Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
Guided
The Hansa Highlights Tour will take you through the central region of the Netherlands, a region shaped over millennia by the numerous rivers and streams that crisscross the area. You will cycle through the Rhine valley and its very beautiful tributary the IJssel River, cross the so-called border lakes region of the Netherlands and will visit fascinating cities and villages such as Amsterdam, Arnhem, Deventer, Kampen, Harderwijk and Elburg, to name a few. Given the flat terrain along the 125 km IJssel valley, the tour is perfect for anyone who wants to leisurely cycle along the many winding trails in this diverse area. The natural beauty of the region is sure to impress as will the Hanseatic towns of the region that flourished during the …
The Hansa Highlights Tour will take you through the central region of the Netherlands, a region shaped over millennia by the numerous rivers and streams that crisscross the area.
You will cycle through the Rhine valley and its very beautiful tributary the IJssel River, cross the so-called border lakes region of the Netherlands and will visit fascinating cities and villages such as Amsterdam, Arnhem, Deventer, Kampen, Harderwijk and Elburg, to name a few. Given the flat terrain along the 125 km IJssel valley, the tour is perfect for anyone who wants to leisurely cycle along the many winding trails in this diverse area.
The natural beauty of the region is sure to impress as will the Hanseatic towns of the region that flourished during the Middle Ages when the IJssel was one of the most important trade routes in Europe. Another attraction is the so-called border lakes, between the “old” land with many beautiful harbor towns and the “new” land of the Flevoland, which was once the bottom of the sea, before the land was reclaimed in the 1950s and 1960s. In this area you will leisurely cycle through a number of picturesque fishing harbors where life seemingly moves at a much slower pace. For many Dutch, this probably not so well-known area is one of their favorite cycling areas.
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.
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 Ride with GPS app and our BBT cycling map (available on board).
Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is between 1 and 2 p.m. in Amsterdam. At approximately 2 p.m. the barge will leave Amsterdam to sail over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Wijk bij Duurstede on the Rhine where you will spend your first night.
Day 2 Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem
37km22 mi or 44km27 mi
While you enjoy breakfast, the barge will cruise to Wageningen. From there, you’ll set off by bike, cycling through the picturesque Rhine River valley to Oosterbeek, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Airborne Museum. From there, you continue the bike tour to today’s destination, the city center of Arnhem, the former Hanseatic city. Here you will have plenty of time to walk around, visit a museum, or go shopping. During the second world war Arnhem was the battle scene of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation in history. The operation ended in a failure because of the inability to capture a bridge over the Rhine River resulting in the destruction of the British 1st Airborne Division.
During breakfast the barge cruises to Doesburg, a small Hanseatic city. First, cycle or walk through this charming town before you start the actual bike tour. From Doesburg the cycling tour takes you first along the IJssel to Bronkhorst, which has the distinction of being recognised as the smallest town in Holland. Guests will have two choices today – a shorter tour along the riverbank to Zutphen; or a longer bicycle trip via Vorden passing country houses, castles and rural estates. During dinner the barge will sail to Deventer where you have the option of a short guided walking tour in the evening.
Day 4 Deventer – Wijhe | Wijhe – Kampen
40km24 mi or 56km34 mi
During breakfast the ship 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. In the evening, an optional guided walking tour takes you to some of the most interesting sights in this largest Hanseatic town in the Netherlands.
Day 5 Kampen – Elburg – Harderwijk
48km29 mi or 56km34 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. Dinner on board is not included this evening, so you can enjoy a wonderful meal at one of Harderwijks restaurants.
Day 6 Harderwijk – Bunschoten – Spakenburg
41km25 mi or 61km37 mi
Today guests have two cycling choices: a short pedal along the coast or a combination of the coast route and a longer alternative that also takes in adjacent woodlands. The night will be spent in Spakenburg, a village well-known for its traditional costumes.
