Authentic Holland
Netherlands Bike + Barge Tours
Cycle Central and Northern Holland!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€799 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This wonderful bike and boat tour showcases the authentic Holland as you travel through the central and Hanseatic region of the Netherlands. It cuts through the Rhine valley and its very beautiful tributary the IJssel, and across the "border lakes", which 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.
This region thrived during the Middle Ages when rivers were the most important trade routes in Europe. The affluence of those years is visible everywhere in abundant civil and religious architecture.
The east-central mainland province, Gelderland is the least populated and the largest of the Dutch regions and is a lovely green area with several large national parks and excellent cycling.
Highlights
- Amsterdam
- The nature reserves of Achterhoek, Veluwe, and Gooi
- Large and small Hanseatic cities and towns such as Deventer and Kampen
- Natural beauty of the Rhine and Ijssel Valley
- Border Lake region of reclaimed land
- Flat, easy cycling
Want to see more bike and barge tours in the Netherlands?
Itinerary
Each boat has a slightly different itinerary and also vary in what is included and not included. All distances are approximate. The planned itinerary is subject to change, even on very short notice, due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, lock repairs, etc.
Zwaan, Sailing Home, Anna Antal, or Wending
Day 1: Embarkation in Amsterdam
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede - Wageningen | Rhenen – Arnhem, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Arnhem - Doesburg | Doesburg – Vorden – Zutphen. During dinner sailing from Zutphen to Deventer, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Deventer – Hattem – Zwolle. Zwolle to Kampen, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 5: Kampen - Elburg - Elspeet - Harderwijk, 27 mi. (45 km)
Day 6: Harderwijk – Bunschoten – Spakenburg, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Spakenburg - Huizen; Huizen – Naarden – Muiden – Amsterdam
Day 8: DepartureParts in italic undertaken on board.
Day 1: Embarkation in Amsterdam
Embarkation and check-in between 1 and 2 pm. Please be on time as the barge will leave Amsterdam at 2:15 pm to sail over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Wijk bij Duurstede on the Rhine. If you arrive a bit early, you can leave your luggage on board beginning at noon. The mooring place of the barge in Amsterdam is Oosterdok (near the Science Center: ‘Nemo’, Oosterdok 2)Day 2: Wijk bij Duursteed - Wageningen | Rhenen - Arnhem, 19 mi. (30 km)
While you are enjoying breakfast, the barge will sail to Wageningen where, following the distribution of bicycles, you are finally off and cycling through the picturesque river valley of the Rhine. In Oosterbeek, you can visit the Airborne Museum. You ride through suburbs through lovely parks such as Sonsbeek and Zijpendaal to Arnhem, where you spend the night close to the center
Arnhem is the capital of the province of Gelderland. In September of 1944, the center of the town was heavily damaged by the efforts of the Allies to conquer the bridge over the Rhine(Operation “Market Garden”). The plan failed. (The battle of Arnhem has been filmed in "A bridge too far"). Following the war, the city center was reconstructed to reflect its past patterns and design as closely as possible. Arnhem is generally known as the “Park City of the Netherlands” in large part due to its centuries-old city parks, which extend well into the town. Sonsbeek Park is the most important park of the city. It is located against the city’s dam walls and offers a multitude of breathtaking views with far-reaching vistas of the Rhine river on the one hand and hidden, intimate corners on the other. It contains waterfalls, a deer camp, a belvedere, and the watermill, “Arnhem”Day 3: Arnhem - Doesburg – Vorden – Zutphen. Zutphen to Deventer, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today’s cycle tour takes you along the Hanseatic Town Route to the small village of Doesburg and along the IJssel to Bronkhorst, which has the distinction of being recognized 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 ship sails to Deventer. This city is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. It is therefore not surprising that the oldest stone house can be found in ‘Deventer (in the Sandrasteeg). Deventer is a prominent ‘Hanseatic Town'. In the Middle Ages, merchants from all over Europe came here to participate in the annual fairs.Day 4: Deventer – Hattem – Zwolle | Zwolle to Kampen, 30 mi. (48 km)
This morning you will enjoy a short bicycle ride along the IJssel riverbank before boarding a ferry at Wijhe to cross the river to Hattem. The 800-year-old town of Hattem has a rich history that is still clearly visible today. Guests have the opportunity if they want, to stretch their legs with a longer bicycle trip through east Veluwe. During dinner, the ship will sail to Kampen where you have the opportunity to go on an optional guided walking tour in the largest Hanseatic town in the Netherlands has been declared a protected townscape. Kampen retained three of its original city gates from the Middle Ages: the Broederpoort, Cellebroederspoort and the Koornmarktpoort.Day 5: Kampen - Elburg - Elspeet - Harderwijk, cycle around Harderwijk, 27 mi. (45 km)
In the morning the barge will sail to the IJssel estuary and across the so-called border lakes of the IJssel to the fishing harbor of Harderwijk. In the 1500s Harderwijk boasted the largest fish market in the Zuiderzee region and is still a fascinating old city to explore. From Harderwijk you will cycle along Veluwe lake where swimming, boating, surfing, and fishing are favorite summertime activities. The longest cycle trip on the tour also takes in the woods and moorland at Elspeet. The night will be spent in Harderwijk’s lovely old fishing harbor.Day 6: Harderwijk – Bunschoten – Spakenburg, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today guests have two cycling choices: a short pedal along the coast (30 km)/19 miles) 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, 36 mi. (57 km)
Once again guests have a choice this morning. After breakfast you can cycle to Huizen or, if you prefer to take things easier (45 km/ 28 miles), you can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of the barge. From Huizen you will cycle to the beautiful fortress towns of Naarden and Muiden, famous for its historic castle. From Muiden you will cycle along quiet roads to your final destination, the world-famous city of Amsterdam. The afternoon and evening are spent in Amsterdam. While you are there take the opportunity to visit Anne Frank’s home, the Rembrandt House Museum, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Dam Square, the very center and heart of the city or maybe you could go on a canal tour (not included).Day 8: Departure
End of tour.A knowledgeable and multilingual tour leader is available onboard. He/she will provide you with all the necessary tour information during daily briefings. You will cycle the tours independently, at your own pace, with the help of a detailed cycling map, GPS-tracks (to be downloaded before your arrival) and printed route notes (available onboard). The tour leader will also be cycling the daily tours and can – for assistance – be reached on his/her mobile phone in cases of emergency or technical breakdown of the bicycle. During days when several bicycle options are possible, not all mentioned highlights can be visited during the shorter cycling options.
Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem, 21 or 28 mi. (35 or 44 km)
Day 3: Arnhem – Doesburg | Doesburg – Zutphen - Deventer, 27 or 35 mi. (44 or 56 km)
Day 4: Deventer – Wijhe | Wijhe - Kampen, 25 or 35 mi. (40 or 56 km)
Day 5: Kampen – Elburg – Harderwijk, 29 mi. (48 km)
Day 6: Harderwijk – Spakenburg – Huizen, 28 or 35 mi. (45 or 56 km)
Day 7: Huizen – Naarden – Muiden – Amsterdam, 21 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: AmsterdamDay 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede:
Embarkation and check-in in Amsterdam. The crew welcomes you on board between 1 and 2 p.m. It is possible to leave your luggage on board at 11 am but the cabins will not be ready for check-in. At approximately 2 p.m. De Nassau 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, 21 or 28 mi. (35 or 44 km)
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 Nassau 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, 27 or 35 mi. (44 or 56 km)
You depart Arnhem on the Nassau, 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. The shorter option goes along the Ijssel River to Bronkhorst, a seeming hamlet that's proud to be the smallest town in Holland. From Bronkhorst, you continue to Zutphen along the riverbank. The longer trip goes via Vorden, where you will be passing country houses, castles, and rural estates. Both options end in Deventer, a city known for itsdelicious 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, 25 or 25 mi. (40 or 56 km)
During breakfast, the De Nassau 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 long 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, 29 mi. (48 km)
From Kampen, your 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, 28 0r 35 mi. (45 or 56 km)
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, 21 mi. (35 km)
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
Disembarkation in Amsterdam will take place after breakfast till 09:30 a.m. Please check your cabin for personal items. Before you leave, do not forget to hand over your cabin key to the crew. If you wish you can leave your luggage on board until noon. (please ask the crew).August 1, 2020:
Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem, 21 or 28 mi. (35 or 44 km)
Day 3: Arnhem – Doesburg | Doesburg – Zutphen - Deventer, 27 or 35 mi. (44 or 56 km)
Day 4: Deventer – Wijhe | Wijhe - Kampen, 25 or 35 mi. (40 or 56 km)
Day 5: Kampen – Elburg – Harderwijk, 29 mi. (48 km)
Day 6: Harderwijk – Spakenburg – Huizen, 28 or 35 mi. (45 or 56 km)
Day 7: Huizen – Naarden – Muiden – Amsterdam, 21 mi. (35 km) | Amsterdam - Utrecht by dinner cruise
Day 8: Utrecht
Disembarkation by 9:30August 8, 2020:
Day 1: Utrecht | Utrecht– Wijk bij Duurstede. Ship sails from Utrecht at 3 pm to Wijk Bij Duurstede.
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem, 21 or 28 mi. (35 or 44 km)
Day 3: Arnhem – Doesburg | Doesburg – Zutphen - Deventer, 27 or 35 mi. (44 or 56 km)
Day 4: Deventer – Wijhe | Wijhe - Kampen, 25 or 35 mi. (40 or 56 km)
Day 5: Kampen – Elburg – Harderwijk, 29 mi. (48 km)
Day 6: Harderwijk – Spakenburg – Huizen, 28 or 35 mi. (45 or 56 km)
Day 7: Huizen | Huezen - Amsterdam - Utrecht, 16 mi. (25 km)
Huizen is the starting and ending point for a morning ride. Around noon: return to the ship and lunch on board. De Nassau will sail to Amsterdam to allow you to see it will slowly pass the full SAIL-area with hundreds of large sailing vessels and so-called “tall ships” from all over the world. This is a unique opportunity to see this large event “from the front row”. After this visit the ship will cruise to Utrecht.
