Bike and Barge Tour Holland: North-Holland Tour

MS Angela Esmee

During this fascinating Northern Holland cycling cruise on board the ship Angela Esmee you will discover the best of what the beautiful Provinces of North Holland and Friesland offer. Explore flat "polder" landscapes - a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments - the North Sea coast, towering sand dunes, long sandy beaches, historic windmills, the island of Texel and the many picturesque harbor towns along the coast of IJsselmeer Lake. It is without doubt a tour not to be missed!

Historical towns and villages, rural countryside and beaches above Amsterdam - the "North-Holland tour"

Nowhere else in the world will you find an area as fascinating to explore as the Dutch Provinces of North Holland and Friesland, two areas rich in tradition, full of romantic fishing and harbor villages, picturesque lakes and expansive North Sea vistas. Over the course of your week on board your floating hotel, the ship Angela Esmee, you will be able to discover typical Dutch culture in picturesque harbor towns and small villages while you cycle through a flat "polder land", extensively reclaimed over the centuries from the North Sea. What you will soon realize is the truth behind the proverb "God created the earth but the Dutch made Holland", such has been the extent of land reclamation in the region you will be cycling through. Since the 17th century in an effort to save disappearing land from encroaching water, protective dikes have been built, low lying land has been pumped dry and tidal dams have been created in creeks to prevent flooding, with the result that today's green flat polder landscape is full of agricultural enterprise. Given the Dutch love of cycling, the region is crisscrossed with many quiet cycle tracks that stretch from one end of the region to the other. You will be amazed by the beauty of the North Sea beaches, the towering sand dunes - who said there were no hills in Holland! - the extremely bike friendly island of Texel, the beautiful flat landscapes, small dreamlike farm villages and picturesque harbor villages. During the second part of the tour you will cross the large lake IJsselmeer to Stavoren in the Province of Friesland. Other highlights during your week tour include the open air museum "Zaanse Schans", the historic city center of Alkmaar and the old harbor cities of Medemblik, Enkhuizen, Hoorn and Volendam, the islands of Texel and Marken and - of course - Amsterdam with its beautiful canals.

All of the above and much, much more is in store for you when you set sail on board the ship Angela Esmee for a week of discovery.

On five departure dates in 2017 (6 May, 10 June, 8 July, 5 August and 2 September 2017), the Angela Esmee will be sailing on the Southern Tour of Holland. This gives you the opportunity to book the "Grand Tour of Holland" and travel 2 weeks on the same ship and in the same cabin. Depending on your travel dates in 2017 you have the choice of a week of North Holland followed by a week South Holland (5x) or first South Holland and then North Holland (5x).

MS Angela Esmee:
The ship Angela Esmee caters for approx. 80 guests in total comfort and is your floating hotel and restaurant during your cycling cruise. The vessel has 10 cabins on the upper deck (supplement) and 31 cabins on the lower deck (approx. 9 M² = 97 square feet) with en-suite bath room (shower + toilet), 2 single beds next to each other and (partial centrally regulated) air-conditioning and an automated ventilation system. All cabins have a window (the windows in the upper deck cabins can be opened; the windows on the lower deck are for security reasons fixed). There are a limited number of single, triple and quadruple cabins (3rd and 4th beds as bunk beds).
In 2012 the ship was extended by 16 meters and 10 new twin cabins were created which are located at the front of the lower deck. During the winter of 2015/2016 all cabins on the upper deck and the remaining cabins on the lower deck were renovated.
The salon / lounge area features large windows, a separate restaurant area, a bar, and in the front of the ship, a large lounge area with seats, tables and full glass panoramic windows where you can relax and also use the Wi-Fi network. The large and partially roofed sundeck of the 78 meter-long ship is equipped with tables and chairs and there is a separate deck to store the bikes. In short, the Angela Esmee is perfectly set up to host boat & bike tours.
The Angela Esmee has its own bikes on board; some of these feature hand brakes and a back pedal brake and some have hand brakes only, on request. There are bikes with various frame heights. Children's bikes, e-bikes and tandems are also available on request. After four weeks use the bikes will be taken out of circulation for a week for maintenance purposes.


