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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours Worldwide
Representing Local Bike Tour Companies
More than 400 Tours in 70 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Guided |
| Level: | Easy |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 25 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Saturdays: May 18, June 15, 29; July 6, 27; Aug 3, 17, 31; Sep 7, 14, 2013. |
| Tour price: | €659 |
| Start city: | Amsterdam, Holland |
| End city: | Amsterdam, Holland |
This tour offers an attractive combination of towns and countryside in Holland. It starts with a sailing trip right across the centre of Amsterdam.
Soon after having left the city behind, it appears that amidst the larger Dutch towns lies a splendid rural area: the Green Heart. One moment you'll be cycling in the middle of quiet lakes, the next you'll experience the old Dutch atmosphere in the historical center of towns like Haarlem and Leiden. Furthermore this tour will show you the North Sea beach, dune areas and old port towns like Hoorn which breathe the Dutch Golden Age.
Learn more about guided tours.
This tour offers an attractive combination of towns and countryside in Holland. It starts with a sailing trip right across the centre of Amsterdam.
Soon after having left the city behind, it appears that amidst the larger Dutch towns lies a splendid rural area: the Green Heart. One moment you'll be cycling in the middle of quiet lakes, the next you'll experience the old Dutch atmosphere in the historical center of towns like Haarlem and Leiden. Furthermore this tour will show you the North Sea beach, dune areas and old port towns like Hoorn which breathe the Dutch Golden Age.
Learn more about guided tours.
Day 1: Amsterdam - Uithoorn/Kudelstaart (12 miles/20 km)
After your embarkment in Amsterdam, you sail right through the centre of Amsterdam. There will also be a short cycle trip following the banks of the River Amstel ending in Uithoorn/Kudelstaart.
Overnight in Kudelstaart.
Day 2: Uithoorn/Kudelstaart - Leiden (34 miles/55 km)
Today you'll cross the real Green Heart of Holland, as you follow cycle paths through the lake areas of the Langeraarse Plassen and Braassemer Meer. Your trip ends in the university town of Leiden. A city walk in the historical centre of this birth place of Rembrandt with its numerous courtyards is definitely recommended.
Overnight in Leiden.
Day 3: Leiden - Haarlem (31 miles/50 km)
Today's itinerary leads to the seaside resort Katwijk and then through the dune area to Zandvoort. If weather permits, you may spend some time on the beach. Cycling along the path which was used by fishermen's wives to go to the market, you’ll end up in Haarlem. The small and surveyable centre invites one to do some shopping in this 'best shopping town of the Netherlands'. Don’t forget to sit down and have a drink on one of the terraces at the big market place.
Overnight in Haarlem.
Day 4: Haarlem - Alkmaar (31 miles/50 km)
The first village you arrive in today is Spaarndam (the village of Hans Brinker). After the crossing of the North Sea canal by ferry, you continue cycling through rural villages like Nauerna. You visit open air museum the Zaanse Schans and continue following the River Zaan and the Knollendammer canal to the cheese town of Alkmaar.
Overnight in Alkmaar.
Day 5: Alkmaar (34 miles/55 km)
Today the boat stays in Alkmaar. There’s a cycle trip to the unique wooded dune area near the villages Bergen and Schoorl and to the Hondsbossche Zeewering, a sea wall. You’ll have plenty of time to have a drink at an outdoor café or to walk on the beach. If you feel like it, you can spend the day on your own sightseeing in Alkmaar or relaxing at the seaside.
Overnight in Alkmaar.
Day 6: Alkmaar - Purmerend (28 miles/45 km)
After passing Oterleek and Avenhorn, you arrive in Hoorn. After you have got acquainted with this historical port town, you take the road along the coast from where you have a splendid view over the IJssel Lake. Thereafter you take a ride following the canal 'Beemsterringvaart' to Purmerend. On the way, you will visit the museum windmill in Schermerhorn.
Overnight in Purmerend.
Day 7: Purmerend - Amsterdam (31 miles/50 km)
Today begins as you cycle around in the picturesque village of Edam. Then you visit the fishing village of Volendam. Take your time for a break and enjoy the atmosphere and the people in traditional costume. The cycle trip then continues along the coastline of the IJssel Lake through Uitdam and Durgerdam. Via the ferry crossing the IJ, you arrive at the finish of your tour in the centre of Amsterdam. You visit the Rembrandt House, where the painter lived for years with his wife Saskia. In the evening you may wish to join the guide for a walk though the centre or you may go for a round trip of the Amsterdam canals.
Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast your guide and the crew will say good-bye, as your stay comes to an end.
Saturdays: May 18, June 15, 29; July 6, 27; Aug 3, 17, 31; Sep 7, 14, 2013.
Holland
May 18
Sep 7
Tijdgeest
Jun 15
Jul 27
Aug 3
Aug 31
Sep 14
Fiep (comfort package)
Jun 29
Jul 6
Aug 17
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Standard Tour
Holland
(May 18; Sep 7, 2013)
Aboard the well maintained ship HOLLAND, the owner has succeeded in using the available space as advantageous as possible. All 10 cabins have private facilities and bunk beds. The chef will serve your meals in the spacious living. When the sun is shining, a comfortable spot on the sundeck is the place to be. The crew guarantees your stay aboard the HOLLAND will be simply unforgettable.
Tijdgeest
(Jun 15; Jul 27; Aug 3, 31; Sep 14, 2013)
The 4.5-star Tijdgeest has carried tourists since 1897. In the early years, it was a passenger ship on the Rhine River in Germany. More than 100 years later, in 1998, the ship was been completely renovated and rebuilt into a luxurious hotel ship. On the lower deck you will find 13 cabins, all with private facilities and bunk beds. On the upper deck there is a very spacious living and dining room with panoramic view. The ship has a bar, air conditioning, and 220 volt electricity. It can carry 20-36 passengers.
Comfort Tour
Fiep
(June 29; Jul 6; Aug 17, 2013)
In 2000, the Fiep (formerly named Anna Cornelia) was transformed from a frieghter to a modern and luxury passenger ship. With 12 cabins on the lower deck, it can hold 24 people. The upper deck consists of a large sundeck and a bar and lounge.
Standard Tour
Holland
(May 18; Sep 7, 2013)
Aboard the well maintained ship HOLLAND, the owner has succeeded in using the available space as advantageous as possible. All 10 cabins have private facilities and bunk beds. The chef will serve your meals in the spacious living. When the sun is shining, a comfortable spot on the sundeck is the place to be. The crew guarantees your stay aboard the HOLLAND will be simply unforgettable.
Tijdgeest
(Jun 15; Jul 27; Aug 3, 31; Sep 14, 2013)
The 4.5-star Tijdgeest has carried tourists since 1897. In the early years, it was a passenger ship on the Rhine River in Germany. More than 100 years later, in 1998, the ship was been completely renovated and rebuilt into a luxurious hotel ship. On the lower deck you will find 13 cabins, all with private facilities and bunk beds. On the upper deck there is a very spacious living and dining room with panoramic view. The ship has a bar, air conditioning, and 220 volt electricity. It can carry 20-36 passengers.
Comfort Tour
Fiep
(June 29; Jul 6; Aug 17, 2013)
In 2000, the Fiep (formerly named Anna Cornelia) was transformed from a frieghter to a modern and luxury passenger ship. With 12 cabins on the lower deck, it can hold 24 people. The upper deck consists of a large sundeck and a bar and lounge.
This tour is rated easy and includes flat terrrain and generally short daily distances of up to 30 km.
This tour is rated easy and includes flat terrrain and generally short daily distances of up to 30 km.
"The trip was everything I could have hoped for. The boat and crew, the bicycles, and the food were all excellent and combined with a guide who was cheerful, outgoing, attentive and above all passionate about her country - I couldn't have asked for more. The HAT people do a nice job as did you and your staff who were always there to answer my questions."
- Kevin D.
2012
"I have just returned from the Highlights of Holland (Bike and Barge) tour. The tour was wonderful, the food was excellent, and I have never met nicer people! I was especially impressed with our tour guide."
- Jayne G.
2011
"The trip was everything I could have hoped for. The boat and crew, the bicycles, and the food were all excellent and combined with a guide who was cheerful, outgoing, attentive and above all passionate about her country - I couldn't have asked for more. The HAT people do a nice job as did you and your staff who were always there to answer my questions."
- Kevin D.
2012
"I have just returned from the Highlights of Holland (Bike and Barge) tour. The tour was wonderful, the food was excellent, and I have never met nicer people! I was especially impressed with our tour guide."
- Jayne G.
