Bike & Sail the IJsselmeer
Netherlands Bike + Barge Tours
Holland’s largest lake plus National Parks
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1179 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This Bike and Sail experience in Holland will alternate biking on lovely trails, paths, and quiet roads with sailing on Holland's largest lake. Similar to our bike and boat tours in concept, this adventure offers accommodations on authentic sailing vessels. You will even be offered the opportunity to hoist the sails if you like!
Once a part of the Southern Sea, the IJsselmeer now covers an area of an astonishing 1100 m2, formed when the seawater was closed off and sealed out by a man-made dike. Standing on the shore, with the immense sweep of water and the great expanse of the dramatic Dutch skies overhead, it is hard to remember that it is a lake.The polders, dam, and dikes testify to the ingenuity of the Dutch as they reclaimed the land from the sea. The bio-diversity that will be enjoyed is rich in bird and wildlife.
The many old fishing and trading towns all have a story to tell and after this bike and sail adventure, you will understand much more the Dutch rural life and culture and history.
Highlights
- Sailing along IJsselmeer's coast
- Former fishing villages
- De Beemster polder
- De Krijgsman windmill
- The lanes, canals, and CHEESE of Edam
- Former island of Schokland
- Giethoorn, small Venice of the north
- Gentle rides in Weeribben National Park
- Abundant flora, fauna, and bird life
We have many bike & boat tours in the Netherlands. Take a look!
Itinerary
Day 1: Amsterdam - Monnickendam/Volendam, 6 mi. (10 km), Check-in at 2 pm. You may bring luggage on board at 11 am.
Day 2: Monnickendam/Volendam - Volendam | Volendam - Hoorn, 19 or 31 mi. (32 or 51 km)
Day 3: Hoorn - Enkhuizen | Enkhuizen - Urk, 17 or 24 mi. (28 or 39 km)
Day 4: Urk - Vollenhove, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 5: Vollenhove - Giethoorn, 22 or 30 mi. (37 or 49 km)
Day 6: Giethoorn - Lelystad, full day of sailing and relaxing
Day 7: Lelystad - Blocq van Kuffeler | Blocq van Kuffeler - Amsterdam, 12 or 18 mi. (20 or 29 km)
Day 8: AmsterdamThe daily bike tours are self-guided, conducted at your own pace and without a cycling guide. There are daily briefings on board and detailed bicycle maps and route notes are available. GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the start date of the tour. During the days when 2 bicycle options are possible, you can make a choice between the longer or the shorter option. Not all mentioned highlights will be visited during the short bike option.
Day 1: Amsterdam - Monnickendam/Volendam, 6 mi. (10 km)
Your week of sailing and and cycling star cling starts in Amsterdam at 2 pm. You may bring your luggage on board from 11 am but the cabins will not be ready for check in at that time. 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 | Volendam - Hoorn, 19 or 31 mi. (32 or 51 km)
First you cycle to a nearby, family-run shop for a short demonstration of cheese and clog making, and of course, a cheese tasting. Continuing on, your itinerary follows along the dikes to Purmerend, in the heart of a polder named De Beemster, 11½ 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. It is divided into a tight geometric pattern of squares and quadrants and is recognized by UNESCO as “a creative masterpiece”.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. 17th-century sailors would 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 - Enkhuizen | Enkhuizen - Urk, 17 or 24 mi. (28 or 39 km)
Through small rural hamlets and villages, today’s ride brings you to Enkhuizen. Pass by the 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 harbor that shipped then-costly spices from Asia. Be astonished by the stately mansions, canals, churches, and city walls that to this day reflect the city’s rich history and wealth.In the afternoon, weather permitting, you 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 - Vollenhove, 23 mi. (37 km)
After breakfast, the ship will bring you to the “new land”. From Schokkerhaven, you cycle to where 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 – just as Urk – 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 - Giethoorn, 22 or 30 mi. (37 or 49 km)
From Vollenhove, the itinerary leads through open countryside to the small town of Blokzijl to 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 or—if you’re really lucky—an 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 “small Venice of the North”.
Day 6: Giethoorn - Lelystad, a full day of sailing and relaxing
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. By early afternoon the Elizabeth will arrive in Lelystad, the capital of the province of Flevoland that was entirely reclaimed from the sea. After docking, the ship serves a real captain’s dinner.
Day 7: Lelystad - Blocq van Kuffeler | Blocq van Kuffeler - Amsterdam, 12 or 18 mi. (20 or 29 km)
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. You may also enjoy 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. You’ll ride through the Oostvaardersplassen, one of the most unspoiled nature reserves in Europe, created by the drainage of Flevoland. Sections of the ride wind through forested areas, while others give you panoramic views of expansive reed beds marshes, grasslands, and ponds with a wealth of flora and fauna This is a birdwatcher’s 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.Be sure to check out all of our featured bike & boat tours, or our full list of tours, trips, & cruises.
Map
Boats & Bikes
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation on board for 7 nights
- 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches during bike tours, 7 three-course dinners
- Complimentary welcome drink
- Coffee & tea
- Weekly cleaning of cabins
- Daily tour briefings
- On board tour guide
- 7-speed city touring bicycle with lightweight frame, adjustable gel saddle, integral frame lock, & pannier
- Maps & notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- WiFi
What’s Not Included
- Beverages with dinner
- 7 speed electric bike with unisex frame with four levels of support). Available with supplement. See pricing.
