Historical Hanseatic Cities by Bike + Boat

Beautiful River valleys, historical towns and fishing villages

map Hanseatic tour by bike + boat

Route

Tour profile / Level 1

Flat, asphalted bike paths and side roads, ideal for children. If you don’t want to cycle, you can stay on the house boat.

Itinerary: De Nassau (Individual tour) and Magnifique II (Guided tour)

Day 1: Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede
Embarkation between 1 and 2 pm in Amsterdam. At approximately 2 pm the boat leaves Amsterdam to sail over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Wijk bij Duurstede on the Rhine. 

Day 2: Wageningen/Rhenen – Arnhem, approx. 35-44 km
During 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 ship docks for the night.

Day 3: Doesburg – Zutphen – Deventer, approx. 45-55 km
We leave Arnhem on the ship, 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. Both options first go to Bronkhorst, that’s proud to be the smallest town in Holland. From Bronkhorst, the shorter option takes you by ferry to the western bank of the IJssel river, whereas the longer option stays on the eastern bank. Both options lead you through the countryside to Zutphen. The tour ends in Deventer, a city known for its delicious spicy gingerbread. In the evening, your tour leader offers a short guided walking tour of the city.

Day 4: Deventer – Zwolle – Kampen, approx. 40-56 km
During breakfast the ship will take you to Wijhe, where your bicycle ride begins. You can choose a short option along banks of the river or opt for a longer ride across the east Veluwe area. 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, where you will have an optional guided walking tour and spend the night in the largest Hanseatic town in the Netherlands.

Day 5: Kampen – Elburg – Harderwijk, approx. 48-54 km
From Kampen, our 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, approx. 45-56 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, approx. 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
Individual departure. Disembarkation after breakfast until 09:30 am.

Itinerary: Lena Maria (Guided tour)

Day 1: Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede
Embarkation between 1 and 2 pm in Amsterdam. At approximately 2 pm the boat leaves Amsterdam to sail over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Wijk bij Duurstede on the Rhine.

Day 2: Wageningen/Rhenen – Arnhem, approx. 35-44 km
During breakfast, the ship sails to Wageningen, where you are finally off and cycling through the picturesque river valley of the Rhine. Along the way you will cycle through the woods and moorlands of the Veluwe. At the end of the day you pedal through the suburbs and past lovely parks such as Sonsbeek and Zijpendaal to Arnhem, where you spend the night close to the city center.

Day 3: Doesburg – Zutphen – Deventer, approx. 27-44 km
Today’s cycling 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 recognised 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 barge will sail to Deventer where you have the option of a short guided walking tour in the evening.

Day 4: Deventer – Hattem – Kampen, approx. 35-45 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.

Day 5: Kampen – Elburg – Harderwijk, approx. 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 goes to lovely Harderwijk through the woods and moorland at Elspeet. The night will be spent in Harderwijk’s old fishing harbor. Dinner on board is not included this evening, so you can enjoy a wonderful meal at one of Harderwijks restaurants.

Day 6: Harderwijk – Bunschoten – Spakenburg, approx. 35-59 km
Today guests have two cycling choices: a short pedal along the coast 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 –Amsterdam, approx. 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 centre and heart of the city or maybe you could go on a canal tour.

Day 8: Amsterdam
Individual departure. Disembarkation after breakfast until 09:30 am.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements we reserve the right to make changes of routing and program.

Please keep in mind that the ship is both your hotel and a machine that needs to be maintained and operated - both during the day and at night. Operational noise is therefore unavoidable.

Services

  • 7 nights in outside cabin of the booked category, air-conditioned cabin

  • Full board (7x breakfast, packed lunch for bike tours, 7x three-course dinner - for guided tour 1 dinner less)

  • Coffee and tea daily until 4 pm

  • Welcome drink

  • Use of bed linen and towels

  • Daily cabin cleaning

  • Daily information talks

  • Tour guide on board

  • Some short walking tours

  • Detailed maps and information material per cabin

  • Rental pannier

  • GPS tracks

  • WiFi (limited availability, data credit not incl.)