2011
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Amsterdam
Nearest train station: Amsterdam
There is a very regular rail service between the airport and Amsterdam Central rail station, and the boarding point is a short bus or taxi ride from the rail station.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Amsterdam
Nearest train station: Amsterdam
There is a very regular rail service between the airport and Amsterdam Central rail station, and the boarding point is a short bus or taxi ride from the rail station.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Get weather information.
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Get weather information.
From the famed canals and impressive art collections of Amsterdam and attractions of Rotterdam to the tulip fields carpeting the lush countryside, Holland packs a considerable punch for such a small country. Outside of the large cities, visitors can revisit the Middle Ages through its remaining castles and grand estates. Other highlights of the Dutch countryside include the marshlands, wetlands, and beaches. The walled towns of Holland’s trade and commerce routes are delightful to explore, and the maritime tradition of this coastal land is still seen in its quaint harbor towns.
Dutch tulips are iconic – a symbol of Holland. Mid-March through mid-May transforms the already beautiful countryside into a sea of reds, pinks, purples, and yellows. Another charming symbol of the country, Holland's many windmills are scattered across the landscape and make for postcard-perfect scenery.
From the famed canals and impressive art collections of Amsterdam and attractions of Rotterdam to the tulip fields carpeting the lush countryside, Holland packs a considerable punch for such a small country. Outside of the large cities, visitors can revisit the Middle Ages through its remaining castles and grand estates. Other highlights of the Dutch countryside include the marshlands, wetlands, and beaches. The walled towns of Holland’s trade and commerce routes are delightful to explore, and the maritime tradition of this coastal land is still seen in its quaint harbor towns.
Dutch tulips are iconic – a symbol of Holland. Mid-March through mid-May transforms the already beautiful countryside into a sea of reds, pinks, purples, and yellows. Another charming symbol of the country, Holland's many windmills are scattered across the landscape and make for postcard-perfect scenery.
HAT Tours is an independent Dutch travel organization that specializes in cycle holidays and barge cruises in Europe. Since 1990 to today, they offer their international clientele a wide choice in attractive, interesting and small-scale holidays.
Their main objective is a direct and personal contact with all their customers. HAT Tours is a family-owned company that offers both sailing trips on small passenger ships and cycle holidays in Europe.
Where is HAT located?
Purmerend, Holland
In which countries do they offer tours?
Most European countries: Croatia, France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, and more!
What are some of HAT's special strengths?
- Cycle and sail holidays (also known as bike and barge holidays): Guided tours with a stay aboard an attractive and comfortable hotel barge
- Cycle and hotel holidays: Cycling in a relaxed way from one hotel to another with the help of detailed maps and an information pack
HAT Tours is an independent Dutch travel organization that specializes in cycle holidays and barge cruises in Europe. Since 1990 to today, they offer their international clientele a wide choice in attractive, interesting and small-scale holidays.
Their main objective is a direct and personal contact with all their customers. HAT Tours is a family-owned company that offers both sailing trips on small passenger ships and cycle holidays in Europe.
Where is HAT located?
Purmerend, Holland
In which countries do they offer tours?
Most European countries: Croatia, France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, and more!
What are some of HAT's special strengths?
- Cycle and sail holidays (also known as bike and barge holidays): Guided tours with a stay aboard an attractive and comfortable hotel barge
- Cycle and hotel holidays: Cycling in a relaxed way from one hotel to another with the help of detailed maps and an information pack
GENERAL CONDITIONS INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS
All bookings will be accepted on the basis of these conditions and terms.
1. If a reservation is cancelled each participant will be charged for cancellation costs. The following terms are valid:
a. on cancellation up to 56 days before the departure day: EUR. 35,00 subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
b. on cancellation less than 57 days and up to 28 days before departure: the down payment subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
c. on cancellation less than 29 days and up to 14 days before departure: 50% of the travel sum.;
d. on cancellation less than 15 days and up to the departure day: 75% of the travel sum;
e. on cancellation on the day the holiday commences or at ‘no show’: 100% of the travel sum;
2. Participants of bike and barge tours agree to observe the skipper’s orders for navigation and his rules forgood sailing. Regulations affixed aboard the ship are to be observed as such. Participants acceptresponsibility for their actions for the duration of the tour.
3. During bike and barge tours the skipper is entitled to change the place of departure/arrival according to hisown judgement in case of heavy fog, stormy weather or other urgent circumstances. HAT Tours nor theskipper will be held responsible for damages as a result of bad weather conditions to participants nor to theirparaphernalia.
