Canal boat holidays in Holland, Amsterdam and Friesland

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Overview

Set off from Amsterdam (Vinkeveen) Marina and its luxury amenities on your canal cruise through the peaceful suburbs of Amsterdam. You’ll head northward to picturesque Amstelven and its modern art museum before diving into the dynamic city of Amsterdam.

Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays – 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days – special arrangements for getting in/out of Amsterdam (Vinkeveen).

Please contact our sales team so we can assist you further.

Top highlights:

• Swimming in the waters of Vinkeveen
• Muiden’s fort and castle
• The vibrancy of Amsterdam – be sure to hire a bike and cycle along the city’s beautiful canals!

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

• Vinkeveen: Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
• Muiden: Muiden is a walled city with an impressive heritage. The Muiderslot Castle is a wonder of the Middle Ages that has survived throughout the centuries. Discover the numerous monuments and vestiges of Muiden, and enjoy its quietness.
• Weesp: Weesp, a dynamic city, has many treasures for you. Downtown, you will have the chance to see many landmarks, and also discover the local specialities such as chocolate, beer, and the jenever.
• Amsterdam: Amsterdam, the largest city in Holland, will welcome you with all of its treasures, its monuments, and its history. Take a moment to visit this unique and eclectic city.

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Overview

Start your Holland river cruise with a bit of pampering at the resort amenities of Amsterdam (Vinkeveen), and then it’s off on the River Vecht to cosmopolitan Amsterdam and historic Utrecht! You glide past the palatial riverfront homes and find yourself in more rural locales with traditional windmills and fields of colourful flowers.

Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays – 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days – special arrangements for getting in/out of Amsterdam (Vinkeveen).

Please contact our sales team so we can assist you further.

Top highlights:

• The diverse culture and arts of medieval Utrecht
• Muiden’s fort and castle
• The vibrancy of Amsterdam – Be sure to hire a bike and cycle along the city’s beautiful canals!

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:

• Amsterdam (Vinkeveen): Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
• Maarssen: Situated along the Vecht River Maarssen was a key place for the peat-bog in the Middle Age. Later some rich familes of Amsterdam have built some country houses nearby that you could still see. The town is now more a suburb of Utrecht but you can still visit the historical village of Maarssen-Dorp in the East side of the town.
• Utrecht: Utrecht is Holland’s fourth city and the old section has many attractions. The famous medieval church, St. Martin’s Cathedral, is half of its former self as a result of the terrible hurricane of 1674. Canals, lined with terraces and greenery, give the city its charm; it’s a nice place for a walk.
• Muiden: Muiden is a walled city with an impressive heritage. The Muiderslot Castle is a wonder of the Middle Ages that has survived throughout the centuries. Discover the numerous monuments and vestiges of Muiden, and enjoy its quietness.
• Weesp: Weesp, a dynamic city, has many treasures for you. Downtown, you will have the chance to see many landmarks, and also discover the local specialities such as chocolate, beer, and the jenever.
• Amsterdam: Amsterdam, the largest city in Holland, will welcome you with all of its treasures, its monuments, and its history. Take a moment to visit this unique and eclectic city.

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Overview

This cruise will drive you to the culture of Holland. Starting with a tour of Amsterdam to admire its canals and enjoy its dynamic & cultural life before tasting the famous dutch cheeses. Edam and Alkmaar have a long history with cheese that you will discover with the handful of remaining cheese warehouses and their local cheese markets.

Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays – 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days – special arrangements for getting in/out of Amsterdam (Vinkeveen). Please contact our sales team so we can assist you further.

Top highlights:

• The fresh cheeses and markets of Edam
• The cheeses and stained-glass window church of Gouda
• The vibrancy of Amsterdam – Be sure to hire a bike and cycle along the city’s beautiful canals
• Windmills and green wooden houses of Zaanse Schans

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

• Vinkeveen: Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
• Weesp: Weesp, a dynamic city, has many treasures for you. Downtown, you will have the chance to see many landmarks, and also discover the local specialities such as chocolate, beer, and the jenever.
• Amsterdam: Amsterdam, the largest city in Holland, will welcome you with all of its treasures, its monuments, and its history. Take a moment to visit this unique and eclectic city.
• Edam: Edam is known worldwide thanks to the cheese. Don’t miss the market in peak summer on Wednesday morning!
• Alkmaar: Take a stroll through Alkmaar’s beautiful city centre to discover the many museums, shops and cafes that line the historic canal banks. Don’t miss the famous cheese market, held every Friday morning from April to September – this market has been taking place for centuries, and is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Alkmaar.
• Zaanse Schans: For anyone interested in Dutch history the Zaanse Schans is a must see. Beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century buildings from all over the Zaanstreek region have been moved to this spot, so you can experience first hand what life was like in old Holland. There are fully functioning windmills, bakeries and even a clog workshop – all with a story to tell.

