Loosdrecht – Amsterdam – Edam – Alkmaar – Zaanstad – Amsterdam – Loosdrecht

Destinations / Netherlands / Amsterdam, Central and South Holland / Loosdrecht – Amsterdam – Edam – Alkmaar – Zaanstad – Amsterdam – Loosdrecht

• Cruise length: 164 km
• Trip duration: 7 days
• Type of cruise: circular tour 
• Number of locks: 9

Along the countless waterways, you will discover the true "fleur" of Holland — towns, villages, windmills and canal bridges mirrored in the shimmering water. Here you can experience the atmosphere or contrasts as we know them from the paintings of the old Dutch masters.

Whether in a welcoming café, a canal-side terrace or in boutiques, often hidden in cellars. in the old department stores of Utrecht or Amsterdam, you'll find the cheerful Dutch way of life everywhere.

Further north, near Edam, you'll find a landscape full of windmills and wildlife. Towards the south, there are drawbridges and floodbanks.

Holland is the perfect country for cycling, that is if you are looking for a relaxing way to enjoy this holiday. There is almost no elevation gain, so you can comfortably get anywhere you want. A specialty of Holland are the local bicycles, which you won't find elsewhere. They have a wide saddle and high handlebars so you can sit pretty straight on the bike. Dutch cycle paths are perfectly marked with red and white paint, and there are special traffic lights at junctions. If you decide to explore Holland by bike, you'll ride through beautiful rural landscapes with water dams, historic villages and maybe even pick up some fresh cheese along the way.

Tip

* The canal between Gouda and Utrecht and the canal between Edam and Volledam are open every day from April 16 to October 15.

* At Vecht and Loosdrecht the locks are open every day from April 1 to November 1.

Some locks and drawbridges are charged: locks 4–6 €, bridges 0,5–2 €. More and more bridges are automatically operated and free of charge. Marinas charge for mooring and service fees.