| Tour | Bike+Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Guided |
| Skill | Easy |
| Length | 7–8 days |
| From | €919 Rates |
| Client Reviews |
Share This Tour
Skill Level
This is an easy guided bike and boat tour on flat terrain along the network of cycling routes (fietsroutenetwerken) that makes Holland a cycling paradise!
Tour Boats
Day-To-Day Itinerary
Aboard the Fiep, Gandalf, Lena Maria, and Sarah
Day 1: Arrival and embarkation in Amsterdam; cruise Wijk bij Duurstede
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede - Wageningen/Rhenen. Cycling to Arnhem, 21 to 33 mi. (35 to 55 km)
Day 3: Arnhem - Doesburg. Cycling to Zuthpen, 24 - 33 mi. (40 - 55 km) During dinner sailing to Deventer.
Day 4: Deventer - Zwolle, 24 - 34 mi. (40 - 55 km). Evening cruise to Kampen
Day 5: Kampen - Harderwijk, 24 - 36 mi. (40 - 60 km)
Day 6: Harderwijk - Spakenburg, 15, 24, or 33 mi. (25, 40, or 55 km)
Day 7: Spakenburg - Huizen | Huizen - Naarden - Muiden - Amsterdam, 21 or 33 mi. (35 or 50 km)
Day 8: Amsterdam, debarkation before 10 AM near Central Station.
*All distances are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions or mooring requirements.
Day 1: Arrival and embarkation in Amsterdam; cruising to Wijk bij Duurstede.
Embarkation at 2 pm in Amsterdam. At approximately 3 PM the boat motors from Amsterdam over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Wijk bij Duurstede on the Rhine.
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede - Wageningen/Rhenen. Cycling to Arnhem, 21 or 30 mi. (35 or 50 km)
During breakfast, the barge motors to Wageningen. Once there, the first bicycle trip is scheduled. Cycle first through the flat river valley of the Rhine, then along the protected nature reserve “De Blauwe Kamer” (the Blue Chamber), followed by the wood and moorlands of the Veluwe nature reserve. You ride through suburbs with lovely parks such as Sonsbeek and Zijpendaal to Arnhem, where you spend the night close to the city's center.
Day 3: Arnhem - Doesburg. Cycling to Zuthpen, via Vorden, 21 or 31 mi. (35 or 55 km) During dinner sailing to Deventer.
In the morning, the barge cruises to the small Hanseatic town of Doesburg. Then, via the Hanseatic Town Route, you cycle along the IJssel to the beautiful small town of Bronkhorst. A shorter variation is possible as well along the riverbank to Zutphen. The longer tour leads via Vorden, passing country houses, castles, and rural estates. During dinner, the ship sails to Deventer for an optional short guided walking tour in the evening.
Day 4: Deventer – Hattem – Zwolle, 24 or 33 mi. (40 or 55 km) | Zwolle – Kampen
Enjoy a short cycling trip along the IJssel riverbank and then you board the ferry at Wijhe to cross to Hattem; a longer bicycle ride follows through east Veluwe. During dinner, the ship sails to Kampen where you have the option to participate in a guided walking tour. Spend the night in the largest Hanseatic town in the Netherlands.
Day 5: Kampen – Elburg – Elspeet – Harderwijk, 24 or 36 mi. (40 or 60 km)
On board, you will motor to the IJssel estuary and across the so-called border lakes of the IJssel lake to the fishing harbour of Harderwijk. The cycle portion leads takes us along the banks of the Veluwe lake. The longer option also takes in the wood and moorland at Elspeet. The night is spent in the lovely old fishing harbor of Harderwijk.
Day 6: Harderwijk – Bunschoten – Spakenburg, 15, 24, or 33 mi. (25, 40, or 55 km)
Today you have the option between a short Dutch cycle tour along the coast or a longer one through the woodlands. The night is spent in Spakenburg. Here, the women still go about their daily lives in traditional clothes. There are other aspects of life in Spakenburg which are still traditional as well such as strict observance of Sunday as the day of the Lord. The people of Spakenburg go to church twice and on special religious holidays, even three times. All establishments are closed on Sundays, even the ice cream bar or cafes.
