycling past windmills and polder villages followed by relaxing on your group’s private Dutch barge. As your cozy ship floats along Holland’s network of canals, you’ll cycle easy paths past massive fields of blossoms, stopping to learn about the history of tulips, daffodils, and other bulbs at the unique garden museum Hortus Bulborum. Visit the family home of farmers in Gouda—and learn about the famous cheese-making traditions there. During this exceptional springtime bicycling vacation, your experienced VBT trip leaders and dedicated barge crew will open the doors to Holland’s most celebrated season.
Tour Highlights
- Learn how historic windmills work and how they are used to reclaim land called “polders.”
- View rare and historic flower bulbs at the flower garden museum, Hortus Bulborum.
- Explore the living catalogue of spring flowers at Keukenhof Gardens.
- Explore Holland’s “Green Heart,” a rural and peaceful nature zone.
Positive Impact
VBT is proud to support The Museum Molen with a donation on behalf of each guest on this tour. The Museum Molen aims to preserve and educate guests on the valuable cultural heritage of the Schermer mills and how they fuel the water system in the Netherlands. The museum’s mill functions as a flagship of the 49 mills in the Schermer province.
What to Expect
This tour is rated Easy, and both hybrids and E-bikes are offered. Riding is primarily on paved roads and paths with very few hills, although wind may increase the difficulty factor since there is often little or no shelter. Cyclists may stay on the barge on windy days if they wish, but they will miss out on some of the incredible scenery, which is best viewed while pedaling. Support vehicle assistance is not available on the bike path sections of the ride.
- Daily Mileage: 15-25 miles|
- Biking: 2-4 hours|
- Group Size: 30
Cyclists
Support
Average High /
Low Temperature (°F):
Mar48º/37º
Apr53º/40º
Average
Precipitation:
Mar3.5 in
Apr1.5 in
Air Package |
Tour Only |
|
---|---|---|
Step-Through Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike)
See More >Step-Through (Mixte Hybrid) Comfort Bicycle
See More >Step-Over (Diamond) Comfort Bicycle
See More >Biking Packages Include:
Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
Support Vehicle
Luggage Transportation
Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
Welcome Reception
Facilitated Cultural Experiences
Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure
Accommodations (Please Note: Days are based on the Air Package Itinerary. Accommodations may vary depending on departure date. )
Enjoy Your Vacation Longer With Low-Cost Trip Extensions
Air Package Only
2025 Pre-Trip Extension - Den Haag
2 Nights From
$345
per person, double
occupancy
Single Supplement: From $245
- 2 nights at the Boutique Hotel Corona
- Airport car service for arrival
- Daily breakfast
- City information
Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.
A VBT representative will greet you at the Amsterdam airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your hotel in Den Haag. From your centrally located hotel, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Boutique Hotel Corona
The Boutique Hotel Corona is a fine boutique property and the oldest 4-star hotel of the International City of Peace and Justice. Its elegant common rooms and guest rooms occupy three historic 17th-century buildings. High ceilings and grand chandeliers give the lobby an airy feel. Located in the center of Den Haag in a former forecourt of the Buitenhof (Dutch Parliament), it boasts an illustrious past. The Boutique Hotel Corona is only 650 feet (198 meters) from the Centrum tram stop. Free WiFi and air conditioning are available throughout the hotel.
Air Package Only
2024 Pre-Trip Extension - Den Haag
Nights From $ per person, double occupancy
- 2 nights at the Boutique Hotel Corona
- Airport car service for arrival
- Daily breakfast
- City information
Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.
A VBT representative will greet you at the Amsterdam airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your hotel in Den Haag. From your centrally located hotel, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Boutique Hotel Corona
The Boutique Hotel Corona is a fine boutique property and the oldest 4-star hotel of the International City of Peace and Justice. Its elegant common rooms and guest rooms occupy three historic 17th-century buildings. High ceilings and grand chandeliers give the lobby an airy feel. Located in the center of Den Haag in a former forecourt of the Buitenhof (Dutch Parliament), it boasts an illustrious past. The Boutique Hotel Corona is only 650 feet (198 meters) from the Centrum tram stop. Free WiFi and air conditioning are available throughout the hotel.
Air Package Only
2025 Post-Trip Extension - Amsterdam
2 Nights From
$495
per person, double
occupancy
Single Supplement: From $395
- 2 nights at the Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre
- Airport car service for departure
- Daily breakfast
- City information
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to continue exploring on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to continue exploring on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, transportation to the Amsterdam airport will be provided (an approximately 40- to 60-minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre
The Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre is a modern, 4-star hotel located on the edge of the River IJ, near the Oosterdok canal and the Amsterdam Central Station. Its spacious rooms provide stunning views of Amsterdam city and the harbor. This luxury property is also within walking distance of downtown and many of Amsterdam’s renowned attractions. Plus, free WiFi and air conditioning are available throughout the hotel.