Tour Details Holland: North-Holland Route | MS Angela Esmee

Day 1 (Sat): Embarkation: Amsterdam
Embarkation and check-in starts at 2 PM in Amsterdam (centre). Take the opportunity to go shopping or explore downtown Amsterdam, world famous for its canals, its quirky 'leaning' buildings, museums, the Anne Frank House, the Waterlooplein Flea Market, the Dam Square in the historical center and heart of the city. A canal tour is a unique way to see the capital of Holland from another side. Welcome meeting, cocktail, dinner and first briefing on board. First night on board in Amsterdam.

Day 2 (Sun): Amsterdam - Zaanse Schans - Zaandam (ca. 30-45 km / 19-28 miles*)
You will cycle out of Amsterdam via a well maintained cycling track. Very soon you will leave the city and cycle through the green area of Waterland and the recreational area of Twiske to the open air museum 'Zaanse Schans' with its beautiful windmills, traditional wooden houses, an old Dutch village, a cheese farm and a traditional wooden clog maker. After exploring the museum continue just a few more miles to Zaandam. If you want to take a detour, opt for an additional cycling tour through various small villages in the Waterland area. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore and enjoy Zaandam.

Day 3 (Mon): Zaandam - Alkmaar (Approx. 50 km/31 mi.) | Alkmaar - Den Helder
Your second day of cycling leads you pedaling through the beautiful flat and green polder landscape via small villages. This "Land of Leeghwater" is a scenic green area located between the cities of Amsterdam, Alkmaar and Hoorn. Leeghwater was a 17th Century scientist, who invented a revolutionary system to reclaim marshland from the sea by pumping out water with a system of windmills, smaller and larger canals. Today's destination is the city of Alkmaar, where the Angela Esmee will be waiting for you with a hot shower, a good glass of wine, a cool beer and a delicious meal. During dinner the ship will navigate the Noordhollands Kanaal to the naval port of Den Helder.

Day 4 (Tue): Den Helder - Oudeschild | North Sea island of Texel: round trip from/to Oudeschild (your choice 15-65 km/9-41 mi.*) | Texel - Den Oever
During breakfast the Angela Esmee will cross the Marsdiep, a deep tide-race between Den Helder and Texel Island to the harbor of Oudeschild.**
You will quickly understand why the island of Texel is a favorite destination for many tourists as you cycle around this enchanting Dutch island. Charming villages, beautiful beaches and areas of natural importance are crisscrossed by a network of cycling tracks, making all areas of the island easily accessible. Swim at one of the wide sandy beaches, visit the seal sanctuary "Ecomare" and/or cycle the beautiful "Thijsse-route" (with signposting, approx. 25 miles) through picturesque villages and landscapes. At the end of your cycling tour yua can enjoy a locally brewed beer during a visit to the small brewery in the harbor of Oudeschild. In the evening the Angela Esmee will return to Den Oever on the mainland. The highlight of the evening will be a night of live music on board.

Day 5 (Wed): Den Oever - Stavoren | Stavoren South-west Friesland round trip (approx. 30-50 km/19-31 mi.*)
The vessel will cross the large inland lake IJsselmeer to sail to Stavoren in the Province of Friesland. You can opt for a shorter or longer cycling tour: discover the nature area of Gaasterland or explore a part of the wide lake district, that Friesland is well-known for. You can also combine both options. Night in Stavoren, one of the famous 11 cities of Friesland.

