TOUR PACKAGE: June 2007

This tour operator allows you to explore the world with your family, while allowing you a few moments to yourself. Babies, toddlers and older children love these balanced tours of time with family and playtime with their new friends.

The tour operator takes care of all the planning while you enjoy a new culture and biking in the Netherlands. Join this all-inclusive escorted tour with your family and friends, reconnect while creating lifelong memories.  This tour includes childcare for children ages 1-7, an American and bilingual Dutch guide, airport transfers, lodging, meals, bike rentals (including childseats) and more!

Holland with Kids

Bike and Boat Tour

Unpack once on the lovely and brand new Lena Maria canal barge.  Folklore and tradition in rural areas and picturesque, romantic fishing villages. Enjoy the North Sea island of Texel and the beautiful shores and historic harbour towns of the Ijsselmeer lake.  Relax on the sundeck of the barge, bike with your family or take advantage of our babysitting services on the barge and head out for some adult time.  Daily opportunities for a serious self-guided cycle through the country where bicycles rule!

All Tours Include a Guide and Babysitting Services

Day 1:  WELCOME TO THE NETHERLANDS!  ARRIVAL IN AMSTERDAM

Arrival in Amsterdam.  Transfer to barge Lena Maria, a lovely new boat.  Afternoon embarkation in Amsterdam (centre). Explore downtown Amsterdam: time for shopping, to visit a museum or to make a canal tour – a nice introduction to Amsterdam.

Day 2: ALKMAAR; WINDMILL VILLAGE, CHEESE FARM, WOODEN SHOES

Bike or barge ride from Amsterdam to Alkmaar traveling through the canals. En route: visit the charming open-air museum village “Zaanse Schans” which has a spectacular row of historic windmills, a cheese farm & a fun wooden shoe factory.

Day 3: ALKMAAR to DEN HELDER: BEACHES and SHEEP

Bike or barge ride from Alkmaar along the North Sea beaches and through a picturesque rural area to the port of Den Helder.

Day 4: ISLAND OF TEXEL

Cross the open water (by barge) to the largest of the Dutch North Sea islands: Texel.  Optional round trip bike ride on the island through beautiful nature reserves and dunes. Take a break on one of the sandy beaches.  Return to the barge in late afternoon for dinner cruise.

Day 5: ENKHUIZEN and OPEN AIR FISHING VILLAGE MUSEUM

Bike or barge ride along the Ijsselmeer coast to Enkhuizen. Enkhuizen is a fascinating historical city with a very picturesque harbor and an open air Zuiderzeemuseum (restored fishing village).

Day 6: CHEESE IN EDAM and EEL & HERRING IN THE HARBOR

Bike or barge ride from Enkhuizen via Hoorn and the small cheese town of Edam to the old fishing village of Volendam. Opportunity to taste local specialities of  “smoked eel” or “salted herring” in one of the harbours.

Day 7: VOLENDAM to AMSTERDAM

Bike or barge ride from Volendam through the “Waterland,” a beautiful area with its various small canals and lakes. Possibility for a short detour to former island of Marken, which is now part of the mainland due to the land around it having been recovered from the sea for habitation and farming. Continue through the northern part of the “Garden of Amsterdam” to end in Amsterdam. Spend afternoon & evening in Amsterdam

Day 8: AMSTERDAM TRANSFER OUT – THANK YOU/ DANK U WEL!

After breakfast: disembarkation in Amsterdam. Transfer to airport or extension tour.  Thank you for exploring northern Holland with The tour operator!

The tour operator makes every effort to follow the itinerary as printed.  However, unforeseen changes may be required as a result of organizational, nautical, technical and/or weather reasons.  The barge route is sometimes required to go in reverse order due to weather conditions.

2007 Tour Dates:

8 Day, 7 Night, All Inclusive Tour:
Saturday, June 23, 2007 - Saturday, June 30, 2007

24 Passenger maximum

 

 

 

Tour Rates:

Family Package: 2 adults and 1 or 2 children
(2 Rooms on Barge Directly Across the Narrow Hallway From Each Other)
$4100 Total Family Price
Babies under 12 months are free

Contact us for pricing for families with more than 2 kids

Single Person
$1800 based on Two Adults in Double (Single Supplement Applies)
Add $100 for one child sharing parents’ room (parents must provide pack n play or toddler cot) Babies under 12 months are free

Prices Include:
7 nights lodging on the barge, full breakfasts and 3 course dinners taken on the barge, packed lunches to bring with you, self-guided bike route maps and information packet, a guide on the barge, bike rental for a week for each adult, up to 2 bike seats per family, babysitting services, airport transfers.  Airfare and optional activities are not included.  See Frequently Asked Questions section below for more details on what is included.  Travel insurance is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Holland with Kids: Bike and Boat Tour

1. Where will we stay?

We will stay on a comfortable hotel barge and enjoy breakfasts and dinners in the barge’s private dining room. A sundeck is available for lounging and enjoying the scenery. Most cabins have two twins beds and families with children may select the Family Package with two cabins directly across the narrow hallway from each other. All cabins have private bathrooms with shower. Due to the limited space on the boat for staff, daily cleaning service of the cabins is not available, but clean towels are available upon request. A bike rental for the entire trip is included. Bike child seats are also available at no extra cost. You’ll have the opportunity every day to bike with your family or alone following the self-guided routes available in your map book. Biking and walking are the best ways to experience the real Netherlands.  