Day 7: Spakenburg – Huizen | Huizen – Naarden – Muiden – Amsterdam, 21 or 33 mi. (35 or 50 km)
After breakfast, you can choose to stay on the boat and cruise to Huizen or cycle to today's destination. The bike tour leads to the beautiful fortress town of Naarden and the Muiderslot, the famous castle in Muiden and then along quiet roads to Amsterdam. The afternoon and evening are spent in Amsterdam.
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
*Italicized portions are undertaken by boat.
** Where two distances are given, two options are provided for your cycling day.
Aboard the Merlijn
Day 1: Amsterdam - Wijk bij Duurstede
Check in aboard the Merlijn begins at 4 PM. The boat will be docked at the Veemkade in Amsterdam which is approximately a 25 minute walk from the Central Station. Public transportation stops nearby. At 5 PM the barge starts cruising to Wijk bij Duurstede and arrives at approximately 8 PM. During the cruise, a welcome drink is offered while you receive information about the ship and the tour. Dinner is also served. After docking you can stroll through the very charming city of Wijk bij Duurstede (Neighbourhood of Duurstede translated). Duurstede is the name of the nearby castle/ruin, where the bishop of Utrecht used to live. Wijk bij Duurstede is located at the place where Dorestad used to be, an important trade settlement that was pillaged around 850 by the Vikings. This city has the only drive-through windmill in the world.
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede - Amerongen - Arnhem
Enjoy a sailing breakfast while the boat takes you to Amerongen, where the bike-fitting and your first bike tour will start. You will bike through the Betuwe, situated between the Waal and Rhine/Lek rivers, surrounding the Linge stream, and famous for its fruit production. The tour ends in Arnhem, the capital of the province Gelderland. Tonight you will enjoy your dinner at your own expense in one of the many restaurants in Arnhem and before or after dinner you will have time to stroll a little more through the city center. Your tour guide will show you around the city and recommend restaurants for dinner.
Day 3: Arnhem - Deventer
While you enjoy your breakfast the boat cruises the beautiful river IJssel downstream to take you to Doesburg. This is one of the seven Hanseatic cities on the river IJssel. Here your bike tour starts along the sparkling river, described by many as the most beautiful river of the Netherlands. This week you will visit the medieval cities of Kampen, Hattem, Deventer, Zutphen and Doesburg, all of which are beautiful gems. The river landscape is beautiful and from the dikes you will have a marvelous view. Overnight is in Deventer. After dinner you will visit this medieval city on a city walk with your guide.
Day 4: Deventer - Hattem - Kampen
After breakfast your bike tour starts and the ride will be from Deventer to Hattem. Another very charming Hanseatic city. After your visit you will board the Merlijn and together we sail to the city of Kampen, where we will stay overnight. A city stroll will be offered through this ancient city, and afterwards you will have dinner at your own expense in one of the many restaurants in Kampen.
Day 5: Kampen - Roggebotsluis - Harderwijk - Spakenburg
Enjoy breakfast while the barge cruises to Roggebotsluis, where your bike tour starts. Across the water you will see the eastern part of Flevoland, one of the new Dutch provinces. Your bike tour takes you to the Veluwe, and you will visit Elburg, a charming fishermen’s village. The Veluwe features many different landscapes including woodland, heath, some small lakes, and Europe's largest sand drifts. Your tour ends in Harderwijk, another charming medieval city, on the Veluwemeer (Veluwe lake). Here you will board the Merlijn while it takes you to Spakenburg, situated south on the IJsselmeer. It is one of the few places left in the Netherlands where some women still wear local traditional clothes.
Day 6: Spakenburg - Amsterdam
Your last biking day begins in Spakenburg following breakfast. You will bike along the Gooimeer (Gooi lake) and through the beautiful Gooi, with its impressive houses. The Merlijn awaits you in Amsterdam. After dinner your guide will take you on a walking tour through Amsterdam.
Day 7: Departure from Amsterdam
Disembarkation at 9 am, after breakfast.
Looking for more? View all of our featured bike and boat tours, or our full list of bicycle tours.
