Boat and bicycle cruise in North-Holland

"Individual self guided tour through the province of Noord-Holland"

Folkore and tradition in the flat “polder-land”, along the North Sea coast and in romantic fishing villages. You will cycle across a distinctly rural, former lake and marsh land area. Since the 17th Century, this area has been reclaimed from the sea, in ancient times by pumping it dry with windmills. Various landscapes, typical Dutch “polder-land”, dunes and the beautiful North Sea beaches, the island of Texel and the picturesque harbours of the IJsselmeer coast: this is what the beautiful Northern tour offers.

TOUR DETAILS:

Day 1 (Sat) Arrival in Amsterdam Evening: Amsterdam - Zaandam
Afternoon: embarkation in Amsterdam (centre). Explore downtown Amsterdam: time for shopping, to visit a museum or to make a canal tour: this is an unique way to see the capital of Holland from another side. Approx. 06:30 PM short “dinner cruise” to Zaandam.

Day 2 (Sun) Zaandam – “Zaanse Schans” – Alkmaar 35 km / 22 miles
A visit of the open air museum „Zaanse Schans“ with a.o. traditional wooden houses, windmills, cheese and wooden shoe („clog“) manufacture is recommended. Evening in Alkmaar.

Day 3 (Mon) Alkmaar – St.-Maartensvlotbrug – Den Helder 35-55 km / 22-34 miles** Evening: Den Helder – Oudeschild (island of Texel)
Bicycle tour from Alkmaar over the picturesque village of Bergen the North Sea. Along the beach, through the dunes and the flat „polder- and coast land“ to the naval port of Den Helder. Evening: Cross the Marsdiep with your ship to the harbour Oudeschild on the island of Texel (depending on weather conditions: also possible on Tuesday morning, or by ferry, not included).

Day 4 (Tue) Island of Texel: Oudeschild - Oudeschild 25-65 km / 16-41 miles**
Round trip on the largest of Dutch islands, Texel. Through beautiful natural areas with the possibility to have a break on the most beautiful beaches. Recommended: pay a visit to the seal sanctuary “Ecomare” and/or cycle the beautiful “Thijsse-route” (with signposting) on the southern part of the island (approx. 40 km/25 miles) through picturesque villages and landscapes.

Day 5 (Wed) Morning: Oudeschild – Medemblik (or on Tue. evening)
Medemblik – Enkhuizen 30-50 km / 19-31 miles**
From Medemblik through the inlands or along the IJsselmeer (former “Zuiderzee”) coast to Enkhuizen: beautiful harbour, historical town and the very interesting „Zuiderzeemuseum“.

Day 6 (Thu) Enkhuizen – Hoorn – Volendam 50 km / 31 miles
Bike tour via Hoorn (short visit of historical town) and “cheese town” of Edam to the old fishing harbour of Volendam: taste the famous smoked eel „paling“ or salted herring.

Day 7 (Fri) Volendam – Amsterdam 35-50 km / 22-31 miles**
Through the beautiful „Waterland“ area with its hundreds of small lakes and canals, if you wish with a de-tour to the former island of Marken, through the “Garden of Amsterdam”. Afternoon and evening in Amsterdam.

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

DETAILS NORTHERN TOUR:
• Barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons
• **: Both possibilities are being offered: the guest can choose
• All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bicycle tours
• Planning of July 18, 2006
• Bold, blue printed parts will be covered by ship

River cruise ship information

"Northern tour 2008; on the medium-sized river cruises Angela Esmee"

31 cabins, approx. 55-65 guests, Dutch flag and management, 2004/2005 modernized.

Mainly twin cabins (ca. 9 M² = 97 square feet, 2 single beds next to each other), window, private bathroom (shower + toilet), climate control and ventilation system; 21 cabins on lower deck, 10 cabins on upper (top) deck (supplement). Combined Salon-Restaurant with bar. Partially roofed sun deck with sitting places and storage room for the bikes.

Accomodation, dates and prices

The following options are available:

If you have any questions of wish to receive more information, please feel free to contact us.

Cruise details and notes