Air Package Only
2024 Post-Trip Extension - Amsterdam
Nights From $ per person, double occupancy
- 2 nights at the Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre
- Airport car service for departure
- Daily breakfast
- City information
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to continue exploring on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to continue exploring on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, transportation to the Amsterdam airport will be provided (an approximately 40- to 60-minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre
The Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre is a modern, 4-star hotel located on the edge of the River IJ, near the Oosterdok canal and the Amsterdam Central Station. Its spacious rooms provide stunning views of Amsterdam city and the harbor. This luxury property is also within walking distance of downtown and many of Amsterdam’s renowned attractions. Plus, free WiFi and air conditioning are available throughout the hotel.
Generally a fun trip, the flowers and countryside rides were good, people friendly and the food, beer (and Gin) were tasty. I'm not sure I would do another large Bike and Barge tour, 29 guests and 3 guides seems too many, we liked the idea of only unpacking once, but missed the different hotels and rooms of other trips. This was our first trip using RideGPS instead of paper maps and instructions, generally helpful, but missed some of the hyper-local attractions and points of interest that we we note when going over maps in the morning get togethers to discuss the route for the day. Some Highlights include the Hortus Bulbarum, a tulip and hyacinth "preserve" with many older types of flowers and an excellent guide. The stop at the farm where they made award winning cheese, great samples and hostess, The barge cruise coming into Amsterdam, passing under many bridges lifted up to make way, very unusual going through neighborhoods. Meeting fellow guests and the guides were fun and knowledgeable. Very good flights on Delta, both ways. Very good system of bike riding trails in the country, We rode the hybrid cruiser bikes (no road bikes on this tour) and my wife managed to get an e-bike one day when someone took the day off from riding, she enjoyed it, especially in the headwinds! Some not so highlights, The Barge staff were very helpful, but for such a large number of guests and guides they could have used more help. The Keukenhof Gardens, pitched as a highlight and the gardens are very handsome and creative, but so very crowded we had to leave early to get away from the crowds, maybe going very early in the day VS. almost at noon? The Flower Auction tour, nice colors but so industrialized, I could have skipped it. In past VBT tours at the end we were in hotels right in the downtown area, easy for walking around the city, on this trip the Hotel is on a wharf used for all the major river cruises (nice views of the big canal and river barges) but a long walk from restaurants and attractions. All in all a fun trip.
Riding around the Dutch Countryside
The Springtime in Holland trip was amazing. Holland is beautiful and the perfect place to see the countryside on a bike. The barge (Princess Royale) was great. Just the right size with an excellent crew, including the most fabulous chef. For my wife and I the biking was very casual and easy because we are regular cyclists and we do week long trips all the time. This trip was still a lot of fun for us but also a great trip for others who weren't regular bikers. Our guides were wonderful, very friendly and knowledgeable of the area. The only negative point I'd make is about the lack of amount and variety of snacks provided (including no water supplements). There were no snacks set out of us at the beginning of the day to stock up and during the day at interim van meeting point there were many spots where no "refueling" snacks. The RideWithGPS routes were great and allowed everyone to ride at their own pace. I would definitely recommend this trip to others, whether avid bikers or just occasional rides through the park. Holland is beautiful.
Wonderful cycling past windmills, flowers & cheese
Other Tours You'll Love
View Related ToursCroatia: The Dalmatian Islands
Guided Biking
Starting from 7 days at
$4,695
Cycle along scenic coasts into port towns and medieval seaside villages with panoramic vistas during this exhilarating bike tour in Croatia.
Spain: Andalusia, Córdoba & Granada
Guided Biking
Starting from 7 days at
$3,995
Engage all your senses on this bike tour through Spain’s Andalusia region as you travel from checkered fields of orange and olive groves to historic cities and whitewashed villages.
Italy: Valleys of the Dolomites
Guided Biking
Starting from 7 days at
$4,595
Road cycling the Dolomites was never more rewarding than this journey, blending spectacular scenic vistas with insights into unique pockets of culture.
Stories from Europe
View All StoriesThere’s More to Mallorca Than Meets the Eye
Note: This account was written by VBT guest John Tedstrom. He is a long-term student of life and freelance writer, celebrating many adventures that include growing up in Australia and...
Continue ReadingIndependent Cycling with Support in England’s Cotswolds
As Kelsei and Silvy explored the English countryside, they enjoyed the perfect balance of flexibility and support—with top quality inns, scenic biking, a friendly local host, and the freedom to...
Continue ReadingHow E-bikes Saved a Cycling Vacation—and a Marriage
VBT trip leaders pride themselves on their intuition. In addition to their vast regional knowledge and skills in bike mechanics, VBT trip leaders are also experienced readers of the human...
Continue ReadingRequest a
Free Catalog
Find Your next vacation with Over 200 Pages of tour information
Get Yours TodayBook Online
Reserve Instantly
Find your perfect tour and reserve a spot with our easy online booking.
Find A Tour