Day 8: Utrecht
Disembarkation by 9:30 amAugust 15, 2020:
Day 1: Utrecht | Utrecht– Wijk bij Duurstede. Ship sails from Utrecht at 3 pm to Wijk Bij Duurstede.
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem, 21 or 28 mi. (35 or 44 km)
Day 3: Arnhem – Doesburg | Doesburg – Zutphen - Deventer, 27 or 35 mi. (44 or 56 km)
Day 4: Deventer – Wijhe | Wijhe - Kampen, 25 or 35 mi. (40 or 56 km)
Day 5: Kampen – Elburg – Harderwijk, 29 mi. (48 km)
Day 6: Harderwijk – Spakenburg – Huizen, 28 or 35 mi. (45 or 56 km)
Day 7: Huizen – Naarden – Muiden – Amsterdam, 21 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: Amsterdam
Disembarkation by 9:30 amParts in italics undertaken on board.
Princesse Royal & Magnifique II
Day 1: Amsterdam, 8 mi. (13 km)
Day 2: Amsterdam - Breukelen | Breukelen - Wijk bij Duurstede, 23 or 28 mi. (36 or 46 km)
Day 3: Wijk bij Duurstede - Wageningen | Wageningen - Arnhem, 21 or 28 mi. (35 or 44 km)
Day 4: Arnhem - Doesburg | Doesburg - Zutphen - Deventer, 27 or 35 mi. (45 or 55 km)
Day 5: Deventer - Wijhe | Wijhe - Kampen, 25 or 35 mi. (40 or 56 km)
Day 6: Kampen - Elburg - Harderwijk, 29 mi. (48 km)
Day 7: Harderwijk - Huizen | Huizen - Naarden - Muiden - Amsterdam, 21 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: AmsterdamParts in italics undertaken on board.
Day 1: Amsterdam, 8 mi. (13 km)
Embarkation at 2 pm in the center of Amsterdam. After unpacking your luggage, and settling in to your cabin, an introduction to the tour will take place at 3 p.m. After that your rental bicycles will be distributed and your tour leader will invite you to take a short test-ride. Upon your return, your first dinner on board will be served. After dinner, your tour leader will take you on an evening walk.Day 2: Amsterdam - Breukelen | Breukelen - Wijk bij Duurstede, 23 or 28 mi. (36 or 46 km)
You will start your first day of cycling by pedaling out of Amsterdam to the historical town of Muiden with its 14th-century waterfront castle. The route leads along the Vecht River in an area famous for its beautiful mansions, small castles, impressive houses, and their large gardens. Close to Vreeland, you can visit a traditional cheese farm. After cycling through the charming villages of Loenen and Nieuwersluis you will arrive at Breukelen where the boat awaits. Around 4 pm the ship departs for Wijk bij Duurstede and you can enjoy dinner while cruising. Spend the evening and night in Wijk bij Duurstede, a small town on the Rhine River.Day 3: Wijk bij Duurstede - Wageningen | Wageningen - Arnhem, 21 or 28 mi. (35 or 44 km)
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 Nassau 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 4: Arnhem - Doesburg | Doesburg - Zutphen - Deventer, 27 or 35 mi. (45 or 55 km)
You depart Arnhem on the Princesse Royal, and then begin your cycling itinerary in the small town of Doesburg. There are two cycling options to Zutphen and Deventer. The shorter option goes along the river IJssel to Bronkhorst, a hamlet that’s proud to be the smallest town in Holland. From Bronkhorst, you continue to Zutphen along the riverbank. The longer trip goes via Vorden, where you’ll be passing country houses, castles, and rural estates. Both options end in Deventer, a city known for its delicious spicy gingerbread. In the evening, a guided walk with a local guide is on the program. Make sure to join!Day 5: Deventer - Wijhe | Wijhe - Kampen, 25 or 35 mi. (40 or 56 km)
During breakfast, the hip will take navigate 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 long 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 6: Kampen - Elburg - Harderwijk, 29 mi. (48 km)
In the morning the barge will sail to the IJssel estuary and across the so-called border lakes. Today’s cycling tour starts at a lock, Roggebotsluis. From the lock you cycle along the border lakes to the fishing harbor of Elburg, where swimming, boating, surfing, and fishing are favorite summertime activities. From Elburg the cycling tour leads to lovely Harderwijk through the woods and moorland at Elspeet. The night will be spent in Harderwijk’s old fishing harbor. In the 1500s Harderwijk boasted the largest fish market in the Zuiderzee region and it is still a fascinating old city to explore. Dinner on board is not included this evening, so you can enjoy a wonderful meal at one of Harderwijks restaurants.Day 7: Harderwijk - Huizen | Huizen - Naarden - Muiden - Amsterdam, 21 mi. (35 km)
During breakfast, you can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of the barge. From Huizen you will cycle to the beautiful fortress towns of Naarden and Muiden, famous for its historic castle. From Muiden you will cycle along quiet roads to your final destination, the world-famous city of Amsterdam. The afternoon and evening are spent in Amsterdam. While you are there take the opportunity to visit Anne Frank’s home, the Rembrandt House Museum, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Dam Square, the very center and heart of the city or maybe you could go on a canal tourDay 8: Amsterdam
Breakfast, end of tour, disembarkation by 9:30 am.Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem, 21 or 28 mi. (35 or 44 km)
Day 3: Arnhem – Doesburg | Doesburg – Zutphen | Zutphen - Deventer, 16 or 26 mi. (26 or 42 km)
Day 4: Deventer – Hattam | Hattem - Kampen, 23 or 29 mi. (36 or 48 km)
Day 5: Kampen – Roggebotsluis | Roggebotsluis- Elburg – Harderwijk, 29 mi. (48 km)
Day 6: Harderwijk – Bunschoten - Spakenburg, 21 or 36 mi. (35 or 59 km)
Day 7: Spakenburg - Huizen |Huizen - Naarden – Muiden – Amsterdam, 21 or 30 mi. (35 or 49 km)
Day 8: AmsterdamDuring days when several bicycle options are possible, not all mentioned highlights can be visited during the shorter cycling options.
