Independent cycling: No tour leader, the shipsβ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
Independent
Sail & Bike along the coast of the IJsselmeer. Once a salty sea, now the largest sweetwater lake in all of Holland! Discover this unique part of the Netherlands aboard a magnificent and comfortably furnished sailing ship, and while riding excellent cycle paths and tracks. Sailing experience is not necessary. Just a desire to give it a go. Up until 1932, the IJsselmeer was an inland sea called the Zuiderzee. Since the Middle Ages, the area played a major role in the economic development of the Netherlands, but was also often severely flooded. A 32 kilometer long dike, finished in 1932, put an end to the flooding and turned the salty sea into a sweetwater lake. Along its banks many picturesque, historical harbour and trading β¦
Sail & Bike along the coast of the IJsselmeer. Once a salty sea, now the largest sweetwater lake in all of Holland! Discover this unique part of the Netherlands aboard a magnificent and comfortably furnished sailing ship, and while riding excellent cycle paths and tracks. Sailing experience is not necessary. Just a desire to give it a go.
Up until 1932, the IJsselmeer was an inland sea called the Zuiderzee. Since the Middle Ages, the area played a major role in the economic development of the Netherlands, but was also often severely flooded. A 32 kilometer long dike, finished in 1932, put an end to the flooding and turned the salty sea into a sweetwater lake. Along its banks many picturesque, historical harbour and trading towns, centuries-old polders (fields of reclaimed land below sea level) and beautiful inland villages are still witness to a rich seafaring past. The IJsselmeerβs now sweet water is home to a huge diversity of birds, plants and fish.
You will visit many of those historical towns and polders on both the western and eastern banks of the IJsselmeer. The tour also leads you through various Dutch national parks and gets you as far as the province of Overijssel. On the final day the ship sails back to Amsterdam, while you can relax on board. We do stop for a last short bike ride though: through the Oostvaardersplassenβa nature reserve known for its rewilding, meaning that the area is left alone to create its own natural balance of animal and plant life.
The ship β 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. Youβll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. Itβs 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.
Perfect for more experienced cyclists
With a detailed map of the area and a suggested route for close-range explorations, you decide where you head and how fast you ride. During the evening prior to next dayβs cycling tour, the shipβs crew will explain some difficult parts, offer tips about the nicest places to stop for a drink or lunch, and mention the best highlights. In case of emergencies or problems, the crew can be contacted. But β as the ship is sailing to the next port β they can only offer assistance by phone.
Your week of sailing and cycling starts in Amsterdam. The crew welcomes you on board around 2 p.m. Once all guests have checked in, the ship sails under motor to Monnickendam or Volendam. From the port of one of these former fishing villages, you can take a nice stroll through the historic center after dinner.
Day 2 Monnickendam / Volendam | Volendam β Hoorn
35km21 mi or 48km29 mi
A very Dutch start of the day: you cycle to a nearby, family-run cheese and clog shop for a short demonstration of cheese and clog making, and of course a cheese tasting. Continue pedaling along the dikes to Purmerend, in the heart of a polder named De Beemster, 11Β½ feet (3.5 meters) below sea level. It was created more than 400 years ago, when the Dutch transformed an inland lake into pasture land. Divided into a tight geometric pattern of squares and quadrants, it is recognized by UNESCO as βa creative masterpieceβ.
Your next destination is Edam, a lovely town whose lanes and canals deserve a stroll. Edam is known worldwide for its cheese covered in red or yellow wax. This practical solution keeps the cheese fresh for a long time, so 17th century sailors could take it on their voyages or trade it for spices and other riches of the East. Via the main dike of the IJsselmeer you arrive at the promenade of Volendam, where the ship is docked. Later in the afternoon, the ship sails to Hoorn.
Day 3 Hoorn β Enkhuizen | Enkhuizen β Urk
26km16 mi or 44km27 mi
Through small rural hamlets and villages, todayβs ride brings you to Enkhuizen. Pass by windmill De Krijgsman (The Warrior), the highest windmill in the province of North-Holland and one of a handful of old Dutch windmills still in use to produce flour commercially. The area is also known for its many greenhouses, where vegetables are grown. In the 17th century, Enkhuizen was one of the wealthiest cities in Holland, thanks to its harbour that shipped then-costly spices from Asia. Be astonished by the stately mansions, canals, churches and city walls that to this day reflect the cityβs rich history and wealth.
In the afternoon, weather permitting, we sail across the IJsselmeer to the port of Urk. On board, you can help the captain sail the ship if you wish. Or you can simply sit back on deck and enjoy the invigorating journey, while keeping watch for marine bird life. In the evening you may stroll through the narrow streets and alleys of Urk. The houses in this picturesque fishing village were built close to one another on elevated grounds to protect them against the water, and that is still visible today.