Day 7 Spakenburg – Huizen | Huizen – Naarden – Muiden – Amsterdam
35km21 mi or 49km30 mi
During breakfast, you can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of the barge. From Huizen, you’ll cycle to the charming fortified towns of Naarden and Muiden, the latter famous for its historic castle. From Muiden, you’ll continue along quiet roads to your final destination: the world-renowned city of Amsterdam. You can spend the mid-afternoon and evening in Amsterdam. While there, take the opportunity to stroll through the city center, visit a highlight or perhaps enjoy a scenic canal cruise.
Day 8 Amsterdam
End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.
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.
A detailed cycling map and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.
The bicycles of Boat Bike Tours
Always the best rental bikes
The rental bikes on our ships are unisex bicycles with a low bar and a comfortable upright sitting position. These are stable and dependable bikes, good for miles in the saddle. Decide which kind of bike you want to rent and simply fill in your preference with your reservation. We’ll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tour’s price.
Every Boat Bike Tour rental bike is well equipped. The bikes consist of a lightweight aluminum frame and have highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds, an adjustable gel seat, normal flat pedals (no clips), an easy-to-use lock attached to the frame, and special puncture-resistant tires. All told, this is a light, stable and reliable bike, very suitable for touring long distances pleasantly.
Our e-bikes also have at least seven speeds and handbrakes. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame, and sport anti-puncture tires. Note that some of the ships have their own bikes on board. They may look a bit different, but qualitatively they are equal to Boat Bike Tours’s e-bikes.
Bicycle helmets The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safety’s sake they are suggested. If you wish to rent one, you can do so during the booking process. If you book a premium tour and rent a bike or e-bike, then the helmet and a “limit of liability for damage or loss” for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.
Other rental items Other items such as children’s bikes, tandems, family tandems (child & adult), tag-along, trailers to carry toddlers and child seats are available on request.
Taking your own bike or e-bike? The fee for parking your own bicycle is €10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is €25 to cover parking and charging the battery. For safety reasons it is not always possible to charge your e-bike batteries in your cabin. The crew will tell you where you can charge the battery on board the ship. Neither the crew nor Boat Bike tours is responsible in any way for any damage, loss or theft of a guest’s own bike or e-bike or its accessories. Note: not all the ships are suitable or have enough room for extra bikes, so make sure you check with us well ahead of travel.
Our bicycles have a lightweight aluminum frame and are furnished with highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds and a gel seat whose height can be adjusted. Attached to the frame is an easy-to-use lock and the wheels carry puncture-resistant tires.
E-bikes
Our e-bikes also have highly-responsive handbrakes and a minimum of seven speeds. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame and special anti-puncture tires.
Taking your own bicycle
It is possible to take your own bike or e-bike with you, as long as it doesn’t have mirrors or other elements that stick out. There’s only limited space available on board for guests’ bikes. You can reserve a place for your bike for a small fee. Boat Bike tours is not responsible for damage to your bike or for theft.
Prices & availability
Date
Departure
Ship
Friday
Jun 12, 2026
Friday
Jun 19, 2026
Amsterdam, Oosterdok
Guided
Lena Maria
Available
Prices from
€1,689.00 p.p.
Friday
Jun 19, 2026
Friday
Jun 26, 2026
Amsterdam, Oosterdok
Guided
Lena Maria
Available
Prices from
€1,689.00 p.p.
Saturday
Jul 18, 2026
Saturday
Jul 25, 2026
Amsterdam, Oosterdok
Guided
Flora
Available
Prices from
€1,429.00 p.p.
Friday
Jul 24, 2026
Friday
Jul 31, 2026
Amsterdam, Oosterdok
Guided
La Mar
Available
Prices from
€1,549.00 p.p.
Saturday
Sep 12, 2026
Saturday
Sep 19, 2026
Amsterdam, Oosterdok
Guided
Flora
Available
Prices from
€1,429.00 p.p.