Email or Call 800-951-4384 +1 570-965-2064
Share This Tour
Pricing Information
Travel Details
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 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. Using a train will cost you 3.80 Euros when travelling second class. Short taxi ride to mooring location.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. The average high/low temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit for the area are: June 66°/52°, September 64°/51°, and October 57°/46°
Tour Operator
This tour is operated by Boat Bike Tours. We do not run these tours ourselves, we never have. We work on commission from our local partners plus a small administration fee of €20. We pride ourselves on the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
Authentic Holland Boats + Barges
Fiep Netherlands Comfort Plus Class Boat The Fiep was converted from a cargo ship into a modern and spacious passenger ship, specifically designed for bike and barge tours in the Netherlands and Belgium. The ship has recently been renovated. There are two decks on board. On the upper deck is a lounge, a spacious seating area, a cozy bar, and a large sundeck. The dining room is located on the lower deck.
Gandalf Netherlands, Belgium Comfort Class Boat The classic MS Gandalf is a comfort class passenger ship that can accommodate 20-22 guests. Almost everything on this barge is on one level, including the comfortable salon which has scenic panoramic windows.
Lena Maria Belgium, Netherlands Comfort Class Boat The barge the Lena Maria is a former freight ship rebuilt in 2004 into a luxury cruise barge. There is a lounge for relaxation with many windows to create an open atmosphere and allows for a nice view while motoring. There is an outside sundeck with chairs. Each cabin has two low single beds and can accomodate two people comfortably.
Merlijn Germany, Netherlands Comfort Plus Class Boat The Merlijn has 12 luxurious cabins with two comfortable airbeds that can be pushed together or separated, a desk, a wardrobe closet, a hairdryer, and a safe. The lounge is comfortably furnished in a modern style with a restaurant area and lounge near the bar. You can enjoy fresh air, water, and nature in all weather on the sun deck. The entire ship is climate controlled and you can adjust the temperature in your own cabin.
Sarah Belgium, Netherlands Comfort Class Boat The Sarah is a very comfortable and spacious ship. After years of use as a cargo ship, the Sarah was transformed into a passenger boat in 2002. It is a very modern ship with tasteful accommodations, a spacious lounge, and large and inviting sun deck.
see also
Amsterdam to Bruges Netherlands, Belgium 2017 DatesOn the Comfort Plus class boats:Elodie: … From Holland's intriguing capital to Belgium's artistic gem, this bike and boat tour follows meandering rivers and canals from Amsterdam to Bruges.The Golden …
| Tour | Bike+Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Both |
| Skill | Easy |
| Length | 8 days |
| From | €789 |
Tulip Tour - 4 Day Netherlands 2018 dates coming soon!On the Comfort Class … When the sun rises during Spring in the Netherlands, millions of eager bulbs also rise for the occasion. Acres upon endless acres of the most brilliantly …
| Tour | Bike+Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Guided |
| Skill | Easy |
| Length | 4 days |
| From | €465 |
Bruges to Amsterdam Belgium, Netherlands 2017 Dates:On the Comfort plus class boats:Elodie: … A bike and barge tour beginning in Bruges and ending in Amsterdam showcases the best of both Belgium and Holland. The motto in Bruges is ‘feel the past under …
| Tour | Bike+Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Both |
| Skill | Easy |
| Length | 8 days |
| From | €789 |
Holland Southern Tulip Tour Netherlands 2018 DatesOn the Comfort Plus class boat:Sailing … This Southern Tulip bike and boat tour leads through some of Holland's most popular cities but also through fields of beautiful Tulips! One highlight, among …
| Tour | Bike+Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Guided |
| Skill | Easy |
| Length | 8 days |
| From | €1050 |
Tulip Tour - 7 day Netherlands 2018 DatesApril 7 and April 14, 2018 The tulip has come to be a respected and treasured symbol in Holland and this seven-day tour lets you experience them in all of their glory! The flower …
| Tour | Bike+Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Guided |
| Skill | Easy |
| Length | 7 days |
| From | €1275 |
Tulip Tour - 5 day Netherlands 2018 Comfort Plus boats: Fluvius: April 9, April … This five day Holland bike and boat tour in peak Tulip season goes through some of the most beautiful areas of the "Garden of Amsterdam." The tulips blossoming …
