Northern tour bike and boat on Floor van Aemstel

North Amsterdam by bike and boat on the tradition route aboard the Floor van Aemstel

Explore the Dutch countryside by bike on the Tradition Route for a unique stay aboard the Floor van Aemstel.
The northern route follows routes through the famous Dutch polders and the most beautiful dune region in the Netherlands: from Bergen to Schoorl. Also discover the island of Texel, charming Dutch villages and of course the beautiful city of Amsterdam on this exceptional bicycle cruise.

The highlights of the stay:

• The fishing villages of Volendam and Enkhuizen
• Texel Island
• Beemster Polder
• Windmills at Zaanse Schans

Day 1: Amsterdam, boarding, then sailing to Wormerveer
Boarding is expected between 12:30 and 1:30 pm. Once on board, settle into your cabin and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. This is your chance to get to know the guide, crew, and other passengers. During dinner, you'll receive a briefing on the next day, the weekly schedule, and safety instructions.

Day 2: From Wormerveer to Alkmaar (40 km)
This first day of cycling takes place along the North Sea coast. You'll cycle along magnificent sand dunes, and you can stop for lunch on the beach. Don't forget to pack your swimming gear in your panniers, so if you feel like it, you can take a dip. This first leg ends in Alkmaar. This historic city has retained its authenticity and is very lively. Visit one of the many preserved sites, including buildings, canals, a harbor, and more.

Day 3: From Alkmaar to Den Helder by bike (50 km), then sail to Texel
Head north this morning. The route takes you through the Schoorl Dunes area, home to the highest dunes in the country. Many pine trees were planted in the previous century, making it a forested area. A possible first stop is Bergen, an artists' village that attracted many painters, writers, and architects. Take the road back through the Het Zwanenwater ("Swan Waters") nature reserve, surrounded by marshes, lakes, and dunes. You'll then cycle along the imposing Hondsbossche Zeewering dike, which offers a beautiful view of the North Sea.

The boat awaits you in Den Helder to sail to Texel. This island in the Wadden Sea is famous for its diverse landscapes, its sheep, and for being a bird sanctuary.

Day 4: Loop around the island of Texel (35, 48, or 62 km)
The island is 20 km long and about 8 km wide. It's a popular spot for birdwatchers. In spring, no fewer than 80 species come to breed on the island, although more than 300 species have already been observed. With its numerous cycle paths, the island is very pleasant to explore by bike. Choose a loop of 35, 48, or 62 km.

Day 5: Boat to Medemblik then cycle to Enkhuizen (35 km)
To reach the mainland, you must cross the Afsluitdijk lock. This 32 km long dike has protected the Netherlands from the forces of the sea for over 90 years. Medemblik, a charming, picturesque village, is the starting point for today's itinerary. Hop on your bike and head to Enkhuizen, a pretty port town. There, you can visit the Zuiderzeemuseum, which shows what life was like in this region before the 20th century.

Day 6: From Enkhuizen to Hoorn (30 km)

The route begins on a dike offering a magnificent view of Lake Markermeer to the left and the Frisian villages to your right. A recent dike (1976) appears on the horizon. Built between Enkhuizen and Lelystad, it was intended to create a new polder. However, environmental concerns and concerns related to freshwater supply decided otherwise. So the dike remained there... You end your journey in Hoorn, a historic port that was a major trading center during the Dutch Golden Age (1602-1702).

Day 7: Sailing to Volendam | Cycling to Amsterdam (46 km)
Cycle to Monnickendam, a beautiful town with many well-preserved historic buildings. Then your next stop is Marken, a former island. With its green-painted wooden houses, this village has a special soul. We recommend taking your lunch break on the charming beach next to the lighthouse.

The last part of this stage takes place in Waterland. This region is 50% water (canals, lakes, etc.) and most of the buildings are located just above sea level. It is often nicknamed the "wet garden of Amsterdam." In the afternoon, you return to the Dutch capital. If you arrive early, enjoy your free time to explore the attractions this bustling city has to offer.

Day 8 - Amsterdam
End of your stay after breakfast. Disembarkation before 10:00 a.m.

Note : due to the navigation plan, the route may be reversed or changed.

General information :

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Comfort level of the barge : Standard
• Child prices : please contact us
• Languages spoken : english and dutch

2026 Dates:

• Departure from Amsterdam on Thursdays
• May 7, May 14, and June 18

Included :

• Full board stay (picnic lunch)
• Travel book : we will provide you with the information about your stay as well as the itinerary at the validation of your reservation, subject to change.
• accompanying guide
• coffee and tea on board
• at least 3 city walks with the guide
• free wifi limited to the lounge and deck
• GPS tracks on request
• road book in English on site

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Visits

Options :

• Bike rental (helmet included)
• Theft insurance for rented bikes
• Cancellation insurance
• Special diet

Level :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

Flat, very smooth roads and paths.

Weather :

Contrary to popular belief, the temperature in the Netherlands is similar to the temperature in France. Near the coast, the weather is sometimes windy.

Technicality :

0 to 60 km of cycling per day, or about 3 to 6 hours of cycling.

Bibliography :

Guide and maps about the Netherlands on cartovelo.fr

Participants :

On board, you will meet an international community of all ages, men, women, singles and couples with children. We offer boats with 20 to 26 places in cabins of 2 and 3 people.

Accompaniment :

People responsible for your bike and boat holidays are : 
On board, the captain and his crew. They are responsible for the smooth running of the vacation on the boat, and bring the boat from stage to stage. The cook prepares the meals.
Participants are accompanied by a guide. This will help you in the event of a breakdown, advise you on the route to follow and give you the necessary tourist information. He or she is multilingual.

Meals :

Breakfast : on board, you will find a substantial and dutch breakfast.
Lunch : after the breakfast, you will prepare by yourself a “lunch” (sandwich, fruit, snack, drinks).
Snack : after the daily route, you will find, when you arrive on the boat, various drinks such as tea and coffee prepared for your return.
Dinner : at least three dishes. After dinner, you will have a choice of coffee and tea.
Other drinks, such as wine, beer, lemonade and mineral water, are not included but can be purchased on board at a reasonable price.

Bike :

At the beginning, a bike corresponding to your height, will be assigned to you. After a test ride, you will sign a receipt. The bike (21-speed bike) will be at your disposal all week. The bike will be fitted with panniers as well as a bike lock and a tire repair kit. If you prefer a 7-speed bike, please let us know (this must be specified when booking). It will not be possible to order a bicycle once on the boat. If you take your own bike, it cannot be insured against theft by our company, you will have to make the necessary arrangements with your usual insurer. Do not forget your anti-theft. The return of your bike will be at your expense.

Personal electric bikes not allowed on board.

Transport :

By train : the departure towns for the bike and boat tours are served by the railway.
Amsterdam train station is very well connected : several trains daily run to and from France.
Thalys is faster.
By plane : AMSTERDAM international airport.

Your vehicle : 

We strongly advise against parking cars on the streets of Amsterdam. Information on guarded parking lots in the city can be found.

Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the refund of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. 

Boat description : click here.