2. Who is coming?

The tour operator canal tours are small (24 people max including children) so that we can be flexible and attentive to the needs of our youngest travelers. Our tours are specially designed for families with children ages 1-7. Families are welcome to invite grandparents, aunts, uncles and good friends to join them. A guide and caregivers will be on every tour. Children under 1 and over 7 are welcome, but will be the parent’s responsibility. Babies can be great travelers and if they like to nap in a backpack carrier you can take them along on almost every activity. Most babies 12 months and up (consult with your pediatrician) can sit comfortably in special infant bike seats that every Dutch baby rides in daily.

3. How much care can you provide for my children?

We provide experienced caregivers for set blocks of time that are noted in the itinerary so that parents can do some longer bike rides and other activities. The caregivers will also be able to care for your children for a half hour here and there while you unpack and pack at the start and end of the tour. With meals taken care of and other children of similar ages for your kids to play with, it can be more relaxing than staying home! Each set of parents will also have the opportunity for one dinner out (without the group) with babysitting provided.

Caregivers are provided for children ages 1-7. Many children over age 7 enjoy participating in the biking and other activities with the adults. However, special arrangements can be made with advance notice for kids over 7 so that parents can participate in some activities not age-appropriate such as a longer bike ride or walk.

4. Are all meals are included in the price of the trip?

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on the boat are included in the price of your trip. During bike rides or walks at your own pace, you have the opportunity to bring a box lunch (included) or choose your own restaurant (not included) and eat with your family or as a couple, away from the group. You are responsible for the cost of meals when you choose to eat out off the boat. Snacks and drinks for children during caregiver times are included.

5. What will we eat?

The hotel barge has an on-board restaurant with staff who will prepare our breakfasts and dinners. The meals will be simple but hearty and include some traditional Dutch favorites. Breakfast will be continental style in the boat’s dining room and consist of a variety of European breads, granola or oatmeal, fruits and a variety of spreads, meats, and cheeses as well as a hot item each day such as omelets, bacon or pancakes. You can also sample a Dutch children’s favorite: butter and chocolate sprinkles on bread. After breakfast each day, you can make your own box lunch from the lunch bar to enjoy while you’re out and about. Dinner will be a three course meal in the dining room with kid friendly options always available. Vegetarian options are also available upon prior request.

6. How will we travel?

We will depart Saturday afternoon from Amsterdam by boat traveling the Dutch canals. We will cruise approximately three to four hours per day. During the cruise you have the option of biking along the towpath adjacent to the canals, to the next destination (on average 20-40 miles) or relaxing on the sun deck and enjoying the scenery.

7. What about biking?

The Dutch are known for being the most avid bikers in the world. Everyone, young to old, rides their bikes not just for recreation but also as a principle means of transportation. There are more bikes than people or cars. The typical Dutch bike is a very sturdy three speed bike well suited for transporting groceries or kids on the front or back carrier. Since Holland is completely flat, there is no need for extensive bike gears. The three gear system works as follows: the first (lightest) gear is for strong headwinds, the second gear is for normal conditions and third gear is for strong back winds.

Each day you will have the option to ride your bike exploring picturesque towns and the countryside on Holland’s extensive network of bike paths. A seven speed bike rental with hand-brakes and a panier bag for each adult and up to two child seats per family is included in the tour price. Other options are available for an additional fee such as child carts, tandems, third-wheels (slip-streamers), etc.

8. What should I bring?

A variety of light to medium-weight quick drying clothes, rain gear and camera are a must. Plan to dress in layers as spring weather is variable: warm (65-75 F) and sunny to cool (50-65 F) and drizzly and back again, sometimes in the space of a few hours. You’ll receive a very detailed list of recommended items before the trip. Pack in soft luggage or duffle bags that can be stored under beds during the cruise to conserve space. Bring bike helmets and water bottles/sippy cups for all who’ll be biking.

9. Should I bring snacks and baby food?

Due to agricultural restrictions, you won’t be able to bring any fresh food from home, but bringing a few sealed jars of baby food or canned food is OK. You will have a chance to visit supermarkets and shops at every stop because in Holland all stores are conveniently located downtown where we will be moored. Healthy snacks and drinks will be provided for the children while they are with the caregivers (e.g. granola bars, whole grain crackers, raisins, fresh fruit, water, milk, juice boxes).  

10. What does ecotourism mean?

The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following principles:

• Minimize impact
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation
• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
• Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate
• Support international human rights and labor agreements

11. Stability, health and the environment

The Netherlands is a part of the European Union. It is a parliamentary democracy with a prime minister and queen as its heads of state. The country has excellent health care that is readily available to visitors. The Dutch pride themselves on a strong concern for the environment and are particularly concerned about the sea level rising due to global warming because two-thirds of the country is below sea level. The Dutch also have one of the most advanced land use planning systems which allows 15 million Dutch to live in an area the size of New Hampshire while maintaining an expansive greenspace system. However, the Dutch still allow smoking in restaurants, bars and public spaces. Smoking is not permitted on the boat.