  • For the environments benefit: use of a biodegradable water bottle and compensation of the CO2 emitted by the NGO Justdiggit.

Additional services included in the guided tour

  • Bike tour guide, fully guided tour (Magnifique II: minimum 18 people, 2 guides, 2 group)

  • Ferry fees

  • Entrance fee Airborne Museum

  • Visit to cheese dairy

  • Guided tour of Deventer

  • Rental helmet

  • WiFi (limited daily data)

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

    Season / Period
    Type
    S2   15.05. - 22.05.25
    MV MAGNIFIQUE II / Guided
    S2   22.05. - 29.05.25
    MV MAGNIFIQUE II / Guided
    S2   26.06. - 03.07.25
    MV MAGNIFIQUE II / Guided
    S1   03.07. - 10.07.25
    MV MAGNIFIQUE II / Guided
    S1   24.07. - 31.07.25
    MV MAGNIFIQUE II / Guided
    S1   31.07. - 07.08.25
    MV MAGNIFIQUE II / Guided
    FULLY BOOKED

    Extras

    Bicycles & Equipment
    7-speed-UNISEX/ individual 91
    E-bike/ indiv. 245
    7-speed-UNISEX/ guided 105
    E-Bike/ guided 266
    Helmet (included in guided tours) 10
    Parking own bicycle 14
    Parking own E-bike 28
       
    Additional nights*
    Amsterdam (dbl/sgl) 122/213
    Amsterdam Arrival Saturday (dbl/sgl) 153/244
    *no addidtional nights possible on following dates: April 18-20, April 25-26, May 07-10, May 19-21, June 06-08, June 21-22, June 24-25, August 29-31 and September 27-30
       
    Extras
    Gluten free or lactose free diet 70
    Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle 14
    Limitation of liability (damage) rental E-bike 28

    Best - Price - Guarantee

    If you would verifiably receive better conditions and/or prices from another tour operator at the time of booking we guarantee at least the same conditions PLUS 1 handlebar bag for FREE!
    All prices per person in EUR

    Ship

    Welcome on board!

    On this route you can choose between the ships MV DE NASSAU and MV LENA MARIA or MV MAGNIFIQUE II. The boats will acoompany your cycle holidays as your floating hotel.


    MV DE NASSAU (Comfort)

    The De Nassau is a medium-sized, cozy river cruise ship. The ship was partially renovated and redesigned in winter 2018/19. It has a large salon with large panoramic windows on the upper deck, which connects the restaurant with bar and lounge. >>more


    MV LENA MARIA (Premium)

    The Lena Maria is a very comfortable ship, ideal for bike and barge tours in the Netherlands. The barge has twelve spacious twin cabins. On the upper deck of the Lena Maria you will find the cozy lounge with the bar and dining area. >>more


    MV MAGNIFIQUE II (Premium)

    Newly built in 2015/2016 with a tastefully decorated saloon with restaurant area, bar, lounge, sundeck, barbecue and Jacuzzi. The elegant, stylishly furnished 14 cabins accommodation for max. 35 passengers are equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, TV, safe and hairdryer. >>more

    Bicycle

    Rental-Bicycles & equipment

    The following bikes are available for rental:

    • UNISEX-touring/trekking bicycles with a comfortable, deep entrance and 7-or 8-speed-hub circuit with hand pedal brake, as well as paniers.
    • E-Bikes
    • Other bikes: children’s bike, tandem, children’s seat, bikes with back pedal... on request

    Electric bikes | E-Bikes | Pedelecs

    We provide you with modern quality e-bikes with 7- or 8-speed hub gears and step-by-step selectable assistance for pedalling power. The range of the battery depends on the support level, riding style, body weight and terrain.

    IMPORTANT: book early, because of limited capacity!


    Bicycle breakdowns

    Breakdowns can happen, also when bikes are well serviced and maintained. Flats can be fixed by yourself. If there’s a difficult repair you may call the local representative. Please don’t get any repairs done on the bike without informing the tour operator/local representative and their approval.


