Boat and bike Tulip tour | MS Magnifique III

Embarkation and check-in, where the crew will welcome you on board, takes place at 2 p.m.. The crew will welcome you aboard and help you get familiar with the ship. Once all guests are on board, you’ll set sail toward Haarlem, passing through a historic lock along the way.

Upon arrival, you’ll take a short test bike ride before the welcome dinner. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure—perhaps with a first stroll through Haarlem.

Today, a classic spring stage through the Dutch flower country awaits you. You’ll cycle toward Keukenhof, arguably the most famous flower park in the world. Across the expansive grounds, a colorful mosaic of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and many other spring flowers unfolds.

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the park grounds, themed gardens, and pavilions. In the afternoon, hop back on your bike and ride along quiet paths back to Haarlem.

The day starts early for anyone who wants to take part in a special optional activity: At 6:30 a.m., a bus transfer departs for the flower auction in Aalsmeer, the largest of its kind in the world. Here, you’ll see how millions of cut flowers are traded at breakneck speed every day and then shipped to all corners of the globe.* Around 9:00 a.m., you’ll return to the ship, where a late breakfast will be waiting for you. Afterward, your bike tour of the day begins through one of North Holland’s most beautiful natural landscapes, the North Holland Dune Reserve. The route takes you through open dune landscapes with sandy paths, grasses, and sweeping views. With a little luck, you’ll spot Highland cattle or wild ponies. In the coastal town of Egmond, you can take a break near the beach before cycling on to Alkmaar. From there, the route continues inland to Alkmaar. In the evening, the ship will be docked near the city center—ideal for a stroll through the historic streets after dinner. * Please note that the auction is closed on weekends and holidays. A visit to the flower auction in Aalsmeer is optional (admission included in the price). On some departures, the visit may not be possible.

After breakfast, you’ll set out on your final bike tour. The route first takes you through the former windmill complex of the Schermer Polder. Your next destination is the small village of De Rijp. Historic wooden houses, a striking church, the lock, and the town hall all bear witness to the village’s rich past.

You’ll then cycle on to the Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum featuring historic windmills, traditional wooden houses, and artisan workshops. You’ll tour one of the windmills and also have the opportunity to visit a cheese factory and a traditional clog-making workshop. Here, you’ll board the ship again. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely boat ride back to Amsterdam. After arriving, you’ll have time to explore the Dutch capital on your own whether by visiting the flower market, a museum, or strolling through the shopping streets.

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

• On some days, you can choose between a longer and a shorter bike tour. Please note that the shorter bike tour may not include all of the listed highlights.
• If you’d rather not bike on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship sails to the next dock.
• On the day of arrival, you can leave your luggage on board the ship starting at 11:00 a.m.
• The distances for the recommended bike tours are approximate.
• The itinerary and route are subject to change due to nautical, technical, or meteorological reasons, or due to other unforeseen events.