North Holland: Landscapes & Seascapes

Arrive on board your boutique river ship in central Amsterdam, where check-in begins at 2:00 pm. Get settled into your cabin, meet your fellow travellers and crew, and enjoy a welcome briefing with your tour leader. Around 3:00 pm, the ship departs for Zaandam, a short cruise away.

Once docked, you’ll set off on a gentle warm-up ride along the riverbank to the Zaanse Schans open-air museum. Here, you’ll get your first taste of traditional Dutch life - wander among historic windmills, timber houses, and working artisan workshops where cheese and clogs are still made by hand.

Return to the ship in time for dinner and relax on board in Zaandam overnight.

Today’s route takes you deep into the heart of North Holland’s “Land of Leeghwater,” a region reclaimed from the sea and known for its sweeping polders, windmills, and quiet villages.

Cycle past serene pastures and tidy canals to the historic village of De Rijp, once a bustling whaling and herring town. Stop to admire the 17th-century wooden houses and pretty harbor. Continue on to Schermerhorn to view a row of functioning windmills, once used to drain the surrounding land.

Meet the ship again on the outskirts of Alkmaar, famous for its medieval center, canal-lined streets, and historic cheese market (held on Fridays). Spend the evening exploring this delightful town or relax on deck as the sun sets.

Pedal through the artists' village of Bergen, known for its charming architecture and artistic heritage. The route then winds through the scenic North Holland Dune Reserve, a protected stretch of coastline filled with forests, heathlands, and drifting dunes.

You’ll ride through the peaceful beach town of Schoorl before arriving in St. Maartensvlotbrug. If you choose the longer route, you’ll explore more of the coast before reaching Den Helder, the northernmost point of the mainland.

In the evening, rejoin the ship in Den Helder. Weather and tides permitting, the ship crosses the shallow Wadden Sea to Texel Island, the largest of the Dutch Wadden Islands. Overnight in the harbor of Oudeschild.

Discover the beauty and diversity of Texel on today’s loop ride. Enjoy open farmland, grazing sheep, sweeping sea views, and dunes filled with wildflowers.

You can choose to visit Ecomare, a nature museum and seal sanctuary, or take a break at one of the island’s lovely beaches. Sample local specialties like Texel lamb or beer brewed right on the island.

In the late afternoon, return to the ship for a relaxing sail—or ferry transfer—back to the mainland, docking in the charming town of Medemblik. Enjoy an evening stroll by the harbor or relax onboard.

Today you’ll cycle along the western edge of the IJsselmeer, a freshwater lake that was once part of the Zuiderzee. The route follows the dike and scenic shoreline, offering wide views of the water and countryside.

Arrive in the historic harbour town of Enkhuizen, once a prosperous centre for the Dutch East India Company. You can visit the excellent Zuiderzee Museum to learn about maritime life in the region.

Dinner is on your own tonight. Explore the cobbled streets and choose from one of the many cosy Dutch eateries in town. Overnight on the ship in Enkhuizen.

A shorter, more relaxed day of cycling awaits. Pedal along the IJsselmeer coast and inland trails to reach Hoorn, a town with a fascinating seafaring past.

Once one of the most important VOC (Dutch East India Company) ports, Hoorn has a beautifully preserved historic centre with grand merchant houses, harbourside cafés, and lively markets.

Spend the afternoon exploring the town, shopping, or enjoying a drink by the harbour. This is a great day to take it slow and soak in the atmosphere.

On your final day of cycling, ride through the pastoral Waterland region, filled with tiny villages, lakes, and narrow canals. You'll pass wooden farmhouses, grazing cows, and charming dike paths.

Stop in the fishing village of Volendam, known for its colourful houses and traditional costumes. Then continue by bike or join the ship for the return to Amsterdam, where you’ll arrive in the early afternoon.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the city’s sights and perhaps visit a museum, take a canal cruise, or shop for souvenirs.