Looking for more? View all of our featured bike and boat tours or our full list of bicycle tours.
Boats
There are several boats of different categories that do this tour, each with its own unique itinerary. Be sure to check out the boat page, what is included, and not included and pricing specific to your tour date.
- De Nassau
Deluxe Class Barge
De Nassau was remodeled in 2018. This is a medium size comfort plus vessel. Many of the cabins and the salon/restaurant have been completely refitted in a spacious and more luxurious atmosphere. The De Nassau has two deck levels. The barge boasts a large salon with large panoramic windows on the upper deck that includes the restaurant, bar, and a lounge area. Wi-Fi is available. On the partially roofed sun deck, chairs and sun loungers invite you to relax and enjoy the scenery while sailing.
- Zwaan
Comfort Class Barge
Once a cargo boat, the Zwaan (Swan) was completely renovated and converted into a comfortable passenger barge. On board you will find seven comfortable cabins allowing a total capacity of 16 passengers.
- Gandalf
Standard Class Barge
The classic MS Gandalf is a comfort class passenger ship that can accommodate 20 guests. Almost everything on this barge is on one level, including the comfortable salon which has scenic panoramic windows.
- Wending
Standard Class Barge
The Wending is a former freight barge that was converted into a passenger motor barge in the early nineties and faithfully maintained since. The barge has a spacious salon equipped with a television and music installation. It is a great place to relax after a fulfilling day of cycling.
- Sailing Home
Premium Class Boat
Built in 2001, the Sailing Home was designed specifically to provide a more attractive hotel ship during your carefree vacation. It was built to meet the latest wishes and ideas with respect to comfort and service. The experience of a lifetime: cycling through the most beautiful spots within the Netherlands while residing on a very comfortable, newly built and well-furnished ship.
- Magnifique (Princesse Royal)
Deluxe Class Boat
This beautiful vessel features a beautiful salon with a spacious bar, a sun deck equipped with comfortable chairs, and a small whirlpool to relax in at the end of a long day of cycling. Delicious meals are served daily in the restaurant area.
- De Holland
Deluxe Class Boat
The former Angela Esmee, renamed now to De Holland, and was completely renovated in winter 2017/2018. The De Holland has 34 well equipped staterooms for a maximum of 71 passengers.
Inclusions
What’s Included
Princesse Royal
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Climate-controlled cabin
- 7 breakfasts, packed lunches, & 6 three-course dinners
- Coffee and tea on board
- Welcome drink
- Daily cleaning of the cabin
- Daily tour briefings
- Fully-guided bike tours (Second cycling guide will be added for more than 22 guests)
- Some short walking tours
- Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
- 7-speed unisex city touring bike rental (Batavus Dinsdag) with handbrakes, water bottle, repair kit with pump, pannier bag, & helmet
- GPS tracks
- Fees for ferries
- Entrance Airborne Museum
- Visit to aDutch cheese Fram
- Guided walk Deventer
- Wi-Fi
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Climate-controlled cabin
- 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches, & 7 three-course dinners
- Coffee & tea onboard till 4 p.m.
