Embarkation between 12:30pm and 1:30pm. Sailing by barge to Spaarndam, a charming village associated with the legend of Hansje Brinker, the young hero said to have saved the country from flooding by plugging a hole in a dike with his finger. From Spaarndam, cycle to Haarlem, one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful historic cities, renowned for its historic centre, canals and rich architectural heritage. (D)

Departure by bicycle through Haarlem’s historic centre, renowned for its charming hofjes and picturesque canals. Continue to the former Cruquius pumping station, now a museum showcasing Dutch ingenuity in water management. In summer, cycle through the beautiful coastal dunes to the beach. At the end of the day, discover Leiden, one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful historic cities, renowned for its elegant houses, inner courtyards and remarkable architectural heritage. (B-L-D)

Cycling along the Vliet Canal to Voorschoten before reaching the North Sea coast. Continue through the magnificent dunes of Wassenaar and Meijendel Nature Reserve, one of the largest dune areas in the Netherlands. Along the way, remnants of the Atlantic Wall bear witness to the history of the Second World War. Continue to Delft, an elegant city with canals lined with historic houses, renowned for its heritage, its connection to the painter Vermeer and its remarkable medieval centre. (B-L-D)

Free day to explore Delft’s historic centre. Opportunity to visit The Hague and Rotterdam by public transportation ($). (B-L-D)

In the morning, cruise through the heart of Rotterdam, offering a unique perspective on its modern architecture and Europe’s largest port. At Kinderdijk, discover the famous UNESCO World Heritage windmills, a testament to Dutch expertise in water management. Continue cycling through the peaceful landscapes of the Alblasserwaard to Schoonhoven, renowned for its silver craftsmanship. End the day in Gouda, famous for its cheese, as well as its canals, medieval streets, magnificent stained-glass windows and traditional stroopwafels. (B-L-D)

Departure from Gouda for a cycling route along peaceful country roads bordering canals and polders in the heart of the Dutch countryside. Continue to Oude Wetering, a charming village south of Amsterdam. Along the way, discover remnants of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, an impressive network of forts, dikes and locks designed in the late 19th century to protect the capital by strategically flooding the surrounding land. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this remarkable system reflects the Netherlands’ military and hydraulic engineering expertise. (B-L-D)

Cycling along the Waver and Amstel rivers to Amsterdam. The city’s extensive network of cycling paths makes it easy to discover Amsterdam and several notable sights in its historic centre. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B-L-D)

Breakfast on board. Disembarkation scheduled for 10am. (B)