Day 4 Urk β Vollenhove
30km18 mi or 44km27 mi
After breakfast the ship will bring you to the βnew landβ. From Schokkerhaven your bicycle tour through the polder begins. Cycle on a tarmacked cycle path to the former island of Schokland. Since the reclamation of the Northeast polder (Noordoostpolder) in 1942, Schokland β just as Urk β is no longer an island. Since 1995, it belongs to the cultural heritage of UNESCO. Continue your bike ride through the polder to Vollenhove, another charming, former fishing village.
Day 5 Vollenhove β Giethoorn
40km24 mi or 52km32 mi
From Vollenhove, cycle paths through open countryside lead you to the small town of Blokzijl. This is where you enter the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, the largest freshwater wetland in northwestern Europe and a peaceful oasis for plants, animals and humans.
A bicycle path through the center of the park takes you far away from roads, immersing you in the tranquility of this region. Keep your eyes peeled for a fleeting kingfisher orβif youβre really luckyβan otter, the symbol of the park. You pass through Kalenberg, a village that till the fifties of the last century could be reached by boat only.
A twisting route through an agricultural landscape of narrow strip fields surrounded by dikes takes you to the lovely town of Giethoorn, known as βsmall Venice of the Northβ.
Day 6 Giethoorn β Lelystad
Today you can enjoy a full day of sailing and relaxing on board. Again, you can help the captain sail the ship if you wish. Or you can simply sit back on deck and relax. The captain sails the ship out of the narrow channels toward open water. Early afternoon the Elizabeth will arrive in Lelystad, capital of the province of Flevoland that was entirely reclaimed from the sea. After docking, the ship serves a real captainβs dinner.
Day 7 Lelystad β Blocq van Kuffeler | Blocq van Kuffeler β Amsterdam
20km12 mi or 29km18 mi
In the morning you can visit the Batavia Werf, an extraordinary shipyard, where ships with an important maritime history are taken from oblivion and returned to their former glory. Or go shopping at Batavia Stad, an outlet center with all the famous brands.
After these optional visits you depart for your last half day of cycling. Youβll ride through the Oostvaardersplassenβa nature reserve on new land, left to find its own balance like nature did in old times on old land. Sections of the ride wind through forested areas, while others give you panoramic views of expansive reed beds and marshes. This is a birdwatchersβ paradise.
The ship picks you up in the small harbor of Oostvaardersdiep for the return voyage to Amsterdam. Celebrate this marvelous week around the IJsselmeer while having a farewell dinner aboard the ship.
Day 8 Amsterdam
Your tour ends today with a nice breakfast. Disembarkation afterwards 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, youβre 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 individually cycling.
Important observations for the Sail & Bike program: A little bit of adventure is a part of every Sail & Bike tour: the departure and arrival day and the location β Amsterdam β are a certainty, 100%. For the rest, the planned daily sailing routes are partially dependent on the strength and direction of the winds. The skipper decides the best route to be taken day by day, and discusses the options with his guests. The crew does everything in its power to enable the program to run according to plan and to offer you as fascinating, varied and active a week as possible, in which nature and culture play a major part. It is, however, also possible that departure times and the time spent on the water β and even the order of the program itself β may be adjusted. Enjoy the ride and let yourself be led by the elements! Whenever possible, various passages will be undertaken fully rigged and anyone who would like to help the crew to sail and steer the boat is welcome to do so. This is of course absolutely up to you and no sailing experience is necessary.
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. Weβll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tourβs 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 Toursβs e-bikes.
Bicycle helmets The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safetyβs 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 βlimit of liability for damage or lossβ for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.
Other rental items Other items such as childrenβs 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 β¬10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is β¬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 guestβs 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 doesnβt have mirrors or other elements that stick out. Thereβs only limited space available on board for guestsβ 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
Saturday
Jun 13, 2026
Saturday
Jun 20, 2026
Amsterdam, Pontsteiger
Independent
Elizabeth
Available
Prices from
β¬1,439.00 p.p.
Saturday
Jun 20, 2026
Saturday
Jun 27, 2026
Amsterdam, Pontsteiger
Independent
Elizabeth
Available
Prices from
β¬1,439.00 p.p.
Saturday
Jun 27, 2026
Saturday
Jul 4, 2026
Amsterdam, Pontsteiger
Independent
Elizabeth
Available
Prices from
β¬1,339.00 p.p.
Jul 4, 2026Jul 11, 2026
Fully booked
Saturday
Jul 11, 2026
Saturday
Jul 18, 2026
Amsterdam, Pontsteiger
Independent
Elizabeth
Available
Prices from
β¬1,439.00 p.p.
Saturday
Jul 18, 2026
Saturday
Jul 25, 2026
Amsterdam, Pontsteiger
Independent
Elizabeth
Available
Prices from
β¬1,339.00 p.p.
Saturday
Aug 1, 2026
Saturday
Aug 8, 2026
Amsterdam, Pontsteiger
Independent
Elizabeth
Available
Prices from
β¬1,339.00 p.p.
Saturday
Aug 8, 2026
Saturday
Aug 15, 2026
Amsterdam, Pontsteiger
Independent
Elizabeth
Available
Prices from
β¬1,439.00 p.p.
Saturday
Aug 15, 2026
Saturday
Aug 22, 2026
Amsterdam, Pontsteiger
Independent
Elizabeth
Available
Prices from
β¬1,439.00 p.p.
Saturday
Aug 22, 2026
Saturday
Aug 29, 2026
Amsterdam, Pontsteiger
Independent
Elizabeth
Available
Prices from
β¬1,439.00 p.p.
Saturday
Aug 29, 2026
Saturday
Sep 5, 2026
Amsterdam, Pontsteiger
Independent
Elizabeth
Available
Prices from
β¬1,339.00 p.p.
Saturday
Sep 5, 2026
Saturday
Sep 12, 2026
Amsterdam, Pontsteiger
Independent
Elizabeth
Available
Prices from
β¬1,339.00 p.p.
Saturday
Sep 12, 2026
Saturday
Sep 19, 2026
Amsterdam, Pontsteiger
Independent
Elizabeth
Available
Prices from
β¬1,439.00 p.p.
Saturday
Sep 19, 2026
Saturday
Sep 26, 2026
Amsterdam, Pontsteiger
Independent
Elizabeth
Available
Prices from
β¬1,289.00 p.p.
Practical information
Included in this tour
8 days/7 nights
7 x breakfast
Packed lunches
7 x 3-course dinner
Coffee and tea on board
Welcome drink
Use of bed linen and towels
Cleaning of the cabin once a week
Daily briefings by the crew
Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
GPS tracks
Use of a waterproof pannier bag
Biodegradable water bottle
Wi-Fi
The CO2 emissions from this trip will be offset through Trees for All and plastic recycler Orca.
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: β¬ 5 per person β will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
Parking own bicycle: β¬ 14 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
Parking own E-Bike: β¬ 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, youβll 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.
We sailed aboard the Elizabeth with a group of 16 Canadian friends, and quickly made friends with the remaining 4 German passengers. The accommodations were clean and comfortable. It was a unique and fun experience to assist the crew with the sails. The crew were fantastic! Max, the Chef kept us well fed, and shared his knowledge about the ship, and sailing, as well as his knowledge of the areas we visited. Susanna was a warm, attentive and friendly hostess, who made us feel well cared for. Ryan was more shy, but demonstrated for us some of the skills he is learning in his role. Alwyn was an engaging and colorful Schipper who demonstrated his experience in sailing, knowledge of the country, and& dancing! The weather was somewhat disappointing (rain), but didn t dampen the overall experience, which we will remember fondly for a long time!
Janet Geertsema
Oct 1st, 2025
5 / 5
The sailing experience and crews effort
The sailing experience and crews efforts to make difficult biking days as good as possible with alternative options
Charles Klaas Zylstra
Sep 25th, 2025
4 / 5
The crew of the Elisabeth were amazing
The crew of the Elisabeth were amazing. They made sure to include my 12year old granddaughter as much as possible. Food was amazing and plentiful.
Reply from Boat Bike Tours
Thank you for your kind review! We re so happy to hear that the crew of the Elisabeth made your trip special, especially by including your granddaughter what a wonderful way to create lasting memories. It s also great to know you enjoyed the food. We d love to welcome you both back for another journey soon! Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours
Rundum zufrieden, aufgestelltes, freundliches Team, sehr feines Essen, wie im 5 Sterne Hotel, sauber, gut organisiert, kommen gerne wieder
Reply from Boat Bike Tours
Vielen Dank fΓΌr Ihr tolles Feedback! Es freut uns sehr, dass Sie rundum zufrieden waren und das Team, das Essen sowie die Sauberkeit und Organisation so genossen haben. Wir freuen uns, Sie gerne wieder an Bord begrΓΌΓen zu dΓΌrfen. Mit freundlichen GrΓΌΓen Boat Bike Tours
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