The typical components of this tour are the classical large cities Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, surrounded by rural idyllic wetlands, but also the dunes and the beach. Discover the green but at the same time cultural heart of the Netherlands: wonderful cycle tours will take you through the unique lake- and moor-landscape around the rivers Vecht and Amstel as well as through a protected dune area close to The Hague. Furthermore, you will have time to get to know the charm of the historical inner cities on your shore walks.
Sat: Arrival in Alphen aan den Rijn
Embarkation in Alphen a/d Rijn at 16.00 'o clock and welcome by the crew. Over a cup of coffee, we will introduce you to the travel program. In the evening, explore the inner city of Alphen or/and end your first day with a cosy evening on board.
Sun: Alphen-Amsterdam (25-30km. by bike)
We will start with our first boat cruise through the centre of Alphen, on the Aarkanaal and the beautiful Amstel up until Amsterdam. On the way, our first cycling tour will start along picturesque rivers and through a lake area. Amsterdam is today's end goal where the Ali-B2 is already waiting for us. From the berth at the outer canal ring we can go for an evening walk along the famous canals into the centre of the city. From our central berth in Oosterdok, we can take an evening stroll along the famous canals into the city centre. Dont miss the experience of a canal tour by night!
Monday: Amsterdam-Nigtevecht-Utrecht (32-40km. by bike)
After an impressive cruise through the main canals of Amsterdam and the harbour area the Ali-B2 arrives on the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. We will berth in the village Nigtevecht where we will start today's cycle tour after lunch. We will cycle along the charming small river of Vecht, a unique natural area also because of the adjacent extensive lake areas. The noble castles and country houses can also be admired best from the bicycle.
We will reach Utrecht at around 5 pm, where, in the meanwhile, the Ali-B has berthed.
In the evening, take the opportunity to make you first acquaintance with this venerable bishop city and at the same time youthful and dynamic university city. Utrecht is the only city in the world with footpads directly next to the water. These footpads were established centuries ago to facilitate the entry from the waterways to the cellars located directly under the houses. Nowadays, these cellars are frequently used as restaurants or boutiques. In this way you can enjoy the uniqueness of the city on a cosy terrace directly at the water in the middle of Utrecht.
Tuesday: Utrecht-Rotterdam
In the morning you will have time once more to visit the interesting Utrecht (city rights since 1122). Countless museums worth seeing, the Dom, a striking Gothic building with its mighty 112m high tower, or the old botanical garden ("Hortus Botanicus") invite you for a visit.
For a good impression of the city we recommend a canal tour through the historical inner city.
In the afternoon, the Ali-B will take us over the last part of the Amsterdam-Rhine canal and the Lek, with its atmospheric lake landscape, to Rotterdam, where we can admire the imposing skyline when entering the city. We will moor in the "Veerhaven", the oldest harbour of the city, surrounded by art nouveau architecture with a view of the Nieuwe Maas.
Recommendable is an evening walk on the "Maasboulevard", towards the in 1984 established cube houses, an original estate of cube-shaped individual houses respectively standing on a pylon. Or visit the Euromast, the highest viewpoint of the Netherlands.
Wednesday: Rotterdam-The Hague & Dunes (35km. by bike)
We leave Rotterdam through an old waterway, sail through the typical green landscape and shortly afterwards already see the contours of Delft. After cruising through this centuries-old city we reach our berth in The Hague shortly afterwards.
Subsequently, we will cycle through the wonderful dune and nature area "Meijendeel" up until the North Sea shore with a possible beach break. We can stop in the old town of The Hague for a small tour along some of the sights on the way back. The Hague, seat of government and since 1980 also place of residence of the royal family, is the city of palaces, embassies and ministries. In many quarters one can sense a slightly aristocratic atmosphere.
Thursday: The Hague-Alphen ( 25-30km. by bike)
In the morning we will head for Alphen. On our last cruise houses with beautiful gardens alternated by the calmness of the countryside will pass us in a steady pace and we will pass the historical lock of Leidschendam.
Subsequently, we will cycle in the neighbourhood of Alphen along old farms and through low-lying polder land surrounded by small waterways.
With our captain's dinner we will finish this eventful tour.
Friday: Individul departure after breakfast
