Bike The Netherlands

Schiphol is the name of the Amsterdam Airport, code AMS

We typically carry light weight rain gear with a hood (bring your own). It is rare that we would get “rained out” so to speak but if that were to happen, guests could go on a city tour set up by our guide or remain on the barge.

Our barge is the Zwaan.  Her dimensions are: 112 ft. x 20 ft.  The Zwaan is known for great meals and a friendly atmosphere. The crew consists of the captain, chef and hostess. Weather permitting, dinners can be served on the sundeck. The Zwaan is equipped with air-conditioning in all cabins. There are 7 cabins with twin beds and a porthole. Each cabin has its own private bathroom (sink, toilet, shower, hairdryer & porthole).

Our barge is docked by the NEMO Science Museum and within walking distance of the Amsterdam Centraal train station. You are expected to arrive on our barge on Saturday at the latest by 4pm.  Boarding time is between 3pm and 4pm.  You can recognize the barge by the banner “Cycletours”.  After arrival there's coffee and tea on board. Other drinks are also available on cash payment. If you want you can bring your luggage in advance, from 12 noon onwards. The mooring place of our barge, Zwaan, in Amsterdam is Oosterdok Zip-code 1011 VX (Oosterdok 2). 

See Google maps link below:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/NEMO+Science+Museum/@52.3742092,4.910106,17.04z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x47c609a4fe55bb9b:0xc748bda26202cebc!8m2!3d52.3737465!4d4.9123181

On foot: At Centraal Station take exit “centrum”, and then turn left, walk straight on 1,2 km/0.75 miles. Cross the bridge (only for cyclists and pedestrians) and then turn right. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes. 

Train: There is a direct train that leaves 6 times per hour from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station. It takes about 17 - 30 minutes depending on which train you get on. The price for a train ticket Schiphol-Amsterdam is around € 5,- per person for a single journey. www.nshispeed.nl/en

Taxi A taxi from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport to the barge in Amsterdam takes about 30 minutes. It costs about € 45. In case you want to reserve a taxi you can contact Taxi2Airport. A taxi from the Central Train Station in Amsterdam to the barge takes about 5 minutes: Costs about € 15

Yes, there is limited WIFI. The electrical system consists of 220 volts. Yes, you’ll need an adapter, we use 110 volt in the US for your cell phone, etc.

No.

• Rijksmuseum https://www.rmo.nl/
• Van Gogh Museum https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/
• Amsterbike www.amsterbike.eu
• Mike’s Bike Tours Amsterdam https://www.mikesbiketoursamsterdam.com/bike-tours/meeting-point
• Anne Frank House  https://www.annefrank.org/en/ Need to get tickets up to a month in advance online, do not wait until the day you go.
• Boat tours on the canals
• Vondelpark

Hotels in Amsterdam via Google Maps

https://www.google.com/maps/search/Amsterdam+hotels/@52.3630219,4.830401,13z/data=!3m1!4b1

Airbnb  https://www.airbnb.com/

VRBO  https://www.vrbo.com/

Holland.com   https://www.holland.com/global/tourism.htm

Hostels: Some hostels have private rooms.

https://www.hostelworld.com/

https://www.aohostels.com/de/amsterdam/amsterdam-zuidoost/ 

https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/plan-your-trip/where-to-stay/youth-hostels

2022 Amsterdam Hotel Guest Reviews: 

We stayed at the Movenpick which was quite nice and very convenient. It was right out on the water just across the bridge from the Nemo - maybe a 10-minute walk to the boat, and 20 or so from the Centraal Station. We arrived mid-morning, well before check-in time and they had a luggage drop so we didn't have to haul our belongings around all afternoon. I can't recall what site I got the room from, but I think it was around $180 US. CR 

Movenpick https://www.movenpick.com/en/europe/netherlands/amsterdam/hotel-amsterdam.htm

We stayed at the art’otel Amsterdam. It was conveniently located across from the Central Amsterdam train station for easy transfers from and to the airport and the barge departure area. Also located in an area that was easy to walk or take the tram to all areas of interest! Would absolutely stay there again!! WW

