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.
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 choose 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 cycling 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)
Today's journey takes you through charming rural hamlets and villages, leading you to the enchanting town of Enkhuizen. Along the way, you'll pass by De Krijgsman, the tallest windmill in North Holland and one of the few remaining Dutch windmills that still produce flour for commercial purposes. This region is also renowned for its abundance of greenhouses, where vegetables are cultivated. During the 17th century, Enkhuizen flourished as one of Holland's wealthiest cities, owing to its thriving harbor that facilitated the import of valuable spices from Asia. Prepare to be captivated by the grand mansions, picturesque canals, splendid churches, and well-preserved city walls that bear witness to the city's prosperous history.In the afternoon, weather permitting, you will embark on a delightful sail across the IJsselmeer to the port of Urk. While on board, you have the opportunity to assist the captain in navigating the ship if you desire, or simply relax on the deck and savor the invigorating voyage while keeping an eye out for marine bird life. In the evening, enjoy stroll through Urk's narrow streets and alleys. The architecture of this charming fishing village is characterized by closely clustered houses built on elevated terrain, a design conceived to safeguard against water damage—an enduring feature that remains visible to this day.
Day 4: Urk - Vollenhove, 23 mi. (37 km)
Following breakfast, the ship will transport you to the captivating region known as the "new land." Your cycling adventure commences in Schokkerhaven, where you'll traverse a well-paved cycle path through the scenic polder. This path leads to the enchanting former island of Schokland. Since the reclamation of the Northeast polder in 1942, both Schokland and Urk have ceased to be islands. In recognition of its historical significance, Schokland has been designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage site since 1995. As you continue your bike excursion through the picturesque polder, you'll eventually reach Vollenhove, another delightful former fishing village worth exploring.
Day 5: Vollenhove - Giethoorn, 22 or 30 mi. (37 or 49 km)
From Vollenhove, follow the scenic cycle paths that wind through expansive rural landscapes, eventually leading you to the charming town of Blokzijl. It is from here that you enter the breathtaking Weerribben-Wieden National Park, an expansive freshwater wetland that serves as a serene sanctuary for both flora and fauna.As you pedal along a designated bicycle path that traverses the heart of the park, you'll find yourself far removed from bustling roads, fully immersed in the tranquility of this remarkable region. Be on the lookout for glimpses of a fleeting kingfisher or, if you're incredibly fortunate, the sight of an otter—the park's symbolic creature. En route, you'll pass through Kalenberg, a village that, until the 1950s, was accessible solely by boat, adding to its unique charm.
A meandering route through an agricultural landscape, characterized by narrow strip fields enclosed by dikes, will lead you to the picturesque town of Giethoorn, often referred to as the "small Venice of the North."
Day 6: Giethoorn - Lelystad, a full day of sailing and relaxing
Indulge in a delightful day of sailing and unwinding aboard the ship, relishing in pure relaxation. Once more, you have the option to assist the captain in maneuvering the vessel if you desire, or simply recline on the deck and bask in the soothing ambiance. The captain expertly navigates the ship away from the narrow channels, guiding it toward the vast expanse of open water. In the early afternoon, the Elizabeth gracefully reaches Lelystad, the capital city of Flevoland, a province entirely reclaimed from the sea. Upon docking, you will be treated to a delectable 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 have the option to explore the remarkable Batavia Werf, a shipyard dedicated to preserving and restoring ships with significant maritime histories, bringing them back to their former splendor. Alternatively, you can indulge in a shopping spree at Batavia Stad, an outlet center featuring renowned brands.Following these optional visits, embark on your final half-day of cycling. Your route takes you through the captivating Oostvaardersplassen, a nature reserve nestled on reclaimed land, where nature has been allowed to find its own harmonious balance, reminiscent of ancient times on the original terrain. As you pedal through the landscape, you'll encounter stretches of lush forests, alongside panoramic vistas of expansive reed beds and marshes—a true haven for avid birdwatchers.
The ship awaits your arrival at the quaint harbor of Oostvaardersdiep, ready to commence the return voyage to Amsterdam. Bask in the joyous atmosphere of this marvelous week spent exploring the IJsselmeer region as you savor a delightful farewell dinner aboard the ship, celebrating the memories and experiences gathered along the way.
Day 8: Amsterdam
Your tour ends today with a nice breakfast. Disembarkation by 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 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 a 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
- Entrance fees & excursions
- Fees for ferries
- Gratuities
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
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, 2023Saturday departures
June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3, August 10, August 17, August 24, August 31, & September 7, 2024Please 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
June - Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Twin $ 2244 £ 1181 $ 1,950 € 1329 kr 197262 ₪ 5504 ¥ 214349 Mex$ 26580 NZ$ 2426 NOK 15584 kr 16099 $ 1,446 $ 1991 £ 1048 $ 1,730 € 1179 kr 174998 ₪ 4883 ¥ 190156 Mex$ 23580 NZ$ 2152 NOK 13825 kr 14282 $ 1,282 Twin/single-use $ 3214 £ 1692 $ 2,794 € 1904 kr 282534 ₪ 7883 ¥ 307007 Mex$ 38070 NZ$ 3475 NOK 22321 kr 23058 $ 2,070 $ 2829 £ 1489 $ 2,459 € 1676 kr 248693 ₪ 6939 ¥ 270234 Mex$ 33510 NZ$ 3058 NOK 19647 kr 20297 $ 1,822 Triple $ 2160 £ 1137 $ 1,877 € 1279 kr 189841 ₪ 5297 ¥ 206284 Mex$ 25580 NZ$ 2335 NOK 14998 kr 15493 $ 1,391 $ 1906 £ 1003 $ 1,657 € 1129 kr 167576 ₪ 4676 ¥ 182091 Mex$ 22580 NZ$ 2061 NOK 13239 kr 13676 $ 1,228 Quadruple $ 2075 £ 1092 $ 1,804 € 1229 kr 182419 ₪ 5090 ¥ 198220 Mex$ 24580 NZ$ 2243 NOK 14412 kr 14888 $ 1,337 $ 1822 £ 959 $ 1,584 € 1079 kr 160155 ₪ 4468 ¥ 174027 Mex$ 21580 NZ$ 1970 NOK 12653 kr 13071 $ 1,174 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).