Day 6 (Thu): Stavoren - Medemblik | Medemblik - Hoorn - Enkhuizen (approx. 30-50 km/19-31 mi.*)
Sail to Medemblik during breakfast. Take the short pedaling from Medemblik along the IJsselmeer (former "Zuiderzee") coast directly to Enkhuizen, where you can spend the afternoon. Enkhuizen is an old city with many centuries of maritime tradition. The "herring city" boasts a beautiful old harbor, an historical old town center and the very interesting "Zuiderzeemuseum". If you prefer a longer cycling tour, ride from Medemblik to the former Dutch East India Company town of Hoorn, in the 17th century one of the world's leading harbors and name giver of Cape Horn. Enjoy your lunch break and make a short stroll of the old city. Continue by bike through some picturesque rural villages to Enkhuizen. In the evening enjoy a short city walking tour incl. a visit of a traditional cheese shop with presentation and cheese tasting.

Day 7 (Fri): Enkhuizen - Volendam | Volendam - Waterland - Amsterdam (Approx. 35-50 km/22-31 mi.*)
During breakfast the ship will sail to Volendam. Your final day of cycling will lead you through the beautiful area of 'Waterland' with its hundreds of small lakes and tiny canals. Recommended (extra miles) is a detour to the former island of Marken, to continue through the water shaped region of Waterland back to the Dutch capital city of Amsterdam. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy everything Amsterdam has to offer. If you didn't go for a canal tour on the first day, you will have the opportunity to do so today.

Day 8 (Sat): Disembarkation: Amsterdam
After breakfast: disembarkation and end of the tour.

*: Both possibilities are being offered - the guest can choose. All distances are "approximate distances" of recommended bike tours.
**: In case of unfavorable weather conditions, the captain may decide to sail to Texel on Monday evening or not at all: in the latter case you can reach Texel ferry (price approx. 5EUR not incl.).

Program and details barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.
If guests don't want to cycle a day (or more) they are welcome to relax and stay on board while the ship is sailing.
On the arrival (first) day is it possible to put your luggage on board from 9:30 AM.


PRICES NORTH-HOLLAND TOUR SEASON 2017 (per person):
Cabin type occupation: super saver / middle season / main season / late season
Twin cabin lower deck 2 pers.: EUR 599 / EUR 789 / EUR 829 / EUR 769
Twin cabin upper deck 2 pers.: EUR 729 / EUR 919 / EUR 959 / EUR 899
Single cabin lower deck 1 pers.: EUR 819 / EUR 1,019 / EUR 1,069 / EUR 989
Single cabin upper deck 1 pers.: EUR 949 / EUR 1,149 / EUR 1,199 / EUR 1,119
Triple cabin lower deck 3 pers.: EUR 579 / EUR 769 / EUR 809 / EUR 749
Triple cabin upper deck 3 pers.: EUR 709 / EUR 899 / EUR 939 / EUR 879
Quadruple cabin lower deck 4 pers.: EUR 569 / EUR 749 / EUR 789 / EUR 729
Quadruple cabin upper deck 4 pers.: EUR 699 / EUR 879 / EUR 919 / EUR 859

Triple and Quadruple cabins are limited and only on request available. Please contact us if you want to book a triple or quadruple cabin.

DATES SEASON 2017 NORTH-HOLLAND TOUR:
Super saver season: departure date on April 15 and April 22;
Middle season: departure date on April 29, May 6, 13, 20 and 27; September 2 and 9;
Main season: all other departure dates, weekly from June 3 up to and incl. August 26;
Late season: departure date on September 16.

BICYCLES:
The bicycles on board are mostly unisex touring bikes with lightweight frames and normal mount (ladies model), with 7 gears, hand brake & hub brake and pannier bag. Prices of other bikes (e.g. E-Bikes or electrical bikes (limited stock, pending availability), children's bikes, "slip streamers", tandem bicycles etc. and child's saddles (rear) are on request. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles (at no additional fee). However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of guests own bicycles. In the Netherlands bikers are not obligated by law to wear a bike helmet. Bike helmets are not available on board.

