Day 1: Arrival and embarkation in Amsterdam | Boat: Amsterdam to Haarlem
In the afternoon from 2 pm embarkation in Amsterdam, Veemkade. From about 5 pm a "dinner cruise" to Haarlem. A stroll around the city in the evening through the historic old city of Haarlem.
Day 2: Boat: Haarlem - Zaanse Schans | In the afternoon: Zaandam - Alkmaar | Optional: Bike tour ca. 25 or 40 (15/24 miles)
A cruise by ship or optional bike tour (ca. 25/15 miles) to the open-air museum "Zaanse Schans" (incl.) with its beautiful wind mills, an old-Dutch village, a cheese farm and a traditional wooden clogs maker. In the afternoon you have the choice between a bike tour or a cruise with the ship to Alkmaar. After diner there will be a short stroll around the town.
Day 3: Boat: Alkmaar - Amsterdam - Volendam or Bike: Alkmaar - Volendam (ca 35-50/21-30 miles)
After breakfast you travel by ship from Alkmaar through the Polder land of the Province of Northern Holland and over the IJsselmeer to the fishing village of Volendam, and subsequently a short stroll around the town (included). In the harbour enjoy the smoked eel "Paling" or the salted herring "Matjes".
Day 4: Boat: Volendam - Amsterdam or Bike: Volendam - Amsterdam (ca 35-50/21-30 miles)
You travel by ship over the Ijsselmeer or by bike through the beautiful Waterland back to Amsterdam. In the evening: there is the opportunity to take a trip together on the canals.
Day 5: Amsterdam
After breakfast: disembarkation by 10 am and the end of the trip.
INCLUDED:
- Tour and accommodation on board 5 days / 4 nights from/to Amsterdam;
- Meals on board (breakfast, lunch on board or lunch package during bike tours and three course dinner);
- Use of bed linen and towels (change of towels daily possible); daily quick cleaning of the cabin;
- Welcoming drink and introduction of the barge and crew on the first evening;
- Board guiding by the crew (multilingual) with daily briefings of the program and bike tours and some short city walks (free);
- Maps, instructions and info material for self-guided, individual bike tours.
NOT INCLUDED:
Transfers to/from docking place in Amsterdam, reservation fee €15 (obligatory surcharge), other transfers, parking fee, entrance
fees & excursions (others then mentioned in program), rental bicycle, fees for ferries, drinks on board, personal insurances,
gratuities (at your discretion). Dietary requirements on request / surcharges may be calculated.
THE SHIPS: MV MAGNIFIQUE and MV MAGNIFIQUE II
During these tours you will travel - depending on the departure date - on board of one of the following the premium luxury barges.
The MAGNIFIQUE is 63 meters long, accommodates approx. 32 - 35 guests, sails under Dutch flag and management and is completely modernized in 2010 and extended with 14 meters during winter 2012/13. The lower deck has 17 cabins: 11 twin cabins (approx. 11 M², 2 single beds next to each other), 4 premium twins (approx. 14 M², 2 single beds next to each other), 2 single cabins (approx. 8 M²); all cabins have portholes (all portholes are fixed for safety reasons), shower + toilet, individually regulated air conditioning, flat screen TV with SAT-reception; if requested, an extra bed is available in some twin cabins (above one of the other beds). On the upper deck there are a tastefully furnished salon with restaurant, bar, lounge with large windows, wide screen TV and WLAN. Two partly covered teak wooden sun decks with chairs and tables & cycle shed (front deck), and with a whirlpool/ Jacuzzi and barbecue on the afterdeck.
The MAGNIFIQUE II is being constructed between March 2015 and February 2016. The 63 meters long barge can accommodate 35 guests and sails under Dutch flag and management. The lower deck has 14 cabins: 13 twin cabins (approx. 11 M², 2 single beds as twins or double next to each other) and 1 single cabin (approx. 8 M²); the upper deck has 4 beautiful suites with French balcony (approx. 14 M², 2 single beds next to each other, small sitting area), cabins on lower deck have portholes (all portholes are fixed for safety reasons), upper deck suites have large windows that can be opened. All cabins have ensuite facilities (shower + toilet), individually regulated air conditioning, flat screen satellite- TV. On request, an extra bed is available in some twin cabins and in 2 suites (Pullman bed above one of the other beds). On the upper deck there are a tastefully furnished salon with restaurant, bar, lounge with wide screen TV, large windows, Wi-Fi (limited use of data). A partly covered teak wooden sun deck with chairs and tables on the aft deck and a cycle shed (front deck).
BICYCLES:
The bicycles on board are mostly unisex touring bicycles of the German brand VSF with normal mount (ladies model), 7 gears, hand brake and/or pedal brake and pannier bag. Other bikes (e.g. children's bikes, "slip streamers", tandems, etc.) and childs saddles (front or rear) are on these tours only available after prior request (by booking) and confirmation and in very limited numbers. Bike rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles or E-bikes (at no extra cost). However, the crew or tour operator are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles. In the Netherlands bikers are not obligated by law to wear a bike helmet. There are some bike helmets available on board (free use)
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
The General Conditions (travel conditions) of Boat Bike Tours bv apply to cycling cruises, as well as to confirmation and cancellation of such tours.
In principle, children are very welcome on board. Children's bikes, tandems, parent-and-child tandems, slip streamers etc. or childs saddles are available on request and at surcharge. Of course you may stay one or more days longer on board (children under the age of 18 years must be under supervision).
The interior of the ship is a no-smoking zone: smoking is only allowed on the sun deck. As a safety measure, a statutory smoking ban Applies in all cabins; this means that all cabins and rooms on board are no-smoking zones.
Update: June 23, 2015.