June - Sept. 1 Sept. 7 Small twin $ 2134 £ 1123 $ 1,855 € 1264 kr 187614 ₪ 5235 ¥ 203865 Mex$ 25280 NZ$ 2307 NOK 14822 kr 15312 $ 1,375 $ 1965 £ 1034 $ 1,708 € 1164 kr 172771 ₪ 4821 ¥ 187736 Mex$ 23280 NZ$ 2125 NOK 13649 kr 14100 $ 1,266 Regular twin $ 2303 £ 1212 $ 2,002 € 1364 kr 202457 ₪ 5649 ¥ 219994 Mex$ 27280 NZ$ 2490 NOK 15995 kr 16523 $ 1,484 $ 2134 £ 1123 $ 1,855 € 1264 kr 187614 ₪ 5235 ¥ 203865 Mex$ 25280 NZ$ 2307 NOK 14822 kr 15312 $ 1,375 Small twin/single-use $ 3358 £ 1767 $ 2,918 € 1989 kr 295151 ₪ 8235 ¥ 320716 Mex$ 39770 NZ$ 3630 NOK 23318 kr 24088 $ 2,163 $ 3104 £ 1634 $ 2,698 € 1839 kr 272887 ₪ 7614 ¥ 296524 Mex$ 36770 NZ$ 3356 NOK 21559 kr 22271 $ 2,000 Triple $ 2219 £ 1168 $ 1,928 € 1314 kr 195036 ₪ 5442 ¥ 211929 Mex$ 26280 NZ$ 2398 NOK 15408 kr 15917 $ 1,429 $ 2050 £ 1079 $ 1,782 € 1214 kr 180193 ₪ 5028 ¥ 195801 Mex$ 24280 NZ$ 2216 NOK 14236 kr 14706 $ 1,320 Quadruple $ 2134 £ 1123 $ 1,855 € 1264 kr 187614 ₪ 5235 ¥ 203865 Mex$ 25280 NZ$ 2307 NOK 14822 kr 15312 $ 1,375 $ 1965 £ 1034 $ 1,708 € 1164 kr 172771 ₪ 4821 ¥ 187736 Mex$ 23280 NZ$ 2125 NOK 13649 kr 14100 $ 1,266 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)
Extra Options
Electric bike: $ 177 £ 93 $ 154 € 105 kr 15585 ₪ 435 ¥ 16935 Mex$ 2100 NZ$ 192 NOK 1231 kr 1272 $ 114
Helmet rental (must be reserved at time of booking): $ 17 £ 9 $ 15 € 10 kr 1484 ₪ 41 ¥ 1613 Mex$ 200 NZ$ 18 NOK 117 kr 121 $ 11
Discounted one-hour canal cruise in Amsterdam: $ 25 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 kr 2226 ₪ 62 ¥ 2419 Mex$ 300 NZ$ 27 NOK 176 kr 182 $ 16 * * please request this at the time of booking. The ticket will be picked up on board.
Electric bike: $ 228 £ 120 $ 198 € 135 kr 20038 ₪ 559 ¥ 21774 Mex$ 2700 NZ$ 246 NOK 1583 kr 1635 $ 147
Helmet rental (must be reserved at time of booking): $ 17 £ 9 $ 15 € 10 kr 1484 ₪ 41 ¥ 1613 Mex$ 200 NZ$ 18 NOK 117 kr 121 $ 11
Discounted one-hour canal cruise in Amsterdam: $ 29 £ 15 $ 25 € 17 kr 2523 ₪ 70 ¥ 2742 Mex$ 340 NZ$ 31 NOK 199 kr 206 $ 18 * * 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. 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!
Carbon offset
This tour is carbon neutral. To offset emissions that can't yet be reduced by any other means, carbon credits are purchased through the organization Justdiggit. Their mission is to cool down the planet by regreening Africa through rainwater harvesting, tree restoration, and the development of grass seed banks.
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?
Photos
Reviews
Maryjo M.
1 month agoVerified Reviewer
JAMES J.
11 months agoVerified Reviewer
Andrea S.
4 years agoVerified Reviewer
Merinda N.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Paul V.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Geoff
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Rebekah R.
6 years agoVerified Reviewer
Tripsite Customer Reviews
Maryjo M.
1 month ago
Verified Reviewer
JAMES J.
11 months ago
Verified Reviewer