River cruising to or from Amsterdam? Why not do what the Dutch do and straddle a saddle? Hop on a bike and pedal your way through Amsterdam and the beautiful countryside to experience this fascinating region the way the locals do.
While all of us know that Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, few travelers know that just north of Amsterdam is a heavenly place to cycle. It’s called Waterland, a quaint region of fishing villages and picturesque landscapes, that makes for an ideal afternoon getaway by bike.
Most river cruise companies make bikes available to guests – at no additional charge. All you need to do is ask your ship’s front desk staff to prepare a bike for you. You’ll likely need to sign a release of liability, and you may be required to wear a helmet, which many cruise company provides.
Cycling in Amsterdam is safe and easy, provided that you follow the rules. Be sure to watch for the tram tracks. Either dismount or cross them at an angle to avoid an accident.
The entire country of the Netherlands is mostly flat and ideal for cycling. Plus, typically cyclists pedal along roads either with no cars at all (with tiny traffic lights for bikes) — or along with drivers who actually pay attention to cyclists. That is why Dutch cyclists are 30 times less likely to be killed than their stateside counterparts, according to Bicycling magazine.
Exploring Waterland
I’ve pedaled Waterland several times. During my first ride, I learned how to carry three ice cream cones on a bike. I saw a girl doing just that. To carry three, she turned one cone upside down on top of the other so that she had only to contend with two cones in one hand.
I rode along a dyke through Uitdam and to the charming village of Marken, where the fishermen’s houses were built on poles. The town is a tourist attraction, where all the homes are painted a dark green with red tile roofs.
After about an hour of pedaling past attractive countryside, I stopped for lunch in a beautiful seaside village, where I dined on a plate of mussels, french fries, salad, bread, applesauce and cole slaw.
I rode along the Amstel, past barges and boats to the small village of Ouderkerk ann de Amstel, older than Amsterdam. I stopped there to have an apple shortcake from a century-old bakery and a Witte beer at a restaurant dating back to 1624.
I found my way back to the ferry. The complete circuit took about six hours and was so enjoyable. I hope to do it again one day.
Cycling routes, depending on the one you choose, are between 25 kilometers and 55 kilometers. The Marken Cycle Route takes you to the former island of Zuiderzee in the Waterland region. You will pass through a couple of notable villages such as Zuiderwoude, Holysloot, and Ransdorp.
Getting to Waterland From Amsterdam
Waterland is easy to access from Amsterdam via ferry. Leaving directly across from Amsterdam’s Central Rail Station, the ferries are free and cross every five minutes or so. A ramp lowers and you push your bike on. The ferry transit is only a couple of minutes, and you’ll stand there among a throng of other cyclists waiting to reach the other side.
Ralph Grizzle's Dream Cruise 2024
Cruise For Up To 18 Nights On Three Wonderful Waterways
My Favorite Rivers During My Favorite Time Of Year To Cruise Them
What’s a Dream Cruise? It’s river cruise that pulls together the best of Europe. For me, that’s traveling in comfort along enchanting waterways, with multiple opportunities for destination immersion, cultural encounters, pedaling and hiking – and sharing the experience with others who are passionate about travel.
It’s also a river cruise of the proper duration. As our readers know, seven nights is just too short for a fully satisfying experience. My Dream Cruise spans 18 nights, with optional pre- and post-cruise extensions. If that’s too long for you, opt for 11 nights.
Our floating boutique hotel will be AmaWaterways’ AmaPrima. When she debuted in 2013, I wrote a piece called 12 Things To Like About The New AmaPrima. The lovely AmaPrima features 82 cabins and accommodation for 164 guests.
All staterooms have river views and more than half feature AmaWaterways’ unique twin balconies, comprised of a French balcony plus a walkout balcony. I enjoyed the white marble bathrooms with glass-enclosed, multi-jet showers and granite countertops.
The ship features two restaurants: the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, which features regionally inspired menus. You have the option to dine at the reservations-only Chef’s Table at least two times during our 18-night Dream Cruise. There is no additional charge for dining in this aft-situated upscale restaurant. The Chef’s Table is surrounded by windows and offers spectacular views of the rivers.
But as nice as AmaPrima is, the ship is not the star of the show. The stars are the three rivers, the destinations along them and the activities available to us each day. The Main and Moselle rank among my favorite rivers in all of Europe. In one post, I called the Moselle: Europe’s Most Beautiful River – At Least During The Fall. The Main is equally as charming.
While I prefer active excursions (and there will be plenty of those for us), you need not be at a high fitness level to enjoy the Dream Cruise. We’ll have excursions and tours for any level of fitness, whether you’re mobility challenged or fit as a fiddle.
Why Travel With Me?
What's The Cost?
Unpack Only Once And Enjoy 18 Nights On This Incredible Journey
Pricing | 18 Nights | Nuremberg To Basel | September 25, 2024 - October 13, 2024
Dream Cruise 2024 - Nuremberg > Amsterdam > Basel
| Category | Configuration | Square Feet | Per Person | # Available |
| E | Fixed Window | 160 | $10,898 | 5 |
| D | Fixed Window | 160 | $11,696 | 11 |
| C | French Balcony | 170 | $14,246 | 16 |
| BB | Twin Balcony | 210 | $15,796 | 15 |
| BA | Twin Balcony | 210 | $16,296 | 10 |
| AB | Twin Balcony | 235 | $16,846 | 10 |
| AA | Twin Balcony | 235 | $17,396 | 10 |
| AA+ | Twin Balcony | 290 | $18,896 | 1 |
| SS | Twin Balcony | 300 | $20,696 | 3 |
Ready to join me next autumn? Complete the form below and I’ll reach out to you with more information.
No Obligation | Initially Limited To 15 Cabins | Do One Or Both Trips
After you submit, I will reach out to you via email with more information. You are under no obligation to purchase.
Join The Entire Cruise | Or Opt For 7 Or 11 Nights
TREASURES OF THE MAIN & RHINE
Nuremberg to Amsterdam | 7 Nights | September 25, 2024 - October 2, 2024
Treasures of the Main & Rhine Pricing | 7 Nights | Starting from $4,199 Per Person
NOTES:
Important Dates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.
Port Charges not included in cruise price $224 per person.
Single Supplement for Cruise 50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.
Single Supplement for Land A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please contact me for pricing details.
Bedding Please let me know bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).
All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offer is valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Port charges, land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply.
RHINE & MOSELLE FAIRYTALES
Amsterdam to Basel | 11 Nights | October 2, 2024 - October 13, 2024
Rhine & Moselle Fairytales Pricing | 11 Nights | Starting from $6,599 Per Person
NOTES:
Important Dates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.
Port Charges not included in cruise price $330 per person.
Single Supplement for Cruise 50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.
Single Supplement for Land A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.
Bedding Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).
All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offer is valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Port charges, land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price.
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