CYCLING TOURS IN HOLLAND: THE "CYCLE JUNCTION NETWORK"
Throughout the Netherlands there is a network of interconnecting cycle routes, with a total length of more than 4,500 km, called the 'Cycle junction network' (Dutch: fietsknooppunten netwerk). A cycle junction is a numbered intersection that is part of a regional cycle route network. Each junction is provided with a number and an information panel. The distance to the next junction is displayed on this panel. The routes between two junctions are signposted in two directions with white and green signs (see picture). On the information panel you can orientate where you are and decide to extend or shorten the route to your destination. We use the cycle junction network in the description of the daily bike tours in the Netherlands and Flanders. The junctions are marked on the maps our guests use for the daily bike tours. The tour guide on board will explain to our guests how this easy system works. He/she will tell you the daily highlights and the detours which are worthwhile as well. On our website we show in a short video how this cycle junction network works.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The General Conditions (travel conditions) of Boat Bike Tours apply to cycling cruises, as well as the confirmation and cancellation of such tours. Children are very welcome on board. However, before booking, we advise you consider whether your child is able to manage a daily cycle trip of 30-55 km. Children's bikes, tandems, parent-and-child tandems, slip streamers etc. or child's saddles are available on request. 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 area: smoking is only allowed on the (outside) sun deck. As a safety measure, a statutory smoking ban applies in all cabins; this means that all cabins and rooms on board are non-smoking rooms.

Characteristics:

Participants:
up to 80
Tourtype:
individual
Children:
yes
Regions:
Countries:

Benefits:

  • Tour and accommodation on board 8 days/7 nights (Saturday-Saturday) from/to Amsterdam, cabin in the booked category
  • Full board (7x breakfast, 6x picnic lunch during bike tours, 7x three course dinner)
  • Use of bed linen and towels (change of towels daily possible)
  • daily light cleaning of the cabin
  • Welcoming drink and -speech on the first evening
  • Experienced and local Tour leader (multilingual incl. English) with daily briefings of the bike tours, some short city tours, during the day the tour leader is cycling the daily bike tour and can be reached on his/her cell phone
  • Printed instructions and detailed maps for the daily bike tours, 1 set per cabin
  • 2 Short city walks (Zaandam, Enkhuizen) with the tour leader
  • Discounts on entrance fees and excursions as mentioned in the program, value up to EUR25 p.p.
  • 1x night live music on board
  • Use of Wi-Fi in the lounge of the ship
  • Daily complimentary coffee and tea till 4 PM
Start date: on request
End date:
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Additional costs:

  • Season and cabin prices see tour description
  • Transfers to/from the docking place Sumatrakade in Amsterdam
  • Reservation fee
  • Rental bicycle or e-bike(optional)
  • Other transfers
  • Parking fees
  • Entrance fees & excursions
  • Fees for ferries during cycling tours
  • Drinks on board
  • Personal insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion/optional)
  • Dietary requirements on request/surcharges may be calculated (pre-booking is necessary)
  • Reservation fee: EUR 15 per booking/group (obligatory)
  • Rental bicycle with 7 gears, hand and pedal brakes, pannier bag: EUR 70 per week
  • Rental E-Bike (brand: Flyer or similar) with 3 support levels, 7-8 gears, range 60-65 km (36-39 miles), pannier bag: EUR 165 per week (only on request, limited number available)
  • Ticket canal tour Amsterdam, approx. 60 minutes - for our guests with discount: EUR 12 (at the ticket desk approx.: EUR 16)
  • Canal cruise Amsterdam, approx. 60 minutes - for our guests with discount: EUR 12 (regular rate 2016 at the ticket desk approx. EUR 16)
  • Parking Amsterdam (self-parking or valet parking): rates and reservation on request
  • Visits (optional): open-air museum Zaanse Schans, visitor center windmill Schermerhorn, beer brewery Oudeschild (Texel), seal sanctuary Ecomare (Texel)
  • steam engine museum (Medemblik), open-air Zuiderzeemuseum (Enkhuizen), cheese shop incl. presentation and tasting (Enkhuizen), and more (entrance fees not included, but for our guests with discount)

Discount:

  • Season and cabin prices see tour description

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