Discover Holland’s UNESCO Treasures

Discover Holland’s UNESCO Treasures

This deluxe class cycling and sailing tour aboard the Magnifique II invites you to explore the northern provinces of the Netherlands in a completely unique way — through the lens of UNESCO World Heritage. Designed for curious travelers who value authenticity, comfort, and culture, this journey takes you deep into regions shaped by water, ingenuity, and tradition.

Over eight inspiring days, you’ll cycle through quiet countryside, alongside canals and across dikes, while your floating hotel sails ahead to meet you. Along the way, discover remarkable Dutch heritage: from the still-operational steam pumping station of Woudagemaal to the elegant precision of the Eise Eisinga Planetarium, and from the reclaimed lands of De Beemster to the tidal landscapes of the Wadden Sea. You’ll also cruise through Amsterdam’s iconic canal system — itself a UNESCO site — on a classic evening canal tour. Between cultural highlights, you’ll pedal past dunes, lakes, and postcard-perfect villages, with time to enjoy nature, local flavors, and relaxed luxury aboard your ship.

Whether you’re drawn by history, landscape, or a love of leisurely exploration, this carefully curated itinerary offers a deeper look into the Netherlands — and into the extraordinary stories that earned these places their place on the world stage.

Tour Highlights:

• Cruise across the IJsselmeer and cycle along lakes, coastlines, and polders
• Visit five UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
  • The Woudagemaal steam pumping station
  • The Eise Eisinga Planetarium
  • The Beemster Polder landscape
  • The Wadden Sea
  • Amsterdam’s canal ring
• Explore charming historic towns like Hoorn, Sneek, Alkmaar, and Franeker
• Ride through the North Holland Dune Reserve and along the Wadden Sea coastline
• Stay aboard the Magnifique II, a stylish deluxe class ship with personal service and elevated comfort.

The ship – Your floating hotel

In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.

Fully Guided

Accompanied by a competent, professional and multilingual tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting sights and places on the daily cycling tours. During the bike tour, they will explain the local history and culture behind the things you encounter along the way. You can also choose to ride individually with the help of the BBT bike map (available on board).