- Welcome drink
- Daily cleaning of the cabin
- Daily tour briefings
- Semi-guided bike tours (independent cycling, tour leader is available for questions &/or emergencies)
- Some short walking tours
- Maps & notes for bike tours (1 set per cabin)
- 7-speed unisex hybrid city touring bike rental (Velo de Ville C100 or Gazelle-Chamonix) with handbrakes, repair kit with pump, & pannier bag
- GPS tracks
- Wi-Fi
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches, & 7 three-course dinners
- Coffee & tea on board
- Fully guided bike tours
- 24-speed city touring bicycle (Batavus Boulevard), including helmet, pannier bags, lock, repair kit, & water bottle
- Free limited WiFi (in the lounge and on deck)
- Roadbook, one per cabin
- Ferry fares
- GPS tracks on request
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches, & 7 three-course dinners
- Coffee & tea
- Welcome drink
- Weekly cabin cleaning
- Daily tour briefings
- Fully guided bike tours
- Some short city walks
- 7-speed unisex city touring bike (Gazelle Chamonix or Velo de Ville C100) with handbrakes, gel saddles, frame lock, & pannier
- Route notes & maps (one set per cabin)
- Fees for ferries
- GPS tracks
De Nassau & De Holland
Zwaan, Sailing Home, Anna Antal, & Wending
Gandalf, Lena Maria, & Sarah
What’s Not Included
Princesse Royal
- 1 dinner
- Drinks other than those mentioned as included
- Entrance fees & excursions not mentioned as included
- Gratuities
- Bike protection
- Travel insurance
- Coffee and tea on board after 4 p.m.
- Drinks
- Helmet rental (available with supplement. See pricing.)
- Electric bike (available with supplement. 7 speed Velo de Ville CEB 200 with crank Bosch motor, with 4 support levels. See pricing.)
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
- Entrance fees and excursions
- Fees for ferries
- Bike protection
- Trip insurance
- Drinks
- Entrance fee to museums (approx €30)
- Electric bike (available with a supplement. See pricing.)
- Gratuities
- Bike protection
- Trip insurance
- Drinks
- Helmet rental (available with supplement. See pricing.)
- Electric bike (available with supplement. 7 speed Velo de Ville CEB 200 with crank Bosch motor, with 4 support levels. See pricing.)
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
- Entrance fees and excursions
- Bike protection
- Travel insurance
De Nassau & De Holland
Zwaan, Sailing Home, Anna Antal, and Wending
Gandalf, Lena Maria, & Sarah
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Deluxe Class
De Nassau*
Season A: April 18, 2020
Season B: September 26, 2020
Season C: May 9 & September 19, 2020
Season D: May 16, May 23 & May 30, 2020
Season E: All other departure dates, weekly from June 13 up to & incl. September 5, 2020 (excl. June 20 & July 4)Premium Class
Sailing Home
Standard season:
May 23, 2020Comfort Class
Zwaan
Low season:
July 18 & July 25, 2020Standard Class
Wending
High season
September 5, 2020
Gandalf *
June 13, June 20, June 27, & July 4, 2020
*Discounted departures! Please see pricing.
Deluxe Class
Princesse Royal (formerly known as the Magnifique)
Saturday to Saturday
May 29, 2021Magnifique II
Thursday to Thursday
September 30, 2021De Holland
Saturday to Saturday
Season A: March 27, April 3, April 10, & October 9, 2021
Season B: April 17, April 24, September 25, & October 2, 2021
Season C: September 11 & September 18, 2021
Season D: All other departures, weekly from May 1 up to and including September 4, 2021Comfort Class
Zwaan
Saturday to Saturday
May 22, July 10, July 17, 2021Standard Class
Anna Antal
Saturday to Saturday
May 8, September 25, & October 2, 2021Lena Maria
Saturday to Saturday
May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29, June 5, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, August 14, August 21, August 28, September 4, September 11, September 18, & September 25, 2021Sarah
Saturday
June 12, 2021Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Sailing Home
