Cycling cruise on the Southern Netherlands route on the Liza Marleen

Discover the green and cultural heart of the Netherlands by bike. Take a step back in time, to the 17th century and imagine yourself in the center of Haarlem, Leiden or Delft In historic towns you can visit museums (Vermeer, Rembrandt and Van Gogh), go shopping or have a drink. On board the Zwaan, you will see one of the largest seaports in the world, Rotterdam. Then, discover the eighteen mills of Kinderdijk, built around 1750 and essential for the polders. A visit to Amsterdam is also to be expected on the southern route!
Highlights of the stay :
- Historic towns Haarlem, Leiden, Delft
- Gouda, city of cheese
- Rotterdam harbor
- The 18 windmills of Kinderdijk
Day 1 - Amsterdam
Amsterdam, boarding at 2 p.m. and navigation to Spaarndam then bike to Haarlem. 15 km
On board, you can leave your belongings in the cabin and then enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Now is the time to get to know the guide, the captain and his crew as well as your fellow travelers.
This first river trip takes you to Spaarndam where you cycle your first kilometers to the beautiful city of Haarlem. Back on board, the program for the next day as well as the rest of the week will be detailed for you at dinner time.
Day 2 - Haarlem - over the dunes - Leiden. 38/48 km
Today, exploring the streets of Haarlem, You can visit the "Cruquius Gemaal" (Cruquius pumping station): one of the three steam pumping stations that regulated the level of Lake Haarlemmer between 1849 and 1852. You can then pedal along the dunes to the beach.
Day 3 - Leiden - Delft. 41 km
You leave the city heading south and drive along the Vliet canal. In Voorschoten you head west towards the coast “Wassenaarse Slag”. You can get to the beach by Meijendel in the south or by Wassenaar in the north direction. The route to Delft takes you along the canals to the ancient medieval city and the royal tomb in the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church).
Day 4 - Delft
Free day, do your program as you wish. You can stay in Delft to explore the old center and / or visit The Hague by getting there by bus.
Delft is a beautiful city to walk around, famous for the blue color of its pottery. You can learn more about the painter Vermeer at the Vermeer center or visit the Nieuwe Kerk. From the Nieuwe Kerk, the view is impressive for a large part of your route!
Day 5 - Delft - navigation to Rotterdam / Kinderdijk - then bike to Gouda. 42 km
The first part of the route is by river to admire the modern architecture of the center of Rotterdam as well as its port. The cycle route starts in Kinderdijk and takes you to the Alblasserwaard region. This region is completely surrounded by water and takes its name from the river that crosses it: Alblas. The significant number of floods have made water management an essential element in this marsh.
The long route passes through the "stork village" of Groot-Ammers, crosses the river Lek and enters Schoonhoven, a town known for its silver industry. The route ends in Gouda. Who says Gouda, does not only say cheese but also "stroopwafels" (Dutch wafers), pottery, or even stained glass.
Day 6 - Gouda - Oude Wetering. 45 km
From Gouda you continue your journey through country lanes, canals, polders, to Uithoorn. In this region people used to depend on agriculture and animal husbandry. Agriculture is becoming more and more difficult due to subsidence of soils.
A polder was built. Around 1885, several fortifications were built around Uithoorn, as part of the defense line of Amsterdam. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a nearly 135 km circle of fortifications around Amsterdam.
Day 7 - Oude Wetering - Amsterdam. 45 km
Today you ride in the polders and along the Waver and Amstel rivers. The name Amsterdam, derived from Amstelredamme, indicates that the city was originally a dam (dam) of the Amstel.
You enter Amsterdam by following the Amstel. The wide network of cycle paths ensures an easy and pleasant return to the city, as well as the discovery of remarkable sites in the center.
Now is the time to leave your bikes. Before and / or after the farewell dinner, you can take a walk in the city center or navigate the canal thanks to the many boats offering this service.
Day 8 - Amsterdam
The stay ends with breakfast before 10 a.m.
Due to the navigation plan, the route may be reversed or changed.