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Overview

Following the River Vecht, this cruise will drive you to the historic and charming city of Utrecht. You’ll then be able to reach the small town of Gouda, famous for its cheese and its traditional cheese market. Once there, admire the historic buildings of the town such the Saint John Church, famous for its stained glass windows.

Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays – 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days – special arrangements for getting in/out of Vinkeveen.

Please contact our sales team so we can assist you further.

Top highlights:

• The cheeses and stained-glass window church of Gouda
• Walking through the extraordinary streets of Oudewater
• Swimming in the waters of Vinkeveen
• Tasting the chocolate, beer and jenever in Weesp

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:

• Vinkeveen: Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
• Maarssen: Situated along the Vecht River Maarssen was a key place for the peat-bog in the Middle Ages. Later some rich familes of Amsterdam built some country houses nearby that you can still see. The town is now more a suburb of Utrecht but you can still visit historical village of Maarssen-Dorp in the East side of the town.
• Utrecht: Utrecht is Holland’s fourth biggest city and the old section has many attractions. The famous medieval church, St. Martin’s Cathedral, is half of its former self as a result of the terrible hurricane of 1674. Canals, lined with terraces and greenery, give the city its charm; it’s a nice place for a walk.
• Oudewater: Spend some time to visit the historically protected city center and the famous ‘Heksenwaag’ (witches’ scales) where people accused of witchcraft were offered a chance of proving their innocence.
• Weesp: Weesp, a dynamic city, has many treasures for you. Downtown, you will have the chance to see many landmarks, and also discover the local specialities such as chocolate, beer, and the jenever.
• Gouda: Famous thanks to the cheese of the same name, Gouda hosts a traditional cheese market every Thursday morning. The town also has a rich history and hosts one of the oldest city halls in the country. Don’t miss the Saint John Church famous for its stained glass windows.

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Overview

Discover the dutch way of life! Emerge yourself into some of the most historic & dynamic cities of Holland like Amsterdam, Utrecht or Den Haag through typical dutch villages like Delft. On the way you’ll also admire the flowered fields near Lisse & Leiden and taste the famous cheese of Gouda. Don’t miss the traditional cheese market there!

Vinkeveen area: Some navigation restrictions apply between mid-October and mid-April. Locks & bridges closed on Sundays – 24hrs advanced notice needed on all other days – special arrangements for getting in/out of Vinkeveen.

Top highlights:

• Swimming in the waters of Vinkeveen 
• The culture and arts of medieval Utrecht
• Lisse’s castle and flower gardens

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

• Vinkeveen: Situated in the south of Amsterdam, Vinkeveen is the perfect place to start a cruise in the area. The Vinkeveense Plassen is an important recreational lake for many activities like swimming, diving & yachting.
• Maarssen: Situated along the Vecht River is Maarssen, a key place for the peat-bog in the Middle Age. Later some rich familes of Amsterdam have built some country houses nearby that you could still see. The town is now more a suburb of Utrecht but you can still visit the historical village of Maarssen-Dorp in the East side of the town.
• Utrecht: Utrecht is Holland’s fourth biggest city and the old section has many attractions. The famous medieval church, St. Martin’s Cathedral, is half of its former self as a result of the terrible hurricane of 1674. Canals, lined with terraces and greenery, give the city its charm; it’s a nice place for a walk.
• Oudewater: Spend some time to visit the historic protected city center and the famous ‘Heksenwaag’ (witches’ scales) where people accused of witchcraft were offered a chance of proving their innocence.
• Gouda: Famous thanks to the cheese of the same name, Gouda hosts a traditional cheese market every Thursday morning. The town has a rich history and patrimoine and hosts one of the oldest city halls in the country. Don’t miss the Saint John Church famous for its stained glass windows.
• Leiden: The charming town of Leiden is made of small canals and tree-bordered. The historical town center contains imrpessive buildings and churches that you can’t miss. Spend some time to walk in the numerous parks and to visit the Hortus Botanicus and other gardens of the town.
• Lisse: Lisse is known as Holland’s flower-growing area. Enjoy the amazing view of the surrounding flowered fields during spring. From March to May, visit the famous Keukenhof, one of the largest flower gardens in the world which also hosts an open Castle all year-round.
• Amsterdam: Amsterdam, the largest city in Holland, will welcome you with all of its treasures, its monuments, and its history. Take a moment to visit this unique and eclectic city.

