Netherland tulip tour, MS Fluvius

Boarding and check-in begin at 2 p.m., where the crew welcomes you on board. Once everyone has arrived, we cruise toward Haarlem, passing through a historic lock along the way. After arrival, enjoy a short test ride to get comfortable on your bike, followed by a welcome dinner on board. The evening is yours to explore Haarlem at your own pace.

Today you will cycle to the Keukenhof, arguably the most famous flower park in the world where you can admire hundreds of thousands of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and many other flowers in full bloom. Take plenty of time to stroll the gardens and soak in the colors. After your visit, you cycle back to Haarlem through classic Dutch scenery.

Today, you are in for a treat. An early-morning bus excursion (start 6:30 a.m.) takes you to the Aalsmeer flower auction, the largest in the world, where millions of flowers are traded each morning.* You return to the ship by 9 a.m. for a relaxed late breakfast. Later, a beautiful ride awaits through the North Holland Dune Reserve, a protected coastal landscape of dunes, grasses, and fresh sea air. Along the way, you may spot grazing cattle or wild ponies. A stop in the seaside town of Egmond offers time for a beachside coffee or a quick dip of your toes in the North Sea before continuing on to Alkmaar. The ship docks near the city center, perfect for an evening stroll through its charming streets after dinner.

*The Aalsmeer flower auction is closed on weekends and public holidays and is an optional visit. On some departures, the visit may not be possible.

After breakfast, your cycling tour takes you through the former windmill complex of the Schermer Polder. Your next stop is the charming town of De Rijp, where centuries of history are reflected in the wooden façades, the beautiful church, the lock, and the town hall. From here, you continue cycling to the Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum featuring iconic windmills (we will visit one), traditional wooden houses, an old Dutch village, a cheese farm, and a traditional wooden clog maker. Here you will rejoin the ship for an afternoon cruise toward Amsterdam. Upon arrival, you will have time to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Visit the famous flower market, explore a museum, go shopping. There is simply so much to see and do.

Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.: End of your trip.