| Tour | Bike+Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Guided |
| Skill | Easy |
| Length | 5 days |
| From | €589 |
Tulip Tour - 8 Day Netherlands 2018 DatesOn the Comfort Plus Boats:Fleur: April 7, … One of our most popular, this bike and boat tour in Holland during Tulip season, is bursting with colors and scents. When Spring dawns in Holland, millions of …
| Tour | Bike+Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Guided |
| Skill | Easy |
| Length | 8 days |
| From | €929 |
Northern Tour Netherlands 2017 Dates:On the Comfort Plus boat: Angela … The peninsula making up the province of North Holland is the focus of this bike and boat tour which begins in Amsterdam with its abundant attractions. …
| Tour | Bike+Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Both |
| Skill | Easy |
| Length | 8 days |
| From | €689 |
Highlights of Holland Netherlands Aboard the Comfort class boat: Jelmar: June 3, June … Go to the Netherlands and discover for yourself the world’s #1 bike country personally during this bike and boat tour in the land of Rembrandt. You will ride …
| Tour | Bike+Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Guided |
| Skill | Easy |
| Length | 8 days |
| From | €780 |
Customer Feedback
G. Dunsmuir 1 year ago
I would recommend this trip but only if a group of friends were going or if there was some way to know the mix of language of fellow travellers. I was the only person who did not speak the German language. I felt very isolated. A number of German people did try to speak English but it was hard work for them and they were on holidays. One English sailor on board as staff was very kind and attentive. The cook made wonderful gluten free dishes for me!! The guide did an excellent job of switching back and forth from German to English. The cycling and countryside was very pleasant. Sometimes the stops were a bit long but perhaps that was because I couldn't chat around with other travellers.
Boat: Gandalf
Reply
L. Fesyk 1 year ago
It would have been nice to have a group photo at the end. It seemed a little confused at the end. Also, with other trips I have been on the guide circulates an email list and anyone who wants to join it can. That way it is easy to connect with other participants to exchange photos etc. Other than that it was a great trip. I'd definitely like to do another one! I think the Gandalf is the best boat in the fleet (or so I hear from others).
Boat: Gandalf
Reply
L. Roussinos 1 year ago
This is a great route and the cycling areas are excellent in so many ways. Scenic paths through forests, parks, graphic small towns and with well defined directions given daily by the guide. The barge cabins were quite adequate in size and even though the bathroom was small it served the purpose for the week long trip. Having porthole windows that we were able to open was great in order to bring in fresh air. The disappointment was that the barge was not very clean overall (dust and cobwebs), there was very little deck space to enjoy the views during cruising and having two large dogs on board did not help matters.
The food quantity was good but hardly any quality in it. Four out of seven meals were rice oriented, little meat substance and overall not comparable to other similar meals on other barge and bike trips we have taken and the first time we have ever had "fish" lasagna!
Breakfasts were by far the best meals and there was always plenty to go around and to prepare for your take away lunch. The crew were friendly and welcoming. I would most definitely recommend this trip if done on a better ship. The trip gets 5 out of 5 stars, the ship hardly 3 out of five.
Boat: Gandalf
Reply
K. de Geest 1 year ago
The trip was nothing short of Fantastic! The towns we went through on the Hanseatic Route were so charming. Captain Hans on the Gandalf was so generous to me...he knows what he did! ;-) I will specifically seek out trips on the Gandalf. Fred the guide was superb...ensuring everyone got the biking experience they wanted and just a lovely guy all around!! This was my first Bike & Barge but it won't be my last...I've got friends lined up wanting to join me on my next trip...they didn't know such trips exist, but they do now!!
Boat: Gandalf
Reply
Kris 1 year ago
This was such an amazing trip on the Gandalf with Captain Hans and Fred the guide. The description does not do this trip justice. You go through such varied terrain like forests, along the water and the towns were sooo charming! I've been to Holland many times and yet I saw such a beautiful side of Holland that blew me away!
Boat: Gandalf
Reply
Biked This Tour? Post Your Feedback