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Overview

Cruise from our base in Hindeloopen, frequently ranked as one of the prettiest villages in Europe, to the city of Sneek. Sneek’s centrepiece is it’s beautiful Waterpoort Gate, the only of its kind in the Netherlands and all that remains of the 17th Century town walls. En-route you’ll pass through Workum, the hometown of famous artist Jopie Huisman. Here you’ll find a great little museum showcasing some of his work, as well a fine church on Workum’s bustling main street.

Top highlights:

• Strolling through the streets and sandy beaches of Hindeloopen
• Sneek’s monumental Roman Catholic Church
• One of Holland’s smallest breweries in Bolsward

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

• Hindeloopen: Hindeloopen is a picturesque village full of Dutch character. Its quirky cobbled streets, wooden bridges and well-preserved houses give it a unique identity and a rich heritage that you can discover by walking to its old center, around the traditional harbour and along the nearby sandy beaches.
• Workum: Workum is a beautiful little seaside city with numerous medieval monuments like the Gertrudis church. You should also visit Werenfridus Church.
• Bolsward: The rich history of Bolsward city can be admired through its dozens of national monuments such as the 17th century Bolsward Town Hall, a magnificent red-brick building, or the 15th century Martinikerk, the church, which is home to intricate wooden carvings and pulpit carved from a single oak tree. A ten-minute walk from the town centre is one of the country’s smallest breweries, producing ‘US Heit’ beers and several whiskies. Be sure to catch a tour (Thu to Sat – reserve online www.usheit.com).
• Sneek: Sneek is a dynamic city in the area. It has interesting architecture, especially the great gate of the waterport and the city hall, which is built in a rococo style. Also, visit the Roman Catholic Church, which is a national monument.

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Overview

You’re in the heart of the Lakelands region, a highlight of fabulous Holland river cruises! For lunch it’s a stop at a traditional fishing village to enjoy a pint of Grolsch and oysters on the half-shell, and later you take time for some sightseeing in beautiful Lemmer. The warm sun relaxes you as you kayak in scenic Grou.

Top highlights:

• Strolling through the streets and sandy beaches of Hindeloopen
• Sneek’s monumental Roman Catholic Church
• Leeuwarden’s very own Pisa tower
• Canoeing in the charming town of Grouw

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:

• Hindeloopen: Hindeloopen is a picturesque village full of Dutch character. Its quirky cobbled streets, wooden bridges & well-preserved houses give it a unique identity and a rich heritage that you can discover by walking to its old centre, around the traditional harbor and along the nearby sandy beaches.
• Workum: Workum is a beautiful little seaside city with numerous medieval monuments like the Gertrudis church. You should also visit Werenfridus Church.
• Bolsward: The rich history of Bolsward city can be admired through its dozens of national monuments such as the 17th century Bolsward Town Hall, a magnificent red-brick building, or the 15th century Martinikerk, the church, which is home to intricate wooden carvings and pulpit carved from a single oak tree. A ten-minute walk from the town center is one of the country’s smallest breweries, producing ‘US Heit’ beers and several whiskies. Be sure to catch a tour (Thu to Sat – reserve online www.usheit.com).
• Sneek: Sneek is a dynamic city in the area. It has interesting architecture, especially the great gate of the waterport and the city hall, which is built in a rococo style. Also, visit the Roman Catholic Church, which is a national monument.
• Leeuwarden: As the capital of Friesland, there are plenty of things to see and do in Leeuwarden. The Nature Museum is located in a 17th century building and is dedicated to exhibitions around the local nature and wildlife. Friesland’s breed of cattle is renowned across the world, and the Friday cattle market and annual show are still held regularly. The Oldehover Tower (which leans even more precariously than the Tower of Pisa) offers uninterrupted views of the local countryside, once you climb its 183 steps. At one time there were over 130 windmills standing in the city.
• Franeker: In the living room of a lovely Friesian canalside house is the world’s oldest functioning planetarium. This accurately moving model of the solar system was built between 1774 and 1781 by Eise Eisinga. Visit this wonderful museum, see Eisinga’s amazing creations and learn about the planets as well as the determination and brilliance of this amazing man. Franeker itself is a typical Friesland city with a handful of interesting museums, a city hall and an inviting array of cafés and restaurants
• Harlingen: This quaint fishing town is known for the hundreds of sculptures dotted about the city. Make sure to visit the “Stone Man”, a two-headed statue created in 1774, then head to the beach across the road where you can swim, kitesurf or hire a canoe. The town remains a major port for shrimp and prawn fishing, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants where you can sample the daily catch. If you’re a nature lover, why not catch the ferry to the West Friesian Islands or cycle to the beautiful nature reserve, the Hegewiersterfjild, where you’ll discover various birds and fish.