MS Normandie
On joining this vessel you are immediately aware of the cosy and informal ambience on board. On the upper deck you will find the comfy panorama salon with its bar and the small sauna (advance booking at the reception only) on the main deck the comfortable restaurant (no direct access from the cabin-zone). On deck there are both deck chairs and ordinary chairs and tables, which encourage conversation and communal activity in fresh air. MS Normandie possesses altogether
two 1-bed-cabins and forty-nine 2-bed-cabins. They are all outside cabins, giving some 10-11 square metres of space (2-bed) and about 7 qm (1-bed). All 2-bed-cabins on main and upper deck are equipped with two lower beds, shower and WC, hairdryer, TV, safe (deposit), central air-conditioning and a picture window. Only on the upper deck the windows may be opened. 1-bed cabins have one lower bed and are otherwise equipped with same features.
Tour
We recommend that you arrive early so that you can still take a stroll through the city of Rotterdam. The city is one of the most interesting cities in Europe with its architecture, its port and its nightlife and shopping opportunities. Discover exciting buildings or take a harbor tour. Embarkation on board can take place from 4:00 p.m.
Today's bike tour first takes you along the water via Krimpen aan den IJssel to Kinderdijk. Here are the 19 well-preserved windmills from the 18th century. One of these windmills, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage, can be visited. After the stopover you cycle through the polder area of the Albwasserwaard to Dordrecht. Dordrecht is considered the oldest city in Holland and inspires with its 1000 monuments and the historic port area.
After a short ferry crossing you come to the beautiful nature reserve De Biesbosch. The various rivers that meet here form a freshwater delta covering an area of approximately 8000 hectares. Take a boat trip through this area before cycling further through the Rhine delta and taking the water taxi to Gorinchem. The pretty historic old town of Gorinchem awaits your visit.
Today's tour is very varied and interesting. From Gorinchem you first cycle to Leerdam - known for the Leerdam cheese - and then on to the fortified town of Vianen. You cross the Lek by ferry and continue to Vreeswijk with its narrow streets. Visit Fort Jutphaas in the small town of Nieuwegein before reaching Utrecht. Utrecht is considered the heart of Holland. The city was built around the cathedral and is well worth seeing with its traffic-calmed city center and idyllic canals.
This morning you have the opportunity to look around Utrecht a little before you cycle through the beautiful Polderland to Oudewater with its witches' weighing house. So-called witches have been weighed here in the past, but have never been found wanting and sentenced. Afterwards you cycle to the silver town of Schoonhoven with its typical Dutch old town.
Today's stage first takes you to the cheese city of Gouda. When the weather is nice, it's worth taking a detour to the Reeuwijke Plassen lakes for a refreshing swim. We continue quickly to Rotterdam. Visit the port of Rotterdam, which is one of the largest in the world, and the city center, which is well worth seeing.
There are two bike tours to choose from: the shorter version leads to Delft, where you have the opportunity to visit the porcelain factory. The longer one takes you directly to the seat of government in The Hague and then on to the North Sea spa and bathing resort of Scheveningen and back. Alternatively, you can return to Rotterdam by train (Rail & Bike, not included, approx. €16.00 per person, not during rush hour between 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.). Whatever you decide: if you haven't had the opportunity yet. It is worth taking a harbor tour of Europe's largest deep-water port in the late afternoon.
Debarkation after breakfast until 9:00 a.m in Rotterdam.
Depending on the official allocation of berths, Vianen can also be called at on the 5th day as an alternative to Schoonhoven. The stages are then as follows:
Day 5: Utrecht - Vianen, bike ride, approx. 48 - 59 km
Day 6: Vianen - Gouda - Rotterdam, bike tour approx. 59 km
The planned route is always subject to possible changes due to nautical, meteorological or organisational reasons. If, for example, a route cannot be travelled due to low water, high water, bad weather or construction work, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety. This is not a legally valid reason for cancelling the trip free of charge. The same applies in the event of officially ordered lock or bridge repairs or in the event of engine or propulsion damage to the ship through no fault of the captain.
As your ship usually sails to the next harbour on the same day, your time frame for your own activities and sightseeing is limited. On some bridges, the clearance height is so low that the sun deck is closed for your safety.