Art’hotel https://artotelamsterdam.com/

The night before the trip we stayed at the Rho hotel. It was fine and in a good location.  We loved it but further from the boat. KS 

Rho Hotel https://www.rhohotel.com/

This is where we stayed after the trip. Tiny room but in an awesome location. KS

XO Hotel https://xohotels.com/

We stayed at the Moxy.  It was fine, but the location wasn’t as convenient as many others—we chose it as we have Marriott points, so it was free.  Here’s their info SH:  Amsterdam Design Hotel | Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens (marrio

I stayed at the Radisson Blu in Amsterdam City Centre.  It was an easy walk to the boat, rail station, and the “Red Light District”.  I would recommend it for overnight accommodations! JM

https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-amsterdam?facilitatorId=RHGSEM&cid=a:ps+b:bng+c:emea+i:brand+e:rdb+d:cese+r:brt+f:en-US+g:ho+h:NLAMSCTR+v:cf&&msclkid=47590b6454cc1d66dbaa6f7fd5463492&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=MS_USA-CAN_CR_CESE_sk_Brand_Amsterdam_NLAMSCTR_EN_PH%26EX_Netherlands&utm_term=radisson%20blu%20amsterdam&utm_content=Brand_Amsterdam_Hotel_EX_A.Migration&gclid=47590b6454cc1d66dbaa6f7fd5463492&gclsrc=3p.ds

No. Each bike has a built-in lock which flips through the rear wheel.  You do not need to bring a big heavy lock.  It’s optional, but you may bring a lightweight lock to run through the frame to a fixed object (we’ve never had a bike stolen).  As a deterrent, the bikes are equipped with bright yellow water resistant saddle bags with our tour operator’s name on the side. Helmets and water bottles are included.

Yes,  If you're wanting to take a day off you are welcome to stay on the barge to the next night's dock site.

The meals are great! Breakfast will have a variety of hot and cold items (i.e. eggs, sliced meat, cheese, granola, yogurt, toast, etc.). We pack our own lunches. After breakfast, lunch items are put out (bread, sliced, meat & cheese, fruit, granola bars, juice boxes, etc.). Dinners are typically 3 course meals. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available.

Sample Menu

Saturday

Creamy Zaanse mustard soup with bacon

Chicken thighs braised in red wine with pearl onions, celeriac, young leek served with garlic potatoes and green salad

Panna cotta with vanilla and strawberry compote

Sunday

Arugula salad with croutons, walnuts, roquefort and dried fig compote

Cod fillet fried on the skin with green asparagus and grilled tomatoes and saffron potatoes

Warm pear tart with vanilla ice cream

Monday

Dutch tomato salad marinated with sherry vinegar and olive oil, buffalo mozzarella & basil Baguette with homemade tapenade

Homemade lasagna with stewed minced beef, celeriac and carrot, au gratin with béchamel sauce and old grated cheese

Dark chocolate tiramisu & mascarpone cream

Tuesday

French onion soup with cheese crouton

Braised beef with bay leaf, bacon, mushrooms and carrot with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans with bacon and garlic

Apple-rhubarb crumble with vanilla ice cream

Wednesday

Salad with apple and pecan nuts & goat cheese with old balsamic vinegar dressing, Salmon fillet fried on the skin with fresh pasta with arugula pesto and roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant and bell pepper

Hot chocolate cakes with creme anglaise

Thursday

Creamy roasted carrot & pumpkin soup with ras el hanout & coconut crème fraiche

Braised lamb with red curry, tomatoes and lentils served with wild rice and pappadums

Salad with mango wild spinach, cauliflower & red onion

Dutch cheesecake with summer berries or Carrot cake with lime frosting

Friday

Mousse of baked sweet potato and goat cheese with pickled tomatoes and smoked turkey

Confit of duck with potato croquettes baked chicory with orange and watercress salad

Dutch cheese platter with a glass of port

Soft chocolate cake with salted caramel / walnut ice cream

Yes. In case of vegan meals, gluten free or lactose diet, there is an additional charge. This charge is $75, per diet (2 diets for $100).