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Netherlands

Netherlands: Hansa Highlights

Immerse yourself in medieval times
Amsterdam Round tour.
From €689 p.p.

Highlights of this tour

This tour leads you through a region that’s one of the most beloved among Dutch cyclists. Come and explore it yourself, by bike and barge. Every day while cycling, you’ll get to know more of its numerous historical cities, beautiful river landscapes and diverse natural areas. Every evening, you’ll return to your floating hotel barge named the De Holland, docked in a picturesque harbor along the route. The De Holland has room for up to seventy guests. You’ll cycle at your own pace, while your well trained tour leader is […]

Cycling along the Rhine & IJssel

Hanseatic cities like Deventer & Kampen

Learn about the reclaimed polderlands

Ships with max. 71 passengers

Guidance
  • Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
  • Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
guidance Independent cycling
Difficulty
  • Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
  • Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
  • Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
  • Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 1 Difficulty level 1
Duration of the tour.
tijd2 Created with Sketch.
8 days

About this tour

This tour leads you through a region that’s one of the most beloved among Dutch cyclists. Come and explore it yourself, by bike and barge. Every day while cycling, you’ll get to know more of its numerous historical cities, beautiful river landscapes and diverse natural areas. Every evening, you’ll return to your floating hotel barge named the De Holland, docked in a picturesque harbor along the route. The De Holland has room for up to seventy guests. You’ll cycle at your own pace, while your well trained tour leader is only a phone call away for your questions, problems or emergencies.

The ship – Your sailing 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.

Cycle along an important trading route
The area you’ll be traversing was shaped over millennia by numerous rivers and streams. It thrived during the Middle Ages, when the rivers Rhine and IJssel were among the most important trade routes in Europe. Many of the cities along their banks were members of the Hanseatic League. This confederation protected the economic interests of its members in large parts of the Netherlands, Germany and Northern Europe. The affluence of those years is visible everywhere in abundant civil and religious architecture.

Through the natural beauty of the Rhine Valley
Your tour starts in the delightful city of Amsterdam. From there, you’ll sail and cycle to many larger and smaller Hanseatic towns like Arnhem, Deventer, Zutphen, Kampen, Harderwijk and Elburg. The natural beauty of the Rhine valley and its enchanting tributary, the IJssel, will duly impress you. Another attraction along the way are the so-called Bordering Lakes. These are situated between the “old” mainland with many beautiful harbor towns, and the “new” reclaimed land of the province of Flevoland, that was once the bottom of the sea.

The flat terrain in the 125 km long IJssel valley makes this a perfect tour for those who love to cycle leisurely along many winding trails in a diverse area.

You cycle independently 
During this trip there is an expert and experienced tour leader on board. He or she will discuss the next day’s cycling routes on a daily basis and provide you with tips and information about the route. You will cycle the tours independently and at your own pace using a detailed cycling map, GPS directions via the free Ride With GPS app and printed route descriptions (available on board). The tour leader will also cycle the routes, so they will be riding nearby and can be reached by phone in case of emergencies, problems or questions.

Prepare yourself for this tour with our Travel Prep-tips

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Day to day program

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.

Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede

Embarkation and check-in in Amsterdam. The crew welcomes you on board between 1 and 2 p.m. At approximately 2 p.m. the ship sails from Amsterdam on the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Wijk bij Duurstede, a town on the Rhine River. Here, you will spend your first night aboard the ship.

Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem (35 km/21 mi. or 44 km/28 mi.)

While you are enjoying breakfast, the ship sails to Wageningen. From this town, your first cycling tour of the week takes you through the lovely valley of the Lower Rhine river, and then on through the Veluwe, a large area of woods and heathlands. At the end of the day you pedal to Arnhem, via suburbs and past the lovely parks named Sonsbeek and Zijpendaal. Close to the center of this former Hanseatic city, the De Holland docks for the night. During World War II, Arnhem was the battle scene of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation in history. It ended in a failure, as the inability to capture a bridge over the Rhine River resulted in the destruction of the British 1st Airborne Division.

Day 3: Arnhem – Doesburg | Doesburg – Zutphen – Deventer (45 km/27 mi. or 55 km/35 mi.)

We leave Arnhem on the De Holland, and then today’s cycling tour starts in the small town of Doesburg. There are two cycling options to get you to Zutphen and Deventer. Both options first go to Bronkhorst, a seeming hamlet that’s proud to be the smallest town in Holland. From Bronkhorst, the shorter option takes you by ferry to the western bank of the IJssel river, whereas the longer option stays on the eastern bank. Both options lead you through the countryside to Zutphen. The tour ends in Deventer, a city known for its delicious spicy gingerbread. In the evening, your tour leader offers a short, guided walking tour of the city. Make sure to join!