12. Health Precautions

Visit your doctor, pediatrician or travel clinic before the trip to make sure your family is up to date on their vaccinations.  No specific vaccinations are required to travel to the Netherlands, but the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all travelers should be vaccinated for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and Hepatitis B, regardless of their destination. 

Check with the Center for Disease Control for up to date recommendations at www.cdc.gov/travel/westeurp.htm or call 877-394-9747.  Many hospitals and medical centers have nice travel clinics where you can schedule one time for appointments for the whole family and they will update immunizations, give you current CDC info for the country you plan to visit and show a short video on travel health safety.

Traveling with Kids

General travel with kids

13. Does my child need a passport?

Every child will need his or her own passport. Both parents must be present when applying for the passport. You’ll need passport photos, a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate and photo ID for both parents. Passports for children are valid for 5 years. Passports take at least 6 weeks to process so start the application early to avoid paying the expedited service fee! Passports can often be processed at post offices and driver’s license centers.

14. What if both parents won’t be traveling with their child?

The Netherlands does not require entry/exit authorization letters if you are traveling with a child 18 or under and one or both parents will not be in the country. Some countries now require these letters as a deterrent against international child kidnapping. If you would like to carry a letter as an added safeguard to avoid delay at the airport, you can get a notarized letter from the absent parent(s) giving you permission to enter the Netherlands and take the child out of the Netherlands again. The tour operator can provide you with a form upon request that has been accepted by foreign authorities in the past.

15. What about jet-lag?

Young children can adjust amazingly fast to jet-lag. They usually will be in synch with the new time zone before you are. On the way over, your flight will leave in the evening traveling overnight and arriving in Holland around noon local time (5 AM US CST). Most children will typically sleep most of the flight (about 8 hours from Minneapolis) on the way over and be ready to start a new day when they arrive. Since they will wake up around noon local time it is best to skip the afternoon nap and put them to bed around the same time as you would at home. The first night they will likely sleep all night and wake up slightly later in the morning to recover from the short night the day before and no nap. The second day it is best to have your child take a short nap in the afternoon if he or she needs it. If the child doesn’t seem to need a nap that day and is happy, it is best to keep them up and active during the day.

The second night is a little bit more tricky because your child’s bed time around 7-8 PM is the same time as the afternoon nap in the US (7 hour time difference CST). Your child will likely fall asleep just fine but may wake up after 2 or 3 hours and then feel awake for 2 or 3 hours. Plan on some quiet time together in bed, reading some books or just letting your child play quietly keeping the lights somewhat dimmed and perhaps giving him or her something to drink and a very light snack. After two or three hours, just repeat your bedtime routine and put the child back to sleep.

Usually after the second night, the kids are adjusted to the new time zone. The activities during the day, new impressions and friends will give them ample opportunity to use up their energy and be ready for a good night’s sleep.

16. What about diapers?

Bring a few days’ supply. We’ll visit a supermarket to restock on Monday afternoon. Local and American brands of disposable diapers in all sizes are readily available. Due to the exchange rate, diapers may cost more in the Netherlands than they do at home. If you prefer a particular brand or style, please bring your own for the entire trip.

17. Are cribs and high chairs available?

The tour operator has several travel “high chairs” that strap to a chair, available while supplies last. Cribs are not available, but there is room for a Pack ‘N Play type travel crib in the cabins.

18. Toileting and diapering

Diaper changing stations in public restrooms are not available in the Netherlands like they are in the US so bring a compact folding or roll-up changing surface and wipes. Public restrooms are few and far between. Many restaurants have restrooms for a fee so bring some spare change when out and about. It is not frowned upon for small children to relieve themselves on the roadside in rural areas.

19. How should I carry my child on the bike?

The child’s neck strength determines the time when they can first ride in a bike child seat. Usually their necks are strong enough to sit comfortably wearing a helmet a few months after they start holding their heads up steadily on their own. Consult with your pediatrician to determine if your child is ready to ride in a bike seat. Many bike seat manufacturers recommend waiting until the child is 12 months old. Child seats usually hold up to 30 -40 pounds maximum, but the child may be too long for the seat before he or she hits the weight limit. Front and back child seats are available. Front seats are more appropriate for smaller babies/toddlers. Older toddlers to age 3 are usually most comfortable in trailers where they can have some toys, snacks and a sippy cup within reach. Children (3 and up) who are very active and have some experience biking may enjoy a third-wheel which hooks to the adult’s bike like a tandem, but allows the child to pedal (or not) at his or her own pace. The third-wheel can be easily removed and reattached.

Please bring a bike helmet for each child who will accompany you on a ride.  Make sure the helmet is the proper size.  Infant and toddler helmets (smaller than the child helmets commonly available) are available for sale in the US, but are not carried in many stores.  Ask The tour operator for on-line/ catalog retailers if you have trouble finding them.  Consider reviewing the information on infant/toddler/child bike safety and comfort issues available at the non-profit International Bike Fund’s website.