During this very varied week tour through the province of South Holland the Ali-B2 will takes us to the old Dutch towns such as Gouda, Holland's oldest town Dordrecht and enchanting Delft famous for its authentic Delft Blue ornamental earthenware.
AND we will moor two nights in Katwijk aan Zee, an old fishing village on the North Sea. So you have enough time to enjoy the beautiful sand beaches and stretched sand dunes.
Sat: Alphen a/d 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-Gouda/Oudewater
After breakfast cast off for barging via the Old Rhine and Gouwe rivers to the famous cheese town Gouda which invites us to visit.
Cycling on dikes along the Hollandse IJssel river we stop in the ancient small town Oudewater where we can visit the famous "Witches Weighing house". This museum reminds of the former witches persecution: Compelling audiovisual presentations, an exhibition and of course the original balance tell the story of the witch persecutions and the role of Weighing house. If you want you can take place on the original scales dating from 1482 ...
Discover the beautiful historic centre of Gouda during an evening walk.
Mon: Gouda-Dordrecht
Our morning cruise takes us along one of the most busy European waterways to Dordrecht, the first city of Holland originated almost a thousand years ago. Situated at the confluence of the three mighty rivers Maas, Noord and Merwede, Dordrecht had been one of the most important harbour and trading town for many centuries.
More than 800 monuments determine the face of the city and show the rich history of Dordrecht. We will moor at the historic city harbour Wolwevershaven surrounded by magnificent architecture it spreads a special atmosphere.
After lunch we get to know by bike the nature park the "Biesbos" with exceptional wetlands arisen after the Saint Elisabeths flood of 1421.
During your evening walk to the "Groothoofdspoort" gate you can admire the most beautiful river panorama of Holland.
Tue: Dordrecht-via Rotterdam to Delft
After sailing out of Dordrecht the Ali-B2 brings us to Rotterdam. We admire the skyline of Rotterdam and pass the highest viewpoint of Holland Euromaster, pass further through the "Parksluis" lock and arrive on the quiet small river Schie, which leads us to 16th Century Delft with its world famous Delft Blue.
Since the time that Johannes Vermeer painted his well known painting "View of Delft", the silhouette of this old-Dutch city has hardly changed. Proud centuries-old patrician houses flank the narrow, treeline canals. Delft is also referred to as "Small-Amsterdam".
After lunch leisure time to discover the historic centre. Don't miss to visit one of the Porcelain manufactures and the New Church with the royal vault where the members of the royal family rest in peace.
Complete this day with an evening walk along the quiet canals to the market place with its café terraces or a canal boat tour through picturesque arched bridges.
Wed: Delft-Katwijk aan Zee
First we bike through "Delfland". After lunch we enjoy a varied cruise through Delft and along Den Hague (about 3,5 hours) passing slowly houses with beautiful gardens stretching down to the water's edge.
We arrive in Katwijk aan Zee, the only one seaside resort on the Dutch North Sea coast which is reachable via inland water.
Katwijk is an old fishing village nearby giant flower fields and surrounded by dunes. Years ago it has been discovered as holiday resort but is not overrun with tourists and spreads a pleasant atmosphere. Don't miss walking on the beach in the evening sun: With sea air in your nose you will sleep very well!
Thu: Katwijk a. Z.
After breakfast beautiful "fietspaden" (bike paths) bring us through the stretched region of dunes situated in the south of Katwijk towards Den Haag. On the way back we cycle through Wassenaar, where magnificent mansions show us that we are in the richest district of Holland.
In the afternoon the beach invites us to stay: Enjoy walking, sunbathing or swimming.
Fr: Katwijk-Alphen
Today the Ali-B2 brings us on the Old Rhine river along Leiden back to Alphen.
During our last cycle trip we explore the southern direction of Alphen, stopping in Boskoop with the largest unbroken tree nursery area in the world.
We will finish this eventful week with our traditional Captain's Dinner.
Sat: Individual departure after breakfast