Day 4: Deventer – Wijhe | Wijhe – Kampen (40 km/25 mi or 56 km/35 mi.)

During breakfast the De Holland will take you to Wijhe, where your bicycle ride begins. In the morning you will enjoy a nice bicycle ride to Hattem. You can choose a short option along the banks of the river or opt for a longer ride across the east Veluwe area. Hattem has a rich history, which is still clearly visible today. Leaving Hattem, it is only a short ride to the city of Zwolle, one of the most beautiful Hanseatic cities. From Zwolle you continue to Kampen. After dinner, you can enjoy the most interesting sights in this largest Hanseatic town in the Netherlands.

Day 5: Kampen – Elburg – Harderwijk (48 km/29 mi. or 56 km/33.6 mi.)

From Kampen, our cycling tour leads along the Border Lakes to the fishing harbor of Elburg. Here, swimming, boating, surfing and fishing are favorite summertime activities. From Elburg the cycling tour continues through the woods and moorlands of the Veluwe to lovely Harderwijk, where the night will be spent in its old fishing harbor. In the 1500s Harderwijk boasted the largest fish market in the Zuiderzee region. Today, it is still a lovely old city very much worth exploring.

Day 6: Harderwijk – Spakenburg – Huizen (45 km/28 mi. or 56 km/35 mi.)

Again, you have two routes to choose from. A shorter bike ride along the coast of the Border Lakes, or a combination of the coast route and a longer alternative that runs through adjacent woodlands. In the afternoon you will pass Spakenburg, a fishing village well-known for its traditional costumes that are worn to this day. Docking destination for today is Huizen.

Day 7: Huizen – Naarden – Muiden – Amsterdam (35 km/21 mi.)

Huizen is the starting point for a ride to the beautiful fortress towns of Naarden and Muiden. The latter is famous for its historic castle on the waterfront. From Muiden you will cycle along quiet roads to your final destination, the world famous city of Amsterdam. You have the afternoon and evening to spend in the Dutch capital any way you like. Seize the chance to do a canal tour, to visit Anne Frank’s home or any of a number of world renowned museums around the Museumplein. Or just enjoy looking at everyday life in this bustling city.

Day 8: Amsterdam

The last part of your tour is today, but we won’t let you leave with an empty stomach. So before disembarkation until 9.30 a.m., enjoy a nice breakfast first.

Good to know
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
  • Detailed cycling maps, route tips and a GPS app are available for guests. You cycle individually and at your own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.

Prices & availability

To view the availability of this tour and/or book online please click on the button below. A new screen will open.

Below you see an overview of the available (blue) dates; the yellow dot means that this date has 2 or less cabins available, orange is ‘on request’ and red means that on this date there aren’t any cabins available. Then click on the preferred date. After this, choose your ship (some tours have only one ship, and therefore there is no choice), the number of cabins in the required (and available) category, any desired additional products, and ‘local costs’ (such as special dietary needs, which you usually pay for onboard). On the right side, you’ll find the ‘Booking Summary.’ After completing your preferences and necessary information click ‘Book now’ to finalize your booking.

  • Available
  • 2 or less available
  • On request
  • Not available
Departure date -

Choose preferred ship

Please select your cabin(s)


Prices & information

Pricing overview - 2023
Cabin type For Season A Season B Season C Season D
Twin cabin lower deck 2 pers. € 689 € 839 € 949 € 1059 Twin lower deck for single use (max. 2) 1 pers. € 1033.50 € 1258.50 € 1423.50 € 1588.50 Twin cabin upper deck 2 pers. € 939 € 1089 € 1199 € 1359 Twin upper deck for single use (max. 1) 1 pers. € 1408.50 € 1633.50 € 1798.50 € 2038.50 Suite upper deck 2 pers. € 1189 € 1339 € 1449 € 1609
Included in this tour
  • 8 days/7 nights
  • 7 x breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • 7 x 3-course dinner
  • Coffee and tea on board till 4 p.m.
  • Welcome drink
  • Use of bed linen and towels
  • Daily cleaning of the cabin
  • Climate-controlled cabin
  • Daily briefings
  • Semi guided cycling tours (independent cycling, tour leader is available for questions and/or emergencies)
  • Some short walking tours
  • Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
  • GPS tracks
  • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
  • Biodegradable water bottle
  • Wi-Fi is available in restaurant – data use is not included
  • Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
Excluded in this tour
  • Coffee and tea on board after 4 p.m.
  • Drinks
  • Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
  • Helmet rental
  • Personal insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Entrance fees and excursions
  • Fees for ferries
  • Transfers to/from the docking place
  • Parking fees
  • SGR Insolvency protection
Bicycles/E-Bikes
  • The bicycles on board are unisex city bikes of the brand Velo de Ville C100, with lightweight frames and normal mount (ladies model), with easy-to-handle Shimano 7 gears, hand brakes, gel-saddle (height adjustable), a lock on the frame and pannier bag. All bikes have 28 inch wheels.  Some smaller frames are available on board for smaller persons. For large gentlemen (from 1.90m and above) we have a few traditional men’s models (with a horizontal bar) available.
  • The e-bike is a Velo de Ville CEB 200 with Nexus 7 gears, 4 support levels and hand breaks only (or a comparable brand/model). E-bikes available (on request, limited stock, pending availability).
  • Prices of other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”/tag-a-long, tandem bicycles etc. and child’s saddles (rear) are on request.
  • Bicycle rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles/e-bikes (limited number of parking places available). Guests can book a parking place for a normal bicycle or a parking and charge station for an e-bike for a small additional fee. For safety reasons it is no longer possible to charge the batteries of your own e-bikes in the cabin. The crew will inform you where on deck/ on board you can recharge your battery. However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of guests own bicycles or e-bikes.
Additional options & information - 2023