Standard season Twin cabin $ 2128 £ 1183 $ 2,022 € 1278 $ 2272 kr 13514 $ 1,487 Single cabin $ 3017 £ 1677 $ 2,867 € 1812 $ 3222 kr 19164 $ 2,108 De Nassau*
Season A Season B Season C Season D Season E Twin cabin/lower deck $ 1331 £ 740 $ 1,265 € 799 $ 1421 kr 8452 $ 930 $ 1414 £ 786 $ 1,344 € 849 $ 1510 kr 8981 $ 988 $ 1497 £ 832 $ 1,423 € 899 $ 1599 kr 9510 $ 1,046 $ 1564 £ 869 $ 1,486 € 939 $ 1670 kr 9934 $ 1,093 $ 1631 £ 906 $ 1,550 € 979 $ 1741 kr 10357 $ 1,139 Superior twin cabin/lower deck $ 1497 £ 832 $ 1,423 € 899 $ 1599 kr 9510 $ 1,046 $ 1581 £ 879 $ 1,502 € 949 $ 1688 kr 10039 $ 1,105 $ 1664 £ 925 $ 1,581 € 999 $ 1777 kr 10568 $ 1,163 $ 1731 £ 962 $ 1,645 € 1039 $ 1848 kr 10991 $ 1,209 $ 1797 £ 999 $ 1,708 € 1079 $ 1919 kr 11415 $ 1,256 Triple cabin/ lower deck $ 1297 £ 721 $ 1,233 € 779 $ 1386 kr 8241 $ 907 $ 1381 £ 768 $ 1,312 € 829 $ 1475 kr 8770 $ 965 $ 1464 £ 814 $ 1,391 € 879 $ 1563 kr 9299 $ 1,023 $ 1531 £ 851 $ 1,455 € 919 $ 1635 kr 9722 $ 1,070 $ 1597 £ 888 $ 1,518 € 959 $ 1706 kr 10145 $ 1,116 Twin cabin/single-use/lower deck $ 1914 £ 1064 $ 1,819 € 1149 $ 2044 kr 12155 $ 1,337 $ 1997 £ 1110 $ 1,898 € 1199 $ 2133 kr 12684 $ 1,395 $ 2080 £ 1156 $ 1,977 € 1249 $ 2222 kr 13213 $ 1,454 $ 2147 £ 1194 $ 2,040 € 1289 $ 2293 kr 13636 $ 1,500 $ 2214 £ 1231 $ 2,104 € 1329 $ 2364 kr 14059 $ 1,547 Twin cabin/upper deck $ 1497 £ 832 $ 1,423 € 899 $ 1599 kr 9510 $ 1,046 $ 1581 £ 879 $ 1,502 € 949 $ 1688 kr 10039 $ 1,105 $ 1664 £ 925 $ 1,581 € 999 $ 1777 kr 10568 $ 1,163 $ 1731 £ 962 $ 1,645 € 1039 $ 1848 kr 10991 $ 1,209 $ 1797 £ 999 $ 1,708 € 1079 $ 1919 kr 11415 $ 1,256 Triple cabin/upper deck $ 1464 £ 814 $ 1,391 € 879 $ 1563 kr 9299 $ 1,023 $ 1547 £ 860 $ 1,470 € 929 $ 1652 kr 9828 $ 1,081 $ 1631 £ 906 $ 1,550 € 979 $ 1741 kr 10357 $ 1,139 $ 1697 £ 944 $ 1,613 € 1019 $ 1812 kr 10780 $ 1,186 $ 1764 £ 981 $ 1,676 € 1059 $ 1884 kr 11203 $ 1,233 *25% discount now being offered valid for all rebookings and new bookings from May 15, 2020 for departures in 2020. The discount will be applied to tour price.
Zwaan
Low season Luxury double $ 2587 £ 1438 $ 2,458 € 1553 $ 2762 kr 16429 $ 1,807 Twin $ 2320 £ 1290 $ 2,205 € 1393 $ 2478 kr 14736 $ 1,621 Triple $ 2253 £ 1253 $ 2,142 € 1353 $ 2407 kr 14313 $ 1,575 Small double/front of boat $ 2019 £ 1122 $ 1,918 € 1212 $ 2156 kr 12822 $ 1,411 Small double for single-use/front of boat $ 2928 £ 1628 $ 2,783 € 1758 $ 3127 kr 18598 $ 2,046 Wending
High season Twin cabin $ 2103 £ 1169 $ 1,998 € 1263 $ 2246 kr 13356 $ 1,469 Single cabin $ 2444 £ 1359 $ 2,323 € 1468 $ 2610 kr 15524 $ 1,708 Triple cabin $ 2136 £ 1188 $ 2,030 € 1283 $ 2281 kr 13567 $ 1,493 Gandalf*
May - July Twin cabin $ 1830 £ 1018 $ 1,739 € 1099 $ 1955 kr 11626 $ 1,279 Triple cabin $ 1764 £ 981 $ 1,676 € 1059 $ 1884 kr 11203 $ 1,233 Twin cabin/single-use $ 2662 £ 1480 $ 2,530 € 1599 $ 2843 kr 16910 $ 1,860 *25% discount now being offered valid for all rebookings and new bookings from May 15, 2020 for departures in 2020. The discount will be applied to tour price.
Princesse Royal & Mag II
Twin $ 2355 £ 1309 $ 2,238 € 1414 $ 2515 kr 14958 $ 1,646 Premium twin $ 2688 £ 1494 $ 2,555 € 1614 $ 2871 kr 17074 $ 1,878 Suite/upper deck $ 3188 £ 1772 $ 3,029 € 1914 $ 3404 kr 20248 $ 2,228 Single (Pr. Royal) $ 3005 £ 1670 $ 2,855 € 1804 $ 3209 kr 19084 $ 2,100 Twin/single-use $ 3437 £ 1911 $ 3,266 € 2064 $ 3670 kr 21829 $ 2,402 Triple* $ 2272 £ 1263 $ 2,159 € 1364 $ 2426 kr 14430 $ 1,588 Premium triple* (Pr. Royal) $ 2605 £ 1448 $ 2,475 € 1564 $ 2782 kr 16545 $ 1,820 Suite/upper deck for triple use (Mag II) $ 3021 £ 1680 $ 2,871 € 1814 $ 3226 kr 19190 $ 2,111 *3rd bed is only suitable for a child
De Holland