Map
Prices / Dates
Services / Info
- 7 x overnight stay id cabins with shower and toilet
- Full board
- Welcome drink
- Coffee and tea in the afternoon
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Linen and towels
- Tourguide on bord
- Daily tour discussion
- Maps and detailed tour description
- Harbour fees
- 7 days hotline service
- GPS tracks on request
Below you will find specific information about the bike and boat tour in Holland. If you have further questions about this trip, you simply call us: Phone: 06421 – 886890.
Arrival by car
If you are arriving by car, we recommend driving to the jetty first and handing in your luggage and bicycles there. We then recommend using public parking. You will receive final information on the location of the ship and practical information with the detailed travel documents two weeks before the start of the trip.
Valet Parking
If you are travelling by car, we recommend that you use the Valet Pakring service, which we offer with pick-up and drop-off service. You will receive a registration form with your travel documents.
With valet parking, you drive your own car to the ship, from where your car is driven by a driver to a supervised parking area. A driver will be waiting for you in front of the ship to help you with your luggage. The driver, who is familiar with the area and the vehicle, will take your car to a car park where your car will be parked under constant camera surveillance. When you return from your journey, your car will be at the docking point in Amsterdam within approx. 30 minutes of your call, so that you can get in and drive off straight away.
Advantages of the Holidaysextras parking service
No waiting times, no loss of time, no bus journey to get on/off/change buses, no need to carry luggage. As you book in advance, you can be sure that a parking space is available. You will be at your destination immediately, without having to take a taxi or public transport. Your car is parked safely and guarded. Reliable and responsible drivers with the appropriate documents will take care of your vehicle. Holidaysextras is cheaper than many public car parks in Rotterdam and is available around the clock.
What does the Holidaysextras valet parking service cost?
Valet Parking: For approx. 170,00 €, you park your vehicle (car) securely and guarded for a week including 2 x transfer service of your car.
On Saturdays, arrivals are possible from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm and departures from 7.30 am to 9.00 am. Arrivals and departures outside the regular operating hours are only possible with advance notice and at an extra charge. The surcharge is 80,00 € (payment on site).
Please select "Valet Parking" in the booking form and be sure to enter the ship name of your booked trip under "Ship name" so that valet parking can be made possible. This is only possible after the payment process.
Information and booking Valet Parking
Arriving by train
Rotterdam is easily accessible from Germany by train. Current timetable information and price information can be found at www.bahn.de. You will receive the exact pier for your travel date with the travel documents about two weeks before arrival.
railway information
Lactose-free and gluten-free food
If you require a lactose-free or gluten-free diet, this is possible on board, but there is a surcharge for this, which must be paid on site. Please let us know at the time of booking or at least 14 days before arrival if you require a lactose-free or gluten-free diet.
Luggage
For reasons of space, we would like to ask you to refrain from luggage with a hard shell, the storage space in the cabin is very limited!
Available rental bikes
So-called unisex bikes are available (suitable for men and women). They have a 7-speed gear shift with coaster brake and are available in different frame sizes. Please enter therefore your weight when booking the tour. On request and extra charge some electric bikes can be made available.
Bring your own bikes
Due to the limited space available on the sun deck, it is only possible to take your own bike on board on request and only to a limited extent. Please note that only e-bikes with a removable battery can be taken on board.
Important note
The captain reserves the rights to make any necessary changes to the itinerary due to wind, weather and navigational features.
Extra costs which are not included in the tour price
Arrival and departure, parking fees, transfers to the pier, drinks and coffee and tea after 4 p.m., rental bikes, entrance fees and excursion fees, ferry fees and fees for the Waterbus, personal insurance, tips and personal expenses are not included in the tour price.
7-days hotline service
In case of chain breakdown, flooding or other bad surprises that makes a continuation of your tour impossible: no problem, we also work during weekends and you can reach us 7 days a week in case of emergency.
Passport and visa requirements
For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.
Travel insurance
The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.
Velociped can withdraw from the tour twenty-one days before the starting date of the tour, at the latest, in case the minimum number of participants stated under the tour description is not attained. You will duly be informed without any delay in case of a withdrawal. Velociped will of course refund the paid tour price immediately. Please note our General Terms and Conditions.
I provide you with advice and assistance
Miriam Houda