2023:

  • Rental bicycle: € 90 per week
  • Rental E-Bike: € 195 per week (only on request, limited number available)
  • Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle €10/week (only bookable in advance)
  • Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike €25/week (only bookable in advance)
  • Parking own bicycle: € 10 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
  • Parking + charge station own E-Bike: € 25 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
  • Please click on this link for more information about the rental and own bicycles/E-bikes
  • Helmets: A helmet can be rented for € 10 per week, only on prior reservation and payment.
  • Canal cruise Amsterdam: Ticket for a 1-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam – special price for our guests: € 15 (at the ticket desk approx.: € 18). Please book your ticket in advance and you can collect it on board of your ship on the first day of the tour.
  • Parking in Amsterdam (valet parking): prices and pre-booking on request.


Reviews

based on 44 reviews on
17 Oct 2022

Irena Fridland

We enjoyed very much! Everything was perfect! Will do it again for sure!

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 17 Oct 2022

Hi Irena, We are so glad you had such a good time on this trip, we also hope to see you again! Best, Romy

13 Oct 2022

Zoe A

We went on the Hansa Highlights tour and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The tour was well organized with options for shorter or longer rides. The staff is courteous and friendly and makes the boating experience enjoyable and informative. Food was delicious and plentiful. Would definitely recommend.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 14 Oct 2022

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this nice feedback. We hope to see you again soon.

29 Sep 2022

Peter Danner

It was a wonderful experience. The boat was in great shape. Our room was excellent. The crew was allways fun. Good food and drinks. The bikes: could use a tune up and air in the tires. The weather: one bad day out of six. Overall it was a great time and we’ll do it again.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 31 Oct 2022

Hi Peter, Thank you for your feedback, it is very valuable and helps us to improve. We are glad you had a great tour anyway! We hope to see you with us again soon. Best, Romy.

8 Sep 2022

Charles Stahl

This was my fifth barge/bike trip although just the first with this company. Consequently I can’t help but make comparisons.The boat was the nicest and most comfortable of the five trips, but the dinners were sad in comparison. Breakfast buffets were plentiful, but dinners were far inferior to the other boats. There was plenty of food, but sadly cooked. The staff with the notable exception of the guide was helpful and friendly. The guide couldn’t be bothered to get defective or poor fitting bikes in order until a veiled threat to call the main office got results. A couple of the daily maps had noticeable errors that didn’t seem to concern him. Lack of navigable water required a change in the itinerary, but what we did was interesting and scenic. No fault there with the company. I found the system for paying for drinks cumberson, bet perhaps I was just accustomed to running a room tab that was settled on the last night. Would I go again? Absolutely. These trips are just too much fun to be discouraged by less than really good food or a disinterested crew member.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 22 Sep 2022

Hi Charles, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with on board of the De Holland. We’re so sorry to hear your experience was less than 5-stars and did not meet your expectations. As a true seasoned Boat-Bike vanate, we really appreciate your opinion. In addition, you have a lot of experience with our product.. Please help us improve by providing us with more information. If you’re open to discussing your experience further, we can be reached at +31 20 72 35 400 / [email protected] Warm regards, Romy


Available ships for this tour

Cycling cruise ship De Holland Netherlands

Panoramic windows

TV in the cabins

Bar and lounge areas

Individually controlled air conditioning

max. 71 passengers
34 cabins
1 tours available with this ship

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Netherlands: Hansa Highlights

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