4. Participants of bike and barge tours will be liable for any wilful damage to the vessel and/or to any thirdparty. Third party insurance covers vessel and crew as well as passengers. Liability of participants is limitedto any wilful damage not recoverable or not being reimbursed by the insurance company. The ‘own risk’clause of the insurance policy is for account of participants.
5. HAT Tours is not liable for damages suffered by participants, unless such damages are due to default orgross negligence. Nor is HAT Tours liable for damages resulting subsequently.
6. Both parties of this contract are entitled to cancel this agreement immediately and without any legalconsequences, only if either or both parties would fail to fulfil his obligation pertaining to this agreement notwithstanding the right to claim full compensation. This clause is only valid if participants are not able tooffer a reasonable alternative.
7. Any costs/expenses incurred as a result of default by either party will be due and payable immediately ascompensation for resulting damages.
8. This agreement is governed by the law of the Netherlands. Any differences arising from this agreement are to be judged by the Court of Law at Amsterdam.
9. HAT Tours is entitled to cancel any bike and barge tour at the latest 14 days before the departure date, if there are less than 15 participants booked. In the case of such a cancellation, participants will not becompensated for any damage that may have occurred because of this cancellation. HAT Tours will only makea refund for any down payment that has been made for the tour concerned.
10. Surcharge fuel costs Bike& Barge Tours: In case fuel prices from 15th September of the previous yearwill raise more than 10%, HAT Tours preserves the right to charge a surcharge of max. Euro 20,00 a person.The surcharge is to be paid cash aboard at the beginning of the tour, after having been informed about thisupon arrival.
This contract has been translated into english. The original text in dutch will however prevail.
GENERAL CONDITIONS INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS
All bookings will be accepted on the basis of these conditions and terms.
1. If a reservation is cancelled each participant will be charged for cancellation costs. The following terms are valid:
a. on cancellation up to 56 days before the departure day: EUR. 35,00 subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
b. on cancellation less than 57 days and up to 28 days before departure: the down payment subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
c. on cancellation less than 29 days and up to 14 days before departure: 50% of the travel sum.;
d. on cancellation less than 15 days and up to the departure day: 75% of the travel sum;
e. on cancellation on the day the holiday commences or at ‘no show’: 100% of the travel sum;
2. Participants of bike and barge tours agree to observe the skipper’s orders for navigation and his rules forgood sailing. Regulations affixed aboard the ship are to be observed as such. Participants acceptresponsibility for their actions for the duration of the tour.
3. During bike and barge tours the skipper is entitled to change the place of departure/arrival according to hisown judgement in case of heavy fog, stormy weather or other urgent circumstances. HAT Tours nor theskipper will be held responsible for damages as a result of bad weather conditions to participants nor to theirparaphernalia.
4. Participants of bike and barge tours will be liable for any wilful damage to the vessel and/or to any thirdparty. Third party insurance covers vessel and crew as well as passengers. Liability of participants is limitedto any wilful damage not recoverable or not being reimbursed by the insurance company. The ‘own risk’clause of the insurance policy is for account of participants.
5. HAT Tours is not liable for damages suffered by participants, unless such damages are due to default orgross negligence. Nor is HAT Tours liable for damages resulting subsequently.
6. Both parties of this contract are entitled to cancel this agreement immediately and without any legalconsequences, only if either or both parties would fail to fulfil his obligation pertaining to this agreement notwithstanding the right to claim full compensation. This clause is only valid if participants are not able tooffer a reasonable alternative.
7. Any costs/expenses incurred as a result of default by either party will be due and payable immediately ascompensation for resulting damages.
8. This agreement is governed by the law of the Netherlands. Any differences arising from this agreement are to be judged by the Court of Law at Amsterdam.
9. HAT Tours is entitled to cancel any bike and barge tour at the latest 14 days before the departure date, if there are less than 15 participants booked. In the case of such a cancellation, participants will not becompensated for any damage that may have occurred because of this cancellation. HAT Tours will only makea refund for any down payment that has been made for the tour concerned.
10. Surcharge fuel costs Bike& Barge Tours: In case fuel prices from 15th September of the previous yearwill raise more than 10%, HAT Tours preserves the right to charge a surcharge of max. Euro 20,00 a person.The surcharge is to be paid cash aboard at the beginning of the tour, after having been informed about thisupon arrival.
This contract has been translated into english. The original text in dutch will however prevail.