    Bringing of own bikes

    Bringing your own bicycles is ony available in a limited number and a fee needs to be paid as there is not much space. Due to safety reasons you must not charge your E-Bike batteries in your cabin!

    If you bring your own bicycle, please pay attention to the following aspects: You are personally responsible for your own bike on board and ashore. Protect your bike against theft on board, as well as on land with a lock. The bikes will be brought on board and from board by the crew. Due to the local conditions we cannot prevent scratches and damages on the bikes.

    Please understand that we cannot accept any liability. The bikes on board are exposed to weather conditions because the parking is not covered. Please bring along your own spare material and repair kit for your bike. The fees for parking of own bikes on board you can find under prices.

    Useful

    Arrival - Parking - Departure

    Arrival by plane

    Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
    continue by train directly to Amsterdam Centraal - duration approx. 20 min. - Price approx. € 5,-.


    Arrival by train

    Train station: Amsterdam Centraal
    continue by bus Line 48 to the ship landing stage - duration approx. 15 min. - Price approx. € 2,90.


    Arrival by car

    Almost everywhere in Amsterdam - within the Ringweg ring road - parking is only allowed in official car parks and multi-storey car parks. Parking in the city centre of Amsterdam is now charged at around €5,-/hour. There are several car parks in the city centre. Some are connected to the parking guidance system. The blue and white signs of this system point to the next car park where there are still free spaces. Parking on yellow kerbs is prohibited. Caution: Wheel clamps (Wielklemm) may be used. Fines for parking violations are high.

    Oosterdock car park
    A monitored multi-storey car park right next to the Central Station (exclusively for cars up to 2.10 m high). The economy rate is about € 275,- per week. No advance reservation possible. You can find more information >>here.

    Centralparking.nl/Valet Parking Services
    We are happy to reserve a parking space for you on request and subject to availability. On the day of arrival, your car will be picked up at the pier and returned to the ship on the day of departure. Cost per week (8 days/7 nights) - car: approx. € 185,- (payment in cash on site) - For more information and the booking form click >>booking-form.

    For more information and other P+R parking spaces, please visit the Iamsterdam page under "Plan your trip" / "Transport" / "Parking in Amsterdam".


    Embarkation

    Please plan your journey accordingly to be on time for embarkation between 1 pm and 2 pm. Thank you for your understanding, that it is not possible to check in earlier but you can put your luggage already on board from 11 am onwoards.

    Videos

    Travel stories

    5,1 of 6 Stars | 16
    We really enjoyed our bike and boat tour. The leaders were excellent and nothing was too much trouble. The routes and mini guided walks in 2 of the towns were excellent too ... H.R. 04/24
    5,5 08.10.2024 | Paul M. Historical Hanseatic Cities by Bike + Boat

    Wonderful cycle tour

    The alternate routes or longer routes was good information The staff on boat were friendly and very accomodatiig!
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 5
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 5
    • Route description 6
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 6
    • Bicycle + equipment 4
    • Price-performance ratio 5
    more
    5,4 14.08.2024 | Ann R. Historical Hanseatic Cities by Bike + Boat

    Good cycling in an interesting landscape

    A very enjoyable bicycle tour, which taught us about the country we were traveling through
    • Booking handling 5
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 5
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 6
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 6
    • Bicycle + equipment 3
    • Price-performance ratio 6
    more
    5,6 15.04.2024 | Helen R. Historical Hanseatic Cities by Bike + Boat

    Great way to see Holland by bike

    We really enjoyed our bike and boat tour. The leaders were excellent and nothing was too much trouble. The routes and mini guided walks in 2 of the towns were excellent too. It was the first week of the season so the boat and catering crew took a few ...
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 4
    • Board 4
    • Route description 6
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 6
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 6
    more
    5,6 17.10.2023 | Peter M. Historical Hanseatic Cities by Bike + Boat

    Hanseatic towns by bike + boat 2023

    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 5
    • Accomodation 5
    • Board 6
    • Route description 6
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 6
    • Bicycle + equipment 5
    • Price-performance ratio 5
    more
    load more travel stories

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