Sep 25, 2026Oct 2, 2026
Fully booked
Practical information
Included in this tour
8 days/7 nights
7 x breakfast
Packed lunches
6 x 3-course dinner
Coffee and tea on board
Welcome drink
Use of bed linen and towels
Daily cleaning of the cabin
Climate-controlled cabin
Daily briefings by the tour leader
Fully guided cycling tours (Lena Maria: as from 18 guests, 2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
Some short walking tours
Fees for ferries
BBT cycling map (1 per cabin)
GPS tracks
Use of a waterproof pannier bag
Use of a helmet (not on Flora)
Biodegradable water bottle
Wi-Fi
Entrance airborne museum (not on Flora)
Visit Dutch cheese farm (not on Flora)
Guided walk Deventer (not on Flora)
The CO2 emissions from this trip will be offset through Trees for All and plastic recycler Orca.
Entrance fees and excursions (not mentioned under inclusions)
Transfers to/from the docking place
Parking fees
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person – will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
Helmets: A helmet can be rented for € 10 per week, only on prior reservation and payment.
Lena Maria/La Mar:
Rental bicycle: € 105 per week
Rental E-Bike: € 273 per week (only on request, limited number available)
Both ships:
Parking own bicycle: €14 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
Parking + charge station own E-Bike: €28 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
Parking in Amsterdam (valet parking): prices and pre-booking here.
Loyalty Discount
Explore our Loyalty Discount!
After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:
You get 3% on your second tour with us.
From the third tour onwards, you will receive a 5% discount.
Enjoy savings on any of our upcoming trips in 2026.
Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!
Discover more
The Netherlands is a paradise for cycling and sailing enthusiasts. Discover more tours in the Netherlands with routes through tulip fields, historic cities, and scenic countryside.
The crew on the Le Mar were fantastic. The captain was engaging and very present with hugs all around at the end of the week. Richard was always there with a smile. Joelle created amazing meals and did a superb job with my celiac diet. Mike and John the guides were enthusiastic and careful with their guiding. Madje was the mother of all and made everyone feel special. An amazing week with a great group of passengers as well.
Darrell Giraldeau
Oct 14th, 2025
5 / 5
Genuine Enjoyment
The crew on our barge and the guides were so kind, friendly and helpful. The comfort of the ship and the delicious and abundant food and drink. The relaxed but timely schedule& the beauty of the small towns and the Dutch countryside. Even though we bicycled long distances, there were plenty of coffee/ cafe stops to refresh. I highly recommend Boat Bike Tours for a thoughtfully guided active and relaxing vacation. Such a good value!
Sherry
Oct 14th, 2025
5 / 5
We found the boat very comfortable and&
We found the boat very comfortable and very accommodating, the food was outstanding. It was a fun, all the guest mingled so well together. The crew was outstanding. The bikes were great and the daily tours were fantastic. Would I do another tour with Boat/bike tours, Absolutely.
Reply from Boat Bike Tours
Thank you for your kind words. It s great to hear you enjoyed the comfort on board, the cycling, and the atmosphere with both crew and fellow guests. We look forward to welcoming you on another tour. Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours
A trip that we will long remember for all the right reasons!
The trip was a wonderful balance of countryside, towns and cities. We had a great time exploring the old historic cities and appreciated the stops along the way. Too many great things to mention really. Our guides were wonderful, and food and accommodations were top notch. I really can’t say enough good things about the staff each and everyone were friendly, skilled and knowledgeable. Our fellow travellers whom we met on the boat were also a highlight of the trip, each and every one of 20 or so passengers were a delight to spend time with and we had a great deal of fun together!
Reply from Boat Bike Tours
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful feedback. It’s great to hear that the mix of landscapes, cities, and company made the trip so memorable. We’re especially pleased to know the staff and guides contributed to a positive experience, and that the time shared with fellow travelers added to the enjoyment. We hope to welcome you on board again in the future. Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours
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