Vita Nova

Barge charter Vita Nova

The Vita Nova, originally named the Tijdgeest was built and launched in 1913. it plied for trade in and around Holland carrying various types of cargos in the winter and pleasure passengers in the summer. The first passengers were members of the Christian church and had to sleep in hammocks slung between the decks. The present owners took over the boat in 1996 and after a major refit it has plied for Bike and Barge cruises ever since.

Amsterdam is the perfect point of departure for a tour by canal barge. In the summer between 1st April and 30 th September she can be found cruising the waterways of Holland after 30 th September and before 1st April she is moored in Amsterdam close to the central railway station and is used as a floating hotel.

Cruise with Vita Nova

As a barge cruiser/tour boat the Vita Nova really comes alive, the Netherlands is an area of outstanding natural beauty the “Waterland” offers countless possibilities for recreation and holidays on or by the water. The provinces of North, South Holland and Utrecht are criss-crossed by large and small rivers and of course by the canal system. Almost every city and many of the important sights of Holland are reachable by boat and or bicycle.

The Motor-ship Vita Nova makes the perfect base for an in depth holiday in and around Amsterdam. From the Vita Nova, conveniently moored close to the central railway station, the main shopping centers and of course the famous Red Light district, you can tour either by foot or by bicycle the whole of Amsterdam. Amsterdam is the perfect point of departure for a tour by canal barge: Waterways lead in every direction. During a five or seven day tour such well known cities as Haarlem, Leiden, The Hague, Delft, Rotterdam and many more could be visited. Also in consultation with us other destinations such as North Holland including the island of Texel could be included. For a detailed plan of your trip we have examples of various itineraries available on request.

The cruising areas of the barges are the navigable inner waterways: rivers, canals and lakes, the provinces of North and South Holland being the most important. This is the economic and cultural center of the Netherlands with its well-known cities, sights and its many tourists’ high lights. Barges of up to 50m length are well suited to the smaller more picturesque waterways as they can easily reach the mooring places close to the historic and city centers. All the sights, museums and shops are always within easy walking distance. When time and weather permits some of the larger lakes can also be cruised but this is always the decision of the skipper.

When you opt for a cruise by barge we can propose a detailed itinerary and, in consultation with the skipper, decide the route in advance. Of course it is impossible to make any route punctual to the minute sailing times, water currents, bridges, locks and other traffic can all add to the delays. In all cases it is important to discuss your wishes concerning the route at the beginning of your tour, the skipper is the expert he knows what is possible. In most cases barge tours start and end in Amsterdam. The mooring places are conveniently situated close to the center of the city, from the motorway it can easily be reached by car or coach but since parking is very difficult and expensive we advise you to use public transport.

Itinerary

• Monday 10.00hrs board the ship, spend the whole day in Amsterdam
• Tuesday sail to Alkmaar via Purmerend arriving +/- 15.30hrs
• Wednesday return to Amsterdam via Zaanse Schands arriving +/- 14.00hrs
• Thursday you are free to wander around the city of Amsterdam
• Friday you free again until 16.00hrs for disembarking

Mid week arrangement 2. (4 days and 3 nights)

Itinerary

• Monday 10.00hrs board the ship,
• spend the whole day in Amsterdam
• Tuesday sail to Haarlem arriving +/- 13.00hrs (or Alkmaar)
• Wednesday return to Amsterdam +/- 12.00hrs
• Thursday you are free till 16.00 for disembarking

Mid week arrangement 3. (3 days and 2 nights)

Itinerary

There are twenty four cabins on two decks, cabins are one or two berths with or without shower; there are separate showers on both decks. A spacious day room with seats for fifty persons with a bar, or if you prefer a bright sun deck where you can relax and enjoy the air.

Charter price p.w.: €0,-