Season A Season B Season C Season D Suite/upper deck $ 2005 £ 1115 $ 1,906 € 1204 $ 2141 kr 12737 $ 1,401 $ 2255 £ 1254 $ 2,143 € 1354 $ 2408 kr 14324 $ 1,576 $ 2422 £ 1346 $ 2,301 € 1454 $ 2586 kr 15382 $ 1,692 $ 2588 £ 1439 $ 2,460 € 1554 $ 2764 kr 16439 $ 1,809 Twin/upper deck $ 1672 £ 930 $ 1,589 € 1004 $ 1786 kr 10621 $ 1,169 $ 1922 £ 1069 $ 1,827 € 1154 $ 2053 kr 12208 $ 1,343 $ 2089 £ 1161 $ 1,985 € 1254 $ 2230 kr 13266 $ 1,459 $ 2255 £ 1254 $ 2,143 € 1354 $ 2408 kr 14324 $ 1,576 Twin/lower deck $ 1256 £ 698 $ 1,193 € 754 $ 1341 kr 7976 $ 878 $ 1506 £ 837 $ 1,431 € 904 $ 1608 kr 9563 $ 1,052 $ 1672 £ 930 $ 1,589 € 1004 $ 1786 kr 10621 $ 1,169 $ 1755 £ 976 $ 1,668 € 1054 $ 1875 kr 11150 $ 1,227 Twin/upper deck/single-use $ 2421 £ 1346 $ 2,301 € 1454 $ 2585 kr 15376 $ 1,692 $ 2796 £ 1554 $ 2,657 € 1679 $ 2985 kr 17757 $ 1,954 $ 3045 £ 1693 $ 2,894 € 1829 $ 3252 kr 19343 $ 2,128 $ 3295 £ 1832 $ 3,132 € 1979 $ 3519 kr 20930 $ 2,303 Twin/lower deck/single-use $ 1796 £ 999 $ 1,707 € 1079 $ 1918 kr 11409 $ 1,255 $ 2171 £ 1207 $ 2,063 € 1304 $ 2318 kr 13790 $ 1,517 $ 2421 £ 1346 $ 2,301 € 1454 $ 2585 kr 15376 $ 1,692 $ 2546 £ 1415 $ 2,419 € 1529 $ 2719 kr 16170 $ 1,779 Triple/lower deck* $ 1223 £ 680 $ 1,162 € 734 $ 1306 kr 7765 $ 854 $ 1472 £ 819 $ 1,399 € 884 $ 1572 kr 9352 $ 1,029 $ 1639 £ 911 $ 1,557 € 984 $ 1750 kr 10410 $ 1,145 $ 1722 £ 957 $ 1,637 € 1034 $ 1839 kr 10939 $ 1,203 *3rd bed suitable only for a child
Zwaan
Luxury double $ 2731 £ 1519 $ 2,596 € 1640 $ 2917 kr 17349 $ 1,909 Twin $ 2465 £ 1370 $ 2,343 € 1480 $ 2632 kr 15657 $ 1,723 Triple $ 2257 £ 1255 $ 2,145 € 1355 $ 2410 kr 14334 $ 1,577 Small double/front of boat $ 2107 £ 1171 $ 2,002 € 1265 $ 2250 kr 13382 $ 1,472 Small double for single-use/front of boat $ 3106 £ 1727 $ 2,952 € 1865 $ 3317 kr 19730 $ 2,171 Anna Antal
Regular twin $ 1990 £ 1106 $ 1,891 € 1195 $ 2125 kr 12642 $ 1,391 Bunk bed cabin for twin use $ 1707 £ 949 $ 1,622 € 1025 $ 1823 kr 10843 $ 1,193 Bunk bed cabin for single-use $ 2132 £ 1185 $ 2,026 € 1280 $ 2277 kr 13541 $ 1,490 Lena Maria
May - Sept. 11 Sept. 18 & 25 Twin/lower deck $ 1839 £ 1022 $ 1,747 € 1104 $ 1964 kr 11679 $ 1,285 1054 Twin/lower deck/single-use $ 2821 £ 1568 $ 2,680 € 1694 $ 3012 kr 17915 $ 1,971 $ 2671 £ 1485 $ 2,538 € 1604 $ 2852 kr 16963 $ 1,866 Sarah
June Twin/lower deck $ 1839 £ 1022 $ 1,747 € 1104 $ 1964 kr 11679 $ 1,285 Twin/lower deck/single-use $ 2821 £ 1568 $ 2,680 € 1694 $ 3012 kr 17915 $ 1,971 Triple/lower deck $ 1739 £ 967 $ 1,652 € 1044 $ 1857 kr 11044 $ 1,215 Extra Options
Sailing Home, Zwaan, and Wending:
Children's discounts available
Children's bikes, trailer bike, child seat, and trailers are available
Electric bike: $ 137 £ 76 $ 131 € 83 $ 147 kr 873 $ 96 Gluten-free/Celiac/vegan diet: $ 83 £ 46 $ 79 € 50 $ 89 kr 529 $ 58De Nassau and Gandalf:
Electric bike: $ 167 £ 93 $ 158 € 100 $ 178 kr 1058 $ 116 Helmet: $ 17 £ 9 $ 16 € 10 $ 18 kr 106 $ 12De Holland, Sarah, & Lena Maria
Electric bike: $ 167 £ 93 $ 158 € 100 $ 178 kr 1058 $ 116 Helmet: $ 17 £ 9 $ 16 € 10 $ 18 kr 106 $ 12 Canal Cruise Ticket (one hour cruise in Amsterdam): $ 23 £ 13 $ 22 € 14 $ 25 kr 148 $ 16 * Must be reserved and paid for in advance
Zwaan & Anna Antal
Electric bike: $ 142 £ 79 $ 135 € 85 $ 151 kr 899 $ 99 Gluten-Free, Celiac or Vegan Diet: $ 83 £ 46 $ 79 € 50 $ 89 kr 529 $ 58 Tag-Along Bike with helmet (ages 5-9): $ 92 £ 51 $ 87 € 55 $ 98 kr 582 $ 64 Bike Seat with helmet (age 11 mos-5 yrs): $ 25 £ 14 $ 24 € 15 $ 27 kr 159 $ 17 Bike Trailer: $ 331 £ 184 $ 315 € 199 $ 354 kr 2105 $ 232 Child's 21-speed bike with helmet (ages 9+): please ask
Children's discounts are available.Princesse Royal & Magnifique II
Electric bike: $ 192 £ 106 $ 182 € 115 $ 205 kr 1217 $ 134 Canal Cruise Ticket (one hour cruise in Amsterdam): $ 23 £ 13 $ 22 € 14 $ 25 kr 148 $ 16 * Must be reserved and paid for in advance
