Amsterdam City & Country Cruise Bike & Boat – Magnifique II

Pedal out from Haarlem today, or simply stay on board and watch the ever-green polderlands of North Holland drift by. Either way, Zaanse Schans, the famous open air museum which celebrates rural life in Holland awaits to woo you with all things Dutch. From windmills to wooden houses and hand-crafted clogs to home-made cheeses, there’s so much to see – an oil mill, a paint mill, a saw mill, a mustard mill; a tin pewter foundry; a museum of timepieces set with blue and white tiles. Sip a proper ‘Dutch’ coffee, try a traditional Dutch pancake and wonder at the charming collection of architectural styles in the old Dutch village with its pretty gardens. There are more choices in the afternoon too – whether to stay in the saddle all the way to Alkmaar, home to Holland’s most renowned cheese market, or to climb back on board, settle down and watch the Dutch scenery go by. Whatever amount of cycling you choose, supper on board Magnifique II in its berth in Alkmaar is sure to feel well-deserved and set you up for an evening stroll around the charming city.

Overnight mooring – Alkmaar.

Miles 15 & 24 Kms  25 & 40

Time to head back across the emerald flatlands to a quaint little harbour on Holland’s famous Ijseelmeer, Western Europe’s largest lake. Take to two wheels and pedal beautiful polder pathways through Holland’s ‘Green Heart’ all the way from Alkmaar to Volendam on the ‘inland coast’. There are two route options, so you can the amount of cycling that suits you.

If you prefer to relax on board, Magnifique II travels the waterways via Amsterdam – an inspiring trip which sees the historic premium Dutch barge taking to the waters of the Great Lake. Formed as recently as 1932 when the Afsluitdijk (Afsluit Dyke) was built, cutting the inland area of water off totally from the sea, the Ijseelmeer is a fascinating phenomenon.

The little fishing village of Volendam has its fair share of history too as Edam’s original harbour. But a shorter canal route to the ‘inland coast’ was dug and with it an alternative port. The original harbour was dammed, land reclaimed or ‘filled in / made full (‘vol’). The picturesque fishing village is renowned for winning the hearts of painters like Picasso and Renoir who stayed here. A short tour around Volendam is included, so you can be inspired yourself. Be sure not to miss the charming harbour area, famed for its local specialities of ‘Paling’ (smoked eel) and ‘Maatjes’ (typical salted herring).

Overnight mooring – Volendam.

Miles  21-30  Kms 35-50

More choices await on your last day of cycling or waterway cruising. Saddle up and venture out across the wonderful ‘Waterland’ district to arrive like a local in Holland’s capital city – on two wheels. Take your pick of two cycle routes depending on your energy levels, or perhaps even plump to stay on board Magnifique II for the journey back over the Ijsselmeer to the barge’s final mooring in Amsterdam. Whatever route you choose, you can count on the scenery being beautiful and will be rewarded by a decision well made. In the evening, there’s an opportunity to see the historic streets of narrow houses as they were always intended – from the canals themselves. For your last night, your floating accommodation is moored in the heart of Amsterdam.

Overnight mooring – Amsterdam.

Miles  21-30  Kms  35-50

Following your final breakfast on board your floating home, you might choose to stay a while longer in Amsterdam to enjoy its cosmopolitan culture, amazing museums and unique character.

Extra nights in hotel accommodation can be booked to allow more time to explore Amsterdam at your leisure.