Holland’s Venice & Hanseatic Towns

On this 5 day tour, you will decide each day which route you would like to cycle.

Route 1: Zwolle - IJssel river - Hattem - Zwolle, 25 mi. (40 km)
Route  2: Zwolle - Kampen - Elburg - Zwolle, 31 mi. (51 km)
Route 3: Zwolle - Veluwe - Zwolle, 30 mi. (50 km)
Route 4:  Zwolle - Wieden National Park - Giethoorn - Meppel - Zwolle, 28 mi. (45 km)

Route 1: Zwolle - IJssel river - Hattem - Zwolle, 25 mi. (40 km)
In the morning, you will be met at the train station of Zwolle for a very thorough tour explanation including an explanation of the pre-programmed GPS device which will ensure a relaxed and stress-free tour. You can begin biking on this first day through the old historic town of Zwolle while your luggage will be delivered to your hotel. After visiting Zwolle, you can continue south along the lovely IJssel river on quiet, scenic bike lanes. Around lunchtime, you will arrive in the quaint village of Wijhe. You can then take a ferry to the other side of the IJssel river, and bike back to Zwolle by a different route, passing through the picturesque Hanseatic town of Hattem before checking in at your hotel.

Route 2: Zwolle - Kampen - Elburg - Zwolle, 31 mi. (51 km)
After a relaxed breakfast,  you are in for a lovely ride to Kampen, a beautiful Hanseatic town in which you will want to take some time to meander. In between Kampen and Elburg, the route leads through the lowlands near lake Veluwemeer (part of lake IJsselmeer, former sea). Elburg itself is an old fortified village worth a visit. In the afternoon, as you cycle back, you will pass through lowlands, farmland, and forest areas to Zwolle again.

Route 3: Zwolle  - Veluwe - Zwolle, 30 mi. (50 km)
Today you will discover the Veluwe. This forest-rich ridge of hills features many different landscapes, including woodland, heath, small lakes, and Europe’s largest sand drift. The Veluwe is a popular tourist destination and is especially beloved by bikers as it has a unique maze of quiet bike lanes to enjoy! The north part of the Veluwe stretches till Zwolle so you will be biking through this unique nature reserve almost all day. South of Hattem you will pass a  small watermill with some great estates and restaurants along the way. The ‘Heerderstrand’ lake, which you will also pass,  is a great place for a swim, weather permitting. A common sighting in the heather fields near De Dellen are the herds of grazing sheep and if you are lucky you will meet the shepherd. Afterward, the route leads to the village of Heerde which has a lovely center ideal for a lunch break or coffee stop. Finally, you will bike by a former train trail back to Zwolle once again. 

Route 4: Zwolle - Wieden National Park - Giethoorn - Meppel - Zwolle, 28 mi. (45 km)
The final ride is maybe one of the best rides you can experience in Holland! Cycling to the north, the route passes through the quaint Hanseatic town of Hasselt, and then to the National Park de Wieden. This area is  North Western Europe’s largest cane and swamp area and is a mixture of canals and lakes. While biking you will be amazed by the lovely villages and finally the highlight of Giethoorn. The picturesque thatched farms surrounded by the lovely canals are what make this village the Dutch Venice. The final ride is from Giethoorn to the historic town of Meppel where our local representative will be waiting to bring you back to your hotel in Zwolle.

Regardless of the order of the routes you cycle, your tour price includes the night of Day 4.

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Accommodations

There are three options for accommodations during this tour; Pelser Tower, Hotel Fidder, or Hotel Bilderberg Wientjes.

Bicycles

Standard bike

Your bicycle will be prepared for your arrival, taking into account your gender, height, personal requirements, and your accessory reservation. The rental bikes available are multi-geared adult bikes, in both men's and ladies' models, and are manufactured by Koga. Their top-class aluminum models are built according to our own critical standards and specifications and are the best rental bikes you will find in Holland. Included with the bike rental:

• A toolkit
• Tire repair kit
• Mini-pump
• Cable-lock
• Water bottle
• Breakdown assistance

Electric bike

The Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor offers optimum service life and reliability. The seamless integration of strength, rotation, and speed sensors results in spectacular intuitive support. The E-bike is provided with 400Wh Li-ion batteries with the longest life cycle available and supports your daily bike trip without any problem. Charging is only necessary at night.

Road bike

Also available are Giant road bikes. They are lightweight and have either aluminum or carbon frames. Together with high-quality Shimano components and different types of cleat pedals, these road bikes are suitable for long-distance riding.

Children’s bikes and accessories

A wide range of bikes and trailers are available and suitable for children of all ages.

Bike Assortment	Age
Child trailer	1-3 years
Child seat	2-4 years
Trailer bike/tag along	4-6 years
Follow me	7-8 years
Child tandem	3-8 years
20" child bike	7-8 years
24 " child bike	8-11 years
26 " child bike	11-13 years