- Entrance fees & excursions
- Fees for ferries
- Gratuities
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Elizabeth
Saturday departures
June 10, June 17, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, August 5, August 12, August 19, August 26, September 2, & September 9, 2023Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2023
Elizabeth
June - Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Twin $ 2197 £ 1195 $ 2,018 € 1329 ₪ 5254 ¥ 191104 NZ$ 2356 NOK 15300 kr 15576 $ 1,462 $ 1949 £ 1060 $ 1,790 € 1179 ₪ 4661 ¥ 169535 NZ$ 2090 NOK 13573 kr 13818 $ 1,297 Twin/single-use $ 3147 £ 1712 $ 2,890 € 1904 ₪ 7525 ¥ 273714 NZ$ 3374 NOK 21914 kr 22309 $ 2,093 $ 2770 £ 1507 $ 2,544 € 1676 ₪ 6624 ¥ 240929 NZ$ 2970 NOK 19289 kr 19637 $ 1,843 Triple $ 2115 £ 1150 $ 1,942 € 1279 ₪ 5056 ¥ 183914 NZ$ 2267 NOK 14724 kr 14990 $ 1,407 $ 1867 £ 1015 $ 1,714 € 1129 ₪ 4463 ¥ 162345 NZ$ 2001 NOK 12998 kr 13232 $ 1,242 Quadruple $ 2032 £ 1105 $ 1,866 € 1229 ₪ 4859 ¥ 176724 NZ$ 2178 NOK 14149 kr 14404 $ 1,352 $ 1784 £ 971 $ 1,638 € 1079 ₪ 4266 ¥ 155155 NZ$ 1912 NOK 12422 kr 12646 $ 1,187 Children's discount available: 15% reduction for children up to and incl.15 yrs old only applicable on base cabin price and when staying in the cabin with 2 adults ( triple or quadruple cabin).
Discount: 10% per person for bookings until 31 May 2023. July and August departures only. For new bookings only.
Extra Options
Electric bike: $ 174 £ 94 $ 159 € 105 ₪ 415 ¥ 15099 NZ$ 186 NOK 1209 kr 1231 $ 115
Helmet rental (must be reserved at time of booking): $ 17 £ 9 $ 15 € 10 ₪ 40 ¥ 1438 NZ$ 18 NOK 115 kr 117 $ 11
Discounted one-hour canal cruise in Amsterdam: $ 25 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 ₪ 59 ¥ 2157 NZ$ 27 NOK 173 kr 176 $ 16 * * please request this at the time of booking. The ticket will be picked up on board.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This self-guided bike and sail experience is rated easy. The route leads on quiet country roads and paths through a flat landscape. With a detailed map of the area and a suggested route for close-range explorations, you decide how fast you ride. During the evening prior to next day’s cycling tour, the ship’s crew will explain the upcoming route, 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 for phone support.
Airport Info
Fly to Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS).
Local Travel
There is a direct train that leaves 6 times per hour from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station. It takes about 16 minutes. The price for a train ticket from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central is € 4,20 per person for a single journey. We will inform you of the exact docking location of your barge with your final travel information. Some boats moor within walking distance, and others will require a short taxi ride. If you prefer to travel by taxi from the airport to the barge, this takes about 30 minutes and costs about €45.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Don’t forget your rain gear! Please see below for Monthly Weather Averages.
Recommended
We can reserve a ticket for a 1-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam at a special discounted price of € 15. Please book your ticket in advance and you can collect it on board on the first day of the tour.
Remarks
Children are very welcome on board, however, before booking, we advise you to assure yourself that your child is able to manage a cycle trip of ca. 30-55 km. Children’s bikes, tandems, parent-child-tandems, slip streamers, etc. are available on request. Of course, you may stay one or more days on board instead of cycling (children under the age of 18 years must be under supervision). Life jackets for children can be arranged on request.
Important to know
Travel documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. Please be informed that it is your responsibility to ensure that you have proper identification. For US citizens, the U.S. Passports & International Travel website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. It is important to research before you travel as airlines will not permit boarding if you do not have the required valid documents.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this 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 documents
Your final travel information will be emailed approx. one month before your tour date. If you are interested in having the route on your personal smart device, Ride With GPS is an app that you can download for free on your mobile phone. Your phone then becomes your own cycling navigation device, a bike route mapping tool for cyclists. This option is in addition to traditional printed route notes and printed maps. Once the app is installed, you can then download tour maps and daily itineraries directly to your smartphone. You will be able to use voice navigation on all the routes and access your tour content anytime, all from your phone. In your final travel information, you will find the code you can use to access your specific tour. An account is not required.
Life on board
A little bit of adventure is a part of every Bike and Sail tour as this is a tour that depends on the wind! The captain decides the best route to be taken each day and discusses all options with the participants. The crew does everything in its power to ensure that the program runs according to plan and to offer you as fascinating, varied, and active 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 – and even the order of the program itself – 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!
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Extra Stay
As you will begin and end your tour in Amsterdam, why not book extra nights and visit the world-famous museums like the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum (Rembrandts’ Night watch), the Anne Frank House, and enjoy the abundance of terraces and boutique-style cafes. We advise Booking.com for researching and reserving your extra nights. You can read a detailed description of the hotels offered including a clear listing of amenities, but more importantly, you can read customer reviews and ratings.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Boat Bike Tours.
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?
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