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy guided or semi-guided bike and boat tour on flat terrain along the network of cycling routes (fietsroutenetwerken) that makes Holland a cycling paradise! This cycling infrastructure consists of 30,000 km of cycle routes, cycle bridges, cycle tunnels, cycle ferries, and special signposting. Always keep in mind that you are sharing the road, either with other cyclists or at times with motor vehicles. A good command of your bicycle is required including good balance and ability to stop and start in a group.
Travel
Fly to Amsterdam International Airport (Amsterdam Schiphol)
Local Travel
Trains to Amsterdam Central leave from platforms 1, 2, or 3 which are all on the floor below the airport terminal. Tickets can be purchased either at the ticket desk on the arrivals level or at the yellow machines using Euro coins or credit/debit cards (pin required!) The direct trains to the Amsterdam train station run every 10 to 15 minutes between 6:00 AM and 12:30 AM and the trip takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Short taxi ride to mooring location, or depending on the boat, embarkation point may be within walking distance. We will provide detailed docking/mooring information in your final travel information.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. There are many good websites to use to research regional weather including average high/low temperatures, average rainfall, and more. Don’t forget your rain gear! Average high/low temp in °F for the region is approximately April, 53/40°, May, 61/46°, June, 66/52°, July, 69/55°, August, 70/55°, September, 64/51°, and October, 57/46°.
Day of Rest
Any day can be designated a day of rest by remaining on board and enjoying the passing scenery from on deck.
Recommended
Onboard the De Nassau, De Holland, and the Princesse Royal, you can purchase a discounted ticket for a one hour canal cruise through Amsterdam. Please request this in advance and you will collect this on board the ship on your first day of the tour.
Additional Travel Details
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc.
*Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Boat Bike Tours, Jantien Wondergem, CycleTours.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
![Boats in Harderwijk in Gelderland, the Netherlands. Photo via Flickr:Frank Meijn]()
![Tulip fields abound in April and May before harvest. Photo via Flickr:IMBiblio]()
![Cycling is very serene in Holland! Photo via Flickr:toolmantim]()
![Spakenburg, Bunschoten, the Netherlands. Photo via Wikimedia Commons:nichielverbeek]()
![The famous Dutch wooden clogs or "klompen". Photo via Flickr:melaphantastisch]()
![Huge country estate in Rhenen, Utrecht, the Netherlands. Wikimedia Commons:hg]()
!["Kaas" for sale everywhere in Holland! Photo via Flickr:Norio NAKAYAMA]()
![Rhenen on the Rhine River in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Wikipedia Commons:Joop van Houdt]()
![Evening stroll in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![Muiderslot - castle in Muiden, North Holland, the Netherlands. Photo via Flickr:bert knottenbeld]()
![Come for the tulips if nothing else! Photo of the Keukenhof via Flickr:gnuckx]()
![Summertime in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:faungg's photos]()
![Large castle estate in Amerongen, the Netherlands. Wikimedia Commons:Bureau Redrum]()
![Muiden at the mouth of the Vecht River, North Holland. Photo via Flickr:Marjon]()
![Nighttime in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:syuqoraizzat]()
![Tulips for sale in the Netherlands, of course!]()
![Typical Dutch architecture in Rhenen, Utrecht, the Netherlands. Flickr:E Dronkert]()
![Towering Cunera Church in Rhenen, Utrecht, the Netherlands. Wikipedia Commons:Joop van Houdt]()
![Bridge to Amerongen Castle in Amerongen, the Netherlands. Flickr:Frank van Laanen]()
![Herring is a local delicacy! Photo via Flickr:WordRidden]()
![Hennie biking from Rhenen to Wageningen in the Netherlands.]()
![Many cyclists and canals and townhouses in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Diannlroy]()
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