Tulip expedition, Southbound
Treasure hunt to all the tulip fields of the netherlands
April 10 - 16 / 2026
Departure date: 10 april 2026
Difficulty level Endurance level: Easy / Agility level: Moderate
Highlights
A true classic in a new look. Let us take you on a treasure hunt to all tulip fields of the Netherlands!
We won't lose sight of our prey for a second, while at the same time we show you as much of Holland as possible. Ancient cities with rich history like Haarlem, Gouda, Alkmaar or Leiden must be seen. The fight of the Dutch against water of the rivers & sea, the multifunctional use of windmills, the gigantic cheese production, rich shipping history, and all that on wooden clogs, should not be missed. World-famous sights like, UNESCO heritage open-air museum ‘Kinderdijk’, the floral attraction ‘Keukenhof’ and characteristic ‘Zaanse Schans’ you want to experience.
Regardless, don't forget our bounty; the tulips, we hunt nature, it changes every day and we can't do it alone.
Day-to-day itinerary
Day 1: Schagen – Den Helder.
Afternoon check in and Merlijn departs. We will pour you a welcome drink and introduce the crew. We will also inform you about the tour, the ship, and give you a safety briefing. The cruise takes you along a narrow canal to Den helder, the northernmost city of this province and known for its base of the Dutch Navy. As you find your way aboard Merlijn, you may already spot the first tulip fields from your port hole.
Day 2: Den Helder - Alkmaar. Bike tour: 30-35 km or extend to 55-60 km
Your breakfast is served and an informative bicycle introduction will be held. Your guide will tell you all about traffic rules and cycling in a group. Only after everyone is fitted on their bike, the bike tour gets started. Leading you through one of Netherlands' 12 provinces called ‘Noord-Holland’. This province statistically has the most tulips per square meter! The best way to start of our expedition. Your tour guide will try to navigate you along the most beautiful wild flower fields, however, beware; it is still nature and tulips are a by-product for the farmer. When the time is right, the tulips are cut and the flowers & bulbs, sold separately. You will also cycle along meadows, canals, farm houses and more.
Once you've taken in all the views, it's time to head to Alkmaar where Merlijn awaits you. At night we’ll offer you a stroll through this pretty city, well known for its open-air-cheese-market, unfortunately on Fridays only.
Day 3: Alkmaar – Zaanse Schans - haarlem. Bike tour: 45-50 km
In the morning you’ll cycle out of Alkmaar, leading you through an attractive Dutch landscape. Later on the day you will cycle along ‘Zaanse Schans’, where you can experience ancient Dutch history. Admire the green wooden houses, typical for this area and windmills.
After your visit, you’ll board the Merlijn and cruise to the city of Haarlem. At night, take a stroll at some point through the historical city of Haarlem, and perhaps rounding off the day by drinking the famous local “Jopen” beer in one of the many bars or in the “Jopen Church”.
Day 4: Haarlem - Keukenhof – Leiden. Bike tour: 30-35 km
During breakfast, Merlijn will take you a little closer towards the flower exhibition ‘Keukenhof’. It is estimated that nearly 7 million flower bulbs are planted here annually to cover an area of roughly 80 acres. This makes Keukenhof, easily, the largest flower garden in the world. During your visit, you will get to admire all these beautiful tulips and other flowers that are cultivated in Holland. After spending a few hours here on your own, you cycle on to Leiden, taking in some breathtaking Dutch scenery and of course, more flowers!
Leiden is where Rembrandt was born and developed his painting skills. Its identity is largely determined by the first university in Holland (1575), which has developed into a world-famous centre of science, while its many students contribute to the lively and convivial atmosphere in the city. At night you will have time to stroll through the charming centre of this city.
Day 5: Leiden - Gouda. Bike tour: 35-40 km or short 25-30 km
In the morning the crew unloads your bike, are you ready to go? Another day on the saddle cycling through the Green Heart of Holland. We will pass Boskoop, famous for its nurseries (horticulture), particularly woody plant and perennial nurseries, of which some 774 are situated on long stretches of land, divided by narrow canals.
Today we have designed two different bike routes, your guide will determine which route to offer based on the abilities of the group.
One of these days we will visit a real Dutch cheese farm. These hard-working farmers are not always open for visits, but they open their doors for us! You can see how cheese is made and often buy tasty 'souvenirs'. Talking about cheese, you cycle to Gouda today! The city you might know as 'Gudah', known worldwide for its cheeses. Less known are it’s candles, ‘stroopwafels’ (syrup waffles) and the ‘St. Jan’ cathedral. We offer you a tour at the ‘St. Jan’, known for its 72 world-famous stained glass windows, popularly called “Gouda Glasses”, which represent a pinnacle of European glass painting. Dinner is served on board, and we stay in Gouda overnight.
Day 6: Gouda - Rotterdam – Kinderdijk - Dordrecht. Bike tour: 35-40 km or short 25-30 km
Waving goodbye to Gouda as we cruise early morning along the ‘Hollandse IJssel river’, favorite river of many Dutch captains. Soon the skyline of ‘Manhattan on the Maas’ - as the city of Rotterdam is also known - will appear. The bike tours starts and goes along the highlights of this metropole, while following the paved cycle paths. Cross the river with a ferry to reach ‘Kinderdijk’, which is world-famous for its 19 windmills, you will be able to see an impressive row of them, built to drain the ‘Alblasserwaard polder’. The best way to see this official UNESCO world heritage open-air museum, is by bike. After your visit, you will cycle along the ‘polder’ towards Dordrecht, where Merlijn awaits you.
A farewell dinner will be served and there will be time to properly thank the crew. Spend time with your (new) bike & cruise-friends before nightfall.
Day 7: Dordrecht
Later this morning, it is time to say goodbye and continue your European trip, or leave for the airport. We recommend staying a few days longer to visit Hollands oldest city, where Merlijn has her home port.
Included in your tour:
- 6 nights onboard Merlijn
- Early check-in and late check-out
- Full service of staff, maintaining cabins, manned bar (no self-service)
- Porterage of luggage upon arrival and departure
- Private stateroom of 11 m2 with 2 comfortable beds (80 x 200 cm) that can be pushed together/separated. Individual climate control and private bathroom with shower, toilet, sink, heated and illuminated mirror. Coffee & tea-making facilities from Nespresso, a varied package with coffee cups included.
- Supply of bedding, towels, facial tissues, hand soap, shampoo, sewing kit, vanity kit, bathrobe & slippers.
- Daily loading and unloading of your bicycle to and from the ship
- Use of lightweight state-of-the-art bicycle
- Use of a waterproof bike bag, city backpack, towel, water bottle, helmet with communication system.
- English speaking-tour guide (experienced guide who knows the route like the back of their hand)
- Support vehicle, there will be a staffed support vehicle on several days during the scheduled bike tours.
- Brochures of the area available on board
- Harbour, lock and canal fees
Included culinary care:
- Welcome drink with bubbles and warm snacks
- All day unlimited coffee & specialty-coffee prepared with fresh milk, variation of tea, hot chocolate and potable ice water (self-service).
- Extensive breakfast buffet daily with at least; 2 warm dishes, freshly baked croissants or similar pastries, various types of bread, toaster, yoghurt, cereals, fresh fruit and various beverages.
- Packed lunch prepared by the staff in a special lunch bag with at least a lavish sandwich, snack and drink.
- 5 three-course dinners
- Dinners are based on ‘plate service’, meals are served in the dining area.
- Meals are perceived by our guests as “luxurious” or even “gourmet style”.
Included beverages during bar opening hours:
- Several sodas served from a small bottle
- Wide variety of wines (also non-alcoholic wine)
- Beer on tap and various beers from the bottle (also non-alcoholic beer)
Included excursions:
- Ferry costs on the bicycle route
- Visit to cheese farm
- Entrance to St. Jan Cathedral
- Entrance to Keukenhof
Not included in your tour:
- 1 dinner, the day and location will be announced at the start of the tour
- Excursions, entrance fees and guided tours other than mentioned
- Beverages other than those mentioned (such as spirits and cocktails)
- City maps, bike maps, etc. (we have a lot available however we can’t guarantee every destination)
- Inbound and outbound journeys, such as flights, trains, bus or other type of transfers
- Gratuities (cash only)
- Electronic payments of your onboard expenses (cash only)
- Insurances, we strongly recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance as well as travel insurance.
Not included extra services on board (payable on board):
- Rental of electric bicycles €30,- per piece, per day. Reservations in advance are